8 Questions to Ask Wrongful Death Lawyers Before Hiring

An accidental death is a devastating experience for any family. Unfortunately, unintentional injuries and accidental deaths are common occurrences.

Some people are lucky enough to survive car crashes, falls, and other accidents, but many are not. In many cases, these deaths are avoidable.

If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one due to accidental negligence or intentional harm, you may have a valid accidental death case.

A good first step is to reach out to a qualified wrongful death lawyer. Here are 8 questions to ask wrongful death lawyers before choosing one.

1. How Much Experience Do You Have

Although there are many personal injury lawyers, not all have experience with wrongful death cases. Wrongful death is a complicated area of law.

You want an expert with years of experience leading the way. You want to ask about their experience with these types of cases. 

Find out how many wrongful death cases they’ve handled. Someone with in-depth knowledge and experience is more likely to help you achieve a successful settlement.

You want an experienced lawyer and skilled negotiator handling your case and guiding you through the legal process.

2. Do I Have a Case

After hearing the details of your claim, a wrongful death lawyer should be able to tell you whether or not to proceed. They can’t guarantee an outcome. But they can let you know if it’s a good idea to move forward with your claim.

Be sure to share all the details and ask questions about what is and isn’t in your favor in regard to the case. An experienced lawyer should be able to let you know your chances of winning a settlement.

Ask for an estimate of the settlement you could receive. This can help you determine whether it makes sense to move forward with your wrongful death case.

3. What Is Your Success Rate 

Ask about their success rate in handling cases like yours. Obviously, the better their success rate, the better for you.

A reputable lawyer will be open to your questions and won’t hesitate to discuss their experience and success rate.

Choosing a wrongful death lawyer is a big decision. Before you make your choice, you want to have a clear picture of the lawyer’s experience, knowledge of the law, and success rate.

4. How Much Do You Charge

Depending on the law firm, fees can vary widely. Before you make a decision, it’s important to know how much they charge. 

Many wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing until you receive a settlement. 

You want to be clear about the percentage they will take from your award. So, don’t hesitate to discuss money.

You don’t want unexpected or hidden fees to surprise you down the road. Make sure the attorney you choose is upfront about any legal costs you may be responsible for.

5. Who Will Work on My Case

Large law firms often have a team of attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff working for them. The attorney who conducts your initial consultation isn’t always the one who will handle the case.

Wrongful death cases are often complicated and require a lawyer with expertise in this area of law. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can provide the resources and expert witnesses you need for a favorable result.

Before you sign a contract, make sure you know who will handle your case. Ask how they will contact you and how often you’ll receive updates on the status of your claim.

6. What Is Your Typical Approach

Wrongful death cases can be highly technical. They can involve defective products, medical malpractice, negligence, and other complicated legalities.

How your lawyer approaches the case and the decisions they make along the way can make or break your case. You want a lawyer dedicated to helping families of wrongful death victims.

You want a lawyer who’s an excellent negotiator yet aggressive enough to fight for the compensation you deserve. Ask them to explain how they plan to handle your case.

Although they cannot guarantee an outcome, they should be able to explain the typical process and the possibilities for success.

7. Are There Deadlines to Consider

In some personal injury cases, the sooner you take action, the better. But wrongful death cases are unique.

You typically have up to two years to file a wrongful death claim. Experiencing an unexpected death of a loved one is traumatic.

Family members often go through a grieving process as they consider what has happened and decide if they should take legal action. If you have a legitimate claim, the sooner you begin the process, the better.

If your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence or act of intentional harm, you have rights. And you may be entitled to significant compensation. 

Don’t let the deadline pass you by if you intend to pursue legal action for the wrongful death of your loved one.

8. What Is the Goal for My Case

Whether it’s medical malpractice, a defective product, or another scenario, there are many causes of wrongful death. Ask how the attorney plans to handle your unique situation.

This can vary greatly depending on the circumstances and complexity of the case. A reputable lawyer will discuss the specifics of your case and the best approach to take.

They will determine if legal action is warranted. If so, they should gather all the details and facts in your case. They should perform an independent investigation into the cause of your loved one’s death.

Your lawyer should be open and willing to discuss the goals for your case throughout the legal process.

Questions to Ask Wrongful Death Lawyers

The unexpected death of a loved one is such a difficult time. It’s normal to be hesitant about pursuing legal action.

Discussing your situation with a wrongful death lawyer is a good first step. Find out whether you may be eligible for compensation. 

Knowing the right questions to ask wrongful death lawyers can help.

Our team understands the hardship and pain you’re going through. We have extensive experience and an excellent success rate with wrongful death cases.

Contact us today for a free consultation.