Choosing a wrongful death lawyer is dependent upon what you are looking for in an attorney. However, there are considerations you can use to guide your decision-making as you choose which firm might be right for you. These can include word of mouth, previous client testimonials, whether the firm you are researching takes wrongful death cases, and whether they have won similar cases to yours in the past.
If you lost a loved one in a New Hyde Park accident, a wrongful death lawyer can support you and represent your family in court.
Things to Consider when Looking for a Lawyer
While many law firms should be expected to represent your interests in an insurance claim or lawsuit, there are several things that may differ across firms, including the services offered and the firm’s track record. The following may be helpful to consider as you begin your search for a firm that will best represent your case.
Not Every Lawyer Takes on Wrongful Death Cases
When you find a firm that interests you, browse their website to learn more about the work they do. You might find out that they exclusively take on class action suits. This might not benefit you if you lost a loved one to an isolated accident.
Additionally, you need to make sure the lawyer you want to represent you is licensed to operate in your state.
You Can Usually Call for a Free Consultation
Many firms provide representatives to speak with prospective clients over the phone at no cost to the client. You could likely call a firm to talk to one of their team members about the firm dynamics, their payment plan, the specifics of your case, and your potential options.
Past Clients Often Write Reviews Online
Taking a close look at a firm’s internet reviews can offer you detailed recommendations (or discouragement) from a firm’s past clients. Such reviews can detail the client’s treatment from the staff, the result of their case, the amount they secured via a settlement, and the way their lawyer operated.
Reading reviews can enable you to get a feel for what working with the firm might be like. Different firms might operate on a strictly-business method, while others pride themselves on close personal attention.
Only you can determine what kind of relationship you are looking for with your legal counsel. Use online reviews to help you choose a wrongful death lawyer.
You Might Know Someone Who Worked with a Wrongful Death Lawyer
One of your family members or friends might have experience with a lawyer that they could recommend to you. While internet reviews can expose you to a large group of a firm’s previous clients, word-of-mouth recommendations can also be helpful.
Choosing the lawyer to help you fight for compensation after losing a loved one is an important choice, and it can be beneficial to use all the information you have to narrow your search.
Why It Is Important to Be Particular about the Lawyer You Choose
Your lawyer will handle a lot of things for you in your case, from the start to the end. Additionally, they will help you seek compensation to cover all applicable losses related to your loved one’s loss.
You don’t want to put the responsibility of acquiring a fair settlement in the hands of a lawyer you do not think is qualified. Make sure you know the firm you retain is the right one for you.
What a lawyer could do for you includes the following:
- Ensure your case falls within the timeline imposed by the state’s statute of limitations (New York Estates, Powers, and Trusts Law (EPT) §5-4.1)
- Seek out evidence to support your testimony
- Valuate your losses, both economic and non-economic
- Keep you updated throughout your case
- Represent you in court
- Negotiate with the insurance company
Your lawyer’s main task on the road to pursuing compensation for you will involve proving liability and negligence. Someone could be responsible for your family member’s death. Your attorney can prove how the accident happened and who should be held accountable. Doing so will require proving that:
- The other party owed your loved one a duty of care.
- This duty was violated.
- The violation caused your loved one’s accident.
- The accident led to your loved one’s passing and the resulting losses.
The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP Can Help You
Call our team at (516) 358-6900 to talk to a member of our staff about the specifics of your case. We offer a free, initial case review where we will discuss your options and next steps. Reach out to the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today to get started.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-358-6900
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information and may not be applicable in your jurisdiction.
