A wrongful death is one in which an innocent victim pays the ultimate price for another party’s negligence or recklessness. Obviously, this is an intensely sensitive matter, and a victim’s survivors are dealing with both their grief and the injustice of such a senseless loss. For these reasons, you want to trust your case to the attorney who is best able to handle the nuances and complexities of a wrongful death matter. To help find the best representation, be sure to ask these three questions before hiring.
Questions to Ask a Wrongful Death Attorney Before Hiring
1. Do You Mostly Handle Wrongful Death Cases?
Wrongful death is a subset of personal injury law. A personal injury attorney has specific experience handling cases like this. They have a proven track record in helping victims get the compensation necessary to heal and move forward. They understand how the law works and how it can best protect you and your interests. In short, they know how to most effectively advocate for you and your legal rights.
2. Who Will Be My Main Point of Contact?
Pursuing a wrongful death case can be a stressful experience. You want to find an attorney who is an ally and support at every step of the process. A lawyer who makes themselves—or another specific person in their office—available to you as a main point of contact is demonstrating their commitment to keeping you informed and reassured. Bear in mind that in mid or larger sized law firms, a lawyer may delegate certain responsibilities to others on staff. Don’t hesitate to ask for the contact information of all those who will be working on your case.
3. Do I Have a Viable Case?
A wrongful death case needs to meet certain criteria to be legally sound. During the consultation, an attorney should be able to tell you if your case meets the necessary benchmarks and how confident they are in a successful outcome. They should also be upfront with you about how much your case is worth. Be cautious of any legal professional who promises you a certain dollar amount. At such an early stage, this kind of promise is impossible to make. Trust the lawyer who is cautious about figures.
The attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Associates, LLC are here to help you navigate the intricacies of a wrongful death matter. They represent clients throughout Western Wisconsin, the Coulee Region, and the Driftless Area. In addition to wrongful deaths, they handle all types of personal injury cases, as well as workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability claims. Call (877) 784-1230 or visit them online to schedule a consultation.