When you lose a loved one due to the negligence of another entity, it is important to file a wrongful death claim at the earliest. This claim helps the family and dependents of the deceased recover suitable compensation for their tragic loss.
It is possible to file a wrongful death claim in Orange County, CA on your own. However, your odds of success are extremely limited without sound legal help. This is simply because of the complexity of the process and the numerous hurdles you are likely to face along the way.
This is why it is generally recommended that you hire a reliable wrongful death attorney before you actually file the claim. Here is a look at some of the key reasons you will need one.
You are Grieving the Loss
Damages claims are of different types. Some involve little to no emotional stress, others are the opposite. Wrongful death claims belong to the latter category. You are faced with the need to file the claim while still grieving the tragic loss of a dear one. This can be daunting and it can put you under a lot of stress. This is one reason you can reduce your stress by letting an attorney handle the legal hassles of preparing and filing the claim.
You Don’t Know the Value of Your Claim
If you don’t know the maximum value of your claim, an insurance company or at-fault party can offer you a much lower settlement. In fact, it is a common trick of the insurers to offer a quick but low settlement. You will never know if the offer is good enough unless you consult an attorney. The attorney will consider the factors of your case and then provide you a ballpark estimate of what should be the fair settlement amount. This gives you confidence in your negotiations with the insurance company.
You Need Help with the Legal Process
California has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. When filing such a claim, you must meet the relevant deadlines, prove all elements of negligence, and furnish the evidence to back your claim. This process can become even more complicated depending on the unique circumstances of a case. You may be able to manage it on your own but you will end up wasting a lot of time and energy on the effort. A good wrongful death attorney, on the other hand, knows the legal process very well. The extensive experience of the attorney allows you to complete all the legalities and file the claim without wasting any time.
You Don’t Have Experience in Negotiating with Insurers
Insurance companies and the insurance adjusters are notorious for their negotiating powers. They can use various leverages to pressure you into accepting a low offer. It is only with the help of a good attorney that you can look through their empty objections and negotiate with them on even terms.
You Have No Money to Hire Legal Services
Many people tend to think hiring an attorney for a wrongful death claim will cost a lot upfront. However, most attorneys who work on wrongful death claims offer their services through a contingency fee arrangement. In such an arrangement, you are not required to pay anything upfront. In fact, you are not required to pay anything at all unless your claim is successful and you receive the settlement amount. It is only then that you have to pay the attorney a percentage of damages.
Your Case May Go to Trial
Not all wrongful death claims are settled through negotiations. The at-fault party or the insurance company may reject your claim or offer a settlement that is too low to be fair. When negotiations get you nowhere, your only way forward is to file a wrongful death lawsuit. And that is only possible with the help of an attorney who will take the case to trial, represent you in court, and fight for your rights.
Hiring a Reliable Orange County Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost a dear one due to someone’s negligence, you should hire a reliable attorney at the earliest. Here at the Crockett Law Group, we offer expert legal help and advice in wrongful death claims. We also handle wrongful death lawsuits and take your claim to trial when needed. Our ultimate aim is to maximize the settlement amount and make sure you get the damages you deserve. Message us today to discuss your claim with our attorneys and schedule a free consultation.
