4 Wrongful Death Questions You Want Answers To

When a loved one dies, it is a hard situation to deal with. If you find out your loved one died due to the negligence of someone else, it could be an even harder pill to swallow. It’s likely you have a lot of questions, and a wrongful death attorney, like a wrongful death attorney in Lakeland, FL, can help you find those answers. Consider the following to get started.

1. Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

The answer to this question depends on the relationships the person had while he or she was alive. If he or she was married, the spouse would be first in line to file a lawsuit. Children would be next, and parents would follow them. If those options are off the table, siblings and grandparents could have a chance to file the lawsuit. If there are absolutely no family members but someone else was financially dependent on the deceased, that individual could possibly file.

2. How Long Is the Statute of Limitations?

You do have a certain time period before it is too late to file a lawsuit, so it’s important that you understand the statute of limitations. It is different in every state, and while a quick Google search could help you figure out the statute in your state, there could be extenuating circumstances involved in your case. A lawyer could better help you understand how long you’ve got.

3. How Long Does a Case Take?

Every case is unique and will take a different amount of time to settle than the next. If your case is extremely complicated, it could take many years before a settlement comes out of it. If the case is pretty straightforward and both sides cooperate well, it could be settled without having to go to trial, which means it could settle in less than a year.

4. What Is the Cost to Fight a Wrongful Death?

There are a lot of wrongful death lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that you won’t have to pay the lawyer up front. Instead, his or her fee would come out of your settlement. This is a great way to ensure that the lawyer is working hard for you. If the lawyer has a lot of experience, he or she may charge more than someone who is in the first years of practicing law. As you can see, the actual cost will depend on a lot of factors, but you can discuss the specifics with your lawyer before ever hiring him or her.

Getting More Answers to Your Questions

More than likely, you have a lot more questions you’d like answers to. If you have found yourself dealing with a wrongful death, contact an attorney today to figure out what you should do next.

Thanks to David & Philpot, PL for their insight into some of the questions people have about wrongful death lawsuits.