Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence can be an emotionally devastating experience.
Finding the best wrongful death lawyer to represent your case becomes paramount in such a difficult time.
A skilled and experienced Baltimore wrongful death attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Read on to learn more about how to find a wrongful death attorney in or near Baltimore.
1. Seek Recommendations from Trusted Sources
Personal recommendations can be invaluable when searching for a wrongful death lawyer.
Talk to friends, family members, or coworkers who have gone through a similar experience to see if they have any suggestions.
Remember that every case is unique, so further research on recommended attorneys is still essential. When someone you trust has had a good experience with a lawyer, you may too.
However, it’s not guaranteed, which is why you should conduct independent research to learn more about this particular lawyer.
2. Use Online Directories and Review Platforms
Online directories such as Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell offer comprehensive lists of attorneys specializing in wrongful death cases.
These platforms often include client reviews and peer ratings, which can provide insights into an attorney’s performance, experience, and reputation.
You might find that some of the attorneys you’re considering rank similarly on these platforms, so you don’t want to rely solely on this research.
3. Consult with Other Legal Professionals
If you have an existing relationship with a lawyer in a different field, they may be able to recommend a reputable wrongful death attorney.
Legal professionals often network with colleagues in various practice areas and can provide valuable referrals based on their firsthand knowledge.
4. Perform an Online Search
An online search can be a useful starting point for finding a wrongful death lawyer near you. Enter keyword phrases such as “best wrongful death lawyer near me” or “wrongful death attorney” along with your city or zip code to generate a list of potential candidates.
Examine the search results closely. Some search results might be sponsored posts or lists where attorneys pay to rank higher in a directory.
Browse each attorney’s website, read their biographies, examine their case results, and look at client testimonials to gauge their expertise and success in handling wrongful death cases.
5. Contact Your Local Bar Association
Your local bar association can be a valuable resource when looking for a wrongful death attorney. They might have a referral option that connects you with qualified lawyers in your area.
While the bar association won’t give specific recommendations, they might be able to provide you with a list of personal injury attorneys. These attorneys might have wrongful death experience that aligns with your needs.
Tips for Finding the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer for You
Once you’ve curated a list of attorneys or firms you want to know more about, it’s time to narrow your options. Here are some helpful tips to remember once you’ve found some lawyers of interest.
Schedule Consultations
Arrange initial consultations with potential wrongful death attorneys to discuss your case and evaluate whether they fit your needs well.
Most lawyers offer free initial consultations, allowing you to ask questions about their experience, success rate, and legal strategy.
Remember to take note of their communication style and ensure you feel comfortable discussing your case with them.
Verify Their Standing with the State Bar Association
Before hiring a wrongful death attorney, confirm they are in good standing with the Maryland State Bar Association.
Many bar associations maintain a database of disciplinary actions taken against attorneys. This step can help you avoid hiring a lawyer with a concerning professional history.
Assess the Attorney’s Experience
When evaluating potential wrongful death attorneys, prioritize those with extensive experience in wrongful death cases—especially cases with similar circumstances.
For example, if your family member died from potential medical negligence, look at attorneys who’ve handled similar cases.
A wrongful death lawyer who has handled only car accidents might not be your best option. That’s because a wrongful death claim stemming from medical negligence can involve complicated legal questions.
The attorney must deeply understand the relevant laws specific to your type of claim. Look for an attorney with a proven track record of success in related cases and who has a strong knowledge of the applicable laws.
Inquire About Their Fee Structure
Before signing a retainer agreement, ensure you fully understand the attorney’s fee structure and any additional costs that could arise during your case. Wrongful death attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis.
That means they collect a fee only if they successfully recover compensation in your case. This fee is usually a percentage of the recovery, which can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the stage at which it is resolved.
Be sure to compare the fee structures of different attorneys to find an arrangement that works best for you.
Review Their Track Record and Client Testimonials
A wrongful death attorney’s track record and client testimonials can provide valuable insights into their competence and success in handling cases like yours.
Examine their past case results, paying close attention to the types of cases they have handled and the outcomes they have achieved.
Read client testimonials to understand how satisfied their former clients were with the representation they received. You can also ask to speak to previous clients.
Contact Our Baltimore Wrongful Death Attorneys
Losing a loved one brings a wave of unfathomable grief. You have the right to pursue justice if someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions resulted in your family member’s death.
Finding the right wrongful death attorney is a critical part of this process. You need someone with the skills, experience, and tenacity to help you hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico, LLC, our wrongful death lawyers stand ready to help. We have years of experience helping grieving families get the justice they deserve in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation if you think you have a wrongful death claim. Let us review your case and help you decide on the best course of legal action.
Phil Federico is a partner at Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico where he helps lead the Mass Tort / Class Action and Environmental Law practices, transitioning into these areas after beginning his career as a medical malpractice litigator.
Phil has led and been involved in historic and groundbreaking litigation with verdicts and settlements exceeding one billion dollars.
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