Virily Editor
Filing a wrongful death suit is more than just a matter of law. It’s a chance to gain some closure and to ensure the negligent party is held responsible for the behavior, environment, or situation that harmed your loved one.
To help file the claim, find a wrongful death lawyer that meets key qualifications and has the right experience to present your unique case most effectively.
We visited the website of Myrtle Beach wrongful death law firm, Morris Law LLC, and learned about what every client should consider before hiring a wrongful death lawyer. Here are the results.
The Experience of Your Attorney
Your lawyer must have experience building and presenting wrongful death cases and, most importantly, winning them. You put yourself at an immense disadvantage if the attorney lacks the skills to build or manage an effective case. Good intentions are important, but meaning well does ensure success in settlement negotiations or the courtroom.
Your attorney should have, at a minimum:
- Built wrongful death cases, including setting appropriate expectations
- Negotiated settlements with defendants and their insurance companies
- Developed witnesses, including expert witnesses
- Successfully represented clients in court
The Fee Structure of Your Case
Most wrongful death cases will work on a contingency fee basis, which means you will owe nothing upfront, and your attorneys will get paid based on your settlement or the outcome of a court trial. You want to understand, however, how their fees work.
Ask your attorney for a list of all estimated fees and costs, both in terms of settlement and if the case goes before a judge or jury. If any fees are unclear, ask your attorney for a definition of what the fees consist of and an estimate of how much they will cost you. Insist on a work agreement that lists all administrative and clerical costs.
What Your Attorney Thinks of Your Case
Not every case has the same chance of success. Your attorney should be able to tell you what they think about your case and the chances they think it possesses for a successful outcome. Their opinion of your case should include giving you an idea of the amount of damages you can expect and the time commitment required to build and present a successful case.
Knowing your lawyer thinks your case is strong will help build your confidence. That can be important in negotiations and courtroom demeanor. A confident legal team sends a message to everyone involved in the case and sets the groundwork for getting what you deserve.
Rapport With Your Lawyer
You will not end up best friends with your lawyer, but you want to have a good rapport with them. Rapport is essential because you will be spending a lot of time with them building your case, and at some point, you will have to trust them and their recommendations. If they dismiss you or lack empathy, you should consider other options.
Your Role In The Case
Depending on your case’s complexity, your time commitment might vary from minimal to extensive. Because you have the rest of your life to live, generally knowing what the time requirements are to be successful is vital to assess if bringing the case forward is worth it to you and if you have the time to invest to be successful.
At the very least, you will have to attend meetings with your attorney and their legal team and probably must attend some legal proceedings, such as depositions or witness preparation. Understanding ahead of time what the time commitment will let you ensure that you will always be available when your lawyer needs access.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the right wrongful death attorney goes a long way toward ensuring your case will be successful. If you verify that your lawyer meets all the criteria above, you give yourself the best chance possible moving forward.
