How To Find a Wrongful Death Lawyer in California

Choosing the right attorney is essential for the success of a wrongful death claim. Having the right attorney can make or break the case. You need an attorney who is knowledgeable, experienced, organized, and has the passion to advocate for your just compensation.

Do not underestimate the importance of taking your time to talk to a potential attorney and determine if they are the “right” fit. Having an attorney who is experienced and capable of handling a case is crucial, but it is just as important to find one with whom you can have a relationship.

Essential Questions to Ask a Potential Wrongful Death Lawyer

1. How many wrongful death claims have you handled?

There is no such thing as having too much experience. Ask an attorney how many wrongful death claims they have handled and what the outcomes of those cases were. Find out how many cases the attorney has taken to trial versus how many cases the attorney has settled out of court. It is important to know that your attorney can see your case through to the end, whether in trial or settlement.

2. Who will be handling my case day-to-day?

Law firms handle their cases in different ways. One attorney may get assigned a case, and only that attorney will be involved. Other firms have a team of attorneys working on any given case. It is essential to know who is working on your case so that you can stay informed about everything that is going on.

3. What is the attorney/law firm’s caseload?

You need to be sure that your attorney will be able to give your case the time and attention needed to be successful. Additionally, making sure that there is qualified support staff to assist an attorney is necessary. Make sure you know that there is a competent team/attorney who has sufficient time to work on your case, even if it goes to trial.

4. What is your client communication policy?

Understanding a legal claim can be complicated. You will have questions. You need an attorney who will answer those questions and explain everything to you. Ensure that the attorney or their team will provide regular updates on the status of your case and be available to answer your queries promptly.

5. Do you work on contingency?

Most personal injury/wrongful death attorneys do not ask for payment throughout the case but instead will be compensated through a portion of the settlement or judgment amount. This means you won’t have to worry about legal fees upfront, which can be crucial during an already stressful time.

6. Do you have former client testimonials I can read?

Reputation is vital in the legal field. Some attorneys get clients because of the excellent work they did in a case, and that news spreads. Reading client testimonials of a firm can be an assurance that the attorney can handle your case. Positive reviews and testimonials can give you confidence in your choice of attorney.

7. What is your experience with cases similar to mine?

Every wrongful death case is unique, but some may have particular similarities to others. Ask the attorney if they have handled cases similar to yours in terms of circumstances, the parties involved, or the types of damages sought. This can give you an idea of how well-versed they are in dealing with specific issues that may arise in your case.

8. How do you approach settlements versus trials?

Understanding an attorney’s philosophy and approach to handling cases can be very telling. Some attorneys may prefer to settle out of court to save time and costs, while others may be more inclined to take a case to trial if they believe it will result in a better outcome for their client. Knowing this can help you understand what to expect and how aggressively the attorney will pursue your case.

9. What is your success rate?

While past success does not guarantee future results, an attorney with a high success rate in wrongful death cases will likely be well-equipped to handle your case. Ask about their success rate in both settlements and trials to get a better sense of their track record.

10. Can you provide a rough timeline for my case?

While it is impossible to predict the exact timeline of a legal case, experienced attorneys can give you a general idea of how long your case might take. This can help you set expectations and plan accordingly.

The Importance of Legal Expertise in Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death claims are highly complex and require a deep understanding of various legal areas, including personal injury law, insurance law, and, in some cases, criminal law. A qualified wrongful death lawyer in California will be familiar with state-specific laws and statutes, such as California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, which outlines the parties eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Benefits of Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney

• In-depth Knowledge of the Law: An experienced attorney will know the intricacies of wrongful death laws and how to apply them to your case.
• Resource Access: They will have access to a network of experts, such as medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists, to build a strong case.
• Negotiation Skills: Skilled attorneys can effectively negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Courtroom Experience: If your case goes to trial, having an attorney with courtroom experience is invaluable.

Call Today for a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Wrongful Death Claim

Choosing the right wrongful death lawyer in California is crucial to ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve after losing a loved one. By asking the right questions and thoroughly vetting potential attorneys, you can find someone who is not only qualified but also a good fit for your needs.

The wrongful death attorneys at Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers are here for you. We combine knowledge, experience, and compassion to assert your legal rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Call us today for your free consultation to discuss your case.