Suddenly losing a loved one to an accident is a dreadful experience that can be difficult to put into words. You might be experiencing feelings of pain, anger, sorrow, sadness, anguish — or a combination of all five. At the Law Offices of John J. Perlstein, we understand the intense emotional turmoil that coincides with grief and loss.
One-on-one assistance from a Los Angeles wrongful death attorney can provide you with the legal support you need as you grieve the loss of your loved one. Handling wrongful death cases alone is no easy task — especially when feeling emotionally distraught. Leaving the legal complexities to us can ensure you dedicate enough time and energy to taking care of yourself.
Given the complexities of wrongful death lawsuits, it is crucial to be aware of common mistakes that can arise. Equipping yourself with this knowledge and seeking guidance from an experienced wrongful death attorney in Los Angeles can get you through the legal process smoothly.
Here are some common mistakes in wrongful death cases to avoid so you and your family members can obtain the compensation and justice you deserve.
Failing To Gather the Right Evidence
Building strong wrongful death cases requires substantial evidence such as police reports, witness testimonies, medical records, photos from the scene, and more. Be sure to gather enough evidence to establish a compelling claim. Essentially, the evidence needs to prove that the other party’s negligence led to the tragic death of your loved one.
With help from a Los Angeles wrongful death, you can gather all the evidence required to recover damages — from medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income to pain and suffering and loss of companionship.
Waiting Too Long To File a Claim
As challenging as it may be to think about pursuing legal action after experiencing a tragic loss, it is important to file a claim as soon as possible. In the state of California, the wrongful death statute of limitations typically requires a personal injury or wrongful death claim to be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long to file a claim can prevent you from recovering damages on behalf of your loved one.
Our experienced Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys have the expertise to ensure your wrongful death claim is filed within the proper timeframe. We recommend contacting a Los Angeles wrongful death law firm as soon as possible to ensure your case is not dismissed.
Communicating With Your Insurance Company
Insurance companies are known for their deceitful games. They are pros at employing strategic tricks to avoid paying a settlement or reduce a payout at the very least. Anything you say to your insurance company in person, in writing, or over the phone can be used against you in a court of law. We suggest avoiding any discussions with your insurance company regarding the details of the incident.
Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers are all too familiar with the deceptive techniques and possess the skills needed to avoid falling for the insurance company’s bluff.
Accepting a Settlement Too Quickly
One of the deceitful tactics insurance companies like to employ is pulling you in to convince you to accept a settlement as soon as possible. Once you accept the agreement, you cannot negotiate for any more payment down the line. When you and your family members are grieving, the least you can do is obtain enough compensation to support you financially during this difficult time.
Keep in mind that you can also receive non-economic damages for loss of companionship or emotional distress. Connect with a wrongful death lawyer in Los Angeles before accepting a settlement agreement to see if a trial would be a better avenue for your case. Allowing us to handle all communication with your insurance company will ensure you obtain the justice you deserve.
Discussing the Accident Publicly
Similar to how anything you say to an insurance company can be used against, the same holds true when discussing the event with journalists and the media. A traumatic accident may attract reporters interested in covering your story for the public.
While it may seem comforting to share your story, it is best to refrain from public statements. Sharing details of the accident publicly, whether with journalists or on social media, can harm your case by downplaying the negligence of the opposing party.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorney
Taking legal action without the help of a wrongful death lawyer can lead you to make common mistakes in wrongful death cases that might prevent you from recovering damages and seeking justice. A lawyer in Los Angeles who specializes in wrongful death cases can speak to your insurance company on your behalf, assist you in gathering the right evidence, and help you determine the appropriate compensation for your claim. Surviving loved ones may receive financial support to recover funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
John J. Perlstein, one of the best personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles, has over 25 years of experience securing fair and just outcomes in personal injury cases and wrongful death cases. He will ensure accurate compensation for victims’ families.
Reach us at (213) 583-5786 or fill out the form on our website to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer. This consultation will provide you with an opportunity to tell us the details of your case and let us determine how we can help.