Losing a loved one can bring immense emotional and financial challenges for families. The pain of such a loss is profound, and the financial impact can exacerbate the situation. Omega Law Group extends our sincerest sympathy for your loved one’s unexpected passing and can provide a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
If a person’s death is caused by the accidental or intentional actions of another individual or entity, surviving family members can consider filing a wrongful death claim with our Houston wrongful death lawyer.
Our law firm has been putting our clients first since 2016 and takes pride in taking on cases that can give families a sense of justice and closure. Read on to learn how our Houston personal injury lawyers can help you during this difficult time.
Speak With a Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer Before Accepting an Insurance Settlement Offer
Losing a loved one is an unimaginable tragedy. While no amount of compensation can undo the pain and suffering, pursuing a wrongful death claim with a qualified attorney can provide a measure of justice and financial security that may not be possible if handling a wrongful death case alone.
Before accepting any settlement offer from the insurance company, here’s what you need to know:
Calculate the Full Scope of Damages
In a wrongful death claim, damages can include not only the deceased’s medical expenses and lost future earnings but also the family’s loss of the deceased’s companionship, guidance, and financial support.
An attorney will work diligently to ensure the settlement fully accounts for these complex and far-reaching damages.
Understand Texas’ Comparative Negligence Law
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, where recovery is reduced by a percentage of fault. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident to minimize any potential findings of fault on the part of the deceased, maximizing your family’s chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
If you are unsure about hiring a wrongful death attorney, feel free to check out our client testimonials, which will provide you with peace of mind about our process.
Are You Eligible for Compensation Following the Wrongful Death of a Loved One?
You may be eligible for compensation for wrongful death if you believe that a specific person or entity is responsible for your loss. Your Houston wrongful death lawyer will work to prove that the at-fault party caused your loved one’s death because of their negligence.
If your attorney can prove the other party’s guilt, you may be entitled to receive a settlement for one or more of the following damages:
- Loss of income and benefits: If your loved one was employed prior to their death, then you may be able to recover their lost wages and any pension or retirement benefits.
- Medical expenses: Medical bills are often expensive after someone has died. In some cases, medical providers may not accept responsibility for these costs unless they are paid directly by a third party. A wrongful death lawsuit could help pay for your loved one’s costly medical bills.
- Loss of companionship: When a loved one dies, it can leave behind relatives who miss them dearly. These people may feel as though they have been robbed of something valuable. They may also suffer from depression and anxiety due to this loss. A wrongful death lawsuit can provide compensation for the loss of companionship.
- Pain and suffering: This damage includes physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mental anguish. It can include the grief and sorrow felt by those left behind when a loved one dies.
- Punitive damages: Punitive damages are designed to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. This type of award is usually reserved for egregious situations where there is clear evidence that the defendant acted maliciously or recklessly.
- Pecuniary losses: Pecuniary losses include funeral expenses, burial costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the death of your loved one.
- Property damage: Property damage refers to property owned by the victim before they died. This type of damage includes things like cars, homes, and businesses.
Understanding Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Houston, TX
Wrongful deaths can occur due to various accidents and circumstances, impacting families in Houston, TX. Here are some common causes of wrongful deaths that may warrant legal action:
- Car Accidents: Factors like drunk driving, distracted driving, and reckless behavior can lead to fatal car accidents, holding responsible parties accountable.
- Medical Malpractice: Negligence in medical care, such as misdiagnosis or surgical errors, can result in irreversible harm or death.
- Product Liability: Defective products causing injuries or fatalities may lead to product liability lawsuits, ensuring manufacturers provide necessary remedies.
- Workplace Accidents: Unsafe working conditions and lack of safety measures can result in fatal workplace accidents, invoking workers’ compensation laws.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents: Vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, are at higher risk of fatal accidents involving motor vehicles.
- Construction Site Accidents: Construction projects pose risks of accidents due to machinery misuse, inadequate supervision, and hazardous conditions.
- Trucking Accidents: Truck accidents, often caused by driver fatigue or substance abuse, can have devastating consequences for victims and their families.
- Slip and Fall Incidents: Fatal slip and fall accidents may occur due to hazardous floor conditions, leading to severe injuries like traumatic brain or spine injuries.
- Nursing Home Abuse: Neglect and abuse in nursing homes can have grave consequences, including physical harm and fatalities among residents.
If you’ve experienced a wrongful death due to any of these causes in Houston, TX, seek legal guidance from any of our experienced attorneys below to pursue justice and compensation for your loss.
Our firm has a track record of successful case results thanks to the legal knowledge and dedication of the lawyers below:
- Houston medical malpractice lawyer
- Houston bicycle accident lawyer
- Houston truck accident lawyer
- Houston workplace accident lawyer
- Houston slip and fall lawyer
The Timing Restriction of Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas
In Texas, there is a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a wrongful death claim. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Texas is generally two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. It is crucial to file a wrongful death claim within this time frame to preserve your legal rights and seek compensation for your loss.
However, it is advisable to consult with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible after the death of your loved one. Our attorneys can assess your case, gather evidence, and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to file a timely and effective wrongful death claim.
Our Compassionate Houston Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help
During the period after a wrongful death, you may face numerous decisions and challenges. Pursuing compensation from the responsible party could ease the financial burden caused by the loss of your loved one.
At Omega Law Group, we understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one. However, it can support you and your family during this difficult time, allowing you to focus on grieving and seeking justice on behalf of your loved one. Contact our wrongful death attorneys serving Houston, TX, when you are ready for compassionate support.