You can never fully understand death until it hits home. Losing a person close to you is not easy. It hurts more to realize that the death was preventable. If the death was a result of another person’s negligence, you have grounds for filing a wrongful death case.
No amount of money can bring your loved one back to life, but that does not mean that you let the mistake of the other person responsible slide. You deserve compensation for hospital bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship—just to mention a few.
Like any other legal procedure, pursuing a wrongful death claim in New York is complex. Carrying the burden by yourself will add to your devastation and could even lead to losing the case. It is best to find help by hiring a wrongful death attorney.
Choosing a Wrongful Death Attorney
Experience with Wrongful Death Law
Wrongful deaths happen in many different forms. Death might have resulted from a vehicle accident, drowning in a swimming pool, slipping and falling, medical negligence, a construction accident, or a work accident, just to name a few possibilities.
If your loved one died in a work-related accident, you should hire an attorney with experience in such cases. Ask how long they have specialized in that section of the law and how many wins they have recorded.
Working with a specialized and experienced lawyer gives you peace of mind knowing that you are represented by the best and that your chances of winning are high.
Effective Communication
Wrongful death cases are complex and they might drag on for a long time. That said, you need to work with a lawyer with good communication skills, otherwise the process will be very frustrating.
Your lawyer should answer your calls promptly, listen to your concerns, update you on progress, and give honest answers. If you notice poor communication during the consultation, consider looking for another attorney.
Review Their Reviews
Take time to go through the testimonials on the attorney’s website or law firm GMB. What are previous clients saying about working with the attorney? You can rely on the reviews online.
Court Experience
While some cases are resolved out of court, it is advisable to hire a lawyer with courtroom experience. Ask how many cases they have taken to court and the verdict given.
If you realize that the lawyer is not willing and does not have experience in court procedures, consider calling the next one on your list because you never know what turns your case might take.
Their legal network and reputation in court can make or break your case. If the lawyer has been honest and has a great relationship with the jury, you stand better chances of winning and getting rightful compensation.
Payment Terms
Compensation cases operate on a contingency basis. The lawyer gets a percentage of the compensated amount. No win, no pay. If your lawyer is asking for cash to fund the case, you should be worried.
Finalize an agreement on what percentage of the settlement goes to the attorney during the consultation. An experienced lawyer should be able to estimate how much you will get once the case is settled.
Contact the Right Attorney
The results of wrongful death claims largely depend on the lawyer you choose. There are many lawyers on the market, but not all of them can be trusted.
Remember that you have medical bills and a whole lifetime without your loved one. Do not leave the case to chance or to just any lawyer. Yes, the money will not resurrect them, but it will help you deal with the resulting burden and damage.
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