Do you need a wrongful death attorney in Clayton?

Losing a loved one brings about indescribable emotional pain. It also can burden your family with immense financial stress. The weight of both of these things together can feel insurmountable. Financial compensation won’t bring your loved one back or erase your emotional pain. However, it can ease the financial burden your family is facing.

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Relieving financial strain and pursuing justice

Suppose your wrongful death attorney in Clayton does recover compensation for you. In that case, that compensation can be used to cover your loved one’s medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses that come with death or serious injury. It also may be used to make up for the future earnings your loved one would have brought to your family. Contrary to what some people think, seeking compensation after a loved one’s death isn’t about taking advantage of a tragic situation. It’s about holding reckless and negligent people accountable while protecting your family from the financial fallout of your loved one’s death.

Types of wrongful death accidents

Serious accidents can happen at work, in the hospital, on the road, and elsewhere. These are some examples of wrongful deaths that result from negligence:

  • Car Accidents: If your loved one is killed in an accident where someone else was at fault
  • Workplace Accidents: Deaths in the workplace can happen, but if the company’s negligence caused the death, a wrongful death lawyer might be able to help you
  • Pedestrian/Bicycle Accidents: If your loved one is struck and killed by a vehicle while walking, running, or riding a bike
  • Medical Malpractice: Not all medical deaths are wrongful deaths, but if a doctor’s recklessness or negligence resulted in a loved one’s death, you might have a medical malpractice case

These are very general examples—the only way to truly know if you have a wrongful death case is to set up a consultation with a wrongful death lawyer. A wrongful death lawyer in Clayton will look closely at your loved one’s passing and the circumstances surrounding it. If there is evidence of negligence on the part of another person or business, the lawyer will likely agree to take your case.

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How does the legal process work?

Unless you’re a lawyer, the legal system can be confusing and even frightening. However, an experienced attorney can demystify the process and guide you through each step.

Consultation

If your loved one has passed away and you suspect their passing was because of another person’s carelessness, the first step is setting up a free consultation with a wrongful death attorney. During this initial meeting, it’s essential to provide the lawyer with comprehensive details about the incident. Make sure to bring incident reports, medical records, and any other documentation that will help the lawyer get a better idea of your case. This documentation will help the attorney understand the circumstances surrounding the case and assess the strength of your legal position.

Arranging Payment

Unfortunately, many people miss out on legal representation because they think they can’t afford it. However, when it comes to wrongful death cases, almost all lawyers work on contingency. This means that you don’t have to pay anything upfront; you only owe money if you win your case. Your lawyer then gets a percentage of the amount recovered. If you lose your case, you owe nothing. However, because wrongful death lawyers work on contingency, they don’t take every case. When you come in for a consultation, your lawyer will determine whether you’re likely to win in court. 

Determining Case Viability

If they think you’re likely to win and that there’s a good chance they will be able to collect damages from the other party, they’ll probably take your case. If your case doesn’t seem like one that can be won easily, they may decline. Here’s an example. Imagine your loved one was driving home from work one night and was hit and killed by a drunk driver. Because the other driver was drunk behind the wheel, they were being especially negligent. The case seems fairly clear-cut, so most lawyers would likely take it. Now imagine your loved one was driving while intoxicated, lost control of the car, and was killed in a single-car accident. Losing a loved one is always tragic, but because no one else’s negligence caused the crash, a wrongful death lawyer probably wouldn’t take your case.

Need a wrongful death attorney in Clayton? The Pendergrass Law Firm is here for you

Navigating the legal system is challenging, even on a good day. When you’re still grieving the loss of a loved one, it can feel unbearable. But when you have a compassionate wrongful death attorney by your side, you may be able to recover compensation. At Pendergrass Law, we’re committed to holding negligent people and organizations accountable while seeking justice for families like you. Contact us online or schedule a visit to our Clayton office at 41 S Main St to schedule your free consultation today.

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