Top Questions To Ask A Wrongful Death Attorney Before Hiring Them
Losing someone you love—unexpectedly and because of someone else's negligence—is devastating. In a place like Denver, where people trust that systems work and professionals do their jobs, a wrongful death can shake that belief to the core.
In 2022, Colorado experienced 754 fatalities from car accidents alone, an amount that has significantly increased over the decade. This surge includes a record number of pedestrian and motorcyclist deaths, many occurring in the Denver area.
What follows after such a traumatic death isn't just grief. It's confusion. Legal forms. Court dates. Bills. And that quiet question: Do I need a lawyer for this?
You probably do. But not just any lawyer. You need someone who knows what they're doing. Someone with answers. Before you hire a Denver wrongful death lawyer, you should have a list of direct questions. No fluff. No dodging. Just straight talk.
In this article, we share the most pressing questions you should consider asking a wrongful death attorney before making the important decision to hire them for your case.
No. 1
What's Your Experience with Wrongful Death Cases?
This isn't about whether they've been to law school. It's about real cases. Real families. Real results. A wrongful death case isn't the same as a car accident claim. The stakes are higher. So are the emotions. You need an attorney who's been in the room when things get tense and knows how to handle it.
Note that wrongful death cases require knowledge of both civil procedures and how damages like lost income or emotional suffering are calculated.
No. 2
How Do You Charge for Your Services?
Some attorneys work on contingency. Others bill by the hour. You want to be clear. Ask this early. Don't assume anything. Contingency means they only get paid if you win. But make sure to ask about court costs and other expenses—some firms charge those even if the case isn't successful.
No. 3
What Is the Likely Timeline for a Case Like Mine?
No one can promise a win. But they should be able to outline a timeline. How long until a claim is filed? How long might it take to reach a settlement or go to trial? A good attorney will manage your expectations and explain where delays usually happen.
Moreover, wrongful death lawsuits can take anywhere from several months to multiple years, depending on the complexity of the case.
Legal Shield
Protect your peace of mind with LegalShield. Affordable subscription-based legal support and guidance whenever you need it, so you can focus on what matters most.
No. 4
Will You Personally Handle My Case?
This one matters. Some firms pass off clients to junior associates or paralegals after the first meeting. Ask who's going to be on the calls. Who writes the filings? Who shows up in court? You're not hiring a brand. You're hiring a person.
No. 5
How Do You Communicate?
A wrongful death case drags people through hard moments. You don't want to chase updates or feel like you're out of the loop. Ask how they handle client communication. Is it by phone? Email? Will you get updates every week or only when something happens?
No. 6
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
This is more than just money. It's compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, pain, suffering, and the vacuum left behind. A solid attorney won't promise you a dollar amount. But they'll explain what you're entitled to and what's worth fighting for.
Hiring a wrongful death attorney isn't a decision you rush. It's personal. And the right answers to the right questions will tell you everything you need to know.
Looking for resources?
At Hello Lovely Living, we aim to empower you to earn and save money and time while benefiting from our expansive network of home, life, wellness, travel, work-from-home, career, and business resources and opportunities. Discover a wealth of tools to support your journey.
