Wrongful Death

Losing a family member is never easy. When the death is caused by another person’s negligence, though, it can be even more devastating. Although nothing will make up for the loss of your beloved family member, filing a wrongful death claim and receiving compensation for the damages can take some of the burdens away. However, in order to receive that compensation, you have to know what to do and what not to do. Here are the most common mistakes people make after a wrongful death:

Giving a Statement to the Media

In some wrongful death cases, the media may ask surviving loved ones to make a public statement. While you may want the public to know about the injustice that happened to your family member, you should avoid making a statement. You might accidentally say something that could damage your legal case against the negligent party.

Waiting too Long to Fight a Claim

When you’ve lost a loved one, you want your time to grieve and might not even want to think about going to court. However, in order to receive compensation for your loved one’s death, you have to act quickly. All states have different statutes of limitations for filing wrongful death claims. Once that statute of limitations is up, you lose your right to compensation. That’s why it’s important to start the legal process as soon as possible.

Getting into Arguments with Family Members

There’s no doubt that the sudden death of a loved one can bring a great deal of stress to your family. However, arguing with each other and getting into fights does nothing but bring more turmoil. It’s important to stick together and stay focused on your family’s recovery.

Letting Multiple Family Members Speak to Insurance Adjusters

It’s never a wise move to speak to insurance adjusters without a lawyer. When multiple family members talk to them, things can get even more complicated. If family members tell the insurance adjusters slightly different stories, they can use that against you in settlement negotiations.

Trying to Handle the Case Without Legal Representation

While it’s possible to file a wrongful death claim without a lawyer, it isn’t recommended. Wrongful death cases can be incredibly complex, so it’s wise to have someone with knowledge and experience on your side. A wrongful death attorney, like a wrongful death attorney in Longwood, FL, can help you file the paperwork in a timely manner, gather evidence, identify witnesses, and negotiate with the insurance company. Having a skilled lawyer on your side can take a lot of the stress away.

If your family member was killed due to someone else’s negligence, contact a reputable wrongful death lawyer today to discuss your case.

Thanks to David & Philpot, P.L. for their insight into some of the most common mistakes family members can make after a wrongful death occurs.