Southlake Wrongful Death Lawyer
When someone gets hurt in an accident caused by another person’s wrongful or negligent act, the injured person can generally demand civil restitution from the person responsible for harming them for all the past and future losses they will have to deal with due to that accident. When an accident born of negligence has fatal consequences, the right to file suit and demand civil restitution falls to the deceased person’s surviving loved ones, who can seek compensation for losses they experienced due to this tragic event.
Pursuing a civil claim after unexpectedly losing a family member is difficult. Working closely with a compassionate personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in simplifying the claim process. From the beginning to the end of your case, a dedicated Southlake wrongful death lawyer could provide the guidance and support you need to obtain the restitution you deserve.
What Can Families Recover for After a Wrongful Death?
Close family members of someone who loses their life due to another person’s reckless, careless, or illegal misconduct can seek restitution for both economic and non-economic forms of harm related to the relative’s death, including:
- Emotional anguish
- Lost love, comfort, guidance, and companionship
- Lost household services, including costs of replacement services in some cases
- Lost future financial support or value of inheritance
- Funeral, burial, cremation, or estate administration expenses
When a wrongful death occurs directly due to extreme negligence or an intentional and malicious act, the court may impose against a defendant—and subsequently award to eligible plaintiffs—additional punitive damages up to a maximum value of two times economic damages plus $750,000 maximum to match the value of non-economic damages. A knowledgeable attorney in Southlake could identify and value compensable losses resulting from someone’s wrongful death and help the surviving family members recover fair compensation. A legal representative could also pursue compensation for losses the decedent experienced between their accident and death through a survival action claim.
Special Rules for Wrongful Death Litigation
In Texas, the only people initially eligible to file suit over a wrongful death are the decedent’s surviving spouse, children, or parents, who may file solely on their own behalf or on behalf of all eligible beneficiaries. When eligible family members fail to file a claim within three months of the decedent’s death or specifically request that no such claim be filed, the estate representative can start the litigation process on the estate’s behalf.
Regardless of who files a negligent death claim, there is still an ultimate filing deadline of two years after the decedent’s passing under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003. Failure to comply with this “statute of limitations” leaves surviving family members with no legal recourse for their losses, making contacting a seasoned lawyer in Southlake immediately following a loved one’s unlawful death vital.
Consider Working with a Wrongful Death Attorney in Southlake
There is never an easy way forward after losing a loved one before their time, especially when the death occurs because of another person’s actions. That said, obtaining fair financial recovery from the person responsible for your loss is essential to minimizing the impact this tragedy has on your family’s financial security and overall well-being.
A Southlake wrongful death lawyer could stand by your side throughout your case and work tirelessly to pursue the best possible resolution. Call today to discuss your options.