​Losing a loved one is one of life's most challenging experiences. Whether your loved one is a small child or a beloved grandparent, we are never ready to say goodbye to those closest to us. However, this process is even more devastating when you suspect that the death could have been prevented. If you believe that your loved one has been a victim of negligence, medical malpractice, or abuse at the hand of healthcare providers, keep the following information in mind.

One of the most important steps you can take is finding professional legal assistance as soon as possible. If you've been researching wrongful death suits, you will likely find an overwhelming amount of information. Instead of trying to tackle everything yourself, contact a reputable wrongful death attorney to see if they’re willing to take the case.

Most quality firms provide one-hour consultations at no cost to you, so you can get answers to your basic questions without any risk. As you explain your case and your suspicions, the wrongful death attorney will let you know whether he believes your case is strong enough to proceed. You'll also discover helpful information about deadlines, statutes of limitation, and other vital legal guidelines in your specific state.

As soon as you suspect a loved one has died due to medical malpractice, we recommend that you write down everything you remember. Make notes of dates, times, and personnel, and include as many details as possible. You never know what information might prove to be the most helpful in your case, and you want to document everything while the information is still fresh in your mind. If possible, take photos to provide further support to your claim.

You will likely speak with numerous medical personnel before you get to the point of contacting an attorney, so we recommend that you document these conversations, too. Most private conversations cannot legally be recorded without consent, but you can make notes of who you talked to when the conversation took place, and what was discussed.

Your attorney is here to help you gather this documentation, interview witnesses, and perform other important tasks, so you'll be working as a team as your case is built. In many cases, proving claims can be time-consuming and complicated, so please feel free to ask your attorney questions at any time so that you feel comfortable about what is occurring.

Taking up the fight against a healthcare system or provider is not an easy task. It is even more draining when you are grieving a loss. Because of this, we want to encourage you to take care of yourself. When you have a professional attorney that you can trust, you should no longer feel like you are fighting the system alone.

You honor the memory of your loved one by doing everything possible to keep yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. When you get overwhelmed by the possible negligence or malpractice, don't forget to fill your heart with good memories of your loved one and the happy times that you spend together.

It's OK to take as many breaks as necessary as you are working through this process. Surround yourself with supportive, loving people, and treat yourself to whatever relieves your stress. On hard days, call a friend to meet for lunch, schedule a relaxing massage, or simply enjoy a calm walk outside in nature.

Finding a negligence or medical malpractice suit can be an emotional task, but you can find justice for your loved one by working with a professional who has your best interests in mind.