When a person loses a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, they may feel traumatized and confused. The person may know they have the legal right to seek compensation, but no amount of money can make up for the loss. Without an attorney’s help, a person may make numerous errors. Below are some of the most common mistakes made in wrongful death claims in Lake City, FL.
Self-Representation
A person can do their own research and determine that they have a valid claim, but the wrongful death sector is very complex. Claimants face terminology, court rules, and deadlines that online guides simply do not cover. No one should try to navigate the legal system alone. They should hire a lawyer with Northfloridaautoaccidentlawyer.com to ensure the greatest chance of a good outcome.
Ignoring Deadlines
There are multiple deadlines involved in a wrongful death claim. In every instance, these cases fall under the statute of limitations, which means that the claimant only has a certain time to file the case before they are permanently prohibited from seeking compensation. A wrongful death lawyer can help a person file a claim within the allotted time.
Hiring an Attorney Who Is Too Busy
There are many attorneys in the area, but not all focus on wrongful death cases. When a person hires a lawyer, they should avoid firms with wider practice areas. By choosing a lawyer with a narrower focus, the client can ensure that they will be provided with personalized, proper representation.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurers commonly offer seemingly generous settlements, telling clients that this is the only offer. They do so in the assumption that the client has no legal representative and in hopes that the offer will be accepted before the person consults a lawyer. A client should never accept an offer without consulting an attorney. In many cases, an attorney can negotiate for a higher settlement amount.
Filing Against the Wrong Party
Fault is not always clear in wrongful death claims in Lake City, FL, and parties can share blame in many situations. In these situations, an attorney can help the client decide which party to hold responsible or whether to name multiple parties in the lawsuit.
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