The State of Texas provides the family of a person that is wrongfully killed with several legal options. With a wrongful death lawsuit, the surviving heirs could hold the person responsible for their loved one’s death accountable. The monetary damages available with a successful wrongful death claim could compensate the survivors for their loved one’s expenses as well as other damages related to the death.
An experienced personal injury lawyer could advocate on your behalf and help you seek justice for your loved one’s death. Speak to a compassionate Euless wrongful death lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Understanding Wrongful Death Laws
According to Texas Statute Section 71.001, a death is wrongful if it results from an act of neglect, carelessness, default, or unskillfulness. The law only allows surviving spouses, parents, or children to bring a claim. The decedent’s estate could file suit separately or file together. If one member of the class files suit on their own, anyone else entitled to move forward with a claim could join in the case. There are other complexities with the right to bring a wrongful death suit that are best explained by a Euless attorney.
The compensation available to a successful wrongful death plaintiff can vary. However, most losses stemming from an untimely death could become the basis of a wrongful death claim. A knowledgeable Euless wrongful death attorney could advise the surviving family of the deceased person on the compensation available in their case. Common examples of damages in these cases include:
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost maintenance and support
- Diminished earning capacity
In limited situations, exemplary damages could be available. Also known as punitive damages, this compensation is not intended to compensate the heirs of a deceased person for their loss, but to punish the person responsible. Exemplary damages are only possible when the court agrees the death stemmed from a willful act or gross negligence.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Euless
There is a strict deadline for filing a claim according to state law. If a plaintiff files a lawsuit after the deadline expires, they could expect the court to dismiss the case with prejudice. While there are some exceptions that could extend the deadline, these are rarely applicable in a wrongful death claim. In the State of Texas, the decedent’s estate has two years from the date of the death to file a claim.
An experienced wrongful death lawyer in Euless could ensure that the claim is filed within the statute of limitations.
Euless Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Schedule a Consultation with a Euless Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost someone due to another person’s negligence, you could have the right to seek monetary compensation. A dedicated attorney could investigate the cause of your loved one’s fatal accident and help you seek justice for their death.
Reach out to a Euless wrongful death lawyer to determine your legal options and the best steps to move forward. Whenever you are ready, an attorney is here to help.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form