When tragedy strikes and you don’t know where to turn, it is extremely important to choose the right lawyer to handle your wrongful death claim. After a tragic death of a loved one, the victim’s family may get many recommendations for attorneys to help them navigate their wrongful death and survivor claims, but how do they choose?
Compassionate and Zealous Representation
We often don’t use the term “compassion” when it comes to lawyers. However, we are human beings, and having compassion and empathy for our clients helps us better understand what they are going through. We take time to talk with family members to gain an appreciation for their loved one and to understand the profound ways their loved one’s death has affected them.
Having compassion for our clients is not only the right thing to do, but it also allows us to assess all of our clients’ claims so that they are presented fully and completely to the at-fault insurance company.
Communication
At Grady J. Flattmann, Attorneys at Law, communication with our clients is key. We know that when a wrongful death occurs, it is of utmost importance that the victim’s family know that their claims are being handled properly and professionally. We keep our clients up to date every step of the way during their case.
Oftentimes during the course of a case, we will discovery facts and evidence about the accident which the family did not know before. Although emotionally painful, gathering information about what happened can often lead to closure for a grieving family.
Experience with Wrongful Death Claims
Making sure that your attorney has experience with handling wrongful death claims is of utmost importance. Just like you wouldn’t have a heart doctor perform surgery on your broken leg, it is also true that you probably wouldn’t want a family law attorney handling your wrongful death case.
Have you ever heard the phrase: “A jack of all trades is a master of none”? Consider that when researching an attorney for your wrongful death case.
At our firm, 100% of our practice is devoted to personal injury claims. We don’t handle family law matters, criminal cases, contract law, or anything else.
Understanding the Law In Regards To Wrongful Death
In Louisiana, the law says that only certain family members may pursue claims for the wrongful death of their loved one. For instance, a victim’s brother may not pursue a claim if the victim left a spouse and/or children. Understanding who can pursue the wrongful death claim is critical.
Also, understanding what claims may be pursued after a wrongful death is important to making sure that a family is fairly compensated for their loss. In Louisiana, the terms “wrongful death” and “survival claims” are sometimes used interchangeably, but it is important to understand the difference between the two.
Wrongful death actions seek damages to the decedent’s family member, suffered by them personally as a result of their loved one’s death. Claims include, but are not limited to loss of love and affection, funeral expenses, and in some instances, loss of financial support.
Survival actions, on the other hand, are the claims the decedent would have had if they had not died. They include the decedent’s own pain and suffering and mental anguish from the time of injury until the time of death, as well as any medical bills they incurred prior to death.
These are just a few things to consider when deciding to hire an attorney to handle a wrongful death claim. Above all, sit down with the attorney and make sure you are comfortable with them.
We offer free and confidential consultations for families dealing with the wrongful death of a loved one.
Has Your Loved One Died Due To The Negligence Of Others?
If you lost a family member due to a negligent act you need to speak with an experienced Covington area wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Please contact me online or call my Covington office directly at 985.590.6182 to schedule your free consultation today. I help families throughout Louisiana including Mandeville, Slidell, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Hammond, New Orleans and Metairie.