3 Tips to Maximize the Benefits in Case of Wrongful Death Cases

Losing a loved one can cause incredible pain for a family and an incredible amount of stress. If someone close to you has died due to the willful or neglectful behavior of another person, you can file a wrongful death case. Justice demands that the person responsible for the wrongful death pay the grieving family members compensation for financial loss and mental anguish caused by the death of the loved one.

While the immediate loss can be painful, the realities of life and financial obligations left behind are an important reality. Here are some tips that can help you to ensure that you receive a maximum possible payout in case of a wrongful death.

1. Avoid Accepting any Offer without Legal Counsel

A legal representative or insurance company of the guilty party may try to reach out to you regarding the wrongful death case. In such a case, you should never accept any offer without getting legal advice. Keep in mind that once you sign the dotted line, you will not be able to sue the guilty person, institution or insurance company.

You will be stuck with the settlement amount since even if it only covers the medical bills incurred in the treatment of the deceased person, it may not fully account for the loss of income due to loss of the loved one. Also, the settlement amount may not offer adequate compensation for the psychological pain due to the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death case. That’s why it’s always important that you consult a wrongful death attorney before signing any document.

2. Keep Expense Records

You should keep detailed records of all the expenses that incurred after the death of the loved one. Some of the documents that you should keep with you include the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Funeral expenses
  • Partner’s income statement
  • Marriage contract

All the papers that can serve as evidence or support damages sustained after the death of a loved one should be kept with you. These documents can help in maximizing the benefits received in case of a wrongful death case.

3. Office of the Medical Investigator Report

A death certificate is not enough to prove the guilt of another person in a wrongful death case. You need to get a comprehensive report from the office of the Medical Investigator (OMI). The findings of the report will highlight the circumstances surrounding the death of a person. This can be the single most important evidence in the court that can help in removing any reasonable doubt that the defendant was responsible for the death of a deceased person.
In the end, you should always hire an experienced wrongful death attorney for your case. If you reside in Orange County, CA, you can get help from a committed team of legal experts at Shield Litigation, LLP. For a free, no-obligation consultation, you can contact us today by dialing (714) 728-3385.

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