Colleyville Wrongful Death Lawyer
No one should ever have to lose a loved one because of a third party’s misconduct; however, this is a devastating reality for many families in Texas. When dealing with a tragedy like this, adding civil litigation to your plate may understandably be the last thing on your mind. At the same time, a lawsuit could be your best means of preserving your family’s financial stability in both the short term and long term.
Filing a lawsuit against the person responsible for a loved one’s premature death can be challenging on both legal and procedural levels, which is why it can be especially important in situations like this to have help from a compassionate personal injury attorney. Regardless of the losses you need to recover, a seasoned Colleyville wrongful death lawyer could be a strong ally throughout your legal proceedings, working tirelessly to get you the compensation you need.
Who Can Recover Compensation Through a Wrongful Death Claim?
According to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §71.004, the only people who can be “beneficiaries” of a wrongful death claim and receive restitution through it are the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased person. These family members have the exclusive right to file a negligent death lawsuit—either on their own behalf or on behalf of all eligible family members—for the first three months after the death, after which point the executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate could file.
Regardless of who begins the civil litigation process, the purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to seek compensation for the losses that surviving family members experience because of the loss, including but not limited to:
- Lost future financial support from the decedent
- Lost future value of inheritance
- Lost household services and assistance
- Lost love, comfort, and companionship
- Emotional anguish
Eligible beneficiaries or representatives could also collect compensation for harm the decedent, or their estate, endured between the initial injury and death through a survival action claim. A wrongful death attorney in Colleyville could determine who to file suit against and advise family members of their rights.
Acting Within Applicable Deadlines
Wrongful death plaintiffs are generally subject to the same two-year statutory filing period set by TX Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003 as anyone else looking to file suit over a non-fatal injury they experienced because of someone else’s carelessness; however, rather than starting upon the discovery of one’s injuries, the filing period for wrongful death actions usually begins on the date of the decedent’s death.
There are few exceptions to this deadline, and ongoing criminal proceedings against the prospective defendant in a wrongful death case may not qualify as one. Therefore, enlisting the help of a skilled lawyer in Colleyville is crucial when pursuing an unlawful death case against a negligent party.
Discuss Legal Options with a Wrongful Death Attorney in Colleyville
Taking action over a family member’s wrongful death is never simple, but it is a necessary step toward minimizing the long-term financial impact the tragedy has on you and your loved ones. While money cannot erase your pain or make up for a life cut unfairly short, it can alleviate the burden of significant costs so that you can focus on your family’s mental and emotional needs.
An experienced Colleyville wrongful death lawyer could help you pursue the best legal route for your situation. Call today to schedule a private consultation with our legal team members.