Best Wrongful Death Lawyers in Beverly Hills
Joshua Haffner
Wrongful Death Lawyers
Attorney Joshua Haffner is the founder of Haffner Law in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Haffner devotes his practice to personal injury, insurance bad faith and class action cases and serves clients in Southern California and throughout the state. Over the course of his career, he has obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for individuals who have been injured or lost a loved one due to negligence.
Mr. Haffner has more than two decades of legal experience. Over the course of his time in practice, he has handled cases involving fraud, insurance bad faith wrongful death and other misconduct, and litigated several matters at the trial and appellate levels. He represents clients on both individual and class action levels.
Before founding his firm, Mr. Haffner practiced at a Los Angeles-based firm and concentrated his practice on bad faith insurance litigation. In this role, he gained extensive experience litigating property and commercial damage claims as a result of the Northridge earthquake in the 1990’s.
Along with running his law practice, Mr. Haffner writes and lectures on insurance litigation. Active in the California legal community, he is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and the Consumer Attorneys of California.
Mr. Haffner earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with high honors. He went on to graduate cum laude from the University of California Hastings College of the Law. He holds an active law license in California, Washington and New York and is licensed to appear before several federal courts.
Arash Homampour
Wrongful Death Lawyers
Arash Homampour is a trial attorney. He started his firm with no money, no cases and no mentor. Today, he is considered to be one of the preeminent trial lawyers in the State who is sought out by other attorneys and clients to take on the most challenging, but righteous cases. His eleven lawyer firm exclusively represents Plaintiffs in catastrophic injury and death cases. His verdicts and his firm’s settlements are routinely considered to be outlier and record setting.
Arash has obtained Twelve 12 eight figure verdicts and Fifteen seven figure verdicts in a wide array of trials and cases involving dangerous products, roads, driving, and premises (including a record setting $60 million wrongful death/product liability verdict in Orange County Federal Court and a $30 million wrongful death verdict in Ventura County.)
His firm specializes in what they call “Underdog” or “David v. Goliath” litigation where they represent one individual client that is taking on a public entity, large employer, industry or manufacturer in an effort to change and/or stop unlawful or unsafe conduct for the good of others and the community. They are frequently involved in litigation that involves multiple defendants and multiple law firms with unlimited resources. While also a last-minute trial firm, they also handle cases from intake to trial and through appeals (including the California Supreme Court.)
Arash is frequently sought out by other attorneys to handle cases that involve highly specialized, technical and complicated issues like design of products (trucks, industrial equipment, dust collectors, heaters, ladders, etc.); manufacturing/design/crash worthiness of cars (tires, air bags, side structures, roll over protection and seatbelts); building and home fires (including cause and origin issues); design, maintenance and operation of roadways (including lack of median barriers, guardrails, warning signs, traffic signals, improperly designed crosswalks, etc.); traffic control during construction; injuries at multi-employer construction sites; disputed brain injuries; chronic pain; and insurance coverage and bad faith issues.
Kamelia Jalilvand
Wrongful Death Lawyers
Kamelia Jalilvand, the founder and lead attorney of Jalilvand Law Corporation, is known for her fearless and tenacious representation of her clients in Beverly Hills, California. Her practice includes personal injury and real estate matters.
After she graduated from high school, Ms. Jalilvand assisted her parents in providing representation of people seeking Social Security benefits through the Social Security Administration’s administrative hearings. She then went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2003. Later enrolling at the Southwestern Law School as part of the SCALE Program, Ms. Jalilvand was awarded her Juris Doctor in 2008. Ms. Jalilvand is currently admitted to practice law before all of the state courts of California.
Ms. Jalilvand is a fierce advocate for her clients, and she exhibits a willingness to litigate cases against large companies in order to help her clients overcome obstacles to their success. Ms. Jalilvand also handles motor vehicle personal injury cases and has represented both landlords and tenants of commercial and residential real estate.
The high regard in which she is held by her fellow professionals is attested to her “Excellent” peer-review rating through Avvo. In order to keep abreast of current developments in her areas of practice and to forge connections with fellow attorneys, she is an active participant in several legal organizations, including the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Iranian American Lawyers Association.
Paul Matiasic
Wrongful Death Lawyers
Attorney Paul A. Matiasic is a shareholder in The Matiasic Firm, P.C., in San Francisco, California. Mr. Matiasic devotes his practice to sexual abuse, catastrophic personal injury, and wrongful death matters, representing clients in the San Francisco area and throughout California. He has handled cases involving motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, product liability and more and has secured substantial seven-figure verdicts and settlements for his clients.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University, Mr. Matiasic earned his law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law where he was a member of the Dean’s List. He also attended the University of Oxford, studying European Union and international law. He has been admitted to practice in the state of California since 2003.
