Paoli Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one due to negligence is devastating. While no amount of money can bring them back, financial compensation can help ease the burden. Kingbird Legal’s Paoli wrongful death lawyer will fight for justice on your behalf, holding the responsible party accountable. You and your family deserve support during this difficult time. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you seek the justice your loved one deserves.

Dealing with Insurance Companies in a Wrongful Death Case

Losing a loved one due to another person’s negligence is an incredibly difficult experience. The grief and emotional toll of such a loss can feel unbearable, but the financial and legal aspects that follow can often add more stress to an already painful situation. If the death was caused by an accident or someone else’s actions, there are legal steps that may allow you to seek compensation for the wrongful death. One of the main parties you will deal with in these types of cases is the insurance company.

Insurance companies are involved because they represent the individual or company responsible for the accident, and they typically cover the damages through the policyholder’s insurance. While their role is to settle claims fairly, insurance companies are businesses, and like any other business, their primary interest is in minimizing payouts. Knowing how to handle the insurance company after a wrongful death can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

Understand the Role of Insurance Companies in Wrongful Death Cases

In a wrongful death case, the responsible party’s insurance company is often the first line of contact for compensation. The person or entity who caused the death might be an individual with auto insurance, an employer with liability coverage, or even a corporation with a commercial policy. The purpose of the insurance company is to compensate the survivors for losses such as funeral expenses, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, insurance companies are not always forthcoming with a fair settlement. They will often attempt to minimize the amount they pay out or deny claims altogether. This is why it’s important to approach the situation with care and understanding of the process. Insurance companies may attempt to use various tactics to reduce or deny compensation, so being prepared is essential.

Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Minimize Claims

Understanding how insurance companies operate can help you avoid common pitfalls during the claims process. Here are some of the tactics they may use to reduce the payout:

• Delaying the Process: Insurance companies may take their time to process claims, especially in wrongful death cases. They know that the longer they delay, the more likely it is that you’ll feel the pressure to accept a lower offer just to move on.
• Offering a Low Settlement: Often, after a wrongful death, the insurance company will offer a settlement right away. This offer is usually far lower than what you would receive in a fair settlement or trial. They may push you to accept it quickly, suggesting that it is a fair offer and that it’s the best you can get.
• Denying Liability: In some cases, the insurance company may try to deny liability entirely, claiming that their insured party was not at fault. They may argue that the death was caused by some other factor or even that the deceased contributed to their own death through negligence.
• Trying to Settle Before You Fully Understand the Loss: Often, insurance companies will make an early settlement offer before you fully understand the total financial impact of the death. This can include medical costs, funeral expenses, future lost wages, and the emotional impact the death has had on your family. Settling too soon can lead to a payout that doesn’t cover all of these long-term costs.
• Downplaying the Emotional Impact: Insurance companies often focus on the financial aspects of a wrongful death claim but minimize the emotional loss the surviving family members experience. While emotional damages can be difficult to quantify, they are an important part of the claim.

Steps to Take When Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Wrongful Death

Dealing with an insurance company after a wrongful death is complicated, but with the right approach, you can protect your rights and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.

• Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: The best first step after a wrongful death is to consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer who specializes in wrongful death claims. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you understand the full scope of damages you may be entitled to. Having legal representation early in the process ensures that you don’t fall victim to common insurance company tactics designed to minimize compensation.
• Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer: Insurance companies may offer you a settlement right away, but it’s rarely enough to cover all of your losses. Before accepting any offer, it’s important to understand the full extent of your damages, both economic and non-economic. Your attorney can help you calculate the total compensation you should be entitled to, which includes:
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills incurred before death
  • Loss of income or future earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship or consortium
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the wrongful death. This includes funeral bills, medical expenses, and any other costs associated with the incident. Also, keep track of any communication with the insurance company, including emails, phone calls, and letters. This documentation will be important for your lawyer and can help build your case.
• Don’t Discuss the Case with the Insurance Company Without Legal Representation: Insurance adjusters are trained to get information from you that may undermine your case. They may ask leading questions or attempt to get you to admit fault in ways that hurt your claim. It’s always best to direct them to your attorney, who can handle the communication and protect your interests.
• Be Patient and Don’t Rush the Process: The process of negotiating a fair settlement can take time, especially in a complex case involving a wrongful death. Insurance companies may try to rush you into settling quickly, but it’s important to be patient and wait for an offer that truly reflects the value of your claim. Your lawyer will be able to handle negotiations on your behalf and will know when it’s appropriate to accept a settlement or take the case to trial.
• Know the Statute of Limitations: In Pennsylvania, wrongful death claims have a statute of limitations, meaning there is a limited time in which you can file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania is typically two years from the date of the death. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. Therefore, it’s important to start the process as soon as possible to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
• Consider Future Losses: When calculating your claim, consider future financial losses, such as lost wages, loss of support, and the impact on your family. This can be difficult to calculate without expert assistance, but your attorney will have the resources to assess the long-term impact of the wrongful death on your family.

Paoli Wrongful Death Attorney – Seeking Justice for Your Loved One

Dealing with insurance companies after a wrongful death is not an easy task, especially during such a traumatic time. However, it’s important to approach the process with caution and to seek professional guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney. By understanding how insurance companies operate and taking the necessary steps to protect your rights, you can ensure that you receive fair compensation for your loss. Kingbird Legal’s Paoli wrongful death attorney will fight for your family’s rights and seek justice for your loss. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you during this difficult time.