Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death

Los Angeles Serious Injury and Wrongful Death Attorneys

Shoop APLC is Fighting for Families in Los Angeles, Across California and Nationwide

Hundreds of millions of dollars recovered for injured clients and families
Cases handled in Los Angeles, throughout California and nationwide
No fees unless we win — contingency fee representation
Free, confidential consultations

A serious injury or wrongful death changes a family forever. In an instant, a defective product, dangerous medical device or industrial accident can leave victims and their loved ones facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial hardship.

At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, our Los Angeles serious injury and wrongful death lawyers represent individuals and families who have suffered life-changing injuries and wrongful death caused by defective and dangerous products. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients harmed by corporate negligence and unsafe products. The firm's results include multi-million-dollar recoveries in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, product liability and medical device litigation.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, or the loss of a family member, due to a defective product or dangerous condition, our legal team is prepared to fight for accountability and full compensation.

Call (866) 884-1717 or contact us online to speak with our legal team.

Cases We Handle

Our Impressive Track Record We Win...A Lot!

In the last 14 years, Shoop & team's impressive track record includes hundreds of Product Liability cases resulting in verdicts or settlements exceeding $1 million. For a Product Liability team with an exemplary track record, clients choose Shoop.

SEE OUR WINS

What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries are severe injuries that permanently affect a person's health, mobility, independence or quality of life. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, lifelong care and substantial financial resources.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle

Our firm handles catastrophic injury cases involving:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Severe burn injuries
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Amputations
Crash injuries
Loss of vision or hearing
Catastrophic orthopedic injuries
Industrial and workplace trauma
Injuries caused by defective machinery or equipment
Fatal injuries resulting in wrongful death

Defective products and unsafe equipment can cause devastating injuries in homes, workplaces, construction sites, industrial facilities and medical settings. Injured consumers and families may be able to pursue compensation against manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, retailers and other responsible parties when unsafe products cause harm.

Wrongful Death Claims in California

Losing a loved one because of someone else's negligence or misconduct is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. When a defective product, dangerous medical device, industrial accident or unsafe condition causes a fatal injury, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, the following surviving family members are generally entitled to file a wrongful death claim:

The deceased's surviving spouse or domestic partner
The deceased's children
Grandchildren, if the deceased's children are also deceased
Other minors, including stepchildren, who depended on the deceased for at least one-half of their financial support
In certain cases, parents of the deceased or other individuals entitled to inherit through intestate succession

Source: California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 — verify with attorney for case-specific eligibility.

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Our Results

$30m Product Liability Verdict
$24m Wrongful Death Settlement
$14m Medical Device Settlement
$13.5m Personal Injury
$12m Child Wrongful Death

Putting Our Clients First. Always.

Working With Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation

Complimentary Consultation

You can get started on your case today by giving us a call. We would be happy to review your case at no charge or risk to you.
Client-Centered Service

Our client services are focused on you, your rights, and your best interests. We proudly give the innocently injured a powerful voice.
Experienced Legal Advocates

Our team draws on more than 35 years of combined experience to help represent clients to the fullest extent of the law.
Results-Oriented Counsel

Our firm has been recognized nationally and locally for achieving landmark results, including multi-million dollar victories!

California's Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

In California, a wrongful death lawsuit generally must be filed within two years from the date of the decedent's death, pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Different deadlines may apply in cases involving government entities, medical malpractice or other special circumstances. Because evidence in product liability and industrial accident cases can disappear quickly, it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Wrongful death claims may arise from:

Defective consumer products
Dangerous machinery and industrial equipment
Defective medical devices
Vehicle defects and automotive failures
Explosions and fire-related incidents
Construction and industrial accidents
Dangerous household appliances
Toxic exposure and hazardous products
Failure to warn consumers of known dangers

At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, we understand that wrongful death cases involve far more than financial losses. Families are left grieving the loss of companionship, care, guidance, emotional support and the future they expected with their loved one.

Compensation Available in Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Cases

Depending on the circumstances of the case, compensation may be available for:

Catastrophic Injury Damages

Past and future medical expenses
Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Loss of earnings and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Long-term care expenses
Home modifications and medical equipment
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disability and impairment

Wrongful Death Damages

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of household services
Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and care
Emotional losses suffered by surviving family members

In cases involving reckless or egregious corporate misconduct, punitive damages may also be available.