Because of his experience, knowledge and legal acumen, Mr. Matiasic has been featured in publications including the The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, Variety, Billboard, Bloomberg, NBC News, East Bay Times, the Fresno Bee, the Mercury News, Marin Independent Journal and various other television and radio stations in the San Francisco area. Additional recognition that Mr. Matiasic has received includes being named to the National Trial Lawyers “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” and the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys “10 Best Attorney” lists. He is also a lifetime charter member of Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America and a Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He recently obtained the largest award ever ($9.25MM) in a rural Northern California County, exceeding the previous record by a multiple of 4.5. He has been at the forefront of expanding the ability to prosecute cases of childhood sexual abuse against those perpetrators and institutions that allowed the same to occur, including procuring several landmark awards related thereto within the last twleve months. Moreover, after weeks of arbitration and against all odds, in 2019 Mr. Matiasic procured a significant multiple six-figure arbitration award against one of the largest health maintenance organizations in the nation.
Michael Verna
Wrongful Death Lawyers
For over forty years, Michael P. Verna has dedicated his law practice to helping victims of catastrophic accidents build a new life and hold those accountable responsible for their negligence. He has been Board Certified in Civil Trial Law since 1986 (ABA approved certification by the National Board of Trial Advocacy); been listed in Best Lawyers of America for over ten years; been designated a Super Lawyer for over ten years; been recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer by the by the National Trial Lawyers Association; and enjoys the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards from the nationally recognized firm of Martindale Hubbell. He has amassed over $200 million in settlements and jury verdicts for his clients in courts throughout California and the nation, and has been admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of California, Supreme Court of the United States, several Federal District Courts, and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 2nd, 9th and 11th Circuits. Mr. Verna’s qualifications, experience, and results are unmatched.
The Weight of Loss: Understanding the Role of a Wrongful Death Lawyer
Life throws unexpected curveballs. When tragedy strikes and you lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, navigating the emotional turmoil and legal complexities can feel overwhelming. This is where wrongful death lawyers step in, offering invaluable support and guidance during a profoundly difficult time. This comprehensive guide explores the crucial role wrongful death lawyers play in seeking justice and financial compensation for your loss.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims: A Path Toward Justice
Wrongful death statutes vary by state, but generally, a wrongful death claim can be filed if someone’s death was caused by:
- Negligence: The at-fault party breached a duty of care, resulting in the death of your loved one. For example, a driver texting and causing a fatal accident.
- Intentional Wrongdoing: The at-fault party’s deliberate actions resulted in the death, such as assault or medical malpractice.
- Product Liability: A defective product caused the death of your loved one.
Understanding these legal nuances and navigating the complexities of a wrongful death lawsuit requires a deep understanding of the law and the emotional toll such cases can have. Here’s where a wrongful death lawyer becomes your tireless advocate:
- Understanding Your Rights and Options: In the immediate aftermath of a loss, you may not be aware of your legal rights. A wrongful death lawyer explains your options, clarifies the legal process, and empowers you to make informed decisions as you navigate the path towards justice.
- Investigating the Incident: A skilled lawyer meticulously investigates the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. This may involve gathering evidence from the accident scene, reviewing police reports and medical records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to establish the cause of death and the at-fault party’s negligence.
- Calculating Damages: Wrongful death lawsuits seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. A lawyer calculates the financial losses resulting from your loved one’s death, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future earning potential. They also consider non-economic damages like loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to offer low settlements in wrongful death cases. An experienced wrongful death lawyer has the negotiation expertise to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, ensuring a fair outcome that reflects the full extent of your loss.
- Compassionate Support: Wrongful death cases are emotionally charged. A lawyer provides not just legal expertise but also compassionate support throughout the legal process, acknowledging your grief and offering guidance during this challenging time.
Beyond Legal Expertise: The Qualities of a Top-Tier Wrongful Death Lawyer
Not all wrongful death lawyers are created equal. Here are the qualities to consider when selecting the best advocate for your situation:
- Extensive Experience in Wrongful Death Law: Wrongful death cases require a deep understanding of state-specific laws, complex legal procedures, and sensitive emotional considerations. Look for a lawyer with a proven track record of handling wrongful death cases and achieving positive outcomes for grieving families.
- Compassion and Understanding: Empathy and emotional intelligence are crucial qualities. A top-tier wrongful death lawyer recognizes the profound grief you are experiencing and provides support with sensitivity and respect.
- Strong Communication Skills: Clear and consistent communication is essential. A lawyer keeps you informed of case developments, answers your questions promptly, addresses your concerns, and ensures you feel included in the decision-making process.
- Proven Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation is key to securing fair compensation. A lawyer with a strong negotiation record fights aggressively for the maximum compensation you deserve, ensuring the financial security your family needs.
- Trial Experience: While most wrongful death cases are settled out of court, some go to trial. Choose a lawyer with courtroom experience who can effectively represent your case before a judge and jury.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced similar situations and inquire about their lawyers.
- State Bar Association: Contact your state’s bar association for referrals to qualified wrongful death attorneys in your area.
- Online Resources: Several online legal directories allow you to search for wrongful death lawyers based on location, experience, and client reviews.
Remember, you are not alone. Losing a loved one due to wrongful death is a devastating experience. Having a skilled and compassionate wrongful death lawyer by your side can alleviate some of the burden, ensure justice is served, and secure the financial compensation your family deserves during this difficult time.