A wrongful death is when someone’s careless actions led to the death of your loved one. This can occur through a car accident, medical error, a crime or defective product. There are many possible scenarios but the bottom line is that you are left without the companionship of your loved one and someone has to be held accountable. Wrongful death cases are notorious for being complicated and tough to fight.
That’s why you need all the resources you can get at your disposal. A good lawyer will form the strong foundation you need to endure the fight.
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Securing the services of the right Bakersfield wrongful death attorney is imperative. Take the first step on your way to claiming the outcome you deserve. Follow these seven tips for choosing the best wrongful death attorney. Then call the trusted lawyers at Kuzyk Law.
1. Investigate Background
Never dismiss the importance of research. Of course, this is a confusing and painful time but this shouldn’t cloud your judgment of finding the best person for your case. Look into the background of a few lawyers in your area. Ask for a free consult and make sure you come prepared with a notepad and pen.
2. Ask All the Right Questions
Ask plenty of questions to help you make your decision. Write them down before heading to the office so you don’t forget in your haste. Cover these areas:
- Years practicing personal injury law
- How much of the practice is comprised of wrongful death claims
- Track record of verdicts and settlements
- The amount of wrongful death cases they represent annually
- How many they settle and how many go to trial
- How frequently they handle cases similar to yours
- Years in business serving the same area
- Member of any bar associations or professional organizations
The answers you receive will help you in making that all-important decision on which Bakersfield wrongful death attorney you will choose.
3. Make Sure They’re Experienced
Look for high levels of skill with many years of experience successfully handling wrongful death cases. A proven track record is important, but you’ll also have to take a look at the softer skills that aren’t easily as measured: tenacity, determination, aggressive representation. You’ll need to rely on those many years of experience as you go head to head with a company or manufacturer in the case of a product malfunction, for example. Be prepared in knowing those companies will bring their powerhouse legal teams to battle yours. After all, they’re representing the interests of their client and will try to save them as much money as possible.
4. Look for Skill and Versatility
Having a tenacious lawyer behind you will ensure you get what’s coming to you. Make sure your lawyer is exceptional at researching and presenting evidence that clearly and thoroughly proves the full extent of negligence by the party at fault. Your lawyer must wear different hats if he or she will be able to get the desired outcome. This may involve acting as private investigator, medical doctor and legal advisor all in one. Make sure they can tap into a strong network of professionals that will assist in proving your case.
5. Make Sure Communication Stays Open
Your Bakersfield wrongful death attorney must be good at communicating effectively. Without this essential trait, you can easily fall out of the loop throughout the process. A good lawyer listens to your concerns and allays your fears, answering all questions to the best of their knowledge. And remember, if your calls aren’t returned promptly, consider moving to the next name on the list. Accepting this behavior will just set you up for a long process of frustration.
6. Inquire About Case Assessment
Once you have gone over the details of your case during your free consultation, find out what your attorney’s expert view of your case is. Here are some good questions to ask:
- What’s your assessment of my case?
- What type of financial settlement can I expect?
- What works in my favor and what works against me?
- Do you think arbitration or mediation will work or do you see this case going to trial?
- How long do you expect my case to take? (Please note, even the best lawyer can’t give you a definitive timeline on this; merely a rough estimate)
7. Know What to Expect
That being said, it’s important to know what to expect, particularly when it comes to the timeline. As we said above, wrongful death cases are known for being complex and taking a long time. From defective products to extensive investigations into multi-car accidents, it’s difficult to predict with any certainty what the end result will be. Keep an open mind, let your lawyer lead the way, and rely on best estimates based on knowledge, past experience and nature of similar cases.
Contact Kuzyk Law
Call us for a free, no-obligation consultation at 661-945-6969 with our Bakersfield wrongful death attorneys. Kuzyk Law has vast experience in this area of the law and can put your mind at ease when you call.
