Wrongful death cases are legally complex and emotionally draining. You need an attorney who is not only compassionate but also financially capable of funding a major lawsuit against powerful defendants.
1. "Do you have the resources to fund this case?"
Wrongful death cases can cost $50,000 to $200,000 to litigate properly (experts, depositions, accident reconstruction). If your lawyer cannot afford to hire the best experts, your case value suffers.
2. "Have you handled a case like this specifically?"
A car accident death is different from a fluid medical malpractice death or a jail death. These require different statutes and different experts. Ask for specific examples.
3. "Who will be my primary point of contact?"
Will you be talking to the attorney you hired, or a paralegal? In a wrongful death case, you deserve direct access to your lead counsel.
4. "How do you calculate 'Loss of Consortium'?"
Economic damages (lost wages) are math. Non-economic damages (loss of love, companionship, guidance) are art. Your lawyer must be a storyteller who can convey your loss to a jury.
5. "Are you willing to go to trial?"
If the insurance company knows your lawyer is afraid of the courtroom, they will offer pennies on the dollar.