10 Characteristics Of A Good Wrongful Death Attorney In Glendale, CA

When a loved one dies due to the negligence of another, it can be an emotionally devastating experience. In such cases, seeking legal counsel is important in order to obtain justice and closure. Finding a good wrongful death attorney who understands the nuances of California law and has experience dealing with similar cases is essential for obtaining favorable results. When looking for a wrongful death attorney in Glendale, CA there are certain characteristics that you should look out for.

Knowledge Of State And Local Laws

A good wrongful death attorney should have a thorough understanding of the relevant state and local laws pertaining to wrongful death cases in Glendale, CA. They need to be familiar with all applicable statutes and recent court rulings so they can properly advise their clients on their legal options. In addition, they should be well versed in the procedural requirements of filing a wrongful death claim and have experience navigating through the often complex legal proceedings. Furthermore, they must be familiar with any deadlines or caps on damages that may apply to wrongful death cases in Glendale, CA.

Extensive Trial Experience

Another characteristic of a great wrongful death attorney is extensive trial experience. The lawyer you choose should have a successful track record handling similar cases at both the state and federal levels in order to ensure that your case will receive proper representation in court if it goes that far. By having a wrongful death attorney with trial experience, you can rest assured that the lawyer will be familiar with the nuances of the law and know how to present your case in the best light possible. A successful wrongful death lawyer should be able to negotiate for a settlement or take your case all the way to trial if necessary. This type of aggressive approach can often lead to better results when seeking compensation for a loved one’s death.

Strong Communication Skills

A third key trait for any good wrongful death attorney is strong communication skills, both written and verbal. In order to effectively negotiate settlements with opposing lawyers, your lawyer needs to be able to express their client’s demands in a clear, concise manner that leaves no room for misunderstanding. In addition, they must be listening skills and be able to accurately interpret what the other party is saying so that they can respond appropriately. Finally, make sure you choose a lawyer who has these qualities if you want to get the best results from your case.

Empathy Toward Client Needs And Goals

A good wrongful death attorney should also have an understanding of their client’s individual needs and goals. A reputable practice will strive to understand the unique impact that a loved one’s death has had on each family so they can tailor their legal advice accordingly. Additionally, wrongful death attorneys should have experience in both the civil and criminal aspects of wrongful death cases so they are able to provide complete representation for their clients. This means understanding all proceedings related to a case, including what options are available for settlements or lawsuits that may arise from the situation.

Knowledge Of Medical Terminology

Wrongful death attorneys should have an understanding of medical terminology so they can explain complex medical facts to their clients and properly explain how the deceased’s death was caused by negligence or misconduct on behalf of another party. This includes understanding common medical terms such as diagnosis, prognosis, prescriptions, and treatments. An attorney should also be able to explain how the deceased’s death was caused by an unexpected event or a failure in medical care. They should be able to clearly explain the types of damages that may be available including funeral expenses, lost wages and other economic losses for surviving family members, and the pain and suffering of the deceased. It is important for clients to find an experienced wrongful death attorney who has a thorough knowledge of medical terminology so they can accurately assess their case and ensure that the wrongdoer is held accountable for their negligent actions.

Negotiation Skills

Negotiating settlements with opposing attorneys is an important part of any wrongful death case, thus strong negotiation skills are essential for any lawyer who wants to maximize compensation for their clients. A great negotiator will consider all options available before deciding which option best benefits their client. This includes researching the applicable law, gathering evidence from witnesses and experts, understanding the financial stakes involved, and examining settlement options. When it comes to negotiation, successful attorneys often use tactics like "bargaining in good faith” or “anchoring” using an initial value as a reference point for negotiations.

Understanding Of Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often become involved in wrongful death cases because of liability issues, thus it is important for any good wrongful death attorney to have an understanding of how these companies operate. An experienced lawyer should anticipate the tactics that insurance representatives may use in order to minimize payments. Insurance companies are in the business of collecting premiums and minimizing payouts, so it is not uncommon for them to employ tactics such as offering a low settlement or denying claims altogether. It is up to the wrongful death attorney to fight against these tactics and ensure that their client receives fair compensation. Insurance companies may often try to shift blame onto others in order to reduce liability; an experienced lawyer can evaluate if this is happening and build a strong case against them.

Respect For Client Privacy

Respect for client privacy is another key trait of a great wrongful death attorney. Clients should not feel like their lawyer is using their case to gain publicity or public attention. The attorney should understand the sensitive nature of wrongful death cases and ensure that all information is kept private. In addition, any communication with family members or other parties involved in the case should be done in a respectful manner. Furthermore, clients should feel safe and secure when discussing their case with their attorney, knowing that no details will be shared without their consent first. A highly professional wrongful death lawyer will take all measures to protect their client's privacy.

Ability To Handle Special Circumstances

As every wrongful death case has different details and circumstances, it is important that your lawyer has the ability to handle special cases such as those involving large corporations or high-profile individuals. The lawyer should have the experience and knowledge to understand how these cases differ from standard wrongful death claims so they can provide the best legal advice and representation. They should also be aware of federal and state laws that could affect a claim in order to ensure their client’s rights are fully protected. A good wrongful death attorney should be able to navigate any special issues that may arise during the course of a case such as insurance disputes or complex medical records. This requires an individual who is capable of handling the complexities of these types of cases with confidence and expertise.

Reputation For Success

A good wrongful death attorney should have an established reputation for success in similar cases so you can have confidence in their ability to obtain positive results for your family. Ask friends, colleagues, and other lawyers for referrals so you can find someone who consistently wins favorable outcomes for their clients. Additionally, look for an attorney who is a member of the National Board of Trial Advocacy and other professional organizations within the field. This will confirm their experience in wrongful death cases. Finally, check online reviews from previous clients as well as ratings and rankings from professional organizations. This will help you gain an accurate understanding of the quality of service you can expect to receive.

Contact A Licensed Wrongful Death Attorney In Glendale, CA

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions can be devastating. In cases like this, hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney in Glendale, California, is paramount to ensure that justice is served and the responsible party is held accountable. Big Ben Lawyers have the expertise and experience to represent victims of wrongful death in Glendale, CA, and can help guide you through this difficult time. Contact them now for a free consultation to learn about your legal options.