If someone you love passes away in an accident that you believe gives your family grounds to file a wrongful death claim, your first step in pursuing justice should be to find the best wrongful death attorney in Albuquerque for you. This is a personal decision that will depend on your unique type of case, as well as your goals and priorities. Find the ideal attorney for you and your family by using this toolkit as your guide.
Ask for Referrals
Begin the process by asking around for possible referrals. If you know someone who has filed a wrongful death claim in your community, such as a friend or family member, ask if they can recommend a good wrongful death lawyer for you. If you have an attorney for other purposes, such as a past personal injury claim in Albuquerque, they may be able to refer you to a top contender, as well.
Search Online
If you don’t have a referral, take your search online. Conduct a search for “wrongful death attorney in Albuquerque” or “wrongful death lawyer near me” to quickly find a list of options. Review these law firms’ websites to look for information that can help you narrow down your choices and find the right fit.
Beware of law firms that are not local to Albuquerque. They may show up as sponsored ads at the top of your online search. Having an attorney with a law office that is actually in Albuquerque is important, as this will give your lawyer in-depth knowledge of state and municipal laws that may apply to your wrongful death case.
Identify Your Type of Case and Look for Relevant Experience
A personal injury case is not the same as a wrongful death claim in Albuquerque. Not all personal injury lawyers are equipped to handle wrongful death cases. Look for a lawyer with legal experience specifically handling your type of case.
Search for an attorney based on the cause of your loved one’s death. If a motor vehicle crash took your loved one’s life, for instance, search for a wrongful death attorney with experience handling fatal car accident cases and winning.
It is especially important to search for relevant practice area experience if your case involves a complex issue, such as medical malpractice or fatal nursing home abuse. These cases may involve complex laws and nuances that require real legal experience.
Verify the Attorney’s Reputation in the Industry
The wrongful death attorney you select should be accredited in the legal industry, with a license to practice that is in good standing with the New Mexico Bar. Other signs that a wrongful death lawyer is suitable to represent you are high ratings by respected organizations, such as Martindale-Hubbell, AVVO and the Better Business Bureau.
Check for Past Case Results
No wrongful death attorney should guarantee positive case outcomes. It is not possible to promise to win a case, and it is a red flag if a lawyer gives such assurances. You can have greater confidence in your chosen attorney’s ability to succeed, however, if there is a track record of proven case results in and out of the courtroom.
Look for a wrongful death attorney who has successfully achieved wrongful death settlements from insurance companies and positive jury verdicts at trial. This demonstrates that the law firm has the experience, resources and personnel to get real results for wrongful death lawsuits in Albuquerque.
Trial Capabilities
Most wrongful death cases in New Mexico reach settlements. A wrongful death lawyer with a history of going to trial and winning can give you greater leverage during insurance settlement negotiations. This increases your odds of settling for a fair amount without court. A team of seasoned litigators with trial capabilities can also give you peace of mind should your lawsuit be the exception and you end up in court.
Read Client Testimonials
You should have an idea of how a wrongful death lawyer treats his or her clients before signing on. Client testimonials and reviews of the law firm can showcase how a wrongful death attorney treats his or her clients. Look for keywords such as “professional,” “kindhearted,” “helpful,” and “considerate” to find the best attorney for you in Albuquerque.
Schedule Free Consultations
Once you have done enough research on your options to narrow them down to one or two top choices, schedule an initial consultation with each law firm. The case review should be free and come with no obligation to hire the wrongful death lawyer. This meeting is the chance to get answers to your personal questions and get to know an attorney better.
Asking the right questions during your free case evaluation can help with your decision:
- How many years of experience do you have in wrongful death law?
- Can you share any past wrongful death case results with me?
- Who will be handling my wrongful death case?
- Do you have enough time to dedicate to my case right now?
- What are my options for communicating with my attorney?
- How frequently will I receive case updates?
You should also ask about the wrongful death attorney’s fee structure. For the least amount of financial risk, you want to hire an Albuquerque wrongful death attorney who operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay anything unless the attorney wins your case. If the case does succeed, the fee will be deducted from the settlement or verdict won rather than being passed directly to your family.
Choose a Wrongful Death Attorney You Trust
You are going through an extremely difficult time when grieving the unexpected death of a loved one in Albuquerque. Hiring the right attorney to represent you and your family can make an enormous difference to the outcome of your case as well as your legal experience.
Overall, the best Albuquerque personal injury attorney for you is one that checks all of your boxes in terms of experience, case results, reputation and communication. Your lawyer should treat you with respect, prioritize you and your needs, and offer compassionate and empathetic support throughout your legal journey.
If you’re ready to schedule a free consultation with a top wrongful death lawyer in Albuquerque, contact The Fine Law Firm at (505) 889-3463 24/7. We’ve been representing individuals and families in New Mexico for over 50 years.