How do I Choose a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

Law Firms Dealing with Wrongful Death

When you’ve lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, it is important to find the right lawyer who will handle the case with your best interests in mind. A wrongful death case involves complex decisions while your emotions may still be strong. The right lawyer will help you to collect all the damages you deserve without compounding problems you may be experiencing. Here are a few factors to consider when you are choosing the best lawyer for your case.

Case Experience

It is important to find a wrongful death lawyer who has extensive experience, including relationships with other legal parties who may be involved in your case. You should also seek a lawyer who has specialized experience in the form of wrongful death that you are facing. For instance, if the circumstances involve medical negligence, look for an attorney who specializes in malpractice. 

With due respect to excellent lawyers who are still working to gain experience, you want to select a partner who has the experience to anticipate every situation as they handle your case

Record

When you are interviewing possible attorneys, ask about their track record. Find out how many wrongful death suits they have won during their career, and how their most recent cases have gone. Ask about the payouts on cases that were settled out of court. Do the settlements and damages awarded match or exceed your initial estimations of the compensation you are aiming for in your case? Ask questions to get a clear perspective on the lawyer’s track record of client outcomes.

Delegation

In a larger law firm, senior attorneys may delegate cases to newer lawyers. The lawyer who meets with you for a consultation may not be the one who handles the details of your case. Make sure that you understand and are comfortable with the details of who will be handling all aspects of your case.

Budget

You might be nervous about legal costs if you are considering a wrongful death case. There is never a guarantee of a settlement, so concerns are understandable. Some wrongful death lawyers work on a “contingency fee” model, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Others charge an hourly or set rate. Whatever the payment model, your lawyer should be able to clearly discuss the costs of litigation with you upfront. The right lawyer will be able to help you confidently pursue litigation without dealing with heavy bills if you do lose your case.

Consider these factors and take the time to consult with an experienced law firm, like Brown Kiely, LLP,  to help you out with your case. With the right legal support, your mind will be at ease as you pursue the compensation you deserve.