If you’re preparing to file a wrongful death lawsuit after losing a loved one, you may have decided to enlist legal help. Not only can a resourceful attorney oversee almost every aspect of your case, but he or she can also help guide you through the difficult days ahead, giving you time to focus on other matters, such as taking care of your family in the wake of this tragic event. 

However, you may be wondering what types of questions your attorney will ask during the initial consultation. Ultimately, this meeting isn’t just an opportunity for you to get to know your lawyer, but also for them to assess your claim and start planning their investigation into the accident that led to your relative’s death.

Let’s look at a few questions your attorney might ask: 

Do You Have Evidence to Show That Your Loved One’s Death Could’ve Been Prevented?

To recover compensation, you will need to show that the liable party’s actions or inaction caused your loved one’s death. The evidence you might require will depend on the unique circumstances surrounding the accident.  

For instance, if your loved one was killed in a collision involving a truck, proof such as black box data, surveillance camera footage, pictures from the accident scene, and expert witness deposition could help demonstrate liability. Other evidence that might play a role in your case might include eyewitness statements, dashcam videos, maintenance records, and the official police accident report. 

Are You or Any of Your Relatives Active on Social Media?

While social media might be an important part of your everyday life, sites such as Facebook and Twitter can pose a serious threat to the success of your claim in the aftermath of an accident. It’s possible that the insurance adjuster may monitor your online activity to unearth any evidence that could be used to dispute your claim.  

For instance, if you posted about the accident that led to your loved one’s death, your comments could be misrepresented or taken out of context to challenge your credibility. As such, you should deactivate your accounts for the duration of proceedings to minimize the chances of facing disputes. If this isn’t possible in your situation, you should avoid discussing anything related to your loved one’s death, the accident, their medical expenses, funeral, burial, or the wrongful death case itself.

How Much Did the Funeral and Burial Cost?

Burying a loved one isn’t just a heartbreaking experience; it can also break the bank. From the casket to the headstone to the funeral service itself, the cost of laying a relative to rest can put immense strain on your finances. Fortunately, these funeral and burial costs may be recoverable as part of your claim. In addition to such expenses, you may also be able to seek compensation for the deceased’s medical bills, the value of future lost wages and benefits, replacement services, and loss of consortium.  

Discuss Your Situation with a California Wrongful Death Attorney 

Did you lose a loved one in a preventable accident? You may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for the damages you’ve incurred since their passing.  

At HPIL, our wrongful death attorneys can discuss your situation as part of a free consultation, taking time to answer your question and run through potential outcomes for your case. To schedule a case review, reach out to us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or by sending us a message through our online contact page HERE.