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Should you call a lawyer when a loved one dies in an accident?

On Behalf of | Aug 18, 2017 | Wrongful Death

Dealing with the death of a loved one is difficult under any circumstance. It can be even more challenging when you suspect the death happened due to someone else’s negligence. With enough to worry about, you may wonder if you should put in the effort to pursue a wrongful death case.

The answer is yes. While money cannot bring back your loved one or heal your pain, it can alleviate a lot of stress by reducing the far-reaching financial consequences. Holding the responsible party accountable can prevent others from going through this experience, as well. Usually, negligence coming to light and having to pay damages encourage the person or company to be more careful to prevent future accidents.

When to call a lawyer

Calling loved ones and the funeral home may rightfully be at the top of your to-do list, but so should contacting a lawyer. Doing so early on is important in gathering evidence and eye-witness testimony. The longer you wait, the less reliable and available these sources become. You also do not want to miss the statute of limitations in New York for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Why to call a lawyer

When wrongful death is clear, you will hear from the insurance companies right away. Although you must notify your own provider of the death, you do not have to talk to anyone else’s. Speaking to a lawyer first will ensure you do not agree to an unfair deal. Remember, insurers are businesses and care about profits. They want to pay you as little as possible. What may seem like an appealing offer may not even be close to the amount you are entitled to receive. Making an immediate settlement may be tempting but can cost you in the long run.

If you have any unsettling feelings about the circumstances of the death, do not ignore them. Whether or not you end up having a case, you can have peace of mind knowing the truth.

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