Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is devastating. During such an emotional time, families often turn to wrongful death attorneys to seek justice and compensation. Yet with so many law firms claiming “millions recovered” or “record-breaking verdicts,” it can be hard to know which attorney truly has the experience to handle your case effectively.

One of the most practical ways to evaluate a lawyer for your wrongful death lawyer in Houston is by reviewing their past settlements and verdicts. These results reveal an attorney’s experience, negotiation skills, and ability to secure fair outcomes. Examining past settlements helps separate marketing claims from genuine expertise and shows how effectively a lawyer handles cases like yours.

1. Why Past Settlements Matter

When a law firm lists its “case results,” those figures represent the financial compensation it has secured for clients through settlements or court verdicts. In wrongful death cases, these numbers reflect how effectively an attorney can build a case, prove liability, and negotiate fair compensation for surviving family members. Past settlements matter because they show:

The attorney’s experience with similar cases
Their track record of successful recoveries
Their ability to negotiate with insurers, corporations, or hospitals
Their willingness to take cases to trial if necessary

2. Understanding What Settlement Numbers Really Show

A “settlement” is the amount of money agreed upon by both sides before or during a trial. It compensates the victim’s family for financial and emotional losses, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of companionship or support. When reviewing settlement figures on an attorney’s website, ask yourself:

Was it a clear-cut case or a difficult one to prove?
How severe were the damages and losses?
What were the insurance limits or the defendant’s available resources?
Was the case settled quickly, or did it require extended litigation?

Key Factors to Examine When Comparing Attorneys

To make a fair comparison, focus on more than just settlement amounts. Here are the most important factors to evaluate:

a. Similarity of Past Cases

Has the attorney handled cases similar to yours? For example, wrongful death due to a car crash, workplace accident, or medical negligence requires different legal strategies. Look for attorneys with specific experience in your type of case and your jurisdiction, ideally someone familiar with Houston courts and Texas laws.

b. Consistency of Results

One major victory doesn’t tell you much. Instead, look for consistent success across multiple cases. A strong pattern of fair settlements indicates experience and reliability.

c. Trial vs. Settlement History

While most wrongful death cases settle out of court, not all do. An attorney who is prepared and willing to take your case to trial often negotiates from a position of strength. Insurance companies know which lawyers are ready to fight, and they respond accordingly.

d. Jurisdiction and Local Experience

Every state has unique wrongful death statutes and damage limits. A Houston-based attorney like Abogada Kim Bruno understands how Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.002 and local court procedures influence outcomes. That knowledge can directly impact your case’s success.

e. Case Complexity

Did the attorney handle complex cases, such as those involving multiple defendants or disputed liability? Attorneys who achieve strong settlements in these difficult cases typically possess deeper investigative and litigation skills.

f. Client Circumstances

Settlement size often depends on the victim’s personal situation, their age, income, dependents, and life expectancy. Two cases with identical liability can result in very different compensation amounts. An experienced attorney will evaluate all of these details before estimating value.

g. Insurance Limits

Even the best attorney can’t recover more than what’s available through insurance coverage or defendant assets. Sometimes, a “smaller” settlement is actually an excellent outcome given those limits.

By weighing these factors, you’ll identify which attorney consistently achieves fair, well-earned results, not just flashy headlines.

4. How to Interpret Settlement Figures Wisely

Law firms often highlight their biggest victories, but large figures can be misleading if taken at face value. Here’s how to interpret settlement results like an informed client:

Look for patterns or averages, not just single standout cases.
Ask what portion of the settlement covered non-economic damages like loss of companionship or emotional pain; skilled attorneys maximize these harder-to-quantify damages.
Find out if the case settled before or during the trial. Attorneys willing to go further often secure better results.
Ask whether experts were used (medical, economic, or accident reconstruction experts). Experienced lawyers know how to build strong, evidence-backed claims.

5. Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

When meeting a wrongful death attorney, ask direct questions that reveal their experience and transparency. For example:

How many wrongful death cases have you handled in the past few years?
What types of cases were they (auto accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, etc.)?
What were the average settlement ranges in those cases?
How often do you take cases to trial instead of settling early?
What experts or resources do you use to strengthen your cases?
What factors typically increase or decrease settlement value?
How do you charge fees, and who pays case expenses if we don’t win?

6. Watch for Red Flags and Unrealistic Promises

Some law firms use past settlement numbers more as marketing tools than as indicators of skill. While it’s normal for attorneys to highlight successes, you should be cautious if you notice the following red flags:

Promises of specific settlement amounts before reviewing your case: No attorney can ethically guarantee a payout without fully understanding the details of your claim. Every wrongful death case is unique, and factors like evidence, liability, and insurance coverage all affect the outcome.
Vague claims like “millions recovered” without examples or context: Large numbers can be misleading. Ask the attorney for examples of cases similar to yours, including the type of case, location, and settlement range, to understand whether results are consistent or one-off.
Limited experience with wrongful death cases in Texas: Handling only a few cases may not provide enough expertise. Local knowledge is crucial because Texas laws, court procedures, and insurance practices can vary by county.
Poor communication or lack of transparency about fees: The attorney-client relationship relies on trust. Avoid firms that are slow to respond, provide unclear answers, or do not explain their fee structure upfront. A reputable attorney will clearly outline costs, including contingency fees and any potential court expenses.

7. Applying Past Settlements to Your Own Case

Once you’ve reviewed several attorneys’ past settlements, it’s important to remember that this information should serve as a reference point, not a guarantee. Every wrongful death case is unique, and no two situations are exactly alike. Using past settlements wisely allows you to make informed comparisons and choose the attorney best suited to your family’s needs.

To make meaningful comparisons, consider the following:

Match your case type: Compare settlements for cases similar to yours, such as auto accidents, medical negligence, workplace fatalities, or other circumstances. Attorneys who have handled cases like yours are more likely to anticipate challenges, develop effective strategies, and achieve fair results.
Consider local factors: In Texas, jury tendencies, local court procedures, and state laws, including provisions under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.002, can all influence settlements. An attorney familiar with Houston courts, local judges, and insurance companies will better understand how to position your case.
Evaluate both economic and non-economic losses: Wrongful death settlements often include compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and long-term financial impacts, as well as non-economic damages like emotional distress and loss of companionship. Compare how attorneys have balanced these factors in past cases to gauge their approach to maximizing your family’s recovery.
Assess how clear liability is: Strong evidence of negligence or fault often leads to faster negotiations and higher settlements. Look at how attorneys have handled cases with varying degrees of liability, and whether they were able to negotiate effectively when the situation was complex.

8. Turning Settlement Data Into Confidence with Abogada Kim Bruno

Comparing wrongful death attorneys based on past settlements is a practical way to identify capable, trustworthy representation. The best lawyer isn’t always the one with the biggest payout; it’s the one with consistent, fair results in cases like yours. At Abogada Kim Bruno, we combine local experience, negotiation skills, and compassionate advocacy to guide Houston families and help them secure justice.

While past settlements provide useful insight, integrity, context, and personal care matter more. Choosing an attorney who pairs proven results with empathy ensures your family receives professional guidance and genuine support, giving both peace of mind and confidence throughout the legal process.