Why Families Choose Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation

Families facing catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims need experienced lawyers who can stand up to large corporations, manufacturers and insurance companies. Our firm is recognized for handling complex and high-stakes product liability litigation involving defective products, industrial accidents, medical devices and catastrophic injury claims. Attorney David R. Shoop has obtained numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured clients and families.

Our firm's results include:

$30 million product liability verdict
$24 million wrongful death settlement
$12 million child wrongful death recovery
$10 million brain injury recovery
Numerous additional seven- and eight-figure settlements and verdicts

Every case is pursued aggressively and strategically from the beginning. We work with leading experts in engineering, medicine, accident reconstruction, life care planning, economics and product safety to fight for our clients. See more of our case results and read client reviews.

Product Liability & Corporate Accountability

Manufacturers and corporations have a responsibility to design, manufacture, test and distribute products that are reasonably safe for consumers and workers. When companies fail to protect public safety, catastrophic injuries and fatalities can occur.

Product liability claims may involve:

Defective design
Manufacturing defects
Failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions
Unsafe industrial machinery
Defective medical devices
Dangerous consumer products
Recalled products
Negligent safety testing

Our legal team investigates the product's design, manufacturing process, safety history and distribution chain to identify all responsible parties and pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

What To Do After a Catastrophic Injury or Wrongful Death

After a serious injury or fatal accident, it is critical to preserve evidence and seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

Important steps may include:

Obtain medical treatment immediately.
Preserve the product or equipment involved in the incident.
Photograph the scene and injuries.
Contact an experienced product liability and wrongful death attorney.

Product liability and wrongful death cases often involve complex evidence, corporate investigations, engineering analysis and strict filing deadlines. Early investigation can be critical to protecting your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

What qualifies as a catastrophic injury under California law?

A catastrophic injury is generally defined as a severe injury that results in permanent disability, disfigurement or a significant long-term impact on a person's ability to work, care for themselves or enjoy daily life. Examples include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, severe burns, amputations and loss of vision or hearing.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, most wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of death. Shorter deadlines may apply if the claim involves a government entity or medical malpractice. Speaking with an attorney quickly helps protect your rights and preserve evidence.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?

California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 generally allows the surviving spouse, domestic partner, children and certain other dependents to bring a wrongful death claim. In some situations, parents or stepchildren may also have the right to file.

What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?

A wrongful death claim is brought by surviving family members to recover for their own losses, such as loss of financial support and companionship. A survival action, governed by California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.30, is brought on behalf of the decedent's estate to recover damages the decedent could have pursued if they had survived, such as medical expenses and lost wages between injury and death.

How much does it cost to hire a serious injury or wrongful death lawyer?

Our firm handles catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency-fee basis. That means there are no upfront legal fees and our firm only collects a fee if we recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. Initial consultations are free and confidential.

Can punitive damages be awarded in a wrongful death case?

Punitive damages are not available in a wrongful death claim itself under California law. However, when a survival action is brought alongside the wrongful death claim and the misconduct was reckless, malicious, or egregious, punitive damages may be sought through the survival action.

Do you handle catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases outside of Los Angeles?

Yes. While our office is based in Los Angeles, our firm represents clients throughout California and in cases across the United States, particularly in complex product liability, defective medical device, and industrial accident matters.

Speak With Shoop | APLC, a Los Angeles Wrongful Death and Serious Injury Lawyer

At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, we understand the devastating impact catastrophic injuries and wrongful death can have on families. Our team is committed to helping clients pursue justice, accountability and the compensation they deserve.

Families dealing with serious injuries and wrongful death often face enormous uncertainty and emotional distress. Legal representation can help preserve evidence, identify responsible parties and pursue compensation necessary for medical care, long-term support and financial stability.

Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation is dedicated to holding negligent manufacturers and corporations accountable when unsafe products and dangerous conduct cause devastating harm.

To discuss your case, contact Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation today for a confidential consultation.

Call (866) 884-1717 or contact us online to speak with our legal team

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Extremely competent law firm.

- Former Client
Mr. Alch was my attorney and he was very open and honest about what was going on and what was to come next!

- Nicole H.
Everyone I dealt with was super friendly, patient, informed, and professional.

- Enrique F.
They are wonderful and very caring human beings

- Alison G.
Great resource for all things product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, and many more areas of law.

- Evan G.
Tom was extremely professional, kept me informed on timelines and steps along the way.

- Tim W.

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