Dealing with a loved one’s wrongful death is not easy. It’s even more difficult if you feel that the death was a result of someone else’s negligence. In such a situation, the first step towards healing may be getting justice for the deceased. You need to file a wrongful death suit against the guilty party to ensure you recover damages for the losses incurred.
If you have lost your loved one because of someone else’s negligence, you can hire a wrongful death attorney to represent you in the case. Before you hire the attorney, you will ask them questions that will help you decide if they are the best fit or not during the consultation. A wrongful death suit is an emotional case, and you need an attorney who knows how to deal with such cases. Here are some questions you can ask them to see if they are right for you.
Have You Handled Wrongful Death Cases Before?
You need to know that the attorney has experience handling wrongful death cases. Experience is very important because it shows the attorney knows how to handle wrongful death cases and that they have a proven success record. If you feel the attorney does not have enough experience handling wrongful death cases, you can move to the next attorney. You are not under any obligation to hire any attorney you speak to at any time.
Do I Have a Claim?
You need to have a relationship with the deceased before you can file a claim. Not everyone who knew the deceased can file a wrongful death. In most states, the spouse should be the first to file the case, followed by children if they are adults, the deceased’s parents, or someone appointed as the deceased’s legal representative. So, if the deceased was a close friend, you are not eligible to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate.
What Is Your Prediction of My Case?
An experienced wrongful death attorney can predict how your case might end after looking into the facts. The attorney might tell you some of the challenges you might face and how to deal with them. For example, if the deceased died in a car accident, the liable party’s insurance company might suggest the deceased was also negligent. The insurance company will try to reduce the settlement by suggesting that the deceased played a role in the accident.
How Much Do You Charge?
It is important to know how much the attorney will charge as legal fees to represent you in the wrongful death case. Most attorneys charge a contingency fee, meaning you only pay after the case or the other party agrees to settle. They will deduct between 25% and 40% of the amount you received from the other party. If the attorney’s rates are lower than that, that is a red flag, and you need not hire them.
What Is Your Success Rate?
Experience handling wrongful death cases is not enough. A proven success rate is important to show the attorney can win your cases. A good attorney will show you all the cases they have won and show you the lost cases. If the number of cases the attorney lost is higher than those they have won, it is time to find a new wrongful death attorney.
You should also look at the amount each client receives. High settlements are an indicator of the attorney’s experience in making wrongful death negotiations.
Reach Out to a Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost a loved one through negligent actions and omissions of another person, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death case against them. Contact a wrongful death attorney and ask all the questions you have about the case. An excellent wrongful death attorney will ensure that you get the best settlement or compensation for the deceased.
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