San Clemente Wrongful Death Attorneys

It is a tragic fact that people die every day in accidents that are entirely preventable. Often, these accidents can be traced back to a negligent act or omission. If your loved one was killed by the negligence or intentional wrongdoing of another party, our San Clemente wrongful death attorneys can help you pursue monetary damages. Calculating a fair settlement in these cases can be incredibly complicated, and it is not uncommon for insurance companies to grossly underestimate the value of wrongful death claims. Our lawyers will apply their in-depth knowledge of California tort law to help you fight for the highest possible settlement or verdict. For a free consultation, contact Harris Personal Injury Lawyers with our 24-hour phone line at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.  

Important Qualities to Look for in a Wrongful Death Attorney

No doubt you’ve come across a billboard or TV advertisement for personal injury legal services. The unfortunate truth is that many of these marketing campaigns are designed to attract high volumes of clients who are then passed off to other law firms—and there’s no guarantee that these law firms will have the knowledge or experience to provide high-quality representation. Many legal practices fit the description of so-called “settlement mills,” meaning they take on a substantial number of cases that are likely to settle. The goal here is to generate the maximum profit, but there are of course many issues with this system. First and most important, the client may be treated like just another number rather than a person who is going through one of the toughest chapters in their life. The attorney might seem apathetic rather than genuinely interested in providing the best possible representation. Another problem is the law firm might be overworked and unable to invest extra time and resources should an unexpected dispute or complication arise. At the end of the day, no two law firms are exactly alike. If you intend to file a wrongful death claim, there are certain qualities you must consider if you want to find the best attorney to handle your case. Those qualities include:

• A Track Record of Success: What outcome has the attorney achieved in cases like yours? Have they won settlements or verdicts that involved similar circumstances? There can be a world of difference between two wrongful death claims, so it is important that you find a law firm that understands the case law and statutes that apply to your particular case, as well as the most effective legal strategies to employ at each stage of the proceedings. Such an attorney will know the most valuable evidence to compile and will be able to anticipate disputes and prepare to counter them.
• Positive Testimonials: It has never been easier to read testimonials from a law firm’s past clients. Such reviews can help you discern whether the attorney has the competence to achieve successful outcomes and the personability to provide a comfortable client experience.
• Trial Experience: Sometimes a defendant or insurance company will refuse to settle just to find out if the plaintiff has the confidence and conviction to file a lawsuit. If you don’t hire an attorney with trial experience, he or she might be inclined to settle even if the offer on the table isn’t fair. But if you hire a seasoned trial lawyer with a reputation as a tough litigator, the opposing party might be more inclined to settle without risking time-consuming and expensive litigation.

• Accessibility: An accessible and responsive attorney can make the claims process far less stressful. Given the major impact that a wrongful death case can have on the lives of surviving family members, it is important that you are able to get prompt answers to your questions. Our San Clemente wrongful death lawyers always provide clients with a direct line of contact, and they are committed to returning phone calls and emails without delay.

What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Contacts Me?

DO NOT PROVIDE ANY STATEMENTS to anyone affiliated with the defendant or the insurance company. Even if your statements are not recorded—and they very likely will be—it is still possible for a dispute to arise if anything you say brings liability, causation, or damages into question. If the insurance company contacts you, politely advise them to contact your wrongful death attorney. If you have not yet retained a lawyer, tell them that you do not want to answer any questions or provide any statements until you have retained legal counsel.  

Schedule a Consultation with a San Clemente Wrongful Death Lawyer

Coping with the unexpected passing of a loved one is never easy. Our legal team can take over the logistics of your case so you can focus on your family. We won’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. To speak with a member of our team in a free consultation, send us a message or dial our 24-hour phone line at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.