Experience, reputation, and legal focus are three things to consider when trying to choose the best wrongful death law firm. To enjoy the best chance of winning a wrongful death lawsuit, you may look for a law firm with many years of experience handling these types of cases. In addition, you may do well to select a law firm with a significant focus on these types of cases rather than one that can handle them but rarely does. The reputation of the law firm you are considering matters as well, as a firm with a good reputation may do a better job with your case.
A lawyer you trust may prove to be a good source of information when you are looking for a wrongful death law firm. For example, if you have worked with a general, divorce, or tax lawyer in the past, he may provide you with the name of a wrongful death law firm he respects. A funeral director may have information about reputable wrongful death lawyers as well. Additionally, you may search peer review websites to find information about the lawyers of a law firm you are considering and use that information as part of your decision-making process.
Many law firms offer free consultations for prospective clients, and arranging one may provide a good way to narrow your list of law firms. At such a consultation, you can ask questions about the procedures for pursuing this type of case and learn whether the lawyers that will help you most frequently pursue court settlements or out-of-court agreements. This consultation may also help you evaluate how friendly and competent the law office staff seems and determine whether or not you will feel comfortable working with the lawyer who will handle your case.
The size of the firm may also matter when you are trying to choose the best wrongful death law firm. You may feel more comfortable with a firm that has several attorneys who can assist your lawyer if needed. You may also prefer a firm with enough support staff members to ensure that paperwork and calls are handled in a timely manner.
Legal fees are also an important consideration when you are attempting to select the best wrongful death law firm. Some law firms are more expensive than others, and each firm may handle legal fee payment differently. Some may require clients to pay a retainer before they begin their cases and then pay hourly fees as the cases progress and the retainers are depleted. Others, however, may charge fees at the end of a case as a percentage of the settlement a client receives.