Losing a loved one because of another’s negligence can be one of the most devastating events of a person’s life. What’s worse is that in the midst of grief, families are left to try to make sense of how to deal with the aftermath and a legal process they never expected to face.
Choosing a wrongful death attorney can be one of the most important decisions you make, helping lessen the burdens of this stressful time and ensuring your loved one’s rights are protected. The right attorney will not only guide you through each step with compassion and clarity but will also fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
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Understand What Wrongful Death Cases Involve
When someone dies due to another person’s or entity’s wrongful act, a family can file a civil action known as a wrongful death claim. In Maryland, this can include negligence, reckless behavior, or even intentionally trying to cause harm.
Common examples include fatal car crashes, workplace-related incidents, defective products, and medical malpractice cases.
According to Maryland law, wrongful death actions may be brought by immediate family members such as spouses, parents, or children of the deceased. The purpose is to seek compensation for the emotional and financial consequences the family suffered due to the death.
Prioritize Experience With Similar Cases
It may be surprising to learn that not all personal injury attorneys handle wrongful death cases. Even fewer have substantial experience with cases similar to yours. Be specific when reviewing the experience of a legal team:
- Have they handled fatal car accidents or medical malpractice cases?
- Do they regularly go to trial or primarily settle outside of court?
- Have they successfully worked with families trying to navigate complex claims with multiple liable parties?
The right attorney will feel like a good fit for your case and understand both the legal framework and the emotional challenges that come with these types of claims.
Look Into Past Results
An attorney’s past case results can tell you a lot about them. They may not guarantee the outcome of your case, but they offer insights about how they’ve handled similar situations. Many firms list case results on their websites. Focus on:
- Settlement amounts or jury verdicts in wrongful death claims
- Types of cases resolved
- Client feedback about how the firm handled their experience
Looking into these things ahead of time can help you make a more informed decision.
Evaluate Their Communication Style
The legal process can sometimes be lengthy and cumbersome. You’ll want an attorney who keeps you regularly informed and can answer any questions in a timely manner. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how they explain the process to you, how clearly they can answer your questions, and whether they take the time to understand all of your concerns.
Effective communication is essential for an attorney-client relationship, especially in cases involving grief and loss. A lawyer who is patient, compassionate, and available to ease your concerns and answer pressing questions can be a benefit in relieving your stress during the process.
Check Reviews and Reputation
While not every review tells the full story, when there are consistent themes in client feedback, it can reveal a lot. Look for reviews that mention positives and negatives about:
- Responsiveness and availability
- Clarity and thoroughness in explaining the legal process
- Support through emotionally difficult times
- Example timelines and the settlement results
You can find reviews through multiple avenues, including Google and Yelp. Look for what people say on social media platforms, too. Additionally, you can verify that an attorney is in good standing with the Maryland State Bar Association.
Understand the Fee Structure
Most wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. Still, it is important to understand exactly what upfront fees there may be and whether there are additional costs for things like expert witnesses or filing fees.
Make sure to get this information clearly outlined in a retainer agreement before you move forward with an attorney.
Ask The Right Questions
When you meet for a consultation, be prepared with a list of questions to enable you to compare options later. Examples include:
- How many Baltimore wrongful death cases have you handled?
- Are there any challenges you foresee with my case?
- Will you personally be handling my case?
- How often do you update clients on progress or new information?
Taking notes during this meeting can help you remember the pros and cons of all of the lawyers you may have met with so you can make the best decision possible.
A Trusted Baltimore Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Make The Difference
Filing a wrongful death claim isn’t just about obtaining compensation. It’s about holding a negligent individual or multiple parties accountable for their actions.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers understands what Baltimore families go through in these types of cases. With decades of experience, our team offers guidance and support when it matters most. Call our Baltimore wrongful death attorneys today at (410) 837-2144 to schedule a free consultation and take the first steps toward justice for your loved one.
