No one ever expects to lose a loved one, but the pain can be unbearable. You might consider seeking help from a wrongful death lawyer if you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. This is a significant decision, and it is essential to ensure you are prepared before moving forward. This blog post will give you five things to consider before finding a lawyer for your wrongful death lawsuit.
1. When To Get A Lawyer Involved?
If you’ve lost your close one due to someone else’s negligence, you may wonder if you need to hire a lawyer like The Francis Firm to help with your wrongful death claim. While you can file a claim without an attorney, there are certain benefits to having legal representation. For one, a lawyer can help ensure that all the necessary paperwork is filed promptly. They can also help gather evidence and witnesses to support your claim.
Additionally, a lawyer can help to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get the best possible settlement.
2. How Much And What Types Of Compensation Can You Seek?
The amount and type of compensation you can seek in a wrongful death claim will depend on the specific facts of your case. Generally speaking, though, you may be able to recover economic damages such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and lost wages.
You may gain non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. If the death is caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing, you might also be able to seek punitive damages.
3. How Long Will The Wrongful Death Claim Case Take?
The time it takes to solve a wrongful death claim will depend on several factors, including the complexity of the incident and the availability of witnesses and evidence. In some cases, both parties settle quickly, while in others, the process may drag on for months or even years.
4. If There Is More Than One Beneficiary Of The Estate, How Is The Money Divided?
If there is more than one estate beneficiary, the money from the wrongful death claim will be divided according to state law. Each state has laws governing how estate funds must be distributed, but generally, the court will consider the beneficiaries’ relationship to the deceased and their financial need.
In some cases, the jury may award a larger share of the estate to a spouse or child dependent on the deceased for support. However, if the beneficiaries are equally related to the deceased and have equal financial needs, they will receive the same estate share. Beneficiaries should consult with an attorney like The Francis Firm to determine how the estate will be divided in their specific case.
5. What Are Hidden Responsibilities You Might Have To Deal With, And How Can A Lawyer Alleviate These?
No one ever expects to deal with the death of a loved one due to the negligence of another. But when it does happen, it is crucial to know that you have options and are not alone. One of the first things you’ll have to do is choose the right lawyer to help you through this difficult time.
A good wrongful death lawyer will be familiar with all the hidden responsibilities you might have to face after the death of your loved one, and they will know how to help alleviate some of the burdens. Some of these hidden responsibilities can include dealing with insurance companies, filing a claim with the court, and dealing with the estate of your loved one.
These are five things to consider before finding legal help for a wrongful death lawsuit.
