If you have lost someone in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another party, you deserve to have justice. To ensure that you get what is fair, there are a few mistakes to be aware of. Here are some common mistakes that a wrongful death attorney will help you avoid.
Ask a Wrongful Death Attorney: 7 Mistakes to Avoid During a Wrongful Death Case
1. Not Working with a Lawyer
It is always important to have good legal representation on your side. You can choose to represent yourself, but you don’t have the same kind of training that a lawyer has. This means that you might be likely to make major mistakes.
These mistakes could result in you not getting a fair settlement, or in your case getting thrown out entirely. Always make sure that you have a qualified lawyer on your side to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure you get fair compensation.
2. Waiting Too Long
If you have lost someone that you love, it can take a long time to process the difficult and painful emotions that come with this loss. It takes time to deal with grief like this. But if you are planning on filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you need to make sure you are filing on time.
The statute of limitations for a wrongful death case in Houston is 2 years. If you want to make sure that your case is looked at, you should file your complaint within this time frame. Your lawyer will help make sure everything is done on time.
3. Speaking with Insurance Companies
A wrongful death is a death that’s been caused by another party’s negligence. If you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit, the other party’s insurance company may try to get into contact with you.
It’s very important that you not speak to insurance companies alone. These companies aim to pay you as little as possible, and they might try to use your lack of knowledge of the legal system against you. Your Houston wrongful death attorney will make sure that you are treated fairly by these companies, and they’ll work to negotiate with them for a fair settlement.
4. Speaking About the Event Publicly
If your loved one died in an accident, there may be news and media reports about it. Some people may even ask you for statements or to speak about the accident. This may seem harmless, but it’s important that you not speak to any news outlets.
One of the last things you want to do is accidentally say something that could affect the viability of your case. Don’t make any public statements about what happened, including on social media.
5. Accepting a Settlement Too Soon
One of the many reasons to make sure you’re working with a qualified lawyer is to make sure you’re getting fair compensation. Again, it’s important to understand that insurance companies are not your friends. They are going to do what they can to pay you as little as possible.
That means that they might not offer you a fair settlement at the beginning of the process. You should understand that you do not need to accept the first settlement offer. If you and your lawyer decide that what the other party is offering isn’t fair, your lawyer will help you negotiate for a fair settlement.
6. Fighting with Family
When a loved one dies, this doesn’t just cause grief throughout your family. It can also cause a certain level of stress. There are lots of things to deal with after someone has died, especially if it was because of an accident.
This tension can result in fights. But fighting with your family can lead to even more tension and challenges as you all process your grief. It could also result in miscommunications which could affect your case. As difficult as this time is for all of you, it’s in everyone’s best interest to avoid fights.
7. Pushing for Fast Results
Going through the legal system for any reason is difficult. It’s even more stressful when someone you cared for has died. It’s natural to want to get justice at the same time that you might want the process to go as fast as possible.
But if you want to make sure that you are getting true justice and fair compensation for what has happened, it’s important not to rush. You may need to be a little patient, but know that your lawyer is here to support you. Trust them to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
If you have lost someone recently because of an accident, then you and your loved one deserve to have justice. Anyone who is planning on filing a wrongful death lawsuit should make sure they have a qualified lawyer on their side.
