Choosing an attorney to represent you in a wrongful death lawsuit is an important decision to make because the stakes are incredibly high. Consider, for example, that wrongful death suits can determine whether you are compensated for:
- Medical bills
- Funeral Expenses
- Lost wages
- The loss of parental support and companionship
And these are just to name a few. The right attorney will help ensure that you collect every cent you deserve. No amount of money will bring back your loved one, but there is no reason to compound your problems when facing such a traumatic loss. You deserve to be in a position to begin rebuilding your life without worrying about how you will afford life’s essentials. Keep the following tips in mind when making your selection.
Experience
While there is something to be said about an up-and-comer trying to make his or her mark, there truly is no substitute for experience. You want your lawyer to know the ins-and-outs of every relevant wrongful death statute and ruling in Georgia and your attorney to have relationships with judges and other legal actors. You want to make sure that your attorney has negotiated settlements successfully on behalf of his or her clients before. Basically, you want to know that your advocate is the real deal. There is only one sure-fire way to ensure that he or she is: experience. You will benefit from the substantial experience that the attorneys at Schneider Hammers bring to bear on behalf of their clients.
Price
While price is an important consideration, it is wise to put this one in context. There are a couple different ideas to consider here. First, you are talking about a case that is going to determine how much money you receive over an extended period of time, perhaps for the rest of your life. With those kinds of stakes at play, it would be foolish to sacrifice on the quality of your representation just to save a quick buck. Second, the attorneys at Schneider Hammers work on the “contingency fee” model. That means that they only get paid if you win. They have taken all the risk out of the equation for you. If you have a strong case, then you should by all-means think about pricing. But, remember that the quality of your attorneys will help determine the amount of your potential income for years to come.
Rapport
This is one of those intangible dynamics that can make-or-break a client’s relationship with his or her attorney, and by extension, the very case itself. The attorney-client relationship is a special one. Indeed, whatever is communicated between those two parties is held in confidence under the law. Therefore, it is within your best interest to tell your lawyer everything, and I mean everything, that could be even remotely relevant to your case. Trying to protect your own reputation by withholding information that you deem embarrassing could easily torpedo your case. Hide nothing from your counsellor. If you and your attorney have good rapport, then this task becomes infinitely easier. If you connect with your advocate on a non-judgmental level, then hopefully the communication will flow like honey, and that is the key to any healthy relationship.
Strategy
You want to make sure that your lawyer has a coherent game-plan. In your initial consultation, do not be afraid to ask about what kind of strategy your attorney might be interested in pursuing. Strategic planning is an absolutely essential element of any successful case or settlement. Knowing which paperwork to file, how and when to negotiate, how and when to ask for more or less are incredibly important considerations to make. Trust me, you do not want your attorney flying by the seat of his or her pants and leaving you hanging out to dry.
Contact the Right Legal Team
If you are planning to pursue a wrongful death suit in Atlanta, then contact the legal team at Schneider Hammers today. They exceed each one of the benchmarks discussed above. For a strategic, communicative, affordable, and experienced firm, look no further. Remember, potential income for perhaps the rest of your life depends on this decision. Do not leave it to chance and do not leave it to amateurs. Instead, leave it to the experienced wrongful death lawyers at Schneider Hammers.
