The sudden loss of a child, spouse, or close family member can be devastating with lifelong repercussions. The trauma of the loss is compounded when you learn that the death was preventable. When another person’s recklessness or negligence leads to the death of your loved one, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Choosing the best wrongful death lawyer amid such an overwhelming crisis is critical to a successful case.
Below are tips for choosing a wrongful death attorney.
Examine Their Experience
To succeed in your case, the wrongful death lawyer needs experience in personal injury law. This is because they can quickly address obstacles like handling manipulative insurance companies. To some general practice firms, wrongful death is among the dozens of types of law they practice and might not have adequate experience. Also, the attorney needs to have trial experience.
Ensure They Have a Track Record of Success
There are attorneys with experience but don’t have a strong record for success. For instance, they may be famous for low ball settlements from insurance companies or have better results winning high value and most challenging cases. You can find out whether they have recovered any multi-million-dollar compensation, if they have experience winning catastrophic injury cases or wrongful death claims and if they have any award for their verdicts and settlements.
Consider Their Payment Model
Ensure you carefully read the fine print when contracting personal injury lawyers to ensure you understand their payment model to avoid late surprises. In this regard, establish if they offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency basis. In addition, can they provide cover costs or cash advance before verdict or settlement?
Also, when you narrow down the attorneys, visit the local bar association’s site and ensure they are members. When they have leadership roles, other attorneys likely respect them in that location.
Establish the Focus of Practice
The attorney’s focus of practice makes a difference in the case’s outcome. Wrongful death lawyers have unique skills when determining liability issues like causation and negligence. They are better equipped to value your compensation accurately. Most wrongful death lawsuits are settled before trial. Therefore, negotiating a reasonable and fair settlement is critical as it involves many factors.
While you might not discuss the case over dinner each night, you don’t need an attorney that cant answer your question, provide status on your claim, and return calls in a reasonable time.