subject: How A Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help You [print this page] The death of a loved one is always painful, but it is even more so if the death was caused by the negligent, careless or reckless actions of another person. Wrongful death cases differ from all other types of personal injury cases because the victim is not the person bringing the lawsuit. Rather, it is the family members of the victim who pursue the case on behalf of the decedent. A wrongful death lawsuit can help the family seek justice for the emotional suffering and financial losses they have experienced as a result of their loved one's death. Hiring an experienced attorney can help ensure the family gets the justice they deserve.
Just like in any personal injury case, the first step in hiring a wrongful death lawyer is finding the right one to handle your case. Lawyers are just like doctorsthey specialize. Just as you would not hire an obstetrician to treat a broken arm, you would not hire a divorce lawyer to handle a wrongful death case. The family should make a list of wrongful death lawyers in their area, and do a little research on each one. Check online at the attorney's website and lawyer rating services to find information about the attorney's areas of specialty, peer review ratings, previous cases handled and comments from former clients. Then call the local bar association to inquire about the attorney's standing and learn of any complaints against the attorney. Once the list is narrowed down, the family can make an informed decision on which attorney is best to handle their case.
Once the family has hired a lawyer, the law firm should take over all aspects of the case, including investigating the case, interviewing potential witnesses, gathering physical evidence, preparing pertinent documents, and filing the lawsuit. The attorney should return the family's calls promptly and keep them informed about the status of their case. He or she should also inform the family of any offers of settlement made by the defendants in the case, and advise them on whether or not the offer is fair. In essence, the wrongful death attorney you hire will handle your case for you so you can focus on the difficult grieving process.
Wrongful death cases are extremely complicated. That is why it is important to hire an experienced wrongful death lawyer, who can seek just compensation for the family and give them a little peace of mind during a very difficult time. In Colorado, Sloat & Nicholson, P.C. represents victims in all types of personal injury cases, including wrongful death cases, in Boulder, Longmont, and throughout the state. Call 800-873-3202 to schedule a free consultation, or learn more about the firm online at http://www.sloatlaw.com/.
