When you lose a loved one, the tragic event can turn your life upside down. You have a legal right to be compensated for your loss and pain if another person’s neglect or wrongdoing caused your loved one’s death. You can seek compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrongful death lawsuits are notoriously difficult and complex. They are filled with highly technical evidence and tough emotions. This is why it’s important to have a top wrongful death attorney advocate for you. At The Larsen Firm, we have multiple, award-winning wrongful death attorneys who can be your champions.
Having a good and successful relationship with your attorney is important. In this article, we have provided six tips for how to find the best wrongful death lawyer for you.
Tip #1: Compile a List of Attorney Names from Reputable Sources
You unfortunately don’t have a lot of time to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Don’t waste your precious time sifting through attorneys who don’t have the right skills to win your case. One of the quickest ways to find the best wrongful death attorneys is to collect qualified attorneys’ names from reputable sources. These sources can include:
- The State Bar of California;
- Legal publications; and
- Family, friends, and colleagues.
You can refine your State Bar and legal publication searches by legal subject matter. And speaking to your friends and family about their specific cases and experiences with their attorneys can give you a great idea of whether a certain attorney is right for your case.
Tip #2: Research the Attorneys You Find
You want to make sure the attorney you choose is properly qualified, is in good standing with the State Bar, and deals with their clients appropriately. You can confirm an attorney’s qualifications and standing by using the State Bar of California attorney search page. The search page can tell you how long an attorney has been licensed, whether they’re in good standing, and whether they have a history of disciplinary actions.
Once you know basic information about an attorney’s standing and disciplinary history, you can do an online search of the attorney’s name and location to see if they have positive or negative reviews from other clients. And if you have friends or family who have used the attorney you’re considering, they can give you some of the most detailed information about what you can expect.
Tip #3: Book a Consultation to Observe How Knowledgeable and Organized an Attorney Is About Your Legal Issue
Gathering information about an attorney through the accounts of others can be useful. However, it’s important that you find out how an attorney might handle your specific case. You can achieve this by booking an initial consultation. Many attorneys, including The Larsen Firm, offer free initial consultations to potential clients.
When you call to schedule a consultation, pay attention to whether the attorney’s office asks you to bring certain documents or information to your appointment. If the office doesn’t immediately instruct you to bring documents, ask if there is anything you should bring. Wrongful death cases are complex, and a good wrongful death attorney knows exactly what documents and information they need to properly assess your case, even in the beginning stages.
Take detailed notes about your case before attending your consultation. Notes help you give the attorney a clear sequence of events. A skilled attorney should be able to give you a thorough and clear breakdown of your options and chances during the first conversation you have.
This shows that an attorney is knowledgeable, experienced, and great with communication. These are necessary qualities for successful litigation and settlement negotiation.
Tip #4: Ask Potential Attorneys About Their Experience with Reading Technical Records and Using Experts
In a wrongful death case, you must prove that the defendant’s wrong actions were the cause of your loved one’s death. Proving this normally requires highly technical evidence and testimony from medical and other experts. If you want to know how to find the best wrongful death lawyer, one good way is to look for an attorney who has at least a basic understanding of the medical and technical matters in your case. Your attorney should know the basics of how to read medical and technical records. They should also have easy access to the kinds of expert witnesses necessary for a victory in your case.
Tip #5: Look for an Attorney Who Knows How to Negotiate Settlements and Argue in Court
In a wrongful death lawsuit, you might have to change your legal strategy as your case progresses. This means your attorney needs to be ready for anything. The best wrongful death attorneys know how to negotiate good settlements when litigation is not worth the time, money, and pain. Good wrongful death attorneys are also ready to go to trial when the defendant doesn’t offer enough at the settlement table. Your attorney should have a successful history using both of these legal options, and they should know when to use them.
Tip #6: Look for an Attorney with a Good Wrongful Death Case Success Rate
If you’re wondering how to find a wrongful death attorney who’s good for you, remember that while experience, knowledge, and skill are crucial, they’re not that helpful if your attorney doesn’t get results. During consultations, ask attorneys about their track records with successful litigation and settlements. You should also ask how many cases each attorney has handled. Good attorneys understand and can answer these questions immediately.
If You Need a Champion, You Can Talk to Our Attorneys Today
There are so many questions to answer after the passing of someone you love. If you’re ready to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you might be asking, Who are the best wrongful death lawyers near me? You can look to The Larsen Firm for your answer. We are top-rated, wrongful death attorneys who serve the people of California. And we consistently get results for grieving victims seeking justice and legal relief. We have a 99% success rate, and we have recovered more than $950 million for wrongful death plaintiffs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us in painful times. We’re available 24 hours a day. You can contact us online or call us at 1-855-508-9565 for a free consultation.