If you have experienced the death of a loved one because of other people’s negligence, you are entitled to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. Wrongful death lawsuits can be brought in court on behalf of the deceased party.
However, while the loss of your loved one can be devastating, so can be the task of handling your case proceedings. Hence, it’s advisable to look for an experienced wrongful death lawyer to get done with everything from legal filings to court trials.
Being said that, here are some tips for finding the best wrongful death attorney around you.
Check for their experience in your case type
Wrongful death cases may involve different forms like one of the defective products, negligence, fatal police shooting, or medical malpractice. Hence, while searching for a wrongful death lawyer, ensure they have experience with cases similar to yours. While at it, you should also determine their courtroom experience. Your case might not necessarily go to the trials, yet it’s best to have someone you can rely on concerning any professional assistance.
Reputation and stature
Head towards your local or state bar association website to check if the lawyer you are considering lists as a member. Know that finding an attorney among the group can benefit your case in the long run. Meanwhile, for further insights, check what the online reviews say. See if there are more satisfying client experiences or something else that should be pondered upon before taking a plunge.
Share a word with your peers
Seek referrals from your family, friends, or colleagues who earlier sued for wrongful death and have worked with an experienced attorney. Ask about their experience with the lawyer during the course, the outcome, and how the settlements were made. This will make your search for a wrongful death lawyer quite easy.
Discuss the costs
Most of the wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis whereby they get a percentage of your reimbursement from the case. However, it’s necessary to decide on a fair share concerning the attorney’s charges. Meanwhile, also inquire if there are any additional fees that you’ll need to pay.
Questions to ask while hiring a wrongful death attorney
Here are some questions you must ask a wrongful death attorney before hiring them for the job:
- Who will be handling my case?
A. Talk about who’ll be leading your case proceedings— whether the lawyer himself would be handling the case or any other professional assistant would take over the charge.
- How much time will the case take?
A. Although there are no accurate terms to predict this, you can always ask for an estimate to settle your peace with.
- Do I even have a case?
A. Explain everything about your case to help the attorney with better insights. This will help the lawyer evaluate if your claim is valid and worthy of further proceedings.
- What will be your take considering the claim?
A. Ask about their personal approach towards your case, heeding the parameters and complexity of your case type.
