Wrongful Death in Torrance: Role of a Lawyer in Settlements
Wrongful death remains a painful subject for families who lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. This article explains the role of a lawyer when discussing settlement offers and provides answers to important questions that surviving family members may have.
We discuss who can obtain compensation, who covers the costs of a wrongful death in Torrance, how to negotiate a settlement, how damages are calculated, and the odds of winning a lawsuit.
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Understanding Torrance Wrongful Death Cases
A wrongful death is deemed so when the demise of a person results from another party’s negligence or intentional actions. Family members and close relatives pursue a wrongful death claim to get financial compensation, and California law offers relief when a fatality results from a failure to act with caution.
Financial recovery covers expenses such as:
- Medical bills
- Funeral costs
- Lost income
- Future needs and emotional losses
When you decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit, having legal representation supports your case by reviewing the facts and gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and accident reports. This service is offered on a contingency fee basis, which means no fees are charged until a settlement or verdict is reached.
Who Can Be Compensated for a Wrongful Death Claim in Torrance?
Eligibility covers close family members, such as:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents (in some cases)
- Other dependents who relied on the deceased for financial support
Courts consider both the relationship to the deceased and the degree of financial and emotional dependency. This approach helps to ensure that compensation is directed to loved ones and those most affected by it.
Who Pays for a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Per the legal process, fees are covered through a contingency fee arrangement. This means:
- The lawyer receives a percentage of the final settlement.
- There is no upfront cost for the family.
- Costs are only paid when compensation is awarded.
This arrangement relieves families from extra financial pressure while they seek justice.
How Do You Negotiate a Wrongful Death Settlement?
Discussions in a wrongful death case often involve direct talks between the family’s lawyer and the insurance company or the opposing party’s legal team. Key points include:
- Reviewing accident reports, witness accounts, and medical records
- Challenging initial offers that do not match the family’s loss
- Building a case supported by documented evidence of lost income, medical expenses, and funeral costs
A wrongful death lawyer ensures that the settlement reflects all losses, which often avoids the need for a trial.
How to Calculate Damages for Wrongful Death?
Damage calculations consider several factors:
- Lost Future Earnings: Considering the deceased’s age, occupation, and expected income
- Medical and Funeral Costs: Adding all bills and expenses incurred
- Loss of Companionship: Recognizing the emotional loss experienced by the family
Each factor is carefully documented with receipts, records, and expert evaluations. When you file a wrongful death claim in Torrance, your attorney works to include every expense related to the loss.
What Are the Odds of Winning a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The outcome depends on the strength of the evidence and the specific details of the case. Factors that can influence the success include:
- Reliability of witnesses
- Clarity of the evidence
- The defendant’s history of behavior
Some cases settle before trial, while others proceed through the court process. A wrongful death attorney reviews past cases to provide a realistic perspective on your case.
The Role of a Wrongful Death Attorney in Settlements
An attorney supports families by reviewing case details and offering guidance on settlement or trial options. Their tasks include:
- Gathering evidence and expert opinions within the statute of limitations (usually two years from the date)
- Preparing documents that list all financial and emotional losses
- Meeting with the family to explain the process and answer questions
A Torrance wrongful death lawyer handles communication with insurance companies and opposing law firms to help secure a fair settlement. Legal fees are typically deducted from the final settlement, so loved ones do not face extra costs during the process.
File a Wrongful Death Claim With Ease. Get a Free Consultation from RTM Law.
For those in Torrance and nearby communities such as Redondo Beach, Del Amo, Hawthorne, and Gardena, taking prompt action can help families that experienced wrongful death secure financial relief. Do not let uncertainty delay your pursuit of justice.
Call RTM Law, APC for expert legal assistance and a free consultation. We speak Spanish and Filipino.
You need compassionate support and effective representation?
No fees until we win. Available 24/7.
