Losing a loved one is one of the most painful things most people will ever experience, and it can be tough to handle. The loss and pain are amplified if that loss is due to another person’s negligence. From medical malpractice to police misconduct, and even vehicle accidents, there are thousands of avoidable deaths every year. The parties responsible for these deaths do not want to take responsibility, so you might have to file a lawsuit to get compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one. Hiring a wrongful death attorney is the first step in getting compensation, and below we explain their importance.
They Understand the Law Much Better Than You
Most people will handle only one wrongful death lawsuit in their lives, while attorneys have years of experience helping families get the compensation they deserve after an avoidable death. They can look at the available facts and evidence to help you decide the type of claim that is best for you and how much compensation you are entitled to.
An experienced wrongful death attorney also understands the process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Their experience in such matters is especially important if you consider that the process can be long and take months or years, and each step is different. Following all procedures and the right processes might not be possible if you want to handle everything yourself while also dealing with losing a loved one.
They Provide Guidance and Support at a Difficult Time
Your mind is likely scattered following the death of a loved one. Most people are confused and grieving at this time, so it can be difficult for them to know what steps to take or what to focus on. A wrongful death attorney provides the support and guidance you need and advises you on the next steps to ensure your lawsuit goes as smoothly as possible.
They will also help you know what to say or do to not put your suit in jeopardy. Remember that the other party, the insurance company, and their respective attorneys are always looking for ways to compromise the case so that you get as little compensation as possible or no compensation.
Everything you do, including talking to an insurance company, has serious ramifications for your case, so let a lawyer guide you on what to say or do as that is the best way to ensure proper compensation or settlement.
Wrongful Death Attorney Helps You Gather Evidence
Every attorney wants the strongest case possible to ensure the best outcome for their clients. In the case of a wrongful death lawsuit, the strength of the suit and claim will depend on how much evidence you have and how strong and relevant it is.
The lawyer will collect the evidence you already have and then collect additional evidence to support the case. They can do this by visiting the scene in case of an accident, talking to witnesses, and collecting relevant information and documents, as would happen in case of wrongful death due to medical malpractice or negligence.
You Get Access to Numerous Resources and Experts
Since they work on many cases, attorneys can access numerous resources and experts, including accident reconstructionists, medical experts, private investigators, and professionals who can provide insight or testimony to ensure your suit is as strong as possible.
They Negotiate with Insurance Companies on Your Behalf
One of the worst things you can do as a suit is going on is talk to the insurance company or the defendant. They will try to get you to accept a far lower settlement than you deserve if they think they will lose. The offer will be enticing enough, and you might even be tempted to take it.
It is always best to let your attorneys handle the negotiation. Apart from you, they are the only people who want the best outcome for you in the suit, so everything they do will benefit you.
Experienced attorneys understand all the tricks and strategies that insurance companies and their lawyers use to get out of a payout. They will take as much time as they need to reach a settlement you will be happy with while also helping you avoid a lengthy lawsuit.
An Attorney Will Ensure a Strong Case
Your case will go to court if they cannot reach a settlement. Experienced wrongful death attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial since they have the evidence and facts to prove you deserve the compensation they are asking for.
When putting together their burden of proof, they will show what your loved one went through that resulted in their death. They will also show how wrongful death impacts the family and how it will continue to be impacted in the future.
They will argue these facts before a judge and jury to ensure a win.
Wrongful Death Attorneys Will Save You Time and Money
Many people hesitate to hire an attorney because they think it will be expensive. In the case of wrongful death, the family is likely already dealing with a significant financial burden and does not want to add to it.
An attorney can save you money in two important ways. First, most wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency. A contingency arrangement is where the lawyer does not charge anything upfront and is only paid if you get compensation or settlement.
Second, they ensure the other party doesn’t take advantage of you. If you don’t hire an attorney, the defendant and their attorneys will try to exploit your lack of knowledge about how the law and wrongful death lawsuits work. If they take advantage of you like this, you lose money because you will likely receive much lower compensation.
Wrongful death caused by negligence or wrongdoing by another party can be difficult to recover from. You can file a lawsuit for wrongful death to get compensated for your loss, and you will need a wrongful death attorney to help you with that. Here at Farnsworth & Vance, we are always here to help. You can visit our offices at 2525 Gambell Street #410, Anchorage, AK 99503, or call now for a free consultation at (907) 290-2576.