How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Wrongful Death Attorney

If you lost a loved one in some kind of preventable accident, it’s only natural to want justice. While filing a claim won’t bring the deceased back, it could leave your family with enough money to pick up the pieces in the aftermath.

Should you be unsure how to get started, don’t worry; a wrongful death attorney can help. And as long as you do the following before your initial consultation, they’ll be able to hit the ground running:

1. Obtain Statements from Those Who Witnessed the Accident (or the Aftermath)

After writing down everything you remember about the incident, ask those who were with the victim at the time (or shortly thereafter) to do the same. Detailed statements will give your legal team a starting point for their investigation.

When writing these statements, you and the other witnesses should attempt to answer the following:

• How could the accident have been prevented?
• Is there any evidence of wrongdoing?
• Did police respond to the scene?
• How long after the incident did the victim die?
• Did you post about the accident on social media?
• Have you had any correspondence with the insurance adjuster?

2. Compile Documentation of Damages

Following a wrongful death in Florida, eligible beneficiaries may seek compensation for lost income and benefits, lost support and services, medical expenses, and funeral expenses. Gather whatever documentation you have that corresponds to these damages, so your attorney can more easily determine the potential value of your claim. Such documentation might include paystubs, tax returns, hospital bills, and invoices for replacement services like housekeeping or child care.

3. Write Down Any Questions You Have

You should be prepared to spend much of the meeting answering questions about the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. At the end of the consultation, however, you’ll get the opportunity to ask questions of your own.

Since you’ll inevitably be inundated with information during the appointment, it’s wise to write down your inquiries in advance, so you don’t forget any of them. Questions worth asking include the following:

• What is the most likely outcome of my claim?
• Do you think going to court will be necessary? If so, do you have trial experience?
• Have you handled cases involving similar circumstances?
• What kinds of resources can you call upon when putting together my claim?
• What is your fee structure?
• How can I reach you if I have a question or concern?
• How often will you update me on the progress of the proceedings?

Depending on the lawyer’s answers, you should have a pretty good idea of whether you found the right person to take the case.

Speak with a West Palm Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer

At Donaldson & Weston, we’re determined to help grieving families secure the funds they need to carry on in the aftermath of a traffic loss. If your loved one died because another party failed to act with reasonable care, let us put together a wrongful death claim on your behalf. To set up your free case review with a wrongful death attorney in West Palm Beach, call 561-299-3999 or complete our Online Contact Form.