A wrongful death lawsuit is about more than just money. It is about holding someone accountable for their harmful actions, obtaining justice for your lost loved one, and gaining closure for yourself. The success of a wrongful death suit can bring immense satisfaction in all three regards, but it is not easy to accomplish.
The results of a lawsuit are never guaranteed, but wrongful death cases in particular can be difficult to win. This doesn’t mean that you should not make the effort; it merely means that you need to do everything you can to give yourself an advantage in the case. A big part of that is finding the right attorney. Here are some ideas about how to find a wrongful death attorney and what specifically to look for in a lawyer.
1. Proven Track Record
It is not enough that the attorney you choose has years of experience practicing law. Because there are so many possible causes of wrongful death, he or she should have experience with cases that are similar to yours. You may be able to find this information on the attorney’s website or by finding news stories online about cases he or she has handled.
2. Communication Skills
You need an attorney who can not only communicate with you effectively, but who will also keep you in the loop regarding your case. An attorney with the necessary communication skills should respond to your calls promptly and answer your questions completely. If you are dissatisfied in either regard, you should consider hiring a different attorney.
3. Reputation
Your state bar association and the local courts should have information on the attorney’s record and whether he or she has a history of misconduct, disciplinary actions, or legal malpractice suits. You can find out how your attorney is viewed by peers by asking other lawyers about him or her. Asking the attorney directly for references is also a smart idea.
4. Case Assessment
You should ask the attorney what he or she thinks of your case and what your prospects should be in court. If the attorney seems to be making you a lot of unrealistic promises you should seek a second opinion before making any hiring decisions.
Finally, do not discount your gut instincts when deciding whether or not to hire an attorney. If he or she makes you feel uncomfortable for any reason during the consultation, it is perfectly fine to keep looking for someone else to represent your case. Contact a wrongful death attorney, like a wrongful death attorney in Lakeland, FL, to schedule a consultation.
Thanks to David & Philpot, PL for their insight into what qualities and stats to look for in a wrongful death attorney.
