Losing someone you love because of another person’s negligence is a tragedy that changes life forever. In the midst of grief, you’re suddenly faced with unfamiliar legal questions, insurance companies, paperwork, and decisions that can have lasting consequences for your family.
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the attorney who’ll represent your loved one’s story.
If you’ve been searching for a lawyer for a wrongful death claim, you may have noticed that every law firm claims to have experience, compassion, and a history of success. But how do you separate marketing from genuine expertise?
At Insider Accident Lawyers, we believe families deserve honest answers. Choosing a wrongful death attorney isn’t about finding the cheapest lawyer or the biggest billboard. It’s about finding someone who has the experience, courtroom skill, and empathy to guide you through one of the hardest chapters of your life.
Why Your Choice of Lawyer Matters
A wrongful death lawsuit stands out from other personal injury cases due to the complex and emotional nature of the case. Sadly, unintentional injury was the third most common cause of death in the US between 2018 and 2024, according to the CDC, with 194,449 instances taking place.1
There are often multiple parties involved, intricate investigations, expert witnesses, medical records, financial analysis, and deeply emotional testimony. Every decision made throughout the case can affect its outcome.
Insider Accident Lawyers’ Managing Attorney Donn Christensen explains that families should start with one simple question.
“The first thing they should do is make sure they’re speaking with someone who’s got experience in the area.”
Experience isn’t simply about how many years someone has practiced law. It means handling wrongful death cases from beginning to end, understanding the unique legal challenges they present, and knowing how to build a compelling case for trial if necessary.
Look Beyond Advertising
Television commercials, online advertisements, and flashy websites don’t necessarily reflect a lawyer’s ability.
Instead, ask direct questions during your consultation.
Donn recommends asking:
“Have you done this before? Were you lead counsel? Did you handle the case from the beginning until the end? Did you try it to a verdict?”
These questions reveal whether you’re speaking with someone who actually litigated wrongful death cases or worked behind the scenes.
Many firms advertise broadly across dozens of practice areas, but your family’s case deserves an attorney with genuine wrongful death litigation experience.
Trial Experience Matters
Most wrongful death claims settle before reaching trial.
However, insurance companies know which attorneys are prepared to take cases before a jury and which ones prefer a quick settlement.
That reputation matters. As Donn explains:
“You want people who’ve really been in court and actually picked a jury and gotten to trial and succeeded to handle your case.”
An experienced trial attorney prepares every case as though it could end up before a jury. Ironically, this preparation often encourages insurers to offer fair settlements without trial because they recognize the risk of facing a skilled litigator.
If your lawyer has never taken a wrongful death case to verdict, ask why.
Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone
When families are suddenly dealing with funeral expenses, lost income, and unexpected financial stress, it’s understandable to worry about legal costs.
But focusing only on attorney fees can become a costly mistake.
Donn puts it bluntly:
“The worst thing you can do is focus on negotiating down the fees. You would be better off paying more to a lawyer who’s experienced and successful than negotiating a much lower fee with a lawyer who’s never done it before.”
As he elucidates:
“Twenty percent of nothing is nothing.”
It’s a reminder that recovering less, or losing a case entirely, can ultimately cost far more than hiring the right attorney from the beginning.
He even compares the decision to another life-changing choice:
“You wouldn’t go to a discount brain surgeon.”
When you’re deciding how to choose a lawyer for a wrongful death claim, the lawyer’s ability to maximize your recovery should matter far more than negotiating a slightly lower contingency fee.
Find Someone You Can Trust
Wrongful death litigation can last months or even years.
During that time, you’ll likely have regular conversations with your attorney, make important decisions together, and revisit deeply emotional memories.
That relationship is vital to the outcome of your case.
As Donn says:
“Litigation is a team sport. You need to feel like you trust your lawyer and that they’re being transparent and open with you.”
The strongest attorney-client relationships are built on honest communication.
Your lawyer should explain each stage of the case, answer your questions clearly, and keep you informed about important developments.
If something feels off in that first meeting, don’t ignore that instinct.
Chemistry Is More Important Than People Realize
Families sometimes assume that hiring the lawyer with the biggest reputation is always the safest choice.
Not necessarily.
Even excellent attorneys recognize that not every client relationship is the right fit.
Donn says:
“Every lawyer is not right for every plaintiff.”
He even recommends referring prospective clients elsewhere if they don’t establish the right connection. As he explains:
“You’re still better off hiring someone else who works with you or connects with you.”
This may seem surprising, but it reflects an important truth. A wrongful death case requires collaboration.
Your attorney will learn intimate details about your loved one’s life, your family’s relationships, financial circumstances, and emotional loss.
You should feel comfortable sharing those experiences with the person representing you.
Compassion Isn’t a “Nice to Have”
Legal knowledge is essential. Compassion is equally important.
Families aren’t simply hiring someone to complete paperwork. They’re trusting someone to tell the story of the person they’ve lost.
Donn explains:
“The loss of a loved one is really one of the most emotional things anyone can ever go through.”
He believes every attorney handling these cases should understand that reality. In fact, he offers one of the clearest warning signs families should watch out for:
“If they seem to consider this as just another case, that’s a red flag.”
The right lawyer understands your case is far more than another file on their desk. It’s about securing justice for the loss of someone you cared deeply about. Someone whose absence leaves an immeasurable hole in the lives of the people left behind.
An attorney who recognizes that loss is often better equipped to communicate your family’s story to insurance companies, opposing counsel, and ultimately a jury.
Honesty Wins Cases
Many people focus on legal knowledge when choosing an attorney, but courtroom credibility is just as important.
Jurors don’t simply evaluate evidence. They also evaluate the people presenting it.
According to Donn:
“Be genuine with juries. Tell them the truth as you know it and be authentic.”
