When you lose a loved one unexpectedly in an accident or because of medical negligence, you may have the right to hold the responsible party accountable for your suffering. While it can be hard to think about legal proceedings while you’re dealing with grief, it’s something that has to be done. Learn about the numerous ways a personal injury lawyer can help you and your family after a wrongful death.
Legal Insight
In the first few days and weeks after the wrongful death, you might feel confused about what, if any, legal action to take. A personal injury lawyer can objectively review what happened and determine what kind of compensation you are entitled to under your state’s personal injury laws. Legal counsel can also tell you how long you have to file the case before you lose the legal right to pursue action against the responsible party.
Valuation
While you and your family may find the loss of your loved one immeasurable, the state where you live may put a price tag on your suffering. Your attorney can tell you how much you can pursue in terms of compensation. You can also find out what damages, such as loss of the loved one’s income, medical costs, funeral expenses, and more, you can ask the court to award to you.
Investigation
An experienced legal team will know how to investigate the circumstances of the wrongful death. You can find out what really happened and who was to blame for your loved one’s death. Your lawyer can also subpoena eyewitnesses, secure the accident and autopsy reports, and review footage of what took place to bolster your case.
Representation in Court
When you find speaking about the wrongful death too distressing, you may avoid having to when you have a personal injury lawyer represent you. Your attorney can speak for you in court and tell the judge or jury what happened. You avoid the worry of breaking down and not being able to tell the court what it needs to know to decide in your favor.
Legal Finesse
The personal injury lawyer representing you will also have the legal finesse to handle your case competently. That representative will know how to file the case and to what clerk to send the documentation. Your attorney will also know how to interact with the lawyer for the responsible party. You avoid having to go head-to-head with the opposing party’s legal team yourself.
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Negotiations
If the responsible party wants to settle out-of-court, you can have your lawyer handle the negotiations. Your attorney can determine if settling would be in your best interests or if you should continue to pursue a judgment in court. Your legal team can also make sure you receive a settlement that compensates you satisfactorily and protects you from any counter-legal action.
A personal injury lawyer can provide you with vital legal services after a wrongful death. You can find out what happened, learn what compensation you are entitled to as a survivor, and file and pursue a case in court.
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