You expected your loved one to be with you until a ripe old age, not cut down in their prime by a negligent driver or property owner. The pain of losing a cherished family member is only matched by your burning desire to bring that negligent party to justice.
A wrongful death lawyer cannot bring your loved one back, but they can help you seek justice on their behalf. Learn more about the role of a wrongful death attorney and how to choose the right one below.
How Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer Help?
Because wrongful death cases can be incredibly complicated, having an attorney by your side is invaluable. Here’s what your wrongful death lawyer can do for you.
- Determining Liability: Who is at fault for your loved one’s death? Sometimes, this question is easy to answer. Other times, not so much. For example, suppose your family member was involved in a multi-car accident that cost them their life. Knowing which driver’s insurance to file a claim with can be difficult. Multiple drivers could be liable for their demise. Or maybe you lost your loved one in a truck accident. Do you go after the truck driver, their employer, the trailer loading company, or maybe all of these? A wrongful death lawyer can help you with establishing fault in wrongful death cases.
- Proving Negligence: Like any personal injury case, your wrongful death lawyer must prove that the defendant was negligent. They must also establish that the defendant’s negligence caused your loved one’s injuries and subsequent death. Examples of negligence include the following:
- A store owner failing to clean up a spill in an aisle
- A truck driver who didn’t take their mandated break
- A doctor who gave your loved one a dangerous medication
- A nursing home that neglected your loved one’s needs
- Investigating Your Claim: Wrongful death lawyers know that after someone’s passing, time is of the essence. They’ll spring into action immediately and launch a thorough investigation into the facts of your case. They will track down witnesses and request their statements before the memory of the accident fades from their minds. They’ll gather evidence proving what happened, such as photos, video footage, and accident reports.
- Calculating Damages: Wrongful deaths are expensive, and the money needed to pay for everything in the aftermath must come from somewhere. You’ll need funds for funeral and burial costs, as well as your loved one’s final medical bills. In addition to economic damages, you likely have non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship and consortium. These damages don’t have an inherent monetary value, but you can seek compensation for them nonetheless. Your wrongful death lawyer will calculate all your damages to help you achieve the fairest possible compensation for your loss.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies: When you’ve lost someone you care deeply about, you want to grieve, not spend hours on the phone with the insurance company. Wrongful death lawyers take on this arduous task, so you don’t have to. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement that covers all of your damages. Wrongful death lawyers are skilled at negotiation and will not let up until they’ve achieved a settlement that you’re happy with.
- Navigating Legal Complexities: Wrongful death claims are fraught with potential pitfalls that require a lawyer’s knowledge to navigate. For example, you must pay attention to your state’s statute of limitations on wrongful death claims, which could be anywhere from one to three years. Your lawyer will be familiar with the deadline and take timely action to file your claim. Your lawyer will also make sure to file the correct paperwork with the right court. By doing this, they ensure that your case proceeds without any delays.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: Good wrongful death lawyers will do everything possible to help you maximize your compensation. In addition to gathering evidence and talking to witnesses, they might consult medical professionals and accident reconstructionists who can lend credibility to your case.
Wondering when you should hire a wrongful death attorney? It’s wise to hire one as soon as possible after your loved one’s passing. As mentioned above, the statute of limitations can be short, and you need to start the wrongful death claim process promptly for the strongest chance of fair compensation.
Contact our team today so we can fight to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Choosing the Right Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you’re shopping around for a wrongful death lawyer, here’s what to consider before making your choice:
- Experience with similar wrongful death cases: Some attorneys largely handle wrongful death claims for car accidents, while others focus on premises liability or nursing home neglect. Look for a lawyer who has experience with wrongful death cases similar to yours.
- A track record of good outcomes: When interviewing a lawyer, ask them to share the outcomes they’ve achieved for their clients.
- Client reviews: Wrongful death lawyers can make all kinds of claims, but if you want the truth, look for client reviews. Reviewers will discuss everything they liked and didn’t like about the lawyer.
- Communication: If the lawyer promptly answers your initial phone call or calls you back within minutes, that’s a good sign. During your consultation, ask the lawyer whether they prefer to share updates about your case in person, over the phone, or via email.
- Personality: Your lawyer isn’t your friend, but it’s important that you like them as a person. You might be working with the lawyer for well over a year. Hiring one whose personality vibes with yours allows your case to proceed much more smoothly.
These tips should guide you to the right lawyer for your case.
Find Legal Representation From an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you’re searching for a reputable wrongful death lawyer or want to learn more about how wrongful death lawyers support grieving families, reach out to Accident Hotline. We’re available 24/7 to connect you with the right attorney near you.
Call Accident Hotline at (888) 340-7454 for a free consultation now.
For a free consultation, call 888-340-7454
