What Does A Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?
September 15, 2025
The sudden loss of a loved one due to someone else’s actions is a tragedy that no one should ever have to experience. But when that loss happens, the question that follows is often, “What now?”
Dealing with the complex legal system while grieving can feel like an impossible task. A wrongful death attorney is your advocate in the pursuit of justice, fighting for the compensation you and your family deserve. In this article, we’ll explore the role they play in guiding you through the legal maze after the loss of someone you love.
Understanding the Legal Framework of a Wrongful Death Case
To begin understanding the role of a wrongful death lawyer, it’s important to know what qualifies as a wrongful death and how these legal claims work. A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that is filed when a person dies as a result of another party’s recklessness, negligence, or intentional actions.
This could involve a wide range of incidents, such as medical malpractice, car accidents, or workplace accidents. The lawyer’s job is to investigate the circumstances of the death and identify who is legally responsible for it. Let’s see how they do that.
Investigating and Building the Case
One of the first steps a wrongful death lawyer takes is to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the death. They will collect all the necessary evidence to establish liability and ensure the claim is built on solid ground. This may include accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and, if necessary, expert testimony.
In some cases, the circumstances surrounding the death may not be clear-cut. Our experienced Atlanta wrongful death attorneys from Henningsen Injury Attorneys have the skills and resources to piece together even the most complex details.
A wrongful death lawyer will also assess whether there are multiple liable parties and what damages can be claimed. This process might involve negotiating with multiple insurance companies or defendants to secure a fair settlement.
Filing and Pursuing the Lawsuit
Once the investigation is complete and there is enough evidence to support the claim, the wrongful death lawyer will initiate the legal process by filing the lawsuit. This involves drafting legal documents and submitting them to the court to formally begin the case.
The lawyer will also ensure that all necessary deadlines are met, which is critical since each state has a statute of limitations for filing wrongful death claims.
Our wrongful death law firm is highly reputable in navigating the court system and fighting aggressively for the best outcome.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies and Defendants
One of the main responsibilities of a wrongful death lawyer is negotiating with insurance companies and the responsible parties to reach a fair settlement. Insurance companies often try to settle for the lowest amount possible, hoping that families will accept the offer out of desperation.
A wrongful death lawyer will ensure that you don’t accept an inadequate offer and will fight to get the compensation you deserve.
Negotiation can take time, especially if the defendant disputes liability or the settlement offer is insufficient. A lawyer with experience in wrongful death cases knows the ins and outs of insurance negotiations and will work diligently to secure a settlement that accurately reflects the damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional suffering.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the lawyer will not hesitate to take the case to trial. In fact, a key aspect of choosing the right wrongful death attorney is finding one who is prepared to go to court if necessary.
Representing You in Court
If negotiations fail and the case goes to trial, the wrongful death lawyer will represent the family in court. They will present evidence, question witnesses, and argue on behalf of the family to secure a verdict that supports their claim. The lawyer will also argue for the appropriate compensation, including both economic and non-economic damages.
During the trial, the wrongful death lawyer will ensure that the family’s voice is heard and that the emotional and financial toll of the loss is presented clearly to the jury. They will work to ensure that justice is served and that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.
Compassionate Support Throughout the Process
In addition to their legal expertise, a wrongful death lawyer plays a vital emotional and supportive role. The process of filing a lawsuit after the death of a loved one can be emotionally overwhelming. A good wrongful death attorney will provide the compassion and understanding that families need during such a difficult time.
Beyond winning the case, a lawyer’s goal is to offer peace of mind to the grieving family. They handle all the legal complexities so that the family can focus on grieving and healing. With a skilled lawyer by their side, families don’t have to navigate the complex legal process alone.
What Compensation Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer Secure?
A wrongful death lawyer’s role extends beyond litigation; they are also focused on securing the compensation that the surviving family members need to move forward. Compensation typically includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of future income that the deceased would have contributed to the family. If the deceased was a primary breadwinner, the financial impact on the family can be severe, and the lawyer will ensure that these losses are accounted for in the claim.
Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. While these damages are harder to quantify, a wrongful death lawyer will advocate for fair compensation for the emotional toll that the family has endured due to their loved one’s passing.
Getting Justice with the Help of a Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an incredibly painful experience, and having the right wrongful death lawyer by your side can make a world of difference. Our team at Henningsen Injury Attorneys places your needs front and center, understanding that no amount of compensation can replace the loss you’ve endured.
We offer compassionate support throughout the legal process and help you get the justice you deserve. Our practice has an impeccable reputation for securing the best outcomes. We’ve helped grieving families recover millions in compensation, providing the financial stability needed during such a difficult time.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions, please contact us today. We are available 24/7 to help you seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable.
