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7 Questions to Ask Your Wrongful Death Attorney
Did you know eight out of ten medical malpractice cases go to trial? Hiring the right wrongful death attorney for your situation is critical. If you want to find a suitable lawyer, keep reading.
In this guide, you’ll learn about when you should hire an attorney for a wrongful death situation. Navigating these challenging times will be mentally and emotionally tasking. Find an advocate who will help you with this situation.
Check out our tips below.
1. What Is a Wrongful Death?
People who lost a loved one will have many questions. Deal with things soon after the incident to seek compensation and protect your home. You may need to deal with new legal issues, as well.
Understandably, you will have many questions associated with the problem. You might wonder how certain cases get deemed wrongful death cases.
Wrongful death is when another person’s actions cause the death of a loved one or friend. These cases will often involve car accidents, negligence, or medical malpractice.
These cases are complex. You don’t want to make the mistake of hiring a random attorney. Find someone with plenty of experience. People will find a wrongful death lawyer to navigate these confusing waters.
2. How Do You Claim Wrongful Death?
Pursuing an adult’s wrongful death suit will depend on your state. For example, in most states, you must be an immediate family member. In Alabama, a representative of the deceased estate should file a wrongful death claim.
You will also need to understand the statute of limitations for this claim. Calculate the time limit, so you don’t miss the deadline.
Filing a wrongful death claim is going to involve a few key parties. You must speak to your loved one’s insurance company and the person or party at fault. You will need to prove the death of the person was wrongful.
You must show why you suffered pain, suffering, or damages and why you’re seeking compensation. This is a complex process that should get handled by an experienced lawyer.
3. What’s the Length of a Wrongful Death Case?
The timeline of a wrongful death case will depend on the circumstance. Usually, criminal death cases will last for a lengthy period. A wrongful death lawsuit will take longer than cases settled outside of court.
Prepare to be involved for at least one year. You can also ask your lawyer about their timeline. They might be able to compare your case to previous ones and give you an estimate.
4. Picking the Right Attorney
You should find a lawyer that is going to suit your needs. Before you pick a lawyer, you should list essential things for you and your family. Some people will prefer a compassionate lawyer and an excellent communicator. You might want someone direct.
You should also consider the experience of the lawyer. Do they focus on personal injury cases or wrongful death cases?
If you’re dealing with a wrongful death case, you should remember you’re not alone. Working with a compassionate and reputable lawyer will help you navigate these legal difficulties.
Wrongful death cases will always vary. That’s why people have such a difficult time figuring out settlements. Your lawyer will help advise you and understand the categories that will apply to you.
You might want to claim an amount of a person’s future wage. You will likely get compensation for funeral costs or medical expenses. You might also be eligible for pain or suffering if your loved one didn’t pass fast.
5. Understanding the Wrongful Death Claim Process
If you’re going to work with a specific attorney, understand the next steps. It would help if you understood an outline of what will come. Ask for information regarding deadlines, court dates, meetings with lawyers, and potential timelines.
It would help if you also understood that claims should go through soon because certain states have a two-year statute of limitations.
6. What Does the Lawyer Charge?
You shouldn’t forget about asking the lawyer how much they charge. Some attorneys will charge by the hour, while others will take a percentage of the final compensation won.
You should have a written contract, so you understand the finances.
7. How Will You Contact the Attorney?
Finally, you will want to know the different channels of communication your lawyer uses. If you have a question during the weekend, is it acceptable to email the attorney, or do you need to call the office?
You want to understand how to get into contact with your lawyer. Most people will feel anxious when they have to handle these cases. Working with someone who is communicative and open will help make the process less stressful.
If your lawyer only responds at certain hours, you might want to find a different attorney. Find someone who is going to help you throughout this highly stressful experience.
You should also understand who the lawyer’s team is and if you can contact them.
Finding the Right Wrongful Death Attorney
You shouldn’t rush through the process of picking a wrongful death attorney. Finding the appropriate attorney for your situation will make a world of difference. You will have a chance to meet with them and ask as many questions as you have.
Look at working with someone who has experience handling wrongful death cases. Need more legal tips like this guide? Check out our resources on the blog today for more information.
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
