Denton Wrongful Death Lawyer

A Denton wrongful death lawyer knows how heartbreaking it is when a loved one passes away. That is why our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victim’s families receive compensation for their loss. When a person dies from the wrongdoing or negligence of another, you may be able to sue for wrongful death.

In Denton, wrongful death is a civil lawsuit where the plaintiff seeks to recover damages from the party that caused the death. Unlike criminal cases where convicted wrongdoers face jail time, persons found liable for wrongful death are subject to pay monetary damages to the victim’s surviving family members.

Causes of Wrongful Death Cases

A wrongful death action may come from the wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default of a person or corporation. Wrongful death actions can develop in different contexts including:

Automobile accidents
Medical malpractice
Products liability
Accidents at work
Construction site accidents

To be successful in a wrongful death claim, an individual must prove the defendant’s negligence or action caused the decedent’s death and the surviving family has suffered damages because of that death.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Denton, the process for bringing a wrongful death claim follows a similar procedure to filing personal injury claims. Not everyone may file a wrongful death action. As a seasoned Denton wrongful death attorney knows, the only people permitted to file a wrongful death action are the spouse, children, and parents of the victim. Other family members such as siblings, grandchildren, and stepchildren may not.

Possibility of Recovering Damages

The damages a person can recover in a wrongful death claim are designed to compensate the surviving family members for their loss. Compensation for the victim’s family may include:

Funeral expenses
Pain and suffering
Loss of companionship
Loss of inheritance
Loss of support

Additional damages referred to as exemplary damages may be recoverable where the decedent’s death was the result of the willful act or gross negligence of another. No amount of money can replace what a family has lost, but receiving a fair settlement can help ease the financial burden that follows the loss of a close family member.

Statute of Limitations for Suits Involving the Loss of a Loved one

Every type of case in Texas has an applicable statute of limitations which limits the amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit. An individual should consult with a lawyer as soon as practical after the death of a loved one to avoid problems involving the statute of limitations. Texas wrongful death actions should be initiated within two years of the decedent’s date of death to avoid losing the rights to file suit. A capable wrongful death lawyer in Denton could help ensure all claims are filed within the appropriate time period.

Get in Touch with a Denton Wrongful Death Attorney

A Denton wrongful death lawyer at McCraw Law Group is prepared to seek justice for you deceased loved one as well as the compensation you and your family need to move forward. Call today.