If you lost your loved one in an accident, are there any repercussions you can take? If your loved one died because someone else was at fault, you may be entitled to filing a wrongful death claim. If you do and if the insurance company makes an offer, do you have to accept it? Here is what you need to ask yourself before accepting any offers.
Do You Know Your Claim’s Value?
You should never accept a settlement far below your claim’s value. When you meet with a lawyer, he or she will use a formula, your evidence and the cost of damages to decide the value of your claim. Once you have a number value assigned to the claim, you will know not to accept a value far below what you deserve.
Have You Fully Investigated the Case?
Before you agree to a settlement, make sure that you have fully investigated the case. Generally, your lawyer will help you with the investigation. Analyze all of the photographic and video evidence you have available, along with the witness testimonies and regulations that apply to your claim. If you haven’t done a full investigation, then you may not know the worth of your claim.
Insurance companies may count on you not to do extra research or investigate the case before you file a claim or accept a settlement.
What Advice Did Your Lawyer Provide?
If you don’t have a wrongful death lawyer, you need to hire one as soon as possible. While personal injury cases are complicated, a wrongful death lawsuit may be even more complex. Your loved one is no longer there to fight his or her case. The ins and outs of filing a claim may not be information that you have readily available. A lawyer will help you maximize your claim.
When you are offered a settlement, your first step should be to discuss the offer with your lawyer. Does he or she think that it is a fair offer? Your lawyer will not push for you to go to trial unless there is a strong chance that you could receive a higher amount of compensation. Listen to your lawyer’s advice and do not accept a wrongful death settlement if the attorney warns you against it.
When you lose a loved one at someone else’s fault, moving forward cannot be easy. Most people do not want to dwell on the accident, but if your loved one’s estate deserves compensation, you should file a wrongful death claim. If you lost a family member due to someone’s negligence, consult with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible for more information.
