The unexpected death of a close family member can be an incredibly traumatic experience. As you try to come to terms with unimaginable loss, you might find yourself confronted by steadily mounting expenses—from the cost of a loved one’s medical care to funeral fees and burial costs. Hiring a wrongful death attorney can be very beneficial at this time; however, choosing the right attorney for your family’s needs is not always easy. 
The Benefits of Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit might seem like a difficult decision. Even if your family is facing significant financial problems, contacting an attorney and heading to court may feel too challenging and as if you’re profiting from the unexpected death of a loved one.
However, filing a claim has many benefits. A wrongful death lawsuit could help your family:
- Repay your loved one’s medical expenses
- Fund a funeral
- Recover lost income
- Hold a wrongdoer liable for the misconduct
- Force a negligent company or government entity to change its policies, preventing other families from losing a loved one under similar circumstances
Finding the Right Wrongful Death Attorney
While filing a wrongful death lawsuit can be beneficial for many reasons, selecting the right attorney is critical. The choice you make can improve or jeopardize your family’s chances of making a successful recovery.
Before committing to a lawyer, you may want to consider the following:
How Much Experience Do They Have?
Wrongful death claims often have high stakes. Since the defendant and their insurance company may stand to lose a significant amount of money, they will typically do everything in their power to devalue your potential damages. You should only consider hiring an attorney who has extensive experience not only in wrongful death claims but the specific subset of claims most relevant to your case. For example, if your family member died in a motorcycle crash, your attorney should be knowledgeable about both wrongful death law and motor vehicle law.
Do They Have Enough Time to Give Your Case the Attention It Deserves?
Hiring a big-name firm with a massive marketing budget is not always the best move. While a large law firm could offer more resources, your case may not be the office’s top priority, preventing you from getting the representation you deserve.
What Are Their Results?
Lawyers get a lot of business from referrals. However, while many people might know a good car crash attorney or an advocate who knows how to win a slip-and-fall lawsuit, your family and friends might not know who to speak to about a wrongful death claim. If you do not already know a reputed wrongful death attorney, use the internet to your advantage, focusing on client testimonials, settlements, and other indicators of a successful, compassionate professional.
Unlike attorneys who practice in other forms of law, wrongful death attorneys routinely offer free consultations. If you find a firm that seems well-equipped to handle your case, schedule an appointment and talk to the people there before making a decision.
What to Ask Your Wrongful Death Attorney
A consultation serves several critical purposes. Not only does this initial meeting help the attorney assess your case, but it provides an opportunity for you to ask questions that can help you make a decision before hiring your attorney:
- How long have you practiced wrongful death law?
- Why do you represent wrongful death clients?
- How will you prepare for my case?
- What sort of evidence do you think you will need to establish liability?
- Who is going to work on my case—a senior lawyer or an associate attorney?
- Do you typically settle cases out of court, or are you willing to take my claim to trial if the defendant is not willing to negotiate in good faith?
- Do you accept new cases on a contingency fee basis?
Has Your Loved One Died Due to the Negligence of Others?
If your loved one died due to the negligence of others, you need to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Warwick office directly at 401.946.3200 to schedule your free consultation. We help families in Providence, Warwick, and all areas of Rhode Island.
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