5 Qualities to Look for When Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one is never easy, but it can be especially hard when the death was both unanticipated and preventable. Sadly, unintentional injuries a leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 100,000 families affected by these tragedies each year.

If you lost a family member because someone failed to act with reasonable care, you deserve justice. While filing a wrongful death claim won’t bring the deceased back, it could yield the funds needed to maintain your financial security in the wake of the loss. Holding the liable party accountable could also provide a sense of closure.

A personal injury attorney can help you navigate every stage of the claims process; however, it’s important that you find a lawyer with the skills and experience to provide effective representation. To give your case the best chance of success, here are some of the most important factors to consider when evaluating an attorney:

1. Relevant Experience

Personal injury law is an incredibly broad practice area, encompassing everything from medical malpractice to dog bites. Because demonstrating fault in a drunk driving accident demands a different strategy than proving liability for a slip and fall, it’s important to find someone who has experience resolving cases like yours. Remember: Not all personal injury firms are well-versed in all areas of personal injury law.

2. The Confidence to Go to Court

While most wrongful death claims are settled before reaching court, there’s always the chance that yours will proceed to trial. As such, it’s wise to hire an attorney who has the trial experience to see your case through to the end.

Be wary of firms that settle 100 percent of their cases. While this could be indicative of strategic negotiating tactics, it could also mean they avoid trial at all costs and might advise you to accept a low settlement against your best interests.

3. A Network of Well-Credentialed Experts

Deposition from medical and financial experts often plays a critical role in the outcome of wrongful death cases. Ask the prospective attorney about their experience deposing expert witnesses in wrongful death cases.

4. A Good Reputation

The best practices have made a name for themselves both among their clients and in the legal field. Online reviews can give you an idea of the quality of representation the law firm provides.

5. Empathy

Losing a loved one is utterly devastating. During such a stressful time, you deserve counsel from someone who understands what you’re going through—and what’s at stake. If the lawyer seems apathetic, look elsewhere for representation.

Speak with a Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

To discuss your loss with a compassionate lawyer and determine whether you have grounds for a claim, contact Emerson Straw. Our legal team has more than 40 years of combined experience representing accident victims and their loved ones. Call (727) 821-1500 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a wrongful death attorney.