When you lose a loved one due to wrongful death, your first thought is probably not how to find a lawyer. However, due to the complexities of wrongful death litigation, an experienced wrongful death lawyer can be an invaluable asset.
This blog post discusses a few key reasons why you should hire a qualified lawyer and file a wrongful death lawsuit.
1. You Deserve to Know the Truth
The wrongful death of a family member is always tragic and emotional. You may feel confused, angry, or even grief-stricken. While you can’t undo what happened, you can uncover the facts related to your loved one’s death to find some solace and closure for you and your family.
A credible wrongful death lawyer can investigate the case to find out who is responsible and what caused the wrongful death. They could look at the deceased’s medical records, review police reports, examine witness statements, and gather expert opinions to compile an accurate and fact-based wrongful death claim. This way, you can get the answers you need to know exactly what happened to your loved one.
Once you know the truth, you can decide how you want to move forward. You could choose to pursue legal action through wrongful death litigation or opt for an out-of-court settlement. Whichever path you choose, an experienced wrongful death lawyer can provide you with the guidance and resources to make this difficult decision.
2. You Need to Secure Your Family’s Financial Future
Wrongful death lawsuits aren’t just about justice but also financial compensation for the losses the deceased’s family members suffer. A family member’s wrongful death can leave significant financial losses––more so if the deceased was the sole breadwinner.
You could also seek damages for the emotional trauma your family suffered as a result of the death. A skilled wrongful death lawyer could argue that your loved one’s death caused a loss of love and companionship, which resulted in significant financial losses for your family.
Your lawyer can help you pursue your claim and secure financial compensation for these losses. This compensation could also cover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral costs
- Lost wages and income
The amount of compensation is likely to vary depending on the facts of the case, but a wrongful death lawyer can work with you to get the best possible outcome. They will properly document and value your damages to come up with an accurate settlement amount.
If the defendant tries to offer a lower settlement, your lawyer can help you negotiate a higher amount. They could present evidence and expert testimony to prove the extent of your damages and, as a result, increase the settlement offer.
3. You Have a Limited Time to File Your Claim
Wrongful death claims are subject to a statute of limitations. In other words, you have a limited time frame within which to file your wrongful death lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to pursue litigation and seek justice or compensation for the wrongful death.
A wrongful death lawyer can help you figure out the applicable statute of limitations and ensure you meet all the deadlines. If you do miss the deadline, they may also try to petition for an extension of time.
Some states allow wrongful death claimants to file a late claim if they can provide evidence of an extraordinary circumstance or certain extenuating conditions.
For instance, if the defendant already has another case pending against them, your lawyer could use this information to file an extension request. They could request the court to allow your case to proceed after the defendant settles the initial case. You could get up to a year’s extra time to file your lawsuit.
If the wrongful death was due to medical malpractice, your wrongful death lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to extend the statute of limitations. You could get up to two years and six months from the date you discovered or should have reasonably known that medical negligence caused the wrongful death.
Keep in mind that wrongful death cases are complex and require a thorough understanding of local laws and procedures. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can navigate the complexities of wrongful death law and make sure that your case goes as smoothly as possible. Ultimately, their job is to help you work the legal system to your advantage, so your case gets to a satisfactory resolution.
When a wrongful death tragedy occurs, you may feel like justice is out of reach. But a wrongful death lawyer can help you access justice, accountability, and closure. At Siben & Siben LLP, we understand how wrongful death can impact families, and we’ll work tirelessly to help you get the justice your family deserves.
Contact us today to learn more about wrongful death litigation and how we can help.