Best Wrongful Death lawyers in Sparks, MD

2 Wrongful Death Lawyers in Sparks, MD

experienced lawyers

Jeffrey Roland Butschky

Ste 200, Sparks, MD

Car Accident Wrongful Death +2

3.6/5

3.6

3 Reviews

28 Dec, 2022 by John

I was referred to Jeffrey Butschky by a neighbor because I was in an auto accident. He took 31/2 years before ever meeting with me. He stated that I dressed professionally and was well spoken and had a good job as a chemist and very educated. I don’t appear to be one of those people looking for a quick come up. I looked at him like you’re stereotyping me. The worst mistake I made was not get rid of him them. Later as we got into the proceedings of my case where I was rear ended by a gentleman going 70 plus miles an hour while all traffic was stopped and totaled my vehicle as well as I endured some pain and suffering to my back and hip. The gentleman admitted that day of the accident that it was his fault and the Trooper that wrote the report stated the same. I could have lost my life because my rear end of the vehicle was pushed in and the lights were hanging by a wire. Attorney Butschky said that I can’t even mention that I had to have a hip replacement surgery done. I looked at him like are you serious. He stated that the insurance company feels the accident had no connection to the surgery because I had a mild case of arthritis in my hip. This was on 9/2022 that he stated this to me. He also stated that the guy that hit me went to Israel and is never coming back. I was like okay that’s good for me but how do you know he is never coming back? When my name was called for the mediation hearing that day I was not even permitted into the room. I was very perplexed and when he and the lawyer for the insurance company and the judge can out the judge stated to the clerk to check her calendar for late November/ early December but it appears that both lawyers feel like they are able to reach a settlement agreement. I was in the waiting room area and was about to blow my top. I’m like how are they reaching an agreement when I haven’t been consulted about anything. Especially when in the hallway when he said that the gentleman that hit me is never coming back, he also stated that he put in a settlement of 70K and the insurance company was at 30K for their final offer and I had over 42K In medical expenses prior to having surgery. I had asked Jeffrey R Butschky to contact my primary care physician to get my medical records and he would see that I hadn’t been getting treatment for a hip problem consistently prior to the accident. He refused to do that. He never talked to coworkers who saw me daily and saw how I was walking after the accident compared to before. I also later asked him to amend the settlement amount and he refused. He later told me he was removing himself as my counsel when I told him that he works for me when he refused to amend the settlement. He asked for my email and told me he was going to email my entire file and that he wasn’t seeking any financial obligations from me and had one request. He stated if I was able to find another lawyer that could get a settlement above the 70K to call him and rub it in his face. I am not a lawyer but the doesn’t sound like that is professional behavior that a lawyer should be displaying. This was on November 17,2022 and I shave verication to all that I stated. Later on December 8 when I was at the courthouse for the hearing that the Judge on 9/20/2022 told the clerk to schedule, Attorney Butschky showed up and said he was my attorney to the clerk. Then he asked her is any other party here. She stated that Mr. John is here and he turn and started walking towards me. He asked if we could go out in the hallway to talk. I stated in a room full of people that we have nothing to talk about because you, Jeffrey R. Butschky, stated you were no longer my attorney. He came and sat next to me and tried to get me to sign a document and I refused because I told him that I didn’t trust him. After I short time I got up and moved because I didn’t want that negative energy near. Att. Butschky shouldn’t be able to practice law in a game of law that’s how bad he is.

09 May, 2014 by Tammy

Jeff Butschky has been my lawyer since the beginning of time it seems like, because he has always been there we I needed him. he is very informative. always on top of the matters involving my case. He is the only lawyer that I know that will call you on weekends. I recommend Jeff to all of my family and friends." When I need someone to represent me, I always go with Jeffrey butschky"

14 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous

Jeff Butschky has represented my family for years. He has always been honest with us, good news or bad, and is very down to earth.

Andrew James Toland III

PO Box 1130, Sparks, MD

Appeals Business Car Accident +6 +9

0.0/5

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What a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Do for You

A wrongful death lawyer specializes in representing families who have lost a loved one due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another person or entity. These lawyers help families seek compensation for the emotional and financial losses associated with the untimely death of a loved one, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. Wrongful death claims can arise from various situations, including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and criminal actions.

If you have lost a family member due to someone else’s wrongful actions, a wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and pursue justice on behalf of your loved one.

