Losing a loved one is a painful experience made worse when the cause is due to someone else’s negligence. In such situations, some families may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to seek justice. The best decision the family can make is to consult a wrongful death lawyer.
A wrongful death lawyer removes the burden of managing your case and protects your rights while seeking justice and compensation. These attorneys will provide skillful legal guidance, support, and proper representation throughout the legal process.
Contact a wrongful death lawyer in Evansville to handle your case if you have lost a loved one due to an auto accident, medical malpractice, or workplace accident.
In this article, we will explain what is involved in a wrongful death lawsuit, the role of the wrongful death lawyer, and the rights they protect.
What is Involved in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit takes place after a loved one dies due to an avoidable mistake of another party. For example, the family of a worker who died due to a company’s negligence in repairing a flight of stairs that supervisors raised as a concern on several occasions may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Eligible parties who can file the lawsuit include:
- The surviving spouse
- Children
- Siblings or parents
- A personal representative of the deceased person’s estate
While it is possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit without a lawyer in Indiana, the procedural rules, legal requirements, and deadlines can be overwhelming. Experienced Indianapolis wrongful death attorneys will take care of the details, giving you time to grieve.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Assist
A competent wrongful death lawyer can offer valuable assistance in navigating the legal process. They can also provide legal advice, answer questions, and offer emotional support throughout the legal process. The following are other crucial roles of a wrongful death lawyer:
- Filing a lawsuit: A lawyer often files a lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members. The lawyer will take care of the paperwork and ensure the filing meets all the legal requirements.
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding the death: An efficient lawyer will gather evidence, obtain expert opinions, and interview witnesses to determine the details of the accident and who is responsible.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: A wrongful death lawyer understands that insurance companies focus on reducing the compensation victims deserve. Hence, your attorneys can negotiate a more favorable settlement deal because they will detect foul play.
- Representing the family in court: If the insurance company declines to give you the compensation you deserve, a wrongful death lawyer will take your case to court and aim to get you full compensation.
Although these roles may appear straightforward, many victims in Indiana have lost cases or received a fraction of the money they deserve because they hired lawyers who were unwilling to go the extra mile.
Fortunately, Wagner Reese Law Firm has experienced wrongful death lawyers that Evansville residents can rely on to take care of their wrongful death cases.
The Legal Rights Your Wrongful Death Attorney Protects
A wrongful death lawyer can protect the legal rights of the surviving family members because they understand the legal system and insurance laws. In addition, they will know that insurance companies and other parties involved can try to minimize or deny part of the claim. Examples of the legal rights a wrongful death lawyer protects include the right to:
- Seek compensation for damages: The lawyer will help the family calculate the full extent of their damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and loss of income.
- Hold the responsible party accountable: Your lawyer will investigate and ensure the at-fault party is held liable for their negligent action.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies can mislead victims into believing that what they offer as compensation is non-negotiable. They cannot use that trick when a lawyer handles the case.
- Access evidence: A lawyer knows who to contact or what to do to access evidence that a victim may be denied. This evidence includes accident reports, medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements.
Ready to Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Evansville?
Fighting for what you deserve in a wrongful death lawsuit requires careful planning, deep knowledge of the law, and preparing for the tricks insurance companies sometimes use. Filing a wrongful death claim on your own will be more stressful and lead to less favorable outcomes. An Evansville wrongful death lawyer can manage your case better and protect your rights.
At Wagner Reese Law Firm, we offer a contingency fee, which means you do not pay us unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Schedule a free legal case evaluation with us today.
