Losing a loved one is a traumatic experience. But when someone else’s negligence results in the loss of the life of a loved one, surviving family members face untold grief, regrets, and trauma. Wrongful death occurs when another party’s negligent actions or inactions result in loss of life.
If you recently lost your spouse, child, or parent under circumstances you believe involved negligence, we may help. Our compassionate Hitchcock wrongful death lawyers can help you discover the true details of your case.
We tirelessly work with experts in different fields to establish all facts regarding wrongful death and identify the legal avenues available for compensation. Schedule a free consultation with a Hitchcock personal injury lawyer from Lone Star Injury Attorneys today.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
A wrongful death may arise in different scenarios. Sadly, many of them are caused by careless behaviors stemming from negligence. If you lost a loved one in the following circumstances, you ought to consult our Hitchcock wrongful death attorneys about your next course of legal action:
- Auto wrecks
- Falls from heights
- Slip and fall accidents
- Construction accidents
- Electrocution
- Sporting and boating accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
These are just a few examples of how wrongful death may occur. Working with an experienced Hitchcock wrongful death lawyer is the best way to discover whether someone could have neglected their duty of care toward your loved one.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Hitchcock, call (832) 449-8230
How Much Can I Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?
Damages in a wrongful death case vary based on the unique specifics of each claim. Usually, different factors are considered when valuing a claim.
For example, a skilled Hitchcock wrongful death attorney will evaluate the past and future losses that the deceased’s estate suffers due to the loss. Additionally, they will look at the damages owed to the deceased if he or she survived. This means that it’s also possible for the surviving estate to demand justice owed to their loved one even in their absence.
For instance, the costs recoverable may cover:
- Deceased’s physical pain and suffering before death
- Deceased’s medical expenses up to the point of death
- Deceased’s diminished quality of life in case of a catastrophic injury
- Deceased’s emotional distress
- Deceased’s lost wages
On top of this, you can also demand compensation for the losses you suffered as the deceased’s estate. These damages may include emotional suffering, loss of quality of life, loss of inheritance, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, burial/funeral expenses, and loss of financial dependency if the deceased was your breadwinner.
Getting the most out of your case helps secure your future. Our trusted Hitchcock wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to helping you get the justice you and your loved one are entitled to.
Hitchcock Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Difference Between Criminal Lawsuit & Civil Case in Wrongful Death
When filing a wrongful death claim, you are likely to come across terms such as criminal lawsuits and civil cases. Both may be filed concurrently, especially in a scenario where state laws have been violated. The two cases are quite different, however.
Criminal Cases
In a criminal case, a state prosecutor or attorney brings charges against the party responsible for the death of your loved one. Having acted in gross violation of state and federal laws, the goal is to punish them for their wrongdoing, with the result being prison time, court fines, or both.
There is usually nothing for the estate of the deceased to recover. However, it may bring some consolation to know that the at-fault person was punished.
Civil Cases
On the other hand, a civil case is brought forward by a representative of the deceased’s estate with the ultimate goal being to recover monetary compensation. In contrast, this is a dispute between two parties where one is accused of negligence.
The party seeking damages is called the plaintiff, while the other becomes the defendant. If the latter is found to have been negligent in the moments leading to the wrongful death, then they become liable for the damages suffered by the deceased (if they had survived) as well as their estate.
It’s important to note that both criminal and civil lawsuits may be filed at the same time, and an acquittal in a criminal case does not mean the end of the road for you. A seasoned Hitchcock wrongful death attorney can still recover compensation for you.
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Compassionate Legal Assistance
If you are a spouse, child, parent, guardian, or personal representative to a loved one who lost his or her life at the hands of a negligent party, we can find justice for you.
Our compassionate Hitchcock wrongful death lawyers at Lone Star Injury Attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss your case and legal options. Please call our offices today or reach out online to set up a free consultation.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form