Experiencing the loss of a loved one due to an accident is an immensely heart-wrenching event. However, this tragic circumstance doesn’t mean you must resign to fate. If you suspect that the death of your loved one was caused by someone else’s carelessness in any kind of accident, you have the option to collaborate with a Fort Worth Wrongful Death Lawyer to seek financial redress for your losses.
Top Fort Worth Wrongful Death Lawyers
| Name | Contact No |
|---|---|
| Collen Clark | 972-845-1006 |
| Mark W. Collmer | 713-337-4040 |
| Aaron Burke | 214-516-6692 |
| Greg Jackson | 817-541-1542 |
| Alex Aguirre | 210-446-6154 |
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Fort Worth, TX
The legal framework for wrongful death in Texas is outlined in the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Title 4, Section 71.001. This encompasses various scenarios, including:
- Fatalities due to workplace negligence
- Deaths caused by faulty products
- Fatalities resulting from medical errors
- Deaths arising from car accidents
- Bicycle accident-related fatalities
- Pedestrian-vehicle collision fatalities
In civil court, wrongful death lawsuits are pursued, focusing on negligence rather than deliberate harm. Only immediate family members like spouses, children, or parents of the deceased are eligible to file these claims under the Texas Wrongful Death Act. Other relatives are not permitted to seek compensation in these situations.
The Role of a Fort Worth Wrongful Death Lawyer in Easing Your Burden
Navigating a legal case for wrongful death can be overwhelming, particularly while you are coping with sorrow and loss.
Representing Your Loved One in Court
Filing a lawsuit for wrongful death means advocating on behalf of your deceased loved one. Your attorney’s role is crucial in proving the liability and negligence of the accused party, who you believe is responsible for your loss.
In building a solid case, collaboration with a wrongful death lawyer is essential for collecting evidence of liability. This evidence might include:
Documentation and Evidence Gathering
- The accident’s police report
- The deceased’s death certificate
- Insurance claims by all parties involved in the accident
- Witness testimonies
- Visual or audio evidence of the accident
- Medical bills related to the accident’s injuries
A Fort Worth Wrongful Death Lawyer also guides you in submitting your lawsuit within the allowed time frame as per Texas’s statute of limitations. According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Title 2 Section 16.001, there is a two-year window from the death date to file a claim. This timeline does not start until minors involved reach adulthood.
Calculating Your Potential Compensation
Your claim should detail the damages you seek compensation for, including:
- Pre-death medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased’s earnings
- Support loss for dependents or other loved ones
- Loss of companionship, affection, or comfort
- Potential lost inheritance
Pursuing a case in court might also open the possibility of punitive damages, especially if the death was caused intentionally or through severe negligence. These damages aim to penalize the responsible party and deter similar incidents in the future.
Protection Against Inadequate Settlement Offers
Before you initiate legal action, those responsible for the wrongful death might propose a settlement. These offers sometimes cover your immediate losses. However, if the settlement doesn’t fully address your needs, you can bring your case to court for a more comprehensive evaluation of your entitled compensation.
Financial Considerations in Your Grieving Process
When working on a wrongful death case, legal fees are only incurred if the court grants you compensation. The law firm then deduct its fees from the settlement, ensuring that your day-to-day financial needs are not burdened.