Liable Parties in Wrongful Death-How Wrongful Death Lawyers Houston Helps in Filing the Case
Losing a loved one is always a tragedy. But when that death could have been prevented, it can be especially difficult to cope. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you have any legal recourse. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about wrongful death cases and liability and how wrongful death lawyers Houston help obtain the compensation.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is defined as a death that was caused by the negligent, intentional, or reckless actions of another person or entity. If the death could have been prevented if not for the actions (or lack of action) of another party, then it may be considered wrongful death. Some examples of circumstances that could lead to a wrongful death include:
- A car accident caused by a drunk driver
- A construction accident caused by inadequate safety equipment or protocols
- A medical error made by a doctor or nurse
- Exposure to a toxic substance at work
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In order for there to be liability in a wrongful death case, there must be someone who can be held legally responsible for the death. This is typically referred to as the “liable party.” The liable party doesn’t necessarily have to be the person who caused the death; it could also be an entity such as a company, government agency, or even a school district. A wrongful death lawyer Houston can help you determine the liability for the wrongful death.
There are four main types of liable parties in wrongful death cases:
- Individuals
- Companies
- Government agencies
- School districts
Determination of who can be held liable will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. If you’ve lost a loved one and you’re not sure if you have a case, the best thing to do is consult with Houston wrongful death attorneys who can help you determine who might be held liable and what your legal options are.
What Are Damages in a Wrongful Death Case?
If you are successful in proving that someone else’s negligence led to your loved one’s death, you may be entitled to damages. Damages are typically awarded in two forms: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are intended to compensate you for financial losses related to the death, such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, and loss of benefits such as healthcare or pension plans. Non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for more intangible losses such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of companionship.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the court finds that the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim; rather, they are meant to punish the defendant and deter future similar conduct.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, you may have Houston wrongful death attorneys for wrongful death claim.
Wrongful Death Attorneys Houston Helps You Recover Money After Losing the Only Breadwinner
No one ever wants to think about what might happen if they lost their spouse or partner. But if you’re the breadwinner in your family, it’s important to have a plan in place in case of an unexpected death. That’s where Houston wrongful death lawyers come in. A wrongful death attorney can help you recover money damages if your spouse or partner dies due to someone else’s negligence.
In most cases, a wrongful death claim will be brought against a business, individual, or government agency. For example, if your spouse dies in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the drunk driver. Or if your partner dies due to medical malpractice, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the hospital or doctor.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim?
If you are successful in bringing a wrongful death claim, you may be able to recover compensatory damages and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate the surviving family members for their losses, such as loss of companionship or financial support. Punitive damages are designed to punish the negligent party and deter future misconduct.
In some cases, the court may also award “exemplary damages.” Exemplary damages are awarded in addition to compensatory and punitive damages and are intended to punish the negligent party for particularly egregious misconduct. For example, if your spouse is killed by a hit-and-run driver, the court may award exemplary damages in addition to compensatory and punitive damages. Contact car wreck attorney Houston to know your options.
How Long Do I Have to Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
It’s important to act quickly after the loss of a loved one. In most cases, you will have two years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death claim. If you wait too long, your claim may be barred by the statute of limitations.
Losing a loved one is always difficult, but it can be especially hard if that person was also the breadwinner for your family. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know that you have legal options available to you. The wrongful death attorneys Houston can help you recover money damages if your spouse or partner dies due to someone else’s negligence. Act quickly though; in most cases, you will only have two years from the date of death to bring a claim.
Unknown With Wrongful Death Lawsuit – Get Wrongful Death Attorney Houston Help
If someone you love has died due to the negligence of another, you may be feeling a confusing mix of grief, sadness, and anger. You may also be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. The experienced Houston wrongful death attorney at Car Wreck Houston can help. We understand the challenges you are facing and we will fight tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and explain your legal options so that you can make informed decisions about how to proceed.