Sugar Land Wrongful Death Attorney
Texas personal injury laws provide victims with legal options after being hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, but sadly, many of these individuals do not survive the trauma. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that almost 214,000 people die from unintentional injuries every year, making accidental fatalities the third-leading cause of death in America. These tragedies leave surviving family members grieving, but loved ones can also suffer financial implications without the decedent’s contributions and support.
Fortunately, there is a type of personal injury claim known as a wrongful death case under Texas law. You may be able to recover monetary damages for your losses, and The West Law Office will be at your side throughout the legal process. Please contact our firm to schedule a free consultation today. A Sugar Land wrongful death attorney can provide specific details, but an overview of the process and types of compensation are informative.
Synopsis of Texas Laws on Wrongful Death Cases
Because it is a type of personal injury case, a wrongful death action will usually be based upon the legal concept of negligence. To obtain monetary damages, you must prove that your loved one died in an accident caused by someone’s failure to exercise reasonable care. However, there is one additional requirement that is unique to Texas wrongful death claims, as you must show that you have legal power to do so. You must have standing as a surviving spouse, child, or parent of the victim. Note that siblings do not qualify when a brother or sister dies.
The most common types of accidents that may give rise to a wrongful death claim include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions;
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents;
- Slip and falls and other incidents that occur because of dangerous conditions on property; and,
- Workplace accidents.
Damages for Surviving Family Members
Compensation in a wrongful death case focuses on the losses of survivors, and it does depend on whether you are in the position of a surviving spouse, parent, or child. Our Sugar Land wrongful death lawyers at The West Law Office will fight to ensure you receive all monetary damages to which you are entitled by law, including:
- Costs to treat the victim’s injuries before death;
- Funeral and burial expenses;
- Lost wages, future earning capacity, and other financial contributions, representing what the deceased may have earned had he or she not died;
- Amounts for mental anguish; and,
- Losses related to companionship, education, guidance, and love.
In addition, the estate of the decedent may be able to recover for pain and suffering if there was some time lag between the accident and the victim’s death.
Contact a Sugar Land Wrongful Death Attorney for Details
While legal action may not bring back your loved one, it may come as some comfort to know that financial support is available to fill the void left behind. For more information, please contact The West Law Office. Individuals in Fort Bend County and throughout Southeast Texas can call 281-347-3247 to set up a free appointment with a member of our team.
