Did Your Spouse Sustain A Fatal Injury While Out Shopping? 3 Tips To Handle A Wrongful Death Case

When your loved one went shopping, you likely never imagined that they would not come home. After all, stores and shopping malls are supposed to be designed to be safe. Although slip and fall accidents are not typically fatal, certain circumstances such as hitting the ground from a large height can lead to lethal injuries. Sadly, you are now left to pick up the pieces after losing your spouse to someone else's negligence. As you prepare, use these tips to ease the process of filing a wrongful death suit.

Seek Qualified Legal Advice

The loss of a loved one is difficult no matter how it happens, and you may be in shock, confused, or too bereaved to feel like taking action immediately. However, you must be aware that these kinds of cases often mean that you are dealing with a company or corporate entity that may have a large team of lawyers already at their disposal. During the aftermath, be wary of any settlements offered by the other party's insurance since accepting them could make you ineligible to receive compensation for accident-related costs that you incur down the road. Instead, reach out to a slip and fall attorney that knows how to handle cases that end in a wrongful death.

Gather as Much Information as Possible

At first glance, slip and fall incidents can look like unfortunate accidents. For instance, it may look as though someone simply tripped on a set of stairs. However, closer inspection often reveals that there was more going on at the scene such as a faulty handrail or slippery mat that led to the accident. Work with your attorney to gather as much information about the scene of the accident as possible. For instance, video footage of the incident could reveal things you did not know such as a flooded walkway that should have been clear. 

Keep Records of All Expenses

Depending upon your spouse's injuries, you may be inundated with hospital bills, funeral costs and other expenses that are related to the accident. Make sure to keep receipts of all of the expenses that you incur, and provide copies to your attorney. To help keep things in order, consider creating a digital file that allows you to easily scan the information into your computer so that it is available to email.

Life without your partner will never be the same, but you can take the first steps of moving forward by making sure that you and your family are protected financially from the overwhelming expenses that occur after a loss. As you do, remember that you are surrounded by a supportive network of people such as your lawyer and loved ones, so lean on them for support as you initiate your case.