Legal Guide

3 Signs You Need A Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is a terrible experience to go through, and if your loved one was the victim of wrongful death, it can be even more upsetting knowing that this could have been avoided. Following this tragic loss, you will need to navigate a maze of legal steps in order to make sure that you and your family are financially protected from the impacts that this loss may have on your stability and income. The emotional impact of this loss can not be fixed with any amount of legal assistance, but at least when you work with an attorney, you can focus on your family and emotional needs while knowing that someone is fighting for your financial stability.

Take a look below at 3 signs that you may need to hire a wrongful death lawyer after your loss. Luckily, wrongful death or personal injury attorneys typically offer initial consultations so that you can learn more about how they can help you with your specific situation. If these following signs seem familiar, or if you believe that you need an attorney for any other reason not mentioned, find one as soon as possible.

The Death Was a Crime

If you lost your loved one and the person responsible for the death is convicted of murder or manslaughter, then you will likely be able to sue for the wrongful death. Keep in mind that the damages you are awarded by the courts may not be realistic, because you will need to then recover the damages from the defendant, who may or may not have the funds possible to do so. When you are working with an experienced wrongful death lawyer, you will be able to work together to identify the best approach to getting you the support that you deserve after this type of situation.

In some cases, such as the famous civil ruling involving OJ Simpson, a defendant can have their criminal charges dismissed but still be ordered to pay civil damages for the alleged crime. Once you are partnered with an attorney, you will be able to explore all of the details and begin to build an aggressive case.

Your Loved One Was the Victim of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a serious issue. When someone visits a doctor or other medical professional, they have every right to expect that the medical professionals they are working with are taking every possible step to maximize their safety. In circumstances such as surgical errors, misdiagnoses or failure to diagnose an illness or disease, or even something like a prescription mix-up, a patient can be put into dangerous situations if the practitioner makes careless mistakes.

It is absolutely essential after a situation like this that you never sign anything without consulting with an attorney. It is likely that you are very stressed and overwhelmed during this time, and it is important that you ensure that you keep every option available for compensation. Signing waivers or statements without legal support can complicate your case down the road.

Your Loved One Was Killed in a Car Accident

After any car accident, there is a period of investigation to determine who was at fault, and what actions they took to be at faults, such as texting and driving, drunk driving, speeding, or anything else that led to the crash. Once this is established, a surviving victim, or the family members of someone who was killed in this accident, will be able to seek compensation from the insurance company that represents the other driver.

It is important that you work with an attorney any time you interact with an insurance company because no matter how clear your case seems to be, the insurance company will always be taking active steps to restrict the amount of money that they will ultimately pay for your claim.


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