The Process of a Wrongful Death Claim: How to Seek Justice after the Loss of a Loved One
If you’ve recently lost a loved one, the process of grieving and moving on will never be easy. However, it may be even more difficult if you suspect that your loved one’s death was caused by another party’s negligence or lack of care and you decide to pursue a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims are fairly complex legal processes that can take months or even years to resolve; however, by working with an experienced Houston wrongful death attorney, you can increase your chances of justice being served and help ensure that the negligent party doesn’t get away with their mistake at your expense.
Dealing with the loss
The death of a loved one is always hard—and it’s especially hard when you feel like your grief isn’t acknowledged or respected. If you’ve lost someone close in an accident, you may be wondering whether or not you have legal recourse for compensation. Here’s what you need to know about wrongful death claims and how Houston wrongful death attorneys at Car Wreck Houston can help.
Do you have a case for compensation?
By filing a wrongful death claim, you will get legal representation from personal injury lawyers. These lawyers are specialized in helping victims recover compensation for their losses and hold negligent parties responsible for their actions. To discover if you have a case for compensation, consult with experienced car accident lawyer Houston TX as soon as possible. There is no statute of limitations when it comes to filing an insurance claim on behalf of your deceased loved one.
An experienced lawyer can help you answer this question
How much money am I entitled to? How much time it will take to get compensation? A wrongful death lawyer can answer these questions for you as well as help you through what is often an emotional, difficult, and confusing time. Houston car accident lawyers are here for you during one of your most stressful times. If you are considering hiring a personal injury lawyer in Houston Texas, contact us today. We will work closely with you every step of the way and determine what we need from you first so that we can successfully handle your case in court.
Contacting an attorney
Be sure to contact an attorney as soon as possible following your loved one’s death. Not only will they be able to help you navigate these tough waters, but they can also get your claim filed in court quickly so that you can start receiving compensation for your pain and suffering. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an accident, contact us today at car wreck attorney Houston for answers about how you can seek justice for a wrongful death claim after an accident caused by negligence.
If you’ve lost a loved one and believe that their death was caused by another person’s negligence, then you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. To discuss details about your loved one’s death with your lawyer, give us a call. We’ll talk about getting compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages and other expenses related to your loved one’s untimely passing.
Figuring out how much your loved one’s death will cost you in lost income, medical bills, and funeral costs (and more)
Keep in mind that wrongful death claims are not only about compensating family members for their loss, but also about holding those responsible accountable. If you can prove that someone else was at fault for your loved one’s death, then you may be entitled to compensation.
Calculating your wrongful death claim settlement amount
The first step in calculating your wrongful death claim settlement amount is figuring out what’s known as damages. Damages are broken down into three categories, also known as heads of damages, which are described below. Then there is additional compensation that is not part of any heads. This category includes funeral and burial expenses, along with costs incurred by surviving spouses or children due to loss of care, affection and companionship.
Negotiating your settlement
When your case is settled, you need to make sure that it’s worth something; after all, it’s your money on the line. For instance, even if you receive $5 million in damages and your lawyer negotiated down from $10 million, you won’t see more than $5 million if you don’t ask for what you deserve. Your settlement has no legal weight unless both parties agree on its terms.
Reaching agreement on your settlement amount and signing it
If you and your lawyer have worked out all of your issues, it’s time to draft an agreement that details how much you’ll be paid by the insurance company and when they will pay it. This isn’t an official contract until both parties sign it.
Next steps after filing suit
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have just started a legal battle that can last for years. Here are some general tips that may help guide you through your wrongful death claim case. These are meant as general guidelines, so make sure to speak with wrongful death attorney Houston in your area if you have specific questions about your case.