How to Select a Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a partner, child, or other family member is traumatic, especially when the event is sudden and due to someone else’s negligent behavior. If a car accident, medical malpractice, or other careless act has taken a loved one away from you, you may have the right to pursue justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Wrongful death cases are complicated and wrought with emotion, so it’s essential to find the right wrongful death attorney to help you see your case through. Read on for six tips on how to pick a wrongful death attorney that the legal team at The Dominguez Firm in Los Angeles, CA, has provided.

Six Tips for Choosing the Most Effective Wrongful Death Attorney

Although it may be tempting to hire the first lawyer you come across, that person might not be the ideal person or team to handle your particular case. An attorney who tackles mostly family law cases, for example, is probably not the right choice for a wrongful death suit. 

Keep the following tips in mind when looking for a wrongful death attorney:

1. Choose an Experienced Lawyer

Research potential lawyers to determine how long they’ve been practicing personal injury law and what kinds of cases they have handled. A wrongful death suit can result from many circumstances, including medical malpractice, car accidents, product malfunctions, and more. Ensure that the attorney you hire has experience with cases like yours for the best possible outcome. 

If you must choose between lawyers, choose the one with more experience in the courtroom. You may settle the lawsuit out of court, but it’s essential to be prepared to go to trial if you need to.

2. Look at Their Track Records

You have several avenues to look into an attorney’s track record. Many law firms include helpful information on their websites that will detail their history of wins and losses. Look for success rates, past settlement amounts, and trial records. 

You can also get a sense of an attorney’s track record through testimonials. See what past clients have had to say. If there are video testimonials, give them a watch. Other great places to look for reviews on a law firm or attorney are Google, Facebook, and Yelp. 

Also, look for the attorney’s or law firm’s awards and accomplishments. They will be easy to find on the website if they have them—a highly-accomplished law firm signals results-driven attorneys. 

3. Consider Costs and Fees

The best attorney for your case may not be the most expensive. Many wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only pay them if they win your lawsuit. This No Win, No Fee setup protects you during a time when you are probably feeling vulnerable, ensuring that you will not get stuck with huge legal fees if you lose the case. 

You can also look for attorneys who offer free consultation services. Free consultations are an excellent way to check out a law firm before committing to anything. If an attorney you’re researching does not provide a free consultation, find one who does.

4. Know What Questions to Ask

During these free consultations, be sure to ask the following questions to find out if the lawyer with whom you’re speaking is an appropriate wrongful death attorney for your case:

• Who will be working on my case? Will a team of attorneys, assistants, and investigators help win my case? Who will be my point of contact?
• Have you worked cases like mine before? This is a chance to find out if they have experience with the type of wrongful death your case involves.
• What can I expect to gain from this lawsuit? Sometimes, it’s hard to set grief aside and recognize the benefits of a wrongful death lawsuit, so ask your attorney about what you have to gain.
• What is your prediction in my case? Will we settle or go to trial? An attorney won’t have a guaranteed answer to this question, but they should give you an opinion based on experience.

Look for straightforward, direct answers to your questions and a tenacious, determined attitude. 

5. Choose an Attorney Who is Experienced in Wrongful Death

An attorney who has never worked a wrongful death case before probably shouldn’t be your first choice. Try to find a law firm that is greatly experienced in personal injury law, including wrongful deaths. These lawyers will have current knowledge of precedents and procedures to provide you with the most effective representation.

6. Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes, people just don’t work well together. An attorney may meet all criteria detailed above but rub you the wrong way as a person. This is a valid realization. It’s okay to go with your gut when choosing a wrongful death attorney. 

This person or group of people will be engaging with you in a lengthy and complicated process. Be sure you like and admire the people you will be working with, or you may end up parting ways before the lawsuit’s resolution.

Contact Our Southern California Law Firm to Speak With a Wrongful Death Attorney

Now that you know how to choose a wrongful death attorney, we hope you’ll select us for help in the Greater Los Angeles, CA, area. Here at The Dominguez Firm, LLP, we are available to speak with you about your wrongful death case, and we will treat you with the compassion you deserve. 

If you trust us with your case, you’ll get the support of a powerhouse team of professionals who will work diligently to attain the results you want. Our team works on a No Win, No Fee basis, so don’t hesitate to call us at (800) 818-1818 to schedule a free consultation.