When you are choosing to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, determining where to start can be overwhelming. A good place to start is with interviewing a few wrongful death lawyers to determine the best fit for you and your family.
To proceed with confidence, you need to be sure that you are partnering with a legal advocate who is experienced, compassionate, and trustworthy. Knowing the right questions to ask when selecting a Jackson wrongful death lawyer can help.
Asking About Experience and Track Record
When you get an initial consultation with a lawyer, you want to make sure they have the experience they claim to have and that they have a proven track record in wrongful death cases similar to yours. Ask them what their experience and success rate are with wrongful death cases.
Look for a detailed explanation of their experience with settlements and court cases. You want to make sure your lawyer is prepared for litigation, not just insurance demand letters. Ask questions regarding their trial experience and strategy. You may even wish to ask for their advice on how they would pursue your case, should it require litigation.
Question Their Fee Structure and Payment Arrangements
Finances can be tight after the loss of a loved one, particularly if they were a main breadwinner. Be sure to ask questions so you understand the lawyer’s fees and any associated costs. Industry standard for wrongful death cases is for lawyers to work under a contingency fee structure, meaning that they only get paid if and when they win your case. Other upfront costs like filing fees and expert witness fees could apply, so be sure to clarify about those as well.
Ask About Team Structure and Communication Procedures
Be sure to understand who will actually handle your case. Ask if the lead lawyer will be managing it or if it will be handed over to a junior associate. Do not assume the person you meet in the consultation will be managing your case on a day-to-day basis.
Ask about the team dynamic and make sure they prioritize client relationships. You should be kept informed about the status of your case. The firm should clearly explain how often and in what manner they will update you. Look for a commitment to open and transparent communication, ensuring you can reach them for urgent matters.
How Will They Determine Your Case Value
An experienced injury attorney should be able to explain their method for calculating the full value of your losses while avoiding misleading, specific dollar figures upfront. They cannot guarantee you an amount, but rather reassure you that they will accurately value all economic losses as well as pain and suffering, to maximize your compensation.
They should describe to you how they accurately determine your overall claim value as well as describe how they aggressively approach negotiations with insurance companies, which often undervalue claims. Make sure that they are prepared to sue and take the case to trial to maximize your compensation.
Request Client References
Before signing a contract with a law firm, you have the right to verify the firm’s reputation directly. You can request references and ask them to point you to public reviews. While privacy laws limit what an attorney can share, they should be happy to provide references from past clients willing to speak about their experiences.
Take the Next Step in Obtaining Justice
By asking these essential, tough questions, you ensure that you hire an experienced, capable, and trustworthy advocate. When you are ready to interview your first wrongful death attorney, contact the Hearn Law Firm for a free consultation.