How To Find a Wrongful Death Attorney
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How To Find a Wrongful Death Attorney
It can feel overwhelming to figure out how to find a wrongful death attorney when you have just lost someone. Losing someone you love because of another person’s negligence is one of the hardest experiences any family can endure. Beyond the emotional toll, families often face unexpected expenses, unanswered questions and a deep desire for accountability.

In moments like these, having the right wrongful death attorney can make a profound difference, both in achieving justice and easing the burden of the legal process.
How to Know If You Need a Wrongful Death Attorney
Not every unexpected death leads to a wrongful death case, but when negligence, carelessness or intentional harm plays a role, the law may allow you to pursue compensation on behalf of your loved one.
You may need to find a wrongful death attorney if any of the following apply.
The Death Was Caused by Negligence or Misconduct
Negligence and misconduct includes car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, defective products, unsafe property conditions and criminal acts.
Financial Losses Followed the Death
Wrongful death claims can cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, loss of companionship and future financial support.
You’re Unsure Who Is Legally Responsible
Determining fault can be complex, especially when multiple parties or corporations are involved. A skilled attorney can investigate liability and identify all responsible parties.
Insurance Companies Are Involved
Insurers often prioritize minimizing payouts. A wrongful death attorney ensures your family’s rights are protected and that you don’t accept a settlement that undervalues your loss.
There’s a Dispute Among Family Members About Pursuing Legal Action
A lawyer helps clarify who can file your lawsuit (such as a spouse, parent or child) and manages the process on behalf of the estate to avoid internal conflict.
If any of these situations sound familiar, it’s worth consulting a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Wrongful death claims are subject to strict filing deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, that vary by state. Acting early helps to ensure evidence is preserved and your case is better positioned for success.
Where to Search for a Wrongful Death Attorney
Finding the right attorney can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to begin your search as soon as you are ready.
1. Online Searches
Start by searching for terms like “wrongful death attorney near me” or “best wrongful death lawyers in [your city]”.
Pay attention to the firm’s website content, which should demonstrate expertise in wrongful death cases. Look for client testimonials that reflect compassion and communication. Then make sure to check their actual service areas. Some firms, like Sargon Law Group, serve multiple states, like Arizona, Colorado and California.
2. Legal Directories
Professional directories can help you find attorneys who are licensed, experienced and in good standing. For example, Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell offer peer reviews and ratings. The American Bar Association (ABA) and state bar associations also provide verified attorney listings. Super Lawyers is another directory that highlights attorneys recognized for excellence in their field.
3. Referrals and Word of Mouth
If you know someone who has worked with a wrongful death or personal injury lawyer, ask about their experience. Even if that lawyer doesn’t handle wrongful death cases, you may be able to get a referral to someone who does.
4. Community and Support Networks
Grief support groups, churches or community organizations sometimes maintain lists of trusted legal resources. Hospitals or counselors who assist families in trauma situations may also have reputable attorney contacts.
The key is to find a lawyer who not only knows the law but also respects the emotional weight of what your family is going through.
What to Look For in a Wrongful Death Attorney
Once you have a list of potential wrongful death lawyers, it’s time to evaluate which one is right for you. Consider these essential qualities that make for a good lawyer:
1. Experience and Specialization
Wrongful death law is a specialized area within personal injury law. Look for an attorney or firm that has extensive experience handling wrongful death claims. They should understand the nuances of negligence, liability and insurance litigation. They should also be able to provide examples of past case results similar to yours.
2. Proven Track Record
Discuss their record of success in similar cases. Many wrongful death cases settle before trial, but it’s critical to have a lawyer who’s prepared to litigate if necessary. Insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements when they know your attorney is willing to go to court.
3. Communication and Accessibility
You should never feel left in the dark about your case. A good attorney will return your calls or emails promptly, keep you updated on progress, explain complex legal terms in plain language and make you feel comfortable asking questions.
4. Personal Rapport
Wrongful death cases can take months or even years to resolve. Choose someone who makes you feel supported and respected. The right attorney should listen with empathy, understand your goals and treat your case as more than just a file number.
5. Fee Structure and Transparency
Most wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they recover compensation for you. A reputable firm will provide a written agreement that clearly outlines all terms before moving forward.
How to Choose a Wrongful Death Attorney
Once you’ve identified potential candidates, take these practical steps to make your final decision.
1. Schedule Consultations
Most wrongful death attorneys, including Sargon Law Group, offer free initial consultations. Use this time to share the details of your case. During the consult, gauge how the attorneys respond. Do they listen carefully? Ask for their professional opinion about the strength of your claim.
2. Ask the Right Questions
To get the most out of your consultation, come prepared with specific questions, such as:
- How many wrongful death cases have you handled?
- What were the outcomes?
- Who will be my main point of contact?
- How do you keep clients informed?
- What challenges do you foresee in my case?
