Losing a loved one is painful. Losing a loved one by someone else’s negligence is even worse. Families must now consider heavy burial costs and learn to carry on without their loved one’s support.
During moments like these, hiring a wrongful death lawyer is an option. Wrongful death lawyers can give justice and find financial compensation for grieving families.
What is a wrongful death law case?
Before finding a lawyer, one must understand what makes up a wrongful death law case.
A wrongful death occurs when a person’s negligence results in the death of another person. Common examples include car or pedestrian accidents, nursing home abuse, or medical malpractice.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, the family members of the deceased appoint an attorney, otherwise known as a “trustee.” The trustee would act on behalf of the deceased’s loved ones, or anyone affected by the person’s death.
Finding the best wrongful death lawyer with the experience you need is a must.
Top 4 Tips for Hiring a Wrongful Death Lawyer
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Here are the top 4 tips for hiring a wrongful death lawyer.
1. Prioritize experience
In a wrongful death law case, chances are the defendant (the negligent party) will be a company or manufacturer. Organizations like these are often equipped with their own powerful legal team.
Look for a lawyer with an experienced track record. This may seem like a no-brainer, but a licensed lawyer with a credible record guarantees they are an equal competitor to the defendant’s legal team. Pay attention to how many cases they’ve covered and how many were wrongful death law cases. Were they successful?
Also, pay attention to your lawyer’s skills and connections. Not only must they know how to operate as legal advisers, but also as doctors or private investigators. If they have a reliable network of professionals, like doctors or detectives, even better!
2. Ask Questions
When picking the right attorney, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions allow clients to discover their lawyer’s strengths, as well as uncover if their interests align with your own. Consider the following questions for the best results:
- How often do you represent wrongful death cases?
- How many wrongful deaths cases do you handle each year?
- What is your track record in terms of settlements and verdicts?
- How many years have you been serving in the area?
These questions, and more, help uncover strong candidates from others.
3. Analyze the Details
Each law firm charges their first consultation for free. Plaintiffs are open to share their law cases during their first consultation. Once you’ve discussed the details, make sure to ask for the lawyer’s opinion.
Pay attention to their response. What is their assessment of your case? What are the cases’ pros and cons, according to them? Would they plan to go to trial? What kind of financial settlement can they realistically expect? How long would they expect your case to take?
Realistically, because of their unpredictable nature, wrongful death lawsuits tend to take a long time. Beware of lawyers who promise a fixed timeline; these kinds of lawyers are often rookies. Experienced lawyers are likely to offer estimates from past experiences rather than fixed timelines.
4. Consider Reviews
When in doubt, look for other people’s reviews. Reviews give a more rounded picture of how a lawyer operates. You can ask a lawyer for their references or read their reviews on websites like Facebook, Google, or FindLaw.
Look for any clients who shared a case similar to yours. What was their experience like? References always offer unbiased perspectives.
In conclusion
Look for a wrongful death lawyer with your best interest in mind. Good attorneys are experienced and can promise justice. These 4 tips will help you find a lawyer who can help win your case.
