When someone passes away in the family, it can be an unbearable experience. It is never easy to cope with the loss of a loved one, especially when it causes both emotional, mental, and financial loss for the family. When the loss takes place due to another person’s carelessness, it can be particularly more devastating.
While no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a loved one, it can bring some sense of justice to the family. Filing a wrongful death claim can help you seek justice. It is recommended to have a Stockton wrongful death attorney by your side so they can help you avoid costly mistakes during the process.
Common mistakes in a wrongful death claim
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Talking to the media.
News channels are always looking for a story. When they hear about the tragic accident, they are going to want to speak to you. It is understandable that you may want to share the story of the injustice that has happened to you. However, it is important to control this urge. This is an emotional time, and you could end up saying something that you may regret later.
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Talking to the insurance company.
Remember that you will be receiving a call or visit from the insurance company soon after the incident. They will try to make you think as if they are on your side to build trust inside you. Do not make the mistake of believing them. Insurance companies are profit-making organizations, and they want to pay you as little as possible. They will probably ask you various questions and try to offer you a lower settlement. It is important that you let your attorney handle the situation.
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Waiting too long to file the claim.
Stockton (California) law has a statute of limitation for wrongful death claims. You must file the case within two years of the victim’s death and not one day later. If you wait for too long, you lose your right to compensation. It is understandable that you may not want to get involved with the law right after a tragic incident. However, it is best to file early and get the process started.
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Not retaining a lawyer.
If you have a tight budget and are thinking of representing yourself in court, you are making a big mistake. No matter how knowledgeable you may be about the legal system, you cannot compete with the expertise of a professional. A skilled lawyer knows every step of the process by heart, from gathering investigation evidence to obtaining the maximum compensation.
