If you think you may need to file a wrongful death lawsuit, it is important to consult with a wrongful death lawyer, also called a personal injury lawyer. These lawyers know how to help when things go wrong and can make a tough time easier for you.
A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by someone close to the person who passed away, like:
Wrongful death claims often arise when an accident occurs, such as a car accident or a theme park accident. These claims are also commonly filed in cases of medical malpractice or medical mistakes, such as the wrongful death of an unborn child.
A wrongful death lawyer can help in many ways:
Life can feel upside down after losing someone. A lawyer takes the legal side off your plate so you can focus on healing.
Wrongful death cases are commonly handled on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee means that the client does not make up front payments and the lawyer only gets paid if they win the case.
The contingency fee amount can be anywhere from 33% to 40% of the amount the client receives. There may also be sliding scale contingency fees.
This means that the percentage of the amount the client gets may differ depending on how the case is resolved. For example, if the case is settled prior to a trial, the lawyer may only charge 33%.
If the case goes to trial, the lawyer may charge a 40% fee. This is because the trial will require more work and resources.
This fee arrangement can be helpful, especially if the deceased’s representative is responsible for other debts. In addition, this arrangement provides a strong incentive for the attorney to work hard, as they will only get paid if the case is successful.
In certain situations, a lawyer may charge an hourly fee instead. This may be done in cases where the liable party wants to settle quickly or if the case is not expected to result in a large award or settlement.
When a lawyer uses an hourly fee arrangement, they may charge anywhere between $150 to $500 or more per hour. This could happen if the other side wants to settle quickly or if the case won’t pay out much. Either way, hiring a lawyer is worth it to protect what you deserve.
Picking the right lawyer can change everything. Here’s what to look for:
It is important to find an attorney who has experience handling similar types of wrongful death cases. This will help ensure that the lawyer understands any nuances in the law, potential defenses, and strategies to use in court.
A legal case can be lengthy and legal fees can mount up. A lawyer should be transparent regarding their fee structure from the start.
The law has language and requirements that may seem foreign to those outside of the legal world. An attorney should be able to break down the terms and issues into things their client can understand.
An attorney should also make themselves available for questions and updates on the case.
Lawyers are bound by a code of ethics called professional responsibility. This means that the lawyer is responsible for representing the client’s best interests, maintaining their client’s confidentiality, and competently managing the client’s case.
An individual should take the time to prepare for a consultation with a wrongful death lawyer. This includes gathering any documents or evidence that may be relevant and show damages or injuries, such as:
It is also important for an individual to take the time to make a list of any questions or concerns they have about their case so they can be discussed with their lawyer. Bringing this helps your wrongful death lawyer start fast and fight for you better.
Wrongful death cases can get messy fast with arguments, missing proof, or complicated laws that can trip you up. A lawyer who’s done this before knows how to fix those problems and get you what you’re owed.
LegalMatch doesn’t just find any lawyer. LegalMatch finds the right one for you. It’s free, quick, and lets you choose from wrongful death lawyers who get your situation. You can read reviews and pick someone you trust to stand up for you.
Time matters, too. Waiting too long could hurt your case or cost you money. A lawyer from LegalMatch jumps in fast to keep things moving. Whether you’re dealing with a car crash or a doctor’s mistake, you need someone strong by your side.
Hiring a lawyer isn’t just about winning, it’s about peace of mind. With LegalMatch, you’re one click away from help that makes a difference.
A wrongful death situation can be very stressful and emotionally challenging. It is important to have a personal injury lawyer in your area who can help.
Your lawyer will help gather evidence, build your case, and represent you during any proceedings. Since this can be such an emotional time, it is important to have legal representation, especially during negotiations, to ensure that you are making the best possible decision for your case.
LegalMatch is a free and convenient way that you can find a lawyer near you who is ready to start helping you resolve your claim. Just submit your question or concern on the website and you will quickly receive responses from attorneys near you which includes their background, fee information, and reviews from previous clients.
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