The sudden death of a loved one is painful under any circumstances. It’s even more devastating when that loss was due to someone else’s negligence.
An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. But how do you know who to choose? Here are six things to look for in an attorney.
Experience
An attorney with experience will know how to build a case for your family. This includes proving that someone else’s negligent behavior caused your loved one’s death. For example, if someone lost their life when an intoxicated driver slammed into them as they crossed the road, it could be considered wrongful death.
A skilled New York wrongful death attorney will also know how to bargain with accountable parties and their insurance providers. This is important, as many liable parties try to avoid paying out compensation to victims by using different tactics.
An experienced attorney will also be able to break down complex legalese and procedures into simpler terms that are easy to understand. This will help you feel comfortable asking questions as your case progresses. A skilled attorney will also be able to respond to your queries promptly and precisely. This will save you time that you would have spent trying to figure out the details of your claim.
Fees
The loss of a loved one can be emotionally and financially devastating. Families have much to worry about regarding funeral expenses, final arrangements, and settling the deceased’s estate. A wrongful death lawyer will handle the legalities of filing a claim and ensure your family receives compensation to cover these costs.
Wrongful death attorneys know how to build a strong case highlighting the negligent behavior contributing to your loved one’s death. They will try negotiating a just settlement because they have previous expertise working with insurance firms. They’ll be ready to present your case in court if it needs to go to trial.
Schedule an initial consultation with a potential wrongful death attorney to assess their expertise and compatibility. Ask about their past successes, settlements obtained, and trial experience. Choosing an attorney who will provide clear and consistent communication throughout the process is essential.
Compassion
Losing a loved one is an emotionally and physically exhausting experience for any family. In addition to dealing with grief, a family may be burdened by bills and other expenses that can’t be covered by insurance. A wrongful death attorney in NY can take the weight off families by taking care of legal matters so that they can focus on healing.
An experienced wrongful death lawyer knows how to evaluate damages and can fight to make sure you receive fair results. They understand your pain and are sensitive to the tragedy that you’ve suffered. In your best interest, they can bargain with insurers and other parties. Schedule an initial consultation with potential attorneys to assess their expertise, qualifications, and compatibility. Ask for their case history, success rate, and settlement amounts obtained. Consider whether they charge a fee upfront or on a contingency basis. Also, ask how well they communicate and how often they update clients about their cases.
Time
The sudden loss of a loved one is devastating under any circumstance, but it can be incredibly overwhelming if another’s negligence causes the death. Wrongful death laws permit surviving family members to file a lawsuit against those responsible for their loved one’s death to receive financial compensation.
However, filing a wrongful death lawsuit requires much time and effort. Not to mention, you need to understand a variety of legal contexts to build your case correctly. This can be difficult to do while grieving.
You’ll also want to hire a wrongful death attorney who can answer your questions promptly. This way, you can avoid any miscommunications and ensure that your claim is progressing as it should. A reputable New York wrongful death lawyer will update you as the case unfolds. Additionally, they will be willing to take your case to trial if necessary.