Five Questions to Ask When Choosing Between Wrongful Death Attorneys
The death of a loved one due to the negligence of another is heartbreaking.
Unfortunately, the family may not only be left with grief, but also medical bills and funeral expenses.
While nothing truly compensates the family for the loss of a loved one, wrongful death attorneys can help the family recover some of these unexpected costs.
Because there is so much at stake, make sure the lawyer you select is the best to bring your claim.
All wrongful death attorneys should provide a free evaluation of your claim.
During this initial consultation, ask these five critical questions: Do you have experience in both settling and trying cases? Most claims usually have two stages: negotiation and litigation.
Before a suit goes to trial, the accused may want to discuss the possibility of a settlement.
If a settlement is not possible, the case will proceed to trial.
Wrongful death attorneys need to have experience in both settlement negotiations and litigation.
Do you specialize? Each claim is unique.
Successful prosecution of a medical malpractice suit requires different skills and knowledge than that required for the successful prosecution of a products-liability suit.
Ideally, the legal practitioner you select should specialize in handling your particular type of suit.
If you are unable to locate a lawyer who specializes in your particular type of case, hire an attorney whose practice is devoted to general wrongful death claims.
A legal practitioner who does not specialize in prosecuting claims for the loss of a loved one will likely not have the skills to make your claim successful, even if well-seasoned.
In how many suits have you recovered at least a six-figure verdict or settlement? Often, the accused is covered by insurance.
The defendant's insurer has the financial ability to hire a team of highly skilled attorneys with ample resources to defend against your suit.
Make sure the legal practitioner you choose has a proven track record of success.
What can I expect from you regarding communication? A proven track record is important, but wrongful death attorneys should also provide excellent customer service.
You should know how frequently the lawyer will communicate with you concerning the case progress, how quickly your phone calls will be returned, and how promptly documents pertaining to your case will be drafted.
Do you have staff that will assist you on my case? Wrongful death attorneys have a substantial number of clients and will not always be directly available to work on your case.
During the pendency of your suit, there will be routine matters that will need to be addressed, but do not necessarily require the immediate attention of the lawyer.
It is important that the attorney have staff or junior lawyers available to work on the case when the primary legal practitioner is not available directly.
Asking these important questions will help you in finding the best advocate for your claim.
Unfortunately, the family may not only be left with grief, but also medical bills and funeral expenses.
While nothing truly compensates the family for the loss of a loved one, wrongful death attorneys can help the family recover some of these unexpected costs.
Because there is so much at stake, make sure the lawyer you select is the best to bring your claim.
All wrongful death attorneys should provide a free evaluation of your claim.
During this initial consultation, ask these five critical questions: Do you have experience in both settling and trying cases? Most claims usually have two stages: negotiation and litigation.
Before a suit goes to trial, the accused may want to discuss the possibility of a settlement.
If a settlement is not possible, the case will proceed to trial.
Wrongful death attorneys need to have experience in both settlement negotiations and litigation.
Do you specialize? Each claim is unique.
Successful prosecution of a medical malpractice suit requires different skills and knowledge than that required for the successful prosecution of a products-liability suit.
Ideally, the legal practitioner you select should specialize in handling your particular type of suit.
If you are unable to locate a lawyer who specializes in your particular type of case, hire an attorney whose practice is devoted to general wrongful death claims.
A legal practitioner who does not specialize in prosecuting claims for the loss of a loved one will likely not have the skills to make your claim successful, even if well-seasoned.
In how many suits have you recovered at least a six-figure verdict or settlement? Often, the accused is covered by insurance.
The defendant's insurer has the financial ability to hire a team of highly skilled attorneys with ample resources to defend against your suit.
Make sure the legal practitioner you choose has a proven track record of success.
What can I expect from you regarding communication? A proven track record is important, but wrongful death attorneys should also provide excellent customer service.
You should know how frequently the lawyer will communicate with you concerning the case progress, how quickly your phone calls will be returned, and how promptly documents pertaining to your case will be drafted.
Do you have staff that will assist you on my case? Wrongful death attorneys have a substantial number of clients and will not always be directly available to work on your case.
During the pendency of your suit, there will be routine matters that will need to be addressed, but do not necessarily require the immediate attention of the lawyer.
It is important that the attorney have staff or junior lawyers available to work on the case when the primary legal practitioner is not available directly.
Asking these important questions will help you in finding the best advocate for your claim.
