Dealing with the death of a loved one can be one of the most difficult things you will ever face. Especially in the case of a wrongful death claim, where a death is caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another, you may not know what to do or how to respond.
You might be experiencing feelings of grief, confusion, frustration, and anger. Further, you may be facing financial hardships as you deal with expenses arising out of their death. As difficult as things may feel right now, know that you are not alone and things will get better.
If you believe you may have a valid wrongful death claim, consider contacting a wrongful death attorney. While an attorney may be the last thing on your mind right now, it is never too soon to start thinking about your next steps. In fact, hiring an attorney can be one of the best things you can do moving forward. Here are four ways a wrongful death attorney can help with your case.
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1. An Attorney Can Provide You With Support
While a good wrongful death attorney will certainly provide you with legal advice and representation, a great one knows that the job is so much more than that.
As one Dallas wrongful death attorney puts it, “For most of our clients, we meet them when the worst thing that ever could happen to them has happened. We know that they want more than an attorney; they want someone who will listen attentively, treat them with respect, and guide them toward a successful resolution of their legal dilemma.”
A wrongful death attorney can provide you with both legal and emotional support in one of the most difficult times in your life. And while you may feel overwhelmed while grieving the death of your loved one, a lawyer can provide the objectivity you need to help you make the best decisions for your case.
2. An Attorney Can Help You Determine What Your Claim Might Be Worth
If your loved one has died as a result of the negligent or intentional act of another, you may be able to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. However, if you have never dealt with a wrongful death claim before, you may not know what compensation you may be entitled to.
An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you assess your claim and determine what it might be worth. For example, recoverable damages in a wrongful death action will often include compensation for:
- Medical and funeral expenses connected to your loved one’s death;
- Loss of expected earnings;
- Loss of benefits or inheritance;
- Your own mental anguish or pain and suffering; and
- Loss of care, comfort, consortium, and companionship.
Knowing what damages exist in your wrongful death case is crucial. These damages are what will allow you to begin the process toward financial and emotional recovery. Thus, having a lawyer who understands what compensation you may be entitled to can ultimately help you maximize your recovery.
3. An Attorney Can Worry About The Law So You Don’t Have To
While a lawyer is never necessary in a wrongful death case, having one can be a fantastic benefit from a legal perspective.
A wrongful death claim can be difficult to navigate on your own. There are many legal intricacies that only an experienced professional will know how to handle.
Many wrongful death attorneys will have years of experience practicing in this particular area of the law. This type of extensive experience allows wrongful death attorneys to efficiently and effectively handle a difficult process.
Additionally, a lawyer can help you in the event your case needs to go to trial. Roughly 97% of legal disputes are resolved before they ever get to a trial. But what if your case ends up in the other 3% of cases that do make it to trial? If you end up going to trial, it will be even more important to have a lawyer assist with your case.
A lawyer can help you by:
- Collecting evidence,
- Obtaining witnesses,
- Analyzing the law;
- Making sure you adhere to court dates and deadlines;
- Preparing for trial, and
- Advocating on your behalf at trial.
Without any legal background or experience, handling a trial on your own can be overwhelming. A lawyer who does this for a living can handle your case so that you don’t have to. Instead, you can use this time to be with family and friends and focus on your recovery.
4. An Attorney Can Ultimately Save You Time And Money
Lastly, a wrongful death attorney can help you save time and money.
One of the main reasons people are hesitant to hire an attorney is because they believe doing so may not be worth the cost. However, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, having the right wrongful death attorney in your corner can help save you time and money in the end.
Many wrongful death attorneys will offer free consultations or case evaluations to assess your case and the veracity of your claims. If you seek a free consultation with a lawyer who tells you that you may not have a strong likelihood of success, this can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Additionally, wrongful death attorneys will frequently offer their services on a contingency fee basis. Contingency is a type of fee arrangement in which the attorney will not charge you for their services unless and until they win your case. Typically, a percentage will be determined upfront, and you will pay your attorney only if you win your case.
This means that if you are ultimately unsuccessful, then you will not have to pay any money out of pocket. On the other hand, if you win your case, you will pay only a percentage of your total compensation.
If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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