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When a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence or careless actions, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. These cases are designed to hold the responsible party accountable and to seek compensation for both financial and emotional losses. While no lawsuit can undo your loss, pursuing a claim can provide a measure of justice and stability.
Choosing the right wrongful death attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make. The lawyer you hire can significantly affect the strength of your case and how smoothly the legal process unfolds. An experienced DC attorney can handle complex legal issues, communicate with insurers, and protect your interests during a difficult time.
By asking the right questions during your consultation, you can determine whether an attorney is the right fit. These eight questions will guide you toward making the best possible decision.
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You want an attorney who has personally handled at least 10 to 15 wrongful death cases, with some of those cases occurring within the last two or three years.
Ask your attorney: “What kinds of wrongful death cases have you handled?” to make sure that their experience matches your needs.
Good communication matters during your legal case. Ask your lawyer how often they’ll update you and the best way to reach them with questions.
Ask your attorney: “Do you prefer phone calls, emails, or meeting in person?” and “Will I work directly with the attorney or mainly with their legal team and paralegals?”
Compensation in a wrongful death case comes from several different types of damages, including:
Ask your attorney: “How do you calculate compensation for my case?” At Regan Zambri Long, we work with economic experts to fully calculate all of the damages to which you are entitled.
Most wrongful death cases settle without the need for a court trial. However, if they refuse to offer fair compensation for your loss, Regan Zambri Long is prepared to take your case to trial.
Our attorneys have decades of courtroom experience, and insurance companies know our reputation for winning at trial. Whether your case settles or goes to court, you’ll have experienced trial lawyers with the resources to fight for the maximum compensation your family deserves.
You have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Some exceptions exist for minors or medical malpractice cases where the cause of death wasn’t immediately apparent.
If your wrongful death claim involves a government agency or employee, you may be required to file a notice of claim within just six months of the incident.
Failure to meet any of these deadlines can result in your right to pursue compensation entirely.
Experienced wrongful death lawyers can provide educated settlement estimates based on similar cases and specific factors as they pertain to your case:
The deceased person’s age, health, and life expectancy
Income and earning capacity
Financial dependency by surviving family members
Nature and closeness of family relationships
Strength of liability evidence
Available insurance coverage
Whether the deceased suffered before death
Ask your attorney: “What is the range of values for cases similar to mine?”
A reputable lawyer should be able to provide general ranges based on their experience with similar wrongful death cases, while explaining the factors that could affect your specific settlement or verdict. Be wary of attorneys who guarantee specific amounts. This violates ethical rules and is often a sign of an attorney more interested in signing you as a client than in providing honest, realistic guidance about your case.
Most DC wrongful death lawyers work on contingency, which means they get paid a percentage of your settlement instead of charging you upfront. Standard rates usually range from 33% to 40% of what you recover.
At Regan Zambri Long, we pay for all case costs upfront, and you only pay us when we win your settlement. Case costs typically range from $10,000 to $75,000 or more, depending on how complex your case is.
Ask your attorney: “Do you work on a contingency basis?” and “What are your fees for a settlement versus a trial?”
Most DC wrongful death cases resolve within 18 to 36 months, though complex cases may take longer.
Typical phases:
Investigation Phase (2 – 6 months). Gathering all evidence that will serve as the foundation for your case, including medical records, witness statements, and consulting experts.
Filing and Discovery phase (6 – 12 months). Filing the initial complaint, exchanging information with the other parties involved, conducting depositions, and preparing expert reports.
Negotiation and Resolution: (12-18 months). Prepare demands and negotiate a potential settlement. If necessary, a mediator may be brought in to help facilitate a settlement agreeable to both parties. In some cases, a court trial is inevitable, and an attorney will then prepare for this.
Ask your attorney: “What is your typical timeline for cases like mine?” and “What is your settlement versus trial rate?”
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. While no amount of money can restore what was taken, holding responsible parties accountable provides justice and financial security for your family.
At Regan Zambri Long, our attorneys have over 200 years of combined experience handling wrongful death cases in DC courtrooms, resulting in the recovery of hundreds of millions of dollars for families throughout the capital. We understand DC court procedures, provide compassionate guidance at every step, and work exclusively on a contingency basis. This means no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. All case costs are advanced by us, so you never pay out of pocket.
Call us today or complete our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll answer your questions and help you understand your legal options under DC wrongful death law.
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.