That authenticity begins long before anyone steps into a courtroom.
From your first consultation, pay attention to how your attorney communicates. Do they answer difficult questions honestly? Do they explain both the strengths and weaknesses of your case? Are they making unrealistic promises?
No lawyer can ethically guarantee a result. What they can promise is diligent preparation, honest advice, and a commitment to pursuing justice.
Donn believes transparency is essential because juries notice authenticity.
“It’s important that you feel your lawyer is genuine and honest and transparent, because that’s how a jury is going to see the lawyer too.”
Communication Should Never Feel Like an Afterthought
One of the biggest complaints plaintiffs often have about their lawyers is poor communication. A wrongful death case is emotionally exhausting enough without wondering what’s happening behind the scenes.
That’s why communication should be one of your priorities when deciding how to choose a lawyer for a wrongful death claim.
Donn places enormous importance on maintaining trust:
“I’m a big fan of trust between the lawyer and the client. It’s got to be two ways.”
He encourages clients to reach out whenever something concerns them.
“If you have anything that you feel I need to know, call me.”
Most importantly, he reassures clients:
“If it’s important to you, it’s important to us.”
A responsive legal team doesn’t just reduce stress. It often strengthens the case itself because important information is shared quickly rather than being forgotten until months later.
A Good Lawyer Listens More Than They Talk
Many consultations involve lawyers explaining their qualifications, but the best attorneys spend just as much time listening.
Donn warns against lawyers who simply wait their turn to speak.
“Too many lawyers let people talk but they’re not really hearing them.”
He points out that clients frequently reveal critical details without realizing their importance:
“Clients will tell you really important things unintentionally because they don’t recognize it’s important.”
That careful listening can uncover witnesses, documents, conversations, or timelines that become vital pieces of evidence later.
During your consultation, ask yourself a simple question: Did the attorney genuinely listen to my family’s story?
If the answer is no, keep looking.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Knowing what to avoid is just as valuable as knowing what to look for.
Some warning signs include:
🚩Guaranteeing a specific settlement amount.
🚩Pressuring you to sign immediately.
🚩Treating your loved one’s death like another routine case.
🚩Being vague about their wrongful death experience.
🚩Avoiding questions about trial history.
🚩Failing to explain the legal process clearly.
🚩Taking days or weeks to respond to basic inquiries.
🚩Making you feel rushed during your consultation.
Donn offers perhaps the strongest warning of all:
“Anybody who treats one of the most important events of your life as just another file is not the right person to handle a wrongful death case.”
Remember What the Case is Really About
Wrongful death claims are sometimes misunderstood as being “about money.”
In reality, financial compensation is the only remedy the civil justice system can provide.
No verdict can replace a parent. No settlement can bring back a spouse. No damages awarded can erase what happened.
Instead, compensation helps provide financial stability while holding negligent individuals and companies accountable.
As Donn explains:
“You don’t get a second chance at these.”
He also emphasizes the broader purpose behind these cases.
“[Wrongful death cases are] a more significant case from a lawyer’s perspective, because you want to make sure that people who are responsible for someone dying prematurely don’t get away with it.”
When negligent parties are held accountable, safer practices often follow. Whether the case involves a reckless driver, a dangerous property, or nursing home abuse, successful wrongful death claims can encourage meaningful change that helps protect other families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I meet with more than one lawyer?
Yes.
Speaking with multiple attorneys allows you to compare experience, communication styles, and your overall comfort level. Since wrongful death cases can take years to resolve, finding someone you genuinely trust is important.
Do most wrongful death lawyers offer a free consultation?
Yes. Most reputable wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you generally don’t pay attorney fees unless they recover compensation for you.
What questions should I ask?
Some helpful questions include:
- Have you handled wrongful death cases similar to mine?
- Will you personally handle my case?
- Have you taken wrongful death cases to trial?
- How will you keep me informed?
- Who will be my primary point of contact?
- What challenges do you anticipate in my case?
Is choosing the biggest law firm always better?
Not necessarily.
The right attorney is the one with the experience, courtroom skill, compassion, and communication style that fits your family’s needs, not simply the one with the largest advertising budget.
Final Thoughts on How to Choose a Lawyer for A Wrongful Death Claim
Choosing a wrongful death attorney isn’t simply hiring someone to file paperwork.
You’re choosing someone to tell your loved one’s story. Someone who will investigate what happened, stand up to insurance companies, and advocate for your family when you’re experiencing unimaginable grief.
When considering how to choose a lawyer for a wrongful death claim, focus on experience, proven courtroom success, honest communication, compassion, and trust. Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions or meet with multiple attorneys before making your decision.
As Donn reminds families:
“The priority should be, ‘What’s it going to cost me?’ The priority should be, ‘Do I have the lawyer I need to succeed in my trial?’”
The right lawyer won’t simply pursue compensation; they’ll work tirelessly to seek accountability, protect your family’s future, and ensure your loved one’s story is heard with the dignity, respect, and care it deserves.
Speak with Insider Accident Lawyers
If your family has lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The team at Insider Accident Lawyers understands the emotional weight of wrongful death cases and is committed to treating every family with honesty, dignity, and respect.
We take the time to listen to your story, explain your legal options in plain language, and fight tirelessly for the accountability your loved one deserves. Contact Insider Accident Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation and learn how experienced legal representation can help you move forward with confidence.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 2018-2024 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2026. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 2018-2024, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10-expanded.html on Jun 30, 2026
About the Author
Emily Stone
Emily Stone is a Legal Content Writer at Insider Accident Lawyers, where she specializes in translating complex legal topics into engaging and accessible content. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from York St John University in the United Kingdom (though she’s now LA-based) and is passionate about helping readers better understand their legal options through informative, reader-friendly writing.
