Has someone you love passed away unexpectedly in Torrance?
The sudden loss of a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences. If the wrongful actions of another caused this loss, you have the right to seek justice. The legal system can be confusing, and you may face pressure from insurance companies. You may feel many emotions at once—grief, anger, confusion. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Peerali Law is here to help. We are wrongful death attorneys in Torrance who have helped families get the compensation they need to cover funeral expenses, lost wages, and other financial burdens.
We understand that pursuing justice is about more than just the legal process; it’s about honoring the life of the person you’ve lost. As a boutique firm, we’re able to provide each client with personal attention, handling every detail with the care and attention that only a dedicated Torrance wrongful death lawyer can provide.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
If you’re considering a wrongful death lawsuit, it’s natural to have questions about what it involves and how it may support you moving forward. In Torrance and throughout California, a wrongful death claim allows specific individuals close to the deceased person—typically spouses, children, and dependents—to seek compensation when a loved one’s life is lost due to another party’s actions. This legal path can provide financial support to cover a range of costs, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and other forms of support.
In California, certain legal guidelines can affect how much compensation you may receive, including rules around shared responsibility, known as comparative fault.
California’s Comparative Fault Law
Under this rule, even if your loved one was partially responsible for the incident, you can still pursue a wrongful death claim. California uses a pure comparative fault model, meaning that any compensation awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to your loved one.
For example, if your loved one was found to be 30% responsible, any damages awarded would be reduced by that percentage.
Understanding how compensation is determined in wrongful death cases also means being aware of any limits on certain types of damages, especially in specific situations like medical malpractice.
Damage Caps in California
While wrongful death claims in California generally allow for full recovery of economic losses without a specific limit, certain cases do have limitations on the amount of noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) that can be awarded. For instance, in cases of wrongful death resulting from medical malpractice, the state imposes a cap on noneconomic damages.
As of recent adjustments, this cap stands at $500,000. This cap does not apply to economic damages such as lost earnings, medical costs, and other quantifiable expenses associated with the death.
What Can You Include in a Wrongful Death Claim?
In California, wrongful death claims can cover a variety of losses that help surviving family members regain some stability and manage the financial impact of their loss. Common elements of a claim include:
- Medical costs incurred before the person’s passing;
- Funeral and burial expenses;
- Loss of financial support the person would have provided; and
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care the person brought to family members.
By bringing a wrongful death claim, you may find some financial relief as you move forward, helping to manage the immediate needs and financial adjustments that come with losing a loved one.
What Types of Wrongful Death Cases Does Peerali Law Handle?
Our practice handles matters that include:
- Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents;
- Pedestrian accidents;
- Medical malpractice;
- Workplace accidents;
- Defective or dangerous products; and
- Unsafe property conditions.
We’re also here for situations involving intentional harm, toxic exposure, physical abuse, or neglect. Each case is different, and our Torrance wrongful death lawyers will provide clear guidance specific to your situation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
The ability to bring a wrongful death claim depends on the closeness of your relationship with the decedent. The law prioritizes those with a close personal or financial connection to the person who has passed. Typically, this includes:
- A spouse or registered domestic partner;
- Children;
- Grandchildren (if the deceased’s children are no longer living); and
- Financial dependents, such as stepchildren or parents who relied on the deceased for support.
California does not recognize common-law marriages, so if you were in a long-term relationship but not legally registered, you might need guidance on eligibility. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and help you understand each step forward.
Can I Still File a Wrongful Death Claim If There Was a Criminal Trial?
You might wonder if you can still pursue a wrongful death claim if there was a criminal trial related to your loved one’s passing. The answer is yes. Even if there was a criminal case, you can still pursue a separate claim in civil court.
This can be confusing since civil and criminal lawsuits follow different paths. In a civil wrongful death claim, the focus is on holding the responsible party financially accountable for the loss. It’s a different process from criminal court, where the focus is on punishment for criminal behavior. The standard of proof required in a criminal case is far higher than in a civil case. Because of these differences, it’s possible to pursue a civil claim even if the criminal case did not result in a conviction.
Our Torrance wrongful death lawyers are here to help you understand how these two legal areas intersect, answer your questions along the way, and support you in seeking justice.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
When you’re considering a wrongful death claim, timing matters. California law sets specific deadlines for filing these lawsuits, generally allowing two years from the date of your loved one’s passing to initiate a claim.
Though this period may feel short, it helps ensure that evidence and witness recollections remain accurate, which is essential in building a solid case. If the wrongful death involves a government agency, such as a city-owned vehicle, the timeframe shortens to as little as six months. If minor children are the only eligible claimants, the timeline may extend until two years after they turn 18.
How Long Will My Wrongful Death Case Take?
With the timelines in mind, it’s reasonable to ask how long a wrongful death claim may take to resolve. Each case is different—some settle in a few months, while others may take longer, especially if they involve detailed investigations or go to court. Several factors can influence the duration of a case:
- Investigations—if your claim involves gathering extensive information, investigators may need time to build a clear picture of what happened;
- Insurance negotiations—many wrongful death claims include insurance companies, and reaching a fair settlement can take time; and
- Settlement or trial—while most wrongful death claims settle out of court, some may require a trial, which can add time to the process.
A Torrance wrongful death lawyer at Peerali Law will keep you informed at every stage, so you never have to guess where things stand. We handle all the details to allow you the time and space to focus on your family.
Need Help After a Loss? Contact Torrance Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
Choosing a wrongful death attorney is about finding someone who understands both the personal impact of your loss and the legal path ahead.
Our founders, Kristopher Peerali and Serena Vartazarian, built Peerali Law on genuine client relationships, knowing each person needs to feel seen and valued during challenging times in their lives. Starting with a simple conversation, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options, answer questions, and explain the steps ahead.
Call the Torrance wrongful death lawyers at Peerali Law today to find the guidance and answers you’re looking for.
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