Avoid These Wrongful Death Case Mistakes

Wrongful Death Lawyer

If your family member died because of someone else’s negligence, you likely feel shocked and devastated. Losing someone you care about is hard enough. When that death results from another person’s carelessness, it can be even more unbearable. As explained by a qualified wrongful death lawyer from Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C., nothing can bring back your loved one, but filing a wrongful death claim can help you recoup some of the financial losses that resulted from the death.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid in a wrongful death case.

Waiting Too Long to File a Claim

Losing a loved one is tough, so you need time to grieve. However, if you plan to pursue compensation for your family member’s death, you have to act quickly. In New Hampshire, the statute of limitations to file a wrongful death claim is three years after a person’s death. Once that deadline has passed, you will no longer be eligible for compensation.

Fighting with Your Family

Emotions are definitely high after the death of a family member. Unfortunately, this can cause you and your other family members to argue with each other. Arguing doesn’t solve anything and can actually make the situation more stressful. Also, when you’re arguing, you may not be able to give your wrongful death case the attention it needs.

Making a Public Statement

If your family member’s death made it on the news, various media outlets may contact you and ask you to provide a statement. While this may seem harmless at first, you should avoid making a public statement about your loved one’s death. What you say could be used against you in your wrongful death case.

Not Considering All Liable Parties

There may be more than one party responsible for your loved one’s death. It’s important to identify all liable parties to maximize your compensation. For instance, let’s say that your family member was killed in a truck accident. In addition to the driver, the trucking company and manufacturer may be at-fault.

Thinking the Insurance Company Is On Your Side

After your loved one’s wrongful death, the at-fault party’s insurance company may try to contact you and ask you questions about your case. It’s important to recognize that the insurance company isn’t there to help you. They want to get away with paying you as little as possible and may try to use anything you say against you. That’s why you don’t want to give them too much information about your case.

Accepting an Early Settlement

While it may be tempting to accept the insurance company’s first offer, you should refrain from doing so. As mentioned before, the insurance company isn’t on your side and will attempt to offer you the lowest settlement. Don’t accept a settlement without first discussing it with your attorney.

Not Hiring an Attorney

Wrongful death cases can involve many complexities, so it is wise to have an experienced wrongful death attorney on your side. He or she will know the true value of your case and handle the negotiation process with the insurance company.

Be sure to consult with a qualified lawyer that specializes in Wrongful Death related legal matters for accurate information and guidance specific to your situation.