If I come to Zimmet & Zimmet for legal advice regarding a family member who has died, what documents should I bring to our meeting?

A: First, please accept our condolences if that is the case. We understand how difficult it is when a loved one has died. If you believe that their death was caused by someone else’s wrongdoing or carelessness, that can make it even more difficult. If we can help you achieve even a little peace of mind, we are happy to spend as much time with you as you need to feel completely sure and certain that we accomplished everything you wanted to in our meeting.

To help us answer your questions and explain your options, please bring the following documents to our office:

• An original death certificate. If you do not already have one, ask the funeral home for it. Also, ask the funeral home for a final receipt stamped “fully paid.”
• If an autopsy has been performed, please inform us. If you have the report, please bring it. Otherwise, we can request a copy from the medical examiner’s office.
• The names and addresses of all doctors your family member or loved one visited within the last two to four years.
• A list of the immediate family members. Please provide their names, ages, birthdates, relationship to the deceased and social security numbers.
• We need to examine your loved one’s will if one exists so we may determine who the executor or executrix (female executor) is.
• If your loved one did not draft a will, someone will need to be named as the administrator of the estate. This simply means that that person will make any discretionary decisions regarded estate property. That person will need to sign their name to the legal documents. Importantly, the administrator will not receive any different or greater share of the recovery simply because of their position as administrator.
• Bring all the medical records you have.
• Bring all the medical insurance information you have, such as insurance cards, bills and receipts regarding your loved one’s recent medical treatment.
• Bring copies of your loved one’s tax returns and W-2 forms for the last four years.
• When you come to our office to meet with us, please bring any family members who have knowledge or information about the specific events that led to your loved one’s injuries and wrongful death.

All of these documents are necessary to your case. If you are able to provide them at our first meeting, it will assist us in more quickly evaluating and processing your matter.