If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another party, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. It can be difficult to find an experienced attorney let alone an ethical one that has enough resources on hand to take on a case of this nature. Here are some things for survivors of wrongful death cases in Missouri should look for in an attorney.
An experienced wrongful death lawyer will know what steps need to happen in order and how the process is going to work from start to finish. Check this website for a good example.
First and foremost, the wrongful death lawyer will be able to communicate with you on a personal level. This is important because one of the top qualities a wrongful death lawyer will have is empathy and patience.
Once a victim’s case is filed, the lawyer may need to meet with other parties involved such as family members and insurance companies. He or she should empathize when you are discussing how your loved one died so you know he has your best interest in mind.
Paperwork And Documentation
Before a wrongful death case can be brought about, the lawyer will need to file the necessary papers and documents. Those papers include the instructions and information that go with the forms provided and include a filing fee.
Gathering Evidence
In addition to the legal paperwork, he or she will have to gather evidence as well as witness statements. The lawyer will then prepare his or her lawsuit based on this information.
The lawyer will visit various law enforcement agencies such as doctors’ offices to speak with witnesses and potentially those involved in causing the loss of life. Most importantly, the lawyer should be able to communicate with you as the survivor.
Instructions And Information
The lawyer will need to explain how this process will work and what to expect. This information is crucial as it will save the person from many mistakes along the way. The lawyer should also include any extra legal documents he or she may come across.
This type of attorney is hard to find, but finding one that has extensive knowledge of wrongful death cases can lead you down a much shorter path in the process.
Legal Fees
You can expect the legal fees to be expensive. This can be a major setback for many families, especially if they have lost their primary income provider.
The lawyer should not charge anything up front nor should he or she charge any fees until the case is settled. If the case is won, you will be awarded compensation in the form of money from the insurance companies or from a court judgement. The fee should come out of that compensation amount.
In Conclusion
This type of case is very emotional and is difficult for those that have lost loved ones. It is a long process and can take years to go through the justice system. The main goal for your lawyer should be to bring you peace. In order to do this, you will need an attorney that you trust and will be able to communicate with throughout the process.
