Top Portsmouth, VA Wrongful Death Lawyers Near You
Guerra LLP is a nationwide firm that has successfully litigated hundreds of lawsuits on behalf of plaintiffs, representing and securing justice for thousands of individuals.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
800 Diligence Dr, Newport News, VA 23606
Other Nearby Offices
Those confronted with Wrongful Death issues can connect with Weisberg & Weisberg, PLLC. This practice offers legal help to clients in the Portsmouth, Virginia area.
Free Consultation
2101 Park Ave., Suite 404, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
397 Little Neck Rd, 3300 Building Suite 205, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
192 Ballard Court, Suite 305, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
4705 Columbus St, Suite 304, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
501 Village Avenue, Suite 104, Yorktown, VA 23693
5041 Corporate Woods Dr., Suite 242, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
2601 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23517
1919 Commerce Dr, Suite 310, Hampton, VA 23666
999 Waterside Drive, Suite 2525, Norfolk, VA 23510
984 First Colonial Road, Suite 210, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
575 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Suite 310, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
709 Greenbrier Pkwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320
501 Independence Parkway, Ste. 250, Chesapeake, VA 23320
424 Market St, Suite 205, Suffolk, VA 23434
676 Independence Pkwy, Suite 220, Chesapeake, VA 23320
487 McLaws Circle, Suite 2, Williamsburg, VA 23185
11836 Canon Boulevard, Suite 100, Newport News, VA 23606
109 E Main Street, Suite 200, Norfolk, VA 23510
739 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Suite 105, Newport News, VA 23606
One Commercial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
355 Crawford St, Suite 704, Portsmouth, VA 23704
222 Central Park Ave, Suite 1300, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
468 Viking Drive, Suite 212, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
303 34th St, Unit 6, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Portsmouth Wrongful Death Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Portsmouth
Lead Counsel independently verifies Wrongful Death attorneys in Portsmouth and checks their standing with Virginia bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Are Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
A wrongful death lawsuit allows families to seek compensation when a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct. This area of law aims to provide financial support to the deceased’s family for their loss. It covers situations like fatal car accidents, medical malpractice, or workplace accidents. Wrongful death claims can help cover funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering, and ensure that your family receives a measure of justice and financial stability after a tragedy.
Who Is Entitled to Wrongful Death Compensation?
In every state, a victim’s spouse can file a wrongful death lawsuit, as are parents of any child victims. However, other laws vary, such as whether an adult child can file a lawsuit on behalf of a parent or whether other relatives like siblings count as next of kin.
How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out?
The methods that settlements are paid out can be negotiated with the defense. These can include lump-sum payments or installment payments. The money can also be placed in trust if the beneficiaries are children.
How Long Does it Take To Settle Wrongful Death Claims?
This depends on the nature of each case. While some cases may have overwhelming evidence and a defense that is eager to settle, other cases require extensive negotiations and investigation of the evidence. A case with a lot of compensation on the line can take years to settle or reach a verdict. An attorney can help set proper expectations for the process.
How Long Do You Have To Sue for Wrongful Death?
Each state has a statute of limitations, with the majority being two or three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, when the clock starts ticking is also different in many state laws. You should talk with an attorney as quickly as possible, so you do not lose your right to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
You might need a wrongful death lawyer if a loved one dies due to:
- A car accident caused by another driver’s negligence
- Medical malpractice, such as a surgical error or misdiagnosis
- A workplace accident caused by unsafe conditions
- A defective product
- Someone else’s criminal actions, such as a murder or robbery
- Nursing home neglect
How Can a Lawyer Help Me With Wrongful Death?
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and file a claim against those responsible. They work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your loss, covering expenses like medical bills, funeral costs, and lost future earnings. Because wrongful death law varies by state, a lawyer in Virginia is best suited to represent you. They can represent you in settlement negotiations or at trial, to put you in the strongest position to recover what you need.
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a wrongful death lawyer, you will struggle to navigate the complex legal process on your own. Without legal guidance, you could miss important deadlines or fail to collect the right evidence, weakening your case. This might result in receiving less compensation than you deserve or having your claim dismissed. You could also face difficulties dealing with insurance companies and opposing lawyers. A wrongful death lawyer will protect your rights and build a strong case that maximizes potential compensation.
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Portsmouth?
These questions can help you decide if you feel confident that a lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case well. Many lawyers offer free consultations that allow you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- How have you handled cases like mine?
- What are the potential outcomes of my case?
- What is the timeline for my case?
- Are there alternative dispute resolutions available, like mediation?
- What is your billing and fee structure?
- How long have you been practicing in Virginia?
- Do you have access to experts who can support my case?
- How do you approach evidence collection?
- What is your approach to negotiations and settlements?
- What will my involvement be during the process?
Tips for Hiring a Lawyer
Finding a lawyer who is right for you and will represent your best interests is an essential first step in managing your case and protecting your rights. Find a lawyer who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about billing and fees
- Trust your instincts