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When a loved one dies due to someone else's negligence, the grief can feel unbearable. In the midst of this pain, surviving family members face a challenging task to find the right wrongful death attorney to protect their rights.
While no amount of compensation can undo the loss, having an experienced San Diego wrongful death lawyer on your side can provide much-needed support and guidance during this difficult time. Attorney Mark Blane is here to handle every step in the wrongful death claims process so that you can focus on grieving and picking up the pieces of your life. Here, Mark explains what you need to look for when selecting a wrongful death lawyer and the benefits of hiring the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC
What Qualifies as Wrongful Death in San Diego?
In California, a "wrongful death" occurs when one person dies as the result of the wrongful act or negligence of another person or entity. Leading ways victims are killed in personal injury accidents include:
- Car crashes
- Truck collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Dog bites
- Slip and fall accidents
- Child injury accidents
What Should You Look for When Selecting a Wrongful Death Attorney?
You will be much more likely to find a San Diego wrongful death lawyer that’s right for you if you know what to look for. Additionally, understanding the qualities you want can help make the process feel more manageable. Here’s what our legal team recommends you search for when seeking legal representation for your wrongful death case.
Experience Handling Wrongful Death Cases
Choose an attorney who has extensive experience specifically handling wrongful death claims in San Diego. These cases involve complex legal issues and emotionally devastating circumstances. You want a lawyer who understands the unique challenges of fatal injury lawsuits and knows how to help you fight with the insurance companies effectively.
Track Record of Success
Look for a wrongful death attorney with a proven history of securing favorable settlements and verdicts for their clients. Ask about their past case results and whether they have handled claims similar to yours. A lawyer's track record can give you confidence in their ability to fight for the compensation your family deserves.
Clear Communication and Responsiveness
Your wrongful death lawyer should be a clear, prompt communicator who keeps you informed at every stage of your case. They should be easy to reach, quick to return your calls or emails, and able to explain complex legal concepts in plain language. You should feel like a priority, not just another case file.
Contingency Fees
Most reputable wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, and their fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict they secure for you. Make sure you understand the lawyer's contingency fee structure and that there are no hidden costs or upfront fees.
Client Testimonials
Pay attention to what past clients have to say about their experiences with the wrongful death lawyer you're considering. Look for testimonials on the attorney's website, online reviews, or ask for references. Hearing directly from people who have worked with the lawyer can give you valuable insights into their communication style, level of dedication, and ability to deliver results.
California State Bar Status
Before hiring a wrongful death attorney, check their disciplinary history with the State Bar of California. You want to ensure the lawyer is in good standing and has not faced any serious ethical violations or sanctions. If an attorney has a questionable disciplinary record, consider it a red flag.
Compassion and Personal Attention
Losing a loved one is an emotionally traumatic experience. Your wrongful death lawyer should approach your case with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to providing personalized attention and support. Look for an attorney who takes the time to listen to your story, understands your unique needs, and makes you feel supported throughout the legal process.
What Red Flags Should You Watch for When Choosing a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
You also need to understand the warning signs that a San Diego wrongful death lawyer is not a good choice for your case. Here are the red flags to watch out for.
Lack of Relevant Experience
Be wary of attorneys who have limited experience with fatal injury claims and personal injury cases that cause injuries as well as tragic deaths, such as motor vehicle, dog bite, child injuries, and slip and fall cases. You also don’t want a lawyer who only handles primarily one type of personal injury claim, like car collisions. Wrongful death lawsuits are complex and require specialized knowledge.
Poor Communication Skills
If a lawyer is hard to reach, takes days to return your calls, or cannot clearly explain your legal options, consider it a red flag. You need an attorney who prioritizes open and effective communication.
Pressure to Settle Quickly
While swift resolution is ideal, be cautious of any lawyer who rushes you to accept a low settlement offer without thoroughly investigating your case. A skilled attorney will fight for the full compensation you deserve, even if it means arguing your case at a jury trial.
Upfront Fees
Most reputable wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Be cautious of attorneys who demand substantial upfront fees or are unclear about their billing practices.
Unrealistic Promises and Guarantees
No lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome for your case. If an attorney makes overblown promises or claims that they can secure an exact settlement amount, consider it a warning sign. Look for someone who provides realistic assessments based on the facts.
The Benefits of Choosing the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC
When selecting a San Diego wrongful death attorney, consider the unique qualifications of our knowledgeable San Diego wrongful death lawyer at the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC. Mark has been approved as a Life Member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums. Only lawyers who have secured settlements or trial verdicts of $1 million or more in personal injury cases qualify for membership.
Here are the other benefits of hiring our legal team:
- Wrongful death experience. Our lawyer has extensive experience successfully handling fatal injury claims in San Diego. He understands the complex issues that arise in these cases and knows how to build strong, persuasive arguments on behalf of his clients.
- Personalized attention and responsive communication. At the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, we prioritize personal attention for every client. Your case will be handled directly by Mark Blane, rather than being passed off to a less experienced associate. He will keep you informed at every stage and promptly return your calls and emails.
- Aggressive advocacy focused on results. Mark is dedicated to securing the maximum compensation to which you and your family are entitled. He’ll thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, gather compelling evidence, and aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to secure the best possible outcome.
- No upfront costs. We understand the financial strain that often follows a tragic loss. That's why we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.
- Free, no-obligation case evaluation. Schedule a free initial consultation with Mark. He will review the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and assist you in making an informed decision about moving forward.
Don't trust your family's wrongful death claim to just any law firm. When you retain the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, you will be represented by a lawyer with the experience, dedication, and skill to fight for the justice your loved one and you deserve.
