The pain of losing a loved one is difficult to handle. But when that loss is a result of another person’s mistake, you are likely to suffer untold emotional suffering since accepting the loss is extremely difficult. Wrongful deaths are avoidable, and when negligent behaviors involving construction accidents, auto wrecks, slip and falls, medical malpractice or defective products result in loss of life, someone can be held legally responsible.
Knowing what steps to take or who to sue in a wrongful death case is a puzzle that only a qualified attorney can handle. If you lost a loved one under circumstances you believe were avoidable, our Bellaire wrongful death lawyers are available to discuss your legal options. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, our commitment is to help victims of negligence in Texas get the justice they deserve. Call today to speak with a trusted Bellaire personal injury lawyer.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The Texas statutes define wrongful death as the loss of life due to negligence. On that basis alone, the surviving estate of the deceased has the right to pursue legal action against the party responsible. Most times, wrongful deaths also result in criminal lawsuits where a state prosecutor seeks to jail or fine an offender for another person’s loss of life. While this may bring closure to loved ones knowing the perpetrators have been punished, it rarely does any justice to the many losses they incur. For this reason, you have a two-year window to bring a civil case forward claiming compensation for damages suffered.
When filing a wrongful death claim in Texas, you must prove that:
- The defendant owed your loved one a legal duty of care
- The defendant breached the duty
- The breach caused your loved one’s death
- You suffered damages
Proving these elements of negligence requires painstaking investigations into the circumstances around your loved one’s death. Because of the shock and trauma that follow a sudden loss of life, you may not have the strength to pursue the parties responsible or work with other entities relevant to your case. Instead, you ought to retain a compassionate Bellaire wrongful death attorney who understands your grief, and one who is committed to bringing you closure.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Bellaire, call (832) 449-8230
Damages You May Recover
The types of damages you may recover in a wrongful death case vary. For instance, you may also enjoin survival action in your lawsuit to cover for the losses the deceased suffered before passing away. A knowledgeable Bellaire wrongful death attorney should help with reviewing your past and future losses before valuing your claim.
Costs recoverable in a wrongful death case may cover:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Lost income
- Lost premiums
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
As mentioned earlier, you may also pursue the losses suffered by the deceased if he or she was hospitalized before dying. Additionally, you may be eligible for punitive damages if your case proceeds to court. A seasoned attorney should guide you on what legal option is likely to result in maximum compensation.
Bellaire Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Benefits of Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney
While the loss of a loved one can leave you confused and lost, especially when their death is caused by someone else, it is still important to pursue justice as soon as you can. The Texas statute of limitations only allows up to two years for such cases to be filed failure to which you risk forfeiting your rights. Hiring a qualified Bellaire wrongful death attorney comes with benefits such as:
- Expert counsel on what legal steps to take
- Discovering fault
- Collecting evidence and other relevant information
- Handling insurance companies
- Representing you in court
The last thing anyone wants when dealing with the loss of a loved one is to make or receive phone calls, file legal paperwork, meet with experts, or attend court sessions. When you hire a Bellaire wrongful death attorney, you get an opportunity to relax and not worry about your case. A caring attorney will go to any length to ensure that you get the peace of mind you desperately require.
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Hire a Bellaire Wrongful Death Attorney
Fortunately, financing your wrongful death lawsuit should be the last of your worries. Our wrongful death attorneys serving Texas do not collect upfront legal fees before taking up your case. Our contingency fee policy allows our top-rated attorneys to listen and swing into action without demanding a retainer fee. Call our firm today or fill out the online contact form to schedule a no-risk case review with our compassionate Bellaire wrongful death lawyers.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form