When Should I Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a wrongful death lawyer if a loved one has died as a result of someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. Some common reasons to hire a wrongful death lawyer include:

Car accidents: If a loved one was killed in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence (e.g., reckless driving, DUI, or distracted driving), a lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim.
Medical malpractice: If a loved one died due to medical negligence, such as a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or medication mistake, a wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue compensation from the healthcare provider.
Workplace accidents: If your loved one died in a workplace accident or due to unsafe working conditions, you may be entitled to compensation from the employer or third parties responsible for the unsafe conditions.
Defective products: If a defective product caused your loved one’s death, a lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the product.
Criminal actions: If your loved one was the victim of a criminal act, such as homicide or assault, a wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue a civil claim for damages, even if a criminal case is also ongoing.
Nursing home negligence: If an elderly loved one died due to neglect or abuse in a nursing home, a lawyer can help you hold the facility accountable for their wrongful actions.

Hiring a wrongful death lawyer soon after the incident ensures that important evidence is preserved and that you can meet any legal deadlines for filing a claim.

What Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?

A wrongful death lawyer provides a wide range of services to help families navigate the legal complexities of a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for their losses. Their responsibilities often include:

Investigating the death: Conducting a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to your loved one’s death, gathering evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
Establishing liability: Identifying who is legally responsible for your loved one’s death, whether it’s an individual, company, or government entity, and building a case showing how their negligence or wrongful actions caused the death.
Calculating damages: Helping you determine the full extent of your financial and emotional losses, including funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering.
Filing a wrongful death claim: Preparing and filing the necessary legal documents to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit within the statute of limitations in your state.
Negotiating settlements: Working with the responsible party’s insurance company or legal team to negotiate a fair settlement for your losses.
Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
Handling legal deadlines: Ensuring that all legal filings are completed within the deadlines set by your state’s statute of limitations for wrongful death cases.

How Are Wrongful Death Lawyers Paid?

Wrongful death lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win or settle the case. Here’s how it generally works:

Contingency fee: The lawyer’s fee is usually a percentage of the total settlement or damages awarded, typically ranging from 25% to 40%. You won’t have to pay any upfront fees, and the lawyer only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you.
No fee if no recovery: If the lawyer does not win or settle your case, you generally won’t owe them any legal fees.
Case expenses: In addition to the contingency fee, you may also be responsible for reimbursing the lawyer for case-related expenses, such as court costs, expert witness fees, and investigation costs. These expenses are typically deducted from the settlement or award.

It’s essential to discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to ensure you understand how much you will owe if your case is successful.

How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a wrongful death lawyer is usually based on a contingency fee structure, meaning you only pay if the lawyer recovers compensation for you. General cost estimates include:

Contingency fee percentage: Most wrongful death lawyers charge between 25% and 40% of the total settlement or court award. For example, if you receive a $500,000 settlement and the lawyer’s fee is 33%, the lawyer would receive $165,000, and you would keep the remaining $335,000.
Case expenses: In addition to the lawyer’s fee, expenses such as court costs, expert witness fees, and investigation costs may be deducted from the settlement or award. These expenses can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.

Make sure to ask your lawyer for a clear explanation of their fees and case-related expenses before proceeding with your wrongful death claim.

How to Check the Credibility of a Wrongful Death Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable wrongful death lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:

Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
Look for wrongful death experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in wrongful death cases and have successfully handled cases like yours.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on wrongful death cases.
Check for certifications or memberships: Membership in organizations like the American Association for Justice (AAJ) or local bar associations can indicate the lawyer’s dedication to wrongful death and personal injury law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a wrongful death lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

Death certificate: Bring a copy of your loved one’s death certificate, as this is a key document in wrongful death cases.
Medical records: If applicable, bring your loved one’s medical records, autopsy reports, or any documentation of their medical care leading up to their death.
Accident or incident reports: If the wrongful death resulted from an accident, bring any police reports, accident reports, or workplace incident reports.
Financial records: Provide documentation of your loved one’s income, benefits, and financial contributions to the family to help calculate economic damages.
Correspondence: Bring any communication you’ve had with the responsible party, their insurance company, or legal representatives.
List of questions: Prepare a list of questions for the lawyer about the legal process, potential outcomes, and fees.
Timeline of events: Be ready to provide a clear timeline of the events leading up to and following your loved one’s death.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice.