How to Find the Best Wrongful Death Attorney in California

Vehicle collisions, falls, poisonings (mostly drug overdoses) and other unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for individuals under 35. Quite frankly, these survivors need compensation, and for that, they need a Los Angeles catastrophic injury attorney.

Car crashes, swimming pool drownings, and other such incidents are unintentional in terms of the result. No one wants to kill someone else in a car crash. However, the conduct that led to that wrongful death was intentional. People don’t accidentally speed or drive drunk. Intentional conduct is actionable in court. You break it, you buy it.

Survivors need compensation to pay wrongful death-related expenses and move on with their lives. Granted, no amount of money can begin to fill the emotional hole that a wrongful death creates. However, let’s be honest. Financial compensation makes the future a little brighter for survivors, and in the wake of a wrongful death, that’s the best possible outcome.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, certain surviving family members, usually spouses, domestic partners, and children in that order, may file wrongful death lawsuits when a person dies due to another person’s or entity’s negligence or misconduct.

Some wrongful death victims pass away immediately after a negligent act. Others survive for months, years, or even longer before they succumb to their injuries. Compensation is available in both situations, as long as a Los Angeles catastrophic injury lawyer proves, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the tortfeasor’s (negligent actor’s) conduct or misconduct substantially caused that death.

In California, the aforementioned compensation usually includes money for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. Because these cases are complex and emotionally charged, choosing the right attorney is critical.

Why Hiring the Right Wrongful Death Attorney Matters

Wrongful death cases involve extensive investigation, expert testimony, and aggressive negotiation with insurance companies. The best wrongful death attorney in California:

• Thoroughly investigates the matter,
• Preserves critical evidence,
• Works with accident reconstruction and medical experts,
• Accurately calculates long-term financial losses,
• Negotiates assertively with insurers, and
• Takes the case to trial if necessary.

Insurance companies often use legal loopholes to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney understands how to counter these tactics and maximize compensation.

Key Qualities of the Best Wrongful Death Attorney in California

A plethora of attorneys practice negligence and personal injury law in the Golden State. But only a few have the qualities necessary to successfully resolve wrongful death matters.

Experience Handling Wrongful Death Cases

Look for a lawyer who focuses specifically on wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, as opposed to general personal injury. Ask how many wrongful death cases the team has handled and their prior results.

We stress that the lawyer should have a team. Because wrongful death cases are so complex, an attorney must have sufficient resources to take on insurance company lawyers toe to toe.

Furthermore, bear in mind that results can be deceiving. If a Los Angeles catastrophic injury lawyer files legal paperwork demanding a million dollars in damages and settles it for $100,000, that “success” wasn’t really successful.

Resources and Expert Access

We touched on this element of a good wrongful death attorney above. Wrongful death litigation often requires forensic experts, economists, and medical specialists. Established firms have the financial and professional resources to build a strong case.

Strong Client Reviews and Reputation

Research online reviews, testimonials, and professional ratings. Check the attorney with the State Bar of California to verify any disciplinary history and ensure that the lawyer is in good standing.

Clear Communication and Compassion

You deserve an attorney who communicates clearly, responds promptly, and treats your family with empathy and respect.

Trial Experience

Many firms advertise settlements and avoid court. In fact, many attorneys practice law for many years and hardly ever see the inside of a courtroom. If negotiations fail, your attorney must be prepared to present your case before a judge or jury.

Furthermore, trial experience increases leverage during settlement discussions. If Ben offers to give Joe a ride home but Ben doesn’t have a car, Joe won’t take the offer seriously. Likewise, if a Los Angeles catastrophic injury lawyer makes a settlement offer but cannot (or will not) take the case to trial, the insurance company won’t take that offer seriously.

Red Flags to Avoid

A few final words about the qualities of the worst wrongful death attorney in California, or at least one of the worst ones:

• Guarantees specific results,
• Lacks trial experience,
• Poor communication skills,
• High-pressure tactics, and
• Unclear fee agreements.

A reputable lawyer honestly evaluates cases instead of telling people what they want to hear. Furthermore, the best wrongful death lawyer only makes promises (I promise to work hard, communicate clearly, etc.) that s/he knows s/he can keep.

The best wrongful death attorney in California is out there. For a free consultation with experienced catastrophic injury lawyers in California, contact the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim. Virtual, home, and hospital visits are available.