The loss of a loved one can leave you reeling. In this difficult time, considering the financial reality of your situation may be the last thing you want to do. However, finding yourself without the necessary funds to sustain yourself can make an already troubling time even more stressful. If your loved one died as a result of someone else's actions or negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. You can seek this compensation by filing a wrongful death suit. If you'd like to pursue this course of action, here are four things you'll need to do:
1. Seek a wrongful death attorney.
The laws regarding wrongful death suits are complicated, and they vary by state. A wrongful death attorney can explain the local laws to you and help you navigate your situation. If you're concerned about being able to afford legal fees, you can try to find a lawyer who works on contingency. Lawyers who work on contingency will take a portion of the money you receive in damages or as a settlement, freeing you from the responsibility of paying upfront.
2. Compile helpful evidence.
In order to win your wrongful death suit, your attorney will need to show the court that your loved one's death was the fault of the defendant. In order to do this, they will need to uncover compelling evidence. You can help by offering anything that might be useful for the cause. Police reports may be useful in criminal cases. If your loved one's wrongful death was caused by medical malpractice, your lawyer may ask you to procure the relevant medical records. Stay in communication with your wrongful death attorney so you can help them during the evidence discovery process.
3. Be ready to testify.
You may be asked to testify during a wrongful death suit. When considering how much to award in damages, the judge will consider how your loved one's death has impacted you. They will consider things like loss of financial support as well as loss of companionship and guidance. If you know you will be called upon to testify, you may want to take some time to prepare a statement in advance.
4. Know when to settle.
In some cases, the defendant of your wrongful death suit may seek to settle the matter outside of court. A settlement can save you a lengthy, stressful court battle. If you think you'd like to settle, look to your attorney for guidance. They can let you know if the settlement offer is reasonable so you can make an informed decision.
Share13 January 2020
Getting in any sort of car accident is traumatic, especially if your injuries are bad enough to land you in the hospital. The last thing you want to worry about after the crash is medical bills, but sadly, insurance companies do not always make it easy to collect the funds to cover those expenses. On top of that, you have lost wages from the days you missed at work. There is a solution. Personal injury and car accident attorneys are there to make sure you get the compensation you deserve after a car accident. We've created this website to help you learn more about their services.