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Coping With Legal Issues

When I started getting into trouble I became pretty acclimated to legal procedures. Calling my attorney and working out bail was just another way to spend a Saturday night. Unfortunately, the stiffer the charges, the more difficult it was to talk my way out of a bad situation. After so many charges, I found myself slapped with a long jail sentence, and I realized that I wanted to turn things around. Fortunately, my lawyer was able to walk me through yet another process, so that I could make the right changes. My blog discusses how to emotionally cope with legal issues so that you can start living a good life.

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Coping With Legal Issues

Why You Should Hire A Wrongful Death Attorney After A Work-Related Fatality

by Lillian Wheeler

Losing a loved one after a work-related accident can be beyond devastating. In the process of grieving and making funeral arrangements, it is normal to assume that the responsible party will take responsibility for the loss. This usually involves compensating the family with the necessary damages as required by the law. Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen. That's why it's crucial to hire a wrongful death attorney immediately after losing your loved one. Below are some ways in which an attorney can help with the process.

Navigate Liability and Associated Issues

When someone gets injured and dies in a workplace accident, you have to establish which party is liable for the accident. In many cases, the employer may try to deny responsibility and pin negligence on the injured person. If this happens, you need an attorney to prove that your loved one was not responsible for the fatality. This usually involves the following:

  • Presenting photos of the scene of the accident
  • Providing witness statements from other workers
  • Availing medical records such as post-mortem results

As a loved one, handling the above issues may be draining and beyond your expertise. Losing someone is a traumatizing experience, and the other party can use your emotions to manipulate the process. You need an objective attorney to take care of any legal issues that may arise when filing a claim.

Handle the Settlement Process

Once you file a wrongful death claim, you will go through a settlement process where both parties discuss damages. Settlements are like negotiations -- you state your amount, and the other party states how much they are willing to offer. In a wrongful death claim, you need to claim the following damages:

  • Medical and funeral expenses
  • The deceased person's pain and suffering
  • Loss of income by the spouse
  • Loss of spousal love and support
  • Loss of inheritance
  • Emotional trauma for surviving kin

Without legal representation, you may receive a lower settlement than what you're entitled to. Attorneys know how to calculate the deserved damages and negotiate to ensure you don't get played by the liable party.

Present a Lawsuit If Necessary

Not all wrongful death claims get concluded at the settlement stage. In some instances, the other party may deny liability or refuse to offer your desired settlement amount. Thus, you have to file a lawsuit against them. As with a settlement, you have to prove liability and calculate the damages. Also, trials require building a foolproof case and presenting witnesses. All this needs the help of a wrongful death attorney.

Wrongful death claims and lawsuits have complicated procedures and tight deadlines that you may not be able to meet without legal help. An attorney will not only handle the claim for you but also accord you the peace needed to grieve your departed loved one.

To learn more, contact a wrongful death attorney.

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