When someone you hold dear is badly hurt in an accident, it is shocking. When someone else’s negligence or recklessness causes a fatality, it is a tragedy. For close family members, the consequences can go beyond the loss itself, affecting their future well-being in a multitude of ways.
A wrongful death lawyer in Richardson may be able to help you. At The Texas Law Dog, we fight for victims and their families. As your Richardson personal injury lawyer, our law firm is available 24/7 and will fight for your rights, working to secure your future while you process your pain and loss.
Why You Need a Richardson Wrongful Death Lawyer to Help You
When someone you love passes away, you may find yourself facing high costs and complex issues at a time when you are least able to handle them. When your loss is caused by someone else’s carelessness, you should not have to carry the burden alone.
You may be able to recover compensation that makes your road forward a little easier to navigate, lifting financial concerns from the burden you already bear. An experienced wrongful death lawyer will help you to explore your options and may secure far better compensation than you could if you acted alone.
Your attorney will investigate the case, search for crucial evidence, negotiate with insurance companies or attorneys representing the culprit, and work to help you gain a much-needed settlement. We are dedicated and tenacious, and will place our acumen at your disposal.
Compensation You May Claim After a Wrongful Death
In personal injury cases, accident victims can claim damages. If the victim passes away, their family is still entitled to the compensation the deceased would otherwise have been able to claim. Because the family is also harmed, additional types of damages may be included.
Damages you may be able to claim include:
- Medical costs
- Lost earnings and inheritance
- Pain and suffering of the deceased
- Funeral and burial costs
- Compensation for your anguish
- Loss of financial and emotional support
- Loss of family relationships
In extreme cases, where the person responsible for the accident was grossly negligent, punitive damages may also be applicable. We do understand that no amount of money can truly compensate you for your loss, but a settlement may help you to weather the storms ahead.
Richardson Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
The Right to Bring a Wrongful Death Action is Limited to Direct Family
In Texas, the Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004 states that only direct family members or their representatives are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Your wrongful death attorney in Richardson may represent the interests of the deceased’s relatives, including:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
The first person who would have the right to file a lawsuit is the spouse. If they do not wish to, or there is no surviving spouse, the children of the deceased may file. Failing that, the parents of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim in Richardson.
How Compensation for Wrongful Death is Divided Among Beneficiaries
A court may decide how a wrongful death settlement should be divided. In general, the spouse is a primary beneficiary since they would ordinarily be considered the next of kin. Other family members may receive shares of the compensation, however.
For example, children will have lost the guidance and support of a parent and will have suffered considerable distress. Additionally, they would likely have been included in any inheritance if the deceased had lived out their natural span.
If the person who passed away is a minor, their parents would receive compensation. Adult children may have contributed to their parents’ support, and this loss may also be taken into account. The deceased person’s debts and the contents of their will may also be considered.
The Time You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Family members have 3 months to file a wrongful death lawsuit. After that, executors may be able to do so on their behalf if they choose.
Delays in filing after the initial 3 months are accepted, but the case must usually be filed within two years, or it will be rejected. Nevertheless, you should get help from a Richardson wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.
Investigations are best carried out as soon as possible after the accident so that time-sensitive evidence can be preserved. The sooner you begin working with an attorney, the sooner you can settle a wrongful death case.
The Time Needed to Settle a Wrongful Death Case
Because wrongful death is the most extreme form of injury, the value of compensation may be very high. Although it is sometimes possible to negotiate a fair out-of-court settlement, insurance companies may be inclined to fight.
This means waiting for a court date, but your attorney will work to make it worth your while to exercise patience. We always keep families informed on how proceedings are progressing, and we will never make unrealistic promises.
The Texas Law Dog is renowned for securing high-value settlements, and although money may seem like the least important thing in your world after a loss, your future may depend on a fair settlement. We will fight to secure it and will aim for the highest value possible.
Why Choose The Texas Law Dog Benefits You
Our lead attorney, Matthew E. Aulsbrook, is passionate about helping families achieve fair compensation. His experience working for the insurance industry led him to switch sides, and he will know how to counter attempts to short-change you.
Your wrongful death lawyer in Richardson will only charge a fee if we win your case. Under these terms, you can afford excellent representation and stand a good chance of beating opposing lawyers who try to downplay your loss and minimize compensation.
At a time like this, you may not have the heart to fight, but we will act as your champions. Allow us to enter the battle on your behalf. Our reputation precedes us. When you have been harmed, The Texas Law Dog bites back.
