Questions to Ask When Choosing a Wrongful Death Lawyer
Choosing the right wrongful death lawyer can affect every stage of your case. Before hiring an attorney, ask questions about their experience, communication, fees, and approach to handling wrongful death claims. The answers can help you determine whether a wrongful death attorney from Rosenthal Law in Roseville is the right fit for your family. Here are some specific questions you can ask and what you should look for.
Do You Handle Wrongful Death Cases Regularly?
Not every Roseville personal injury attorney regularly handles wrongful death claims, so start by confirming their experience.
- How many wrongful death cases have you handled?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine?
- Do you regularly represent surviving family members in California wrongful death lawsuits?
Experience with wrongful death litigation matters because these cases often involve unique damages, liability issues, and procedural rules.
Who Will Actually Handle My Case?
Some law firms advertise experienced Roseville accident attorneys, but assign most of the work to junior associates or even paralegals for some of it. Clarify who you’ll actually be working with.
- Will you personally handle my case?
- Will other attorneys or paralegals be involved?
- Who should I contact if I have questions?
Knowing who will be working on your case helps set expectations from the beginning.
How Will You Communicate With Me?
Wrongful death cases can take months or even years to resolve, so communication is crucial. Ask:
- How often will I receive updates?
- Will I have direct access to my attorney?
- Do you communicate by phone, email, or text?
- How quickly do you typically return calls?
Regular communication can reduce uncertainty throughout the legal process.
What Is Your Assessment of My Case?
No attorney can guarantee a result, but they should be able to explain how they view your case after reviewing the facts.
- What strengths do you see?
- What challenges could affect my claim?
- What additional evidence should be gathered?
An attorney should provide an honest assessment rather than unrealistic promises.
How Are Attorney’s Fees Paid?
Most California wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, but the specifics of the agreements can vary. Find out:
- Do I pay anything up front?
- What percentage is charged if the case is successful?
- Will I be responsible for litigation costs if the case is unsuccessful?
- Are there any other fees I should expect?
Understanding the fee agreement before signing anything helps avoid surprises later.
Is My Case Likely To Settle or Go To Trial?
Most wrongful death claims resolve through settlement, but some proceed to trial, and your lawyer should be prepared for both.
- What factors determine whether my case settles?
- Are you prepared to take my case to trial if necessary?
- What happens if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer?
A lawyer should be comfortable explaining both possibilities before you hire them.
How Long Will My Case Take?
Every wrongful death case is different, and several factors shape the timeline.
- Whether liability is disputed
- The number of defendants involved
- The severity of the damages
- Whether the case settles or proceeds to trial
While no attorney can predict an exact timeline, they should explain what to expect.
What Evidence Will Be Important?
Wrongful death claims often depend on strong evidence, so ask what documents and information will help your case. This often includes:
- Medical records
- Accident reports
- Photographs or videos
- Witness information
- Employment and financial records
- Funeral and burial expenses
You can also ask them how the evidence is collected and what you personally need to do to help.
Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
It’s generally best to contact a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after a loved one’s death. Early legal representation can help preserve evidence, identify liable parties, and ensure important filing deadlines are met, all while allowing your family to focus on grieving as your attorney handles the legal process.
If you have any questions, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation. We have decades of experience handling these types of cases.