What does a wrongful death lawyer do?
Wrongful death lawyers provide representation to family members of people who died due to preventable situations such as negligence, malpractice, recklessness, or carelessness. They help their clients file lawsuits against individuals or organizations that may be responsible for a victim’s death. They explain the legal rights to family members and ensure they are protected. They also provide advice on the best course of action. Wrongful death lawyers often confer with the hospital and medical staff, insurance companies, and witnesses to gather facts and evidence to build a viable case. They also visit workplaces and manufacturers to determine the violation of safety hazards.
What kind of training does a wrongful death lawyer need?
Wrongful death lawyers must complete a bachelor degree and law degree. All law schools require applicants to receive a satisfactory score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Law school provides intensive legal instruction offers a variety of practical learning experiences. Many aspiring wrongful death lawyers complete internships or clerkships at wrongful death firms to acquire practical experience and establish valuable professional contacts. All states require wrongful death lawyers to pass the state bar examination and become licensed. Many states also require an additional ethics examination. Wrongful death lawyers must complete regular continuing education to maintain their licenses, keep their skills current, and keep up with the advancements and changes in the field.
What are the prospects for a career as a wrongful death lawyer?
Employment of all lawyers, including wrongful death lawyers is expected to grow about as fast as average for all professions, increasing 13% from 2008 to 2018 (1). The growing population and increase in wrongful death claims will drive job growth for wrongful death lawyers.
Job prospects should be very good with keen competition. Wrongful death lawyers with great academic records and extensive experience will have the best job opportunities.
How much do wrongful death lawyers make?
As of February 2010, the average annual salary for wrongful death lawyers is $98,000; average annual wrongful death lawyer salaries vary greatly on location, employer, education, experience, and benefits (2).
A career as a wrongful death lawyer is an excellent choice for individuals with a strong interest in wrongful death cases and providing representation to many different clients. Wrongful death lawyers must have a solid understanding of the concepts, laws, and regulations related to wrongful death cases. Patience, detail orientation, compassion, analytical thinking, and excellent problem solving skills are essential characteristics. Wrongful death lawyers must have great communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to provide support to clients that may be emotional and distraught. They must be able to work under stress and pressure.
