The Wrongful Death Attorney: Getting What You Deserve

A loved one dying unexpectedly can traumatize a family in ways one can scarcely imagine without having been through it. When the incident happens as the result of negligence or malicious intent on the part of another party, the feelings surrounding the situation naturally become that much more intense. Whether criminal charges are brought or not and whether the end result of a trial is guilt or acquittal for the defendant, a wrongful death attorney may be able to help you get what you deserve financially. Here are some of the steps you can take towards moving down this painful, but sometimes necessary path. Contact a Lawyer You don't want to attempt to move forward with a lawsuit without a wrongful death attorney by your side. He will know the ropes, and he should have the experience needed to move things forward in a way that will benefit your case. Even if you had all of the requisite legal knowledge needed to file suit, you won't be in the calm emotional state needed to make good decisions. You can make one, however, which is to hire a good lawyer to see your case through. Keep All Records Lawsuits are built on evidence, and hospital bills and medical records are some of the most powerful forms of that evidence when it comes to this type of case. Don't take no for an answer when it comes to getting these records. A wrongful death attorney will need to examine them. They will, in part, help come to some decisions regarding how much you'll be suing for. Police Report While a criminal trial may have only a tangential effect on your lawsuit, your wrongful death attorney will certainly want to see the police records. In almost all cases, they will be important to building your case. Don't assume that a lack of prosecution or especially a lack of a conviction means you can't win a lawsuit. Prosecutors have to prove their cases beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a much higher burden than is placed on plaintiffs in a civil trial, where a successful case only requires that a preponderance of the evidence (51%) points to liability. Gather Witnesses Physical evidence is important, as are medical records. But if you can put witnesses on record who will speak to your side of the story, it can make an enormous impact in front of a jury. Witnesses aren't limited to those who saw the incident. Sometimes, a wrongful death attorney will bring in outside expert witnesses who can help explain evidence to the jury in a way that benefits your case.