Unintentional injuries cause nearly 201,000 deaths every year. Losing a friend or cherished loved one is difficult on its own. You shouldn’t have to worry about fighting for compensation alone as well.
Instead, use these tips to vet your options for wrongful death attorneys near me.
Using these tips can help you find an experienced, qualified attorney. With their help, you can fight for compensation and win your suit. They’ll remain at your side every step of the way.
Find a wrongful death attorney who has your best interests in mind with these tips today.
1 . Gather Referrals
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Streamline your search by speaking with friends and family members in the area. Ask if they can recommend a local wrongful death lawyer.
If they can offer recommendations, make a list of questions you want to ask about their experience. They could provide you with insights that you won’t find online.
For example, you might want ask about the lawyer’s:
- Professionalism
- Credentials
- Wrongful death case experience
- Communication skills
- Responsiveness
- Fees
Ask each friend you speak with about the outcome of their case, too. Were they satisfied with the legal services they received? Did they encounter any problems while working alongside their wrongful death lawyer?
Your friends can help you determine which lawyers to vet further (or which to avoid altogether).
If you can’t gather personal referrals, begin your search online by using legal directories. For example, you can check your local bar association website. Make sure to look for wrongful death lawyers on the Martindale-Hubbell law firm directory, too.
Then, use these tips for choosing a wrongful death lawyer to make sure you’re selecting the best option.
2. Look for Experience
If you want to find the best wrongful death lawyer available, look for someone with years of relevant, hands-on experience.
First, ask each lawyer how long they’ve practiced law in general. If they recently based the bar, look for someone with more experience. Someone with more experience is less likely to make costly mistakes.
There are over 146,000 personal injury lawyers in the US. Not all take on cases like yours.
Determine how long each lawyer has specialized handling wrongful death cases as well. Consider how often they handle wrongful death suits. Ask how often they handle cases similar to your situation, too.
For example, how did your loved one pass? Were they in a car accident? Perhaps medical malpractice caused their death instead.
Choose a lawyer with relevant experience. An experienced attorney will understand the laws, documents, and procedures relevant to wrongful death claims.
Courtroom Experience
It’s not enough to find someone who is familiar with the paperwork and laws involved with your case. Look for a wrongful death lawyer who also has courtroom experience.
Some lawyers are nervous about taking cases to court. They might settle your case outside of the courtroom instead. These lawyers won’t have your best interests in mind.
Instead, find someone who is prepared to try your case in front of a judge and jury.
3. Check Their Credentials
When searching for “wrongful death attorneys near me,” make sure to check each lawyer’s credentials. Make sure they’re licensed to practice law in the state.
Some laws and procedures can differ based on where the case is handled.
Determine if the lawyer has any additional credentials that can speak to their experience and expertise, too.
4. Consider Their Track Record
Learn more about each lawyer’s professional history. For example, how many personal injury cases have they handled over the years? Determine how many of these cases they won or lost.
Then, determine how many wrongful death claims they’ve handled. Try to pinpoint which of these cases were similar to your situation, too. Review the wins and losses for those cases.
Try to find an attorney with a strong track record. Their wins can indicate they’re capable of handling your case and meeting your goals.
5. Read Reviews
Find a wrongful death attorney others have trusted in the past. Read reviews for each lawyer on your list. You can find reviews on their Google Business or BBB profiles.
It’s normal to find one or two negative reviews. If they have an abundance of negative reviews, however, look elsewhere. You can feel confident choosing a lawyer who has a strong professional reputation.
6. Schedule a Consultation
As you begin narrowing down your options, try to find three lawyers you’re interested in. Then, schedule a consultation appointment with each one.
Make sure to have a list of questions you want to have written down before your consultation appointment. For example, you might want to cover:
- How many years they’ve practiced personal injury law
- How much of their practice focuses on wrongful death claims
- Their track record of verdicts and settlements
- How much they’ve won for their recent cases
- How long they’ve spent working in the same area
- Frequency of handling cases like yours
- How many cases settle or go to trial
Pay attention to how they speak and act. Are they confident and easy to understand?
Your consultation appointment will help you find a wrongful death lawyer near me who can meet your expectations.
7. Determine Their Availability
Ask each lawyer when they’re available to take on your case. Make sure they won’t hand you off to a junior lawyer or paralegal.
If they’re too busy, they might not dedicate time and attention to your suit.
8. Ask About Their Network
An experienced lawyer has likely developed a professional network over the years. Ask how they’ll handle your case.
Determine if they’ll work with any medical experts or investigators who can help strengthen your claim.
9. Discuss Pricing
Before the end of your appointment, ask each lawyer about their fee structure.
For example, they might work on a contingency fee basis. These lawyers only accept payment if they win your lawsuit.
10. Trust Your Gut
Review your notes. Which lawyer seems capable and experienced? Determine who is most capable of handling your case.
Then, trust your gut to make a final decision.
Make Your Case: 10 Tips for Choosing Wrongful Death Attorneys Near Me
Don’t rush to hire the first lawyer you find online. Instead, use these tips when choosing wrongful death attorneys near me. Vet your options to find the best layer in town.
They’ll ensure the best possible results for your lawsuit.
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