If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or harmful actions of another person, business, or group, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. While no amount of financial compensation can replace your loved one or bring them back, it can offer some comfort and relief from financial pressures while you grieve.
Before filing your lawsuit and hiring an attorney, you’ll need to sit down with a wrongful death attorney for a consultation. During this initial appointment, you’ll discuss the details of the case and begin to develop a plan for presenting your claim in court. You may wish to have several consultations with different lawyers to find the best possible fit for your needs. To help you make your final decision, it is smart to come prepared for your first meeting with an attorney. You will want to have a list of questions that reflect your goals and priorities. Here are a few to get you started.
What Experience Do You Have With Wrongful Death Suits?
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Wrongful death is a unique, specialized category of law that requires experience and expertise to navigate effectively. Within an attorney’s past wrongful death cases, have they handled any with similar circumstances to yours? You can also ask whether a lawyer focuses solely on wrongful death cases or handles other types of medical malpractice, accidents, or personal injury suits. This will give you a better sense of the depth and breadth of their experience as it might apply to your case. The goal is to find the attorney who is the best fit for your particular needs, personality, and other considerations that are important to you.
Do I Have a Strong Case for a Wrongful Death Claim with an Attorney?
In most cases, your attorney or lawyer will probably offer this information without you having to ask, but you should definitely make a point of asking if they don’t. While you are, in a sense, interviewing lawyers during your consultations, they will also be gauging the likelihood of winning your case. Of course, no attorney can predict the eventual outcome of your case, they can provide a general sense of your prospects based on their past experience. Many wrongful death lawyers don’t charge any fees unless they win your case. They work on a contingency fee basis, so they may be unlikely to take you on as a client if they don’t think your case will have much chance of success.
What Types of Compensation Might I Be Eligible to Receive with the Help of a Lawyer?
Wrongful death cases vary widely in terms of the details surrounding the death, making it complicated to determine settlements. Your attorney should be able to advise you as to which categories may apply to you. For example, you may be able to claim the likely amount of that person’s future wages, or you may be eligible for pain and suffering compensation if your loved one did not pass away quickly. You’ll likely receive compensation for funeral costs and any medical expenses in your loved one’s final days. While it is not possible for your attorney to guarantee a particular amount, they may be able to offer a rough estimate or range of what can reasonably be expected.
How Does the Wrongful Death Claim Process Work?
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If you choose to work with a particular attorney, what will your next steps be? While you don’t need to get a play-by-play account of what’s to come, it can be beneficial to have a general outline of what to expect. This can include things like deadlines for providing documents or other evidence, projected court dates, meetings with your attorney, and timelines. Timelines are especially important to ensure your claim goes through within the two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Florida. As you move forward, you and your wrongful death lawyer can fill in your calendar with more detail. However, it is good to have an overview right from the start.
Discuss Your Wrongful Death Case With Andrew Pickett
When you are ready for a consultation and have questions regarding your wrongful death claim, reach out to Andrew Pickett Law firm. We’ll evaluate your case and let you know whether you have a legitimate claim. We’ll take the time to answer all of your questions and explain our process in greater detail.
Call today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
