How to Choose a Wrongful Death Attorney in Atlanta
When a loved one is killed in an accident that was caused by someone’s negligence or error, it can be a shocking tragedy. Any death can cause a family to grieve, but unexpected deaths seem to leave a family even more upset. It was too soon. It didn’t have to happen. These may be the thoughts running through your mind, and you are right.
The family that is left to deal with the aftermath of such a death has legal rights. While some families will choose to not pursue legal avenues, many do. A wrongful death lawsuit is certainly an option, and it can serve to compensate a family for the financial losses they experience as a result of the accident.
Any person is well within their rights to file a civil lawsuit on their own. In most cases, a victim or their families realize a better outcome when they hire an experienced attorney. Here are some tips for finding the right wrongful death attorney in Atlanta for your family.
1. Bigger Is Not Better
Some believe that hiring an attorney from an enormous law firm is a good idea. After all, the firm wouldn’t be so large if it wasn’t successful. This may be true, but it doesn’t mean that an attorney from the firm will be your best choice.
When you hire an attorney from a larger firm, there is a good chance that at least a portion of your case will be handed off to a junior member of the firm, or even a paralegal. When you opt to hire an attorney from a smaller, local firm, you can be assured that the attorney will personally take on at least the majority of your case.
2. Ask Around
You may know an attorney. You might have a family member who knows one. Whatever the link is between an attorney and yourself, be sure to ask their opinion. Find out who they would hire if they were in need of a wrongful death attorney.
If you don’t know an attorney or can’t speak with one, take a moment to look up the local law society and contact them. They can point you in the right direction. You can also use their website to look up any attorney who lands on your short list to see if there have been formal complaints filed against them or any sanctions taken.
3. Ask for a Consultation
Once you have narrowed down your list to two or three attorneys that you are interested in, contact them and set up a consultation. Most personal injury attorneys in Atlanta will speak to you at no cost. They will listen to your account of the incident and determine if you have the potential for a successful case. You will be able to get a good first impression of an attorney, and you will most likely be able to tell if the attorney is the right one for you and your family after you meet with them.
4. Talk About Cost
Cost is an important component of your decision on which wrongful death attorney to hire. Don’t be shy about asking what an attorney charges during your free consultation. Many wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that they don’t get paid unless they win your case, but you will still want to know what percentage of your settlement they will take.
If a loved one has been killed due to someone else’s actions, please call our office today. Our team of experienced Atlanta wrongful death attorneys will review the details of the incident and help you determine your best course of action.