Hundreds, if not thousands, of preventable deaths happen each and every year, and if someone you love has been a victim of wrongful death in Columbus, OH, its important to seek the advice of an attorney right away. A wrongful death is one that happens due to the negligence or irresponsible behavior of someone else, and it’s one that could have been prevented. Some form of wrongful death claim action is available in every state, including Ohio. Here are some things to keep in mind when hiring an attorney to represent you in a lawsuit.
After someone you love has been lost to wrongful death in Columbus, OH, it’s hard to move on and think about the future. You might be tempted to mourn in silence. After all, nothing is going to bring back your loved one. But there are so many things to consider, such as the lifelong support lost by family members, not to mention your suffering over the loss. A wrongful death claim is usually filed by a surviving spouse, children, or beneficiaries who have been affected by the death. It’s a long, often complicated process that isn’t easy when you’re already grieving, but an experienced attorney can help you through the process.
To find the best attorney for you, start by narrowing down your choices. Some lawyers practice general law, or any kind of law they are required to, but some have extensive experience in one area. Your sister’s divorce lawyer, for example, is probably not the best choice. Find attorneys that have worked directly with other clients who have experienced losses similar to yours. This should narrow your list considerably.
Next, make some calls. A good number of lawyers will offer a free initial consultation, either by phone or in person, and this is the perfect chance to find out whether or not he or she is right for you. Ask plenty of questions, including where and when the attorney graduated from law school and how many years of experience he or she has. It’s also OK to ask for references, so you can find out how well he or she has worked with other clients.
One of the most important things to know is who will be working on your case. A larger law firm may have dozens or hundreds of lawyers and paralegals who work together as a team, while others may assign a single lawyer to your case. Decide which approach you prefer, and make sure you and your lawyer understand each other from the beginning to avoid future misunderstandings. Hiring someone you feel comfortable with and have clear expectations from can make your lawsuit for wrongful death in Columbus, OH, much easier to bear.