Choosing a wrongful death lawyer is something you never expect you’ll need to do. Alongside everything else you’re facing after the loss of a beloved family member, how can you be sure your case is in the right hands? This guide will help you understand why your choice of attorney matters and what to look for so you can select the best wrongful death lawyer for your family.
There is no fee unless we win your case.
Do I Need a Wrongful Death Attorney?
Losing a loved one under any circumstances is devastating, but realizing that someone else’s negligence caused your loved one’s death is uniquely heartbreaking. If you believe your family member’s death could have or should have been prevented, a conversation with a wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your legal options for holding the at-fault party responsible.
Common scenarios that lead to wrongful death claims include:
Car or truck accidents
Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents
Assault or domestic violence
Unsafe premises that result in drownings, chemical exposure, or falling debris
Hunting accidents and other gun deaths
- Medical errors
If any of these or another scenario resulted in the loss of your loved one, a lawyer may be able to help you.
When considering legal action, some people ask whether it is advisable to represent themselves against the at-fault party. The fact remains that those who obtain proper legal representation tend to recover far greater results than those who go it alone. Insurance companies and defense lawyers are skilled at minimizing payouts, and without legal experience, it can be nearly impossible to calculate the full value of your losses or challenge low settlement offers. An experienced wrongful death attorney knows how to build a strong case, negotiate aggressively, and, if necessary, take your case to trial to ensure your family receives the compensation you truly deserve.
Why Does Choosing the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer Matter?
Choosing the right wrongful death attorney matters because you deserve someone with the experience and resources to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family during this difficult time. Choosing the right lawyer can not only help to ensure your interests are protected in the future, but can also have a significant influence on the overall outcome of your claim. The lawyer you choose can make the difference between a stressful, drawn-out process with uncertain results and a smoother path toward justice and financial security for your family.
Wrongful death cases often involve multiple parties (individuals, corporations, or government entities), complicated state laws, and strict filing deadlines. An experienced lawyer knows how to navigate these legal nuances to protect your rights.
Maximizing Compensation
Damages can include medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. A skilled attorney knows how to calculate and present the full scope of your losses, so you aren’t left with less than you deserve.
Handling Insurance Companies
Insurance companies frequently try to minimize payouts in wrongful death claims. A lawyer with experience in this area knows their tactics and can push back effectively to secure fair compensation.
Emotional Support and Advocacy
Losing a loved one is devastating, and dealing with the legal system at the same time can feel overwhelming. Having the right lawyer gives you an advocate who can shoulder the legal burden, letting you focus on healing.
Courtroom Representation
If settlement negotiations fail, your case may go to trial. A wrongful death lawyer with strong litigation experience ensures you have a powerful voice in court.
How Choosing the Best Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Make a Difference in Your Case
Choosing the best wrongful death attorneys can make a difference in your case by ensuring that every possible avenue for compensation is identified and pursued. Skilled attorneys know how to calculate both economic damages (such as medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income) and non-economic damages (like pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress). They can work with financial experts to project the long-term impact of your loved one’s loss on your family’s future, making sure nothing is overlooked. Experienced lawyers also know how to counter insurance company tactics that aim to minimize payouts, negotiate from a position of strength, and, if necessary, present compelling arguments in court to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
What to Look For in a Wrongful Death Lawyer
There is certainly no shortage of personal injury law firms to choose from. While they may seem alike in their areas of practice, they don’t all bring the same level of experience, knowledge, dedication, and resources to high-stakes cases like a wrongful death claim.
Experience with wrongful death cases like yours
Wrongful death lawsuits are not like standard personal injury claims; they often involve multiple parties, high financial stakes, and strict legal requirements. An experienced attorney will understand the unique laws that govern wrongful death in your state, including who can file, what damages may be claimed, and the statute of limitations. Their familiarity with court procedures and insurance company tactics can prevent costly mistakes and keep your case on track.
It’s equally important to look for a wrongful death lawyer with extensive experience handling cases similar to yours. For example, while car accidents are common practice for personal injury law firms, attorneys with extensive experience with fatal truck accidents are less common.
Proven results
Looking at a lawyer’s history of verdicts and settlements can give you confidence in their ability to deliver results. A proven track record means they know how to calculate damages accurately, negotiate assertively with insurance companies, and present compelling arguments in court if needed. Families benefit from this experience because it increases the likelihood of securing fair compensation that fully accounts for both immediate and long-term losses.
Resources and experts
Wrongful death cases often require extensive investigation and expert testimony. Top attorneys have a network of professionals they can call on—accident reconstruction specialists to determine fault, medical experts to explain the cause of death, and financial experts to project the long-term impact of lost income and support. Access to these resources can significantly strengthen your case and ensure that no aspect of your loss is undervalued.
Reputation
Credentials, honors, national awards and recognition matter because they demonstrate a lawyer’s credibility, professionalism, and standing in the legal community. These distinctions (such as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Martindale-Hubbell ratings, and others) often reflect years of proven success, peer respect, and commitment to ethical practice. For clients, they serve as signals of trustworthiness and competence—helping you feel confident that the attorney you choose is not only experienced but also recognized by others in the field for their skill and results.
Client testimonials
One of the best testaments to a law firm’s client service is the word of former clients: real people like you who have worked with this firm in the past.
Fees and affordability
One of the biggest concerns families have when considering a wrongful death lawsuit is cost. When seeking a wrongful death attorney, it’s important to be aware of their fee structure. The wrongful death attorneys at Munley Law work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and your lawyer only gets paid if they win compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. The fee is then a percentage of the recovery, agreed upon in advance.
This arrangement ensures that you can hire the best wrongful death lawyer without adding financial strain during an already difficult time, and it also means your attorney is fully invested in securing the best possible outcome for your family.
What Kinds of Questions Should I Ask During a Free Consultation to Identify the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer for Me?
Perhaps the best way to determine how to move forward with choosing a wrongful death lawyer is to set up an initial consultation. At Munley Law, this consultation is free of charge and comes with no obligation. This meeting is your opportunity to tell your story, ask questions, and get sound advice about what to do next.
Common questions you may want to ask during this initial meeting are:
How long have you been handling wrongful death claims?
Should I file a wrongful death action or a survival action?
Are there any other legal options for my situation?
What is your initial plan and approach for my case?
How long do you think my case may take to settle?
What do you think my case is worth?
What other evidence would help my case?
Do you offer contingency fee payment plans?
What should I do to help my case?
Ideally, the best wrongful death attorney will manage all the legal details and paperwork, reducing your stress while you are grieving and handling the final arrangements. You may need to meet with them or speak on the phone occasionally as the case progresses, and they should keep you updated via email or voicemail.
Learn More About Choosing the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you still have questions and want to discuss your case with a qualified and skilled wrongful death attorney, use our online form to contact us at Munley Law today. We are ready to listen and help you pursue accountability.
