Losing a loved one to an accident is always a tragedy, but it’s even more so when that accident can be chalked up to someone else’s negligence. If only the negligent person had been more careful, maybe your loved one would still be alive. But they weren’t more careful, and now you’re left to pick up the pieces without your loved one’s companionship or earning potential.
You need a wrongful death lawyer who can fight to get you what you’re owed in terms of financial compensation. While it’s true that no amount of money can replace your lost loved one, a settlement or award can help cover medical bills and funeral costs, compensate you for the loss of your loved one’s companionship, and provide money to make up for your loved one’s lost earnings. You need an attorney who is knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate, and skilled. Ask the right questions, and do your research to make sure the attorney you choose has the chops to bring your case to a successful conclusion, whether you reach a settlement or go all the way to litigation. Here’s what to look for in a wrongful death lawyer.
Table of Contents
Compassion
Pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit can be so difficult. Your loved one is gone, and you’re still reeling from that loss while you try to find a lawyer and explain the details of your case. You need a lawyer who can show you the compassion you need to navigate this difficult time in your life. A caring, compassionate lawyer will be sensitive to the ordeal you’re going through and will be able to represent your best interests in negotiations and at trial.
Experience
Experience is one of the most important traits a Clearwater wrongful death lawyer can have. You want an attorney who has litigation experience as well as experience negotiating settlements. That way, if your case has to go to trial, your attorney will be able to win.
When you meet with a wrongful death attorney, ask questions about his or her experience. Ask them:
- How long they’ve been serving clients in your area;
- What their track record of settlements and trial verdicts looks like;
- How many wrongful death cases they represent each year; and
- How often they take wrongful death cases.
The answers to these questions will help you determine whether a specific lawyer has the experience and skills to win your case. However, you shouldn’t just take the attorney’s word for it. You should also do your own research into his or her background. Ask for client references and follow up on them. Previous clients will be able to tell you whether or not they were happy with the way the lawyer handled their cases, and the outcomes they got. This will give you a better idea of whether the attorney is legitimate or not.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are very important for any lawyer. Any lawyer you choose should be responsive to your attempts at contact and get back to you with answers to your questions right away. He or she should be approachable and give you personalized attention. You should be able to get along with your attorney and build a good rapport. You will be working with him or her for a long time, and if you can’t communicate or get along, it’s going to feel like even longer. Plus, poor interpersonal communication between you and your attorney will make it harder for the two of you to bring your case to a favorable conclusion.
Leadership
You should always make sure that any attorney you hire has been admitted to the bar in your state. You should also ask about his or her involvement in professional organizations open to lawyers in your state. You want a lawyer with strong leadership skills, who can motivate junior attorneys, paralegals, and other members of the legal team to work hard for your case. When you talk to an attorney, you may talk to the partner instead of the junior attorneys. Make sure you ask whether the attorney you’re speaking with will personally work on your case, or whether they will delegate most of the work to junior attorneys. At a smaller firm, your case may be handled by the partner or partners, but a larger firm will have more resources at its disposal, so it’s not always necessarily a bad thing to go with a larger firm.
Hiring a wrongful death attorney is never easy. Don’t rush into an agreement with a wrongful death attorney. Take your time to find an attorney you can work with to get the outcome you deserve.
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