- How long a wrongful death lawsuit can take?
These are just examples. Write down the questions most pressing for you so that you can remember them during your discussion.
3. Compare and Reflect
After meeting with several attorneys, consider how you felt during your interactions. Which one made you feel most understood? Who provided clear, confident answers? Who demonstrated genuine empathy and professionalism?
Choosing a wrongful death attorney isn’t about finding the cheapest or fastest option; it’s about finding someone who will fight for your family’s peace of mind and financial stability.
How Much Does a Wrongful Death Attorney Cost?
One of the biggest concerns families have when considering legal action is the potential cost. The good news is that most wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront fees. Instead, the attorney’s payment comes as a percentage of the compensation they recover for you.
1. Contingency Fee Structure
A contingency fee arrangement ensures that your attorney’s interests are aligned with yours — they only get paid if they win your case. Typical fees range from 30% to 40% of the final settlement or court award, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial.
For example, if your case settles early, the percentage may be lower (like around 30%). If it goes to trial or appeal, the percentage may increase due to the additional time, preparation and expenses involved.
At Sargon Law Group, we believe families shouldn’t have to worry about legal bills while they’re grieving. That’s why we handle wrongful death claims on a no-win, no-fee basis. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe nothing for attorney’s fees.
2. Case Expenses and Court Costs
While your attorney covers most expenses upfront, it’s important to understand what those costs include:
- Filing fees and court costs
- Expert witness fees (for medical, financial or accident analysis)
- Investigative expenses
- Document retrieval and deposition costs
Some firms deduct these expenses from the settlement after the case is resolved, while others may require reimbursement only if the case is successful. Always ask your attorney to explain how costs are handled before signing an agreement.
3. Free Consultations and Case Evaluations
Reputable firms offer free initial consultations. During this meeting, you can learn whether you have a valid wrongful death claim, ask about fees and potential recovery and decide whether the attorney is a good fit for your family. There’s no obligation, and you won’t be charged for the consultation.
4. Transparency and Trust
The best wrongful death attorneys provide a clear, written agreement that explains the fee structure, percentage rates and cost policies. You should feel confident that there will be no surprises or hidden fees as your case progresses.
If an attorney ever hesitates to discuss their fees openly, that’s a red flag. Your lawyer should be transparent, compassionate and respectful of your financial situation, because seeking justice for your loved one should never come with financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Lawyers
There are a lot of questions you can ask your legal representative. Here are a few common questions regarding the process.
Are Wrongful Death Cases Hard to Win?
Wrongful death cases can be challenging because they require proving negligence, or showing that someone’s careless or intentional actions directly caused the death. The success of a case depends on a few factors:
- The strength of the evidence (such as medical records, expert testimony and accident reports)
- The experience of your attorney in building and presenting a strong case
- The willingness of insurers or defendants to negotiate or settle fairly
Studies suggest that wrongful death lawsuits have a general success rate of around 35%–50%, depending on the type of case, jurisdiction and circumstances. However, success rates vary widely based on the facts of each case, the quality of representation and whether the case proceeds to trial or settles beforehand.
Families represented by experienced wrongful death attorneys often achieve stronger results, both in settlements and in court. Even when cases settle, a skilled attorney ensures that the amount reflects the full value of your loss, including both financial and emotional impacts.
Who Pays for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In most cases, the negligent party or their insurance company pays the settlement or judgment in a wrongful death lawsuit. This might include:
- A driver’s auto insurance (in car accident deaths)
- A doctor’s or a hospital’s malpractice insurance
- A business or property owner’s liability coverage
- A manufacturer’s product liability insurance
As for legal fees, families typically don’t pay anything up front. Wrongful death attorneys like Sargon Law Group work on a contingency fee, meaning their payment comes as a percentage of the recovered amount. If no compensation is obtained, you owe nothing for attorney’s fees.
How Is the Settlement Split in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Settlement distribution depends on state law and the relationship of the survivors to the deceased. Generally, compensation would first go to the spouse and children of the deceased. If there’s no spouse or children, the parents or legal heirs may be eligible. In some states, the estate receives the funds, which are then divided according to the will or state succession laws.
Typical damages that make up the settlement include:
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost future income and benefits
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased before passing
- Emotional loss, companionship and guidance for surviving family members
A wrongful death attorney helps ensure that the settlement is divided fairly and according to state statutes. If disagreements arise among family members, the court may help to decide the distribution.
Find a Wrongful Death Attorney for Your Case at Sargon Law
Wrongful death cases demand more than just legal knowledge. They require understanding, patience and commitment. At Sargon Law Group, our attorneys have built a reputation for being both relentless advocates and compassionate guides for families during their hardest times.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence or wrongdoing, You deserve compassionate legal guidance that lifts some of the burden from your family. Our wrongful death attorney is ready to help you understand your options and pursue the justice your loved one deserves.