Choosing a Wrongful Death Attorney
The preventable death of a loved one can generate a lot of powerful emotions, such as grief and anger. It is not a good idea to try to file a wrongful death suit on your own when you are in such emotional turmoil. You could make a mistake that could end up costing you the ability to seek legal recourse at all. Even if you are able to control your emotions, you almost certainly do not have the necessary knowledge of the law to file a successful wrongful death suit. For your own peace of mind, and to optimize your chances of getting the award you deserve, it is best to hire an attorney.
However, not just any attorney will do. You want to look for one with very specific qualities.
1. Time
It is not unusual for a law office to become very busy. While this may speak to the quality of the firm, you want to look for an attorney who has enough time to spend on your case and work on your behalf for the best possible result.
2. Communication
Your attorney should listen carefully to your concerns. He or she should eliminate distractions whenever you meet face-to-face and return your calls and e-mails in a timely fashion.
3. Reputation
When you research an attorney, you may come across plenty of testimonials from former clients attesting to his or her ability. While those reviews may be helpful, what you really want to know is how is the attorney is viewed by his or her peers in the legal profession. This type of information may be more difficult to find, but it is even more valuable to you.
4. Experience
While some lawyers specialize in wrongful death cases, it is valuable to find out whether the attorney has handled any cases with circumstances similar to the one in which your loved one died. For example, if your loved one died as a result of a doctor’s error, it may make all the difference to find an attorney with experience in medical malpractice cases.
5. Payment
Look for a lawyer who only charges on a contingency basis. This means that you only have to pay if you win your case. This is important because wrongful death suits can take a long time to resolve, meaning that they can get extremely expensive. Contingency pay also gives your attorney an extra incentive to do well with your case.
Working with a personal injury lawyer gives you the opportunity to step back and handle your grief without added stress. They would be happy to help relieve you of this burden. Contact a law office to schedule a consultation.