Know The Expert Lawyers For A Wrongful Death Claim in Texas

Wrongful Death Claim in Texas

A wrongful death claim in Texas refers to a legal action that can be pursued when someone’s death occurs due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional act of another person or entity.

To initiate a wrongful death claim in Texas, certain criteria must be met. 

• The death was due to the wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, or default of another party.
• The defendant’s activities is playing a significant role in the death.
• The surviving family members or beneficiaries are suffering damages as a result of the death.
• Evidence such as witness testimonies, medical records, accident reports, expert opinions, and any other relevant information can be presented to support the claim.

In fact, it is important to establish a direct line between the defendant’s actions and the resulting death.

Cap on A Wrongful Death Claim in Texas

The amount of compensation that can be obtained from a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas varies depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Texas law allows for two types of damages: economic and non-economic.

1. Economic damages cover tangible financial losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and future earnings.
2. Non-economic damages include intangible losses like pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

In fact, there is no fixed amount or cap on damages, as they are determined according to the presentation of evidence and the jury’s decision.

And the amount of compensation in a wrongful death claim in California varies according to the specific circumstances of the case.

In Texas, there is no statutory cap on damages in wrongful death claims. This means awarding compensation to the surviving family members or beneficiaries can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the case and the jury’s decision.

But the amount of damages can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the case and the decision of the jury.

Wrongful Death Claim Beneficiaries, Action, and Texas Pay on Death

Under Texas law, certain individuals are entitled to bring a wrongful death claim. In Texas, the primary beneficiaries who can file a wrongful death claim include:

• The widow or widower of the person who has passed away.
• The children of the deceased, including biological, adopted, and illegitimate children.
• The parents of the deceased.

Wrongful death action means when family members or beneficiaries of someone who passed away file a lawsuit.

The widow/widower of the person who has passed away. They believe that the death was due to someone else being careless or doing something wrong.

The responsible party may be an individual, a corporation, a government entity, or any other legal entity.

Types of Cases

Wrongful death actions can arise from a wide range of circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Car accidents due to inattentive or careless drivers
• Medical malpractice resulting in a fatal injury or wrongful death
• Workplace accidents due to unsafe conditions or employer negligence
• Defective products that lead to fatal injuries
• Death resulting from nursing home mistreatment or abuse
• Acts of violence or intentional harm causing death

Damages

Wrongful death actions seek compensation for various forms of losses incurred by surviving family members. These damages can include:

• Medical expenses incurred before the death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and future income
• Loss of companionship, love, and emotional support
• Mental anguish, pain, and suffering from the loss
• Loss of inheritance and potential financial benefits

Burden of Proof

To succeed in a wrongful death action, the plaintiff (the party bringing the claim) must establish the following elements by a preponderance of the evidence:

• The death of the individual occurred.
• The death was due to, in whole or in part, the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another party.
• The responsible party’s actions were the proximate cause of the death, meaning there was a direct link between their conduct and the fatal outcome.
• The surviving family members or beneficiaries have suffered damages as a result of the death.

Settlement or Litigation

Resolving wrongful death actions can be done through negotiation and settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation, where the evidence will be presented in court, and a judge or jury will decide the outcome.

And this action seeks to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligent or wrongful actions that led to the death.

Eligibility and Steps to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas

In Texas, it is not possible to sue a deceased person directly. However, following the death of an individual, their estate can become the target of a lawsuit.

When someone passes away, their estate typically goes through a legal process of “probate”. During this process, the deceased person’s assets and liabilities are managed and distributed.

And to sue a deceased person, a claim must be filed against their estate, with the executor or administrator representing their interests.

In fact, it is advisable to consult with a tax professional or attorney when considering the status of wrongful death settlements in Texas. This expert should be familiar with state and federal tax laws in order to understand the specific implications of your situation.

Qualification to File a Wrongful Death Claim

Here are the general steps to determine the qualification to file a wrongful death claim in Texas:

Identify the Relationship:

Immediate family members, including the spouse, children (adopted or biological), and parents, have priority in filing a wrongful death claim.

But if there are no immediate family members, siblings or grandparents may be eligible to file a claim.

Determine the Legal Capacity:

Besides being related to the person who passed away, the one filing the claim needs to be legally allowed to do so

This means they should be old enough (at least 18 years old), have a clear mind, and not have any legal problems that would stop them from taking legal action.

Assess the Time Limit:

In Texas, there is a time limit, which is known as, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim. Usually, it is two years from the date when the person passed away. However, the time it takes to settle a wrongful death claim can be different for each case.

However, depending on the unique circumstances of the situation, there may be exceptions or changes. It is important to consult with an attorney to determine the applicable time limit in your situation.

Gather Relevant Information and Evidence:

After allowing you to file a wrongful death claim, collect important information and proof to support your claim like medical records, reports about the accident, what witnesses saw, and any other evidence that shows someone did something wrong or was careless.

Consult and File the Wrongful Death Claim with an Attorney:

It’s a good idea to talk to a special lawyer who knows about wrongful death cases in Texas. They can help you file your claim on time and follow the rules. Additionally, they can ensure you are asking for the right amount of money.

With the assistance of your attorney, prepare and file the wrongful death claim in the appropriate Texas court. The claim should include a clear and concise statement of the facts, legal arguments, and the damages sought. 

Your attorney will guide you through the process, ensuring the proper submission of all necessary documents and forms.

Role of Lawyers For A Wrongful Death Claim in Texas

Lawyers play a crucial role in assisting with personal injury and with a wrongful death claim. Here are some key roles and responsibilities of lawyers in handling wrongful death cases:

Legal Expertise and Guidance: Wrongful death claims involve complex legal processes and requirements. Lawyers specializing in wrongful death cases have the necessary legal knowledge and expertise to navigate through the intricate legal system.

They can provide guidance on the applicable laws, statutes of limitations, and legal strategies to maximize the chances of a successful claim.

Investigation and Gathering Evidence: Lawyers conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death. They gather evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and any other relevant documentation that can support the claim. Lawyers may also work with investigators and experts to reconstruct the events and determine liability.

Filing the Lawsuit and Handling Legal Procedures: Lawyers handle all the necessary paperwork and procedural requirements involved in filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

To conclude, lawyers play a crucial role in settlement negotiations and litigation for wrongful death claims. They use their negotiation skills and legal expertise to pursue a fair settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company. 

In Texas and California law, surviving family members or beneficiaries may file a wrongful death claim for the punitive damage to a loved one’s death. This allows them to seek compensation for the death of their loved one. This death was due to the negligence or misconduct of another party.