Losing a loved one is always tragic, but it can be especially difficult to cope when their death could have been prevented. If you believe someone else’s negligence caused your loved one’s death, you may be considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
While no amount can bring back your loved one, pursuing legal action can help you find closure and hold the responsible party accountable. However, filing a wrongful death lawsuit is not a simple process, and it is crucial to hire an experienced Jacksonville wrongful death lawyer to guide you through the process and ensure you have the best chance of success.
In this blog, we will discuss a few tips on how to hire an experienced wrongful death lawyer.
What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The term “wrongful death” conjures up images of Hollywood courtroom dramas, where grieving family members seek justice against a negligent corporation.
Wrongful death lawsuits are surprisingly complex and often involve several legal issues. At its core, a wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action brought by the family of a deceased person against the party or parties responsible for the death.
The lawsuit aims to recover damages, including;
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff must typically prove that the death was caused by the negligence or intentional wrongdoing of the defendant. While this may sound simple, establishing liability in a wrongful death case can often be tricky.
As such, these lawsuits are often quite complex and require the assistance of an experienced wrongful death lawyer.
What to Look for When Hiring a Wrongful Death Lawyer
While all lawyers are required to have a law degree, not all lawyers have the same level of experience. When looking for a wrongful death lawyer, it is crucial to look for an attorney with expertise specifically handling wrongful death cases.
These lawyers will better understand the legal issues involved in these cases and be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal system successfully.
Here are other factors to consider when hiring a wrongful death lawyer:
References and Reviews
When looking for an experienced wrongful death lawyer, one of the best ways to find a good one is to ask for references and reviews.
Look for references from people who have used the lawyer’s services in the past, and read online reviews to get an idea of the lawyer’s reputation. If you can’t find any references or reviews, try searching for the lawyer’s name online.
You may find some information about the lawyer’s experience and success rate. When you’ve compiled a list of potential lawyers, set up consultations with each one. This gives you a chance to ask questions and get to know the lawyer better before making a final decision.
Ask Questions
Many people are hesitant to ask questions for fear of sounding uninformed. However, when choosing a wrongful death lawyer, it is essential to ask as many questions as possible.
Some critical questions to ask include:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- How many wrongful death cases have you handled?
- What is your success rate in these cases?
- Do you have experience with cases like mine?
- How do you plan to handle my case?
- What are the potential outcomes of my case?
- What are the risks involved in pursuing my case?
- How much will it cost to hire you?
- How will you keep me updated on the status of my case?
A skillful Jacksonville wrongful death lawyer should be able to answer all of these questions confidently and without hesitation. If a lawyer seems unsure of themselves or cannot answer your questions, you may want to consider hiring someone else.
Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
When you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, the last thing you want to do is haggle over the details of their death. But when it comes to hiring a wrongful death lawyer, negotiation is key.
The stakes are high, and you want to ensure you’re getting the best representation. Here are a few tips on how to negotiate with a wrongful death lawyer:
- Know your bottom line. What are you willing to pay for legal fees? What kind of settlement do you expect to receive? Having a clear idea of your goals will help you stay focused during negotiations.
- Do your homework. Not all lawyers are equal. Research different firms and read online reviews before choosing one to represent you. This will give you an idea of what others have paid in similar cases and help you set realistic expectations.
- Be prepared to walk away. If the lawyer you’re negotiating with isn’t willing to meet your needs, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere. There are plenty of experienced attorneys out there who would be happy to take on your case.
- Get everything in writing. Once you agree with your chosen lawyer, ensure all the details are spelled out in a contract. This will protect both parties and ensure that everyone is on the same page from the start.
Hiring a lawyer is never easy. Remember that you have the upper hand in negotiations. By being prepared and knowing your goals, you can ensure you get the best possible representation for your case.
Consult Lawyer Fees
How much does it cost to hire an experienced wrongful death lawyer? The answer, of course, depends on the case.
But a few general principles can help you understand what to expect.
- Remember that lawyers are not cheap. They’ll likely want a retainer upfront, and their hourly rate will likely be quite high. However, if you have a strong case, they may be willing to work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case.
- The cost of a lawyer is often worth it. If you’re facing a significant financial burden due to someone else’s negligence, hiring a lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
- Don’t be afraid to shop around for a lawyer. There are many experienced wrongful death lawyers, and finding one that fits your budget should not be difficult.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to find an experienced wrongful death lawyer without breaking the bank.
Benefits of Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney
Here are a few benefits of hiring one:
- They can help you get the compensation you deserve. A wrongful death attorney can help you get the money you need to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and other expenses.
- They can help you get justice. A wrongful death attorney can help you build a strong case and get the justice your loved one deserves.
- They can take on the legal burden. Dealing with the legal aspects of a loved one’s death can be overwhelming. A wrongful death attorney can handle all the legal details so you can focus on grieving.
- They can give you peace of mind. Hiring a wrongful death attorney can give you peace of mind knowing that someone is on your side and fighting for you.
Hire the Right Wrongful Death Lawyer Today!
If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident that wasn’t their fault, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of what to do next.
The first step is to find the right wrongful death lawyer for you. At Terrell • Hogan we have been assisting families like yours achieve the justice they deserve since 1974.
We understand this is a difficult time, and our Jacksonville wrongful death lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf to make sure you receive the compensation you need and deserve. Give us a call today at (904) 632-2424 for a free consultation—we would be honored to help you during this difficult time.
