Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney

How do I help people?

I help people who have had family members killed or seriously injured by others. These families are in an emotionally and financially difficult situation and I help them by working for justice. I begin by thoroughly investigating the facts. After this investigation, I talk with the family and we determine a fair settlement. Then, I negotiate with the insurance companies. In fact, most of my cases settle with the insurance companies before going to trial. If the insurance companies do not make a fair offer, then I have the experience to try the case to a jury.

What makes me different from other attorneys?

The first difference is that I limit the number of cases that I take so that I can build a strong relationship with each client. If I did not limit the number of clients that I have, I would not have time to develop this relationship. The second difference is that I reduce my attorney fees in all cases involving injuries to children or in cases of catastrophic injury or death. I do this so that the families who have experienced these profound losses can be helped as much as possible. The third difference is that I have more than 20 years of experience in negotiations and in trying cases. The fourth difference is that I provide personalized attention.

What personalized attention do I offer?

I begin by limiting the number of cases that I take so that I have time for each client. Whenever we meet, I will come to you; I don't expect you to come to me. We will meet wherever and whenever it is most convenient for you, and I will not leave until all of your questions are answered. I try to make this experience as easy as I can.

If you like my approach, please contact me by telephone atmy toll free number: 1 877 534-2271or by email at: jdhaas@jdhaas.com
I would love to hear from you.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

When someone dies due to the fault of another person or entity (like a car manufacturer), the survivors may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Such a lawsuit seeks compensation for the survivors' loss, such as lost wages from the deceased, lost companionship, and funeral expenses. Here's a primer on wrongful death claims -- what they are, who can sue, who can be sued, and what damages may be recovered.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim exists when a person dies due to the legal fault of another person. The right to file a lawsuit for wrongful death is a relatively new concept. "Common law" (the laws brought to the United States from England) did not allow this kind of lawsuit. But during the last century, state and federal courts created the right to bring a wrongful death action. Every state in this country now has some kind of wrongful death law.

Wrongful death claims involve all types of fatal accidents from simple car accidents to complicated medical malpractice or product liability cases. Persons, companies, and governmental agencies can be legally at fault for acting negligently (failing to act as a reasonable person would have acted) and for acting intentionally.

Who May Sue for Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death claim must be filed by a representative on behalf of the survivors who suffer damage from the decedent's death (they are called the "real parties in interest"). The representative is usually the executor of the decedent's estate. The "real parties in interest" vary from state to state. Some of those people might include: