Losing a wife, husband, mother, father, child, or other relative as a result of medical negligence is one of the hardest things a person can go through. This is why it is critical that the victim’s family pursues a wrongful death lawsuit in order to collect just compensation for their loss. Although there are many different law firms in Virginia and Washington D.C. that can help you file a claim against Inova or another hospital, not all attorneys will be the best fit for this type of claim.
Wrongful deaths are often complicated, which is why it is best to find a lawyer who has not only handled wrongful death cases previously but who has also been successful. This is why it is essential that families know what to look for when hiring a lawyer to pursue their wrongful death lawsuit. Although referrals from family and friends are a wonderful way to find a lawyer, it is important that you find out if that attorney has the experience you need.
Questions to Ask a Lawyer
Before hiring an attorney for a wrongful death claim, spend time with the attorney to find out if he or she has the experience you are looking for. In order to make this determination, you should ask certain questions. The lawyer you want will be able to say “Yes” to the following questions and will be able to provide you with examples and make you feel comfortable hiring their law firm:
- Do you have experience handling a wrongful death claim? Wrongful death cases can be complex, which is why you want an attorney with this type of experience. An attorney with experience holding hospitals, doctors, and other negligent parties responsible for wrongful deaths knows the importance of gathering and preserving evidence and knows how to establish a strong case.
- Do you have experience handling a medical malpractice lawsuit? Just because a lawyer has experience in wrongful death doesn’t mean the attorney regularly handles medical malpractice cases. This experience is extremely important if medical negligence is a factor in your wrongful death lawsuit. An attorney with this type of experience will know what to look for and will be familiar with medical malpractice laws and the ins and outs of these types of cases.
- Do you battle insurance companies on a daily basis? It may surprise you, but some attorneys do not personally negotiate their clients’ cases. You will want an attorney who isn’t afraid to battle an insurance company on your behalf and take your case to trial if the insurer isn’t making a fair offer. Attorneys who do this on a regular basis will give your case an advantage.
- Have you successfully tried a similar case in court? Although many lawyers have courtroom experience, it may actually surprise you to learn that most attorneys do not try cases in court. In fact, most cases are settled outside of court. However, you need an attorney on your side who has gone to court previously and who has received successful results. If you have a lawyer with this type of experience, you will put yourself in the best position possible. Insurance companies know which lawyers have courtroom experience and they know who isn’t afraid to take a case to trial. Aligning yourself with a lawyer or law firm with this reputation can serve your case well.
Because the outcome of a wrongful death lawsuit can protect your family’s financial future, it is critical that you get the best possible recovery. In order to do this, you need the right attorney handling your wrongful death lawsuit.
Because the lawyer and law firm you hire really matters to your case outcome, you should spend time with several different attorneys before making a decision. For this reason, we would be honored to provide you with a complimentary consultation so that you can get to know us and allow us to answer your questions. We would also like to provide you with past case results and client testimonials.