Richardson Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is never easy, but when the circumstances involving your loved one’s death were due to someone else’s negligence, it can be especially devastating. Although money will not bring back your family member, you might be entitled to compensation for the financial and emotional stress of their death.

A Richardson wrongful death lawyer can help you through this difficult time. In wrongful death lawsuits, family members can recover financially for the deceased’s medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost income and benefits, and more. Our experienced injury attorneys understand the emotional and financial stress surrounding losing a loved one and are prepared to help lighten your burden.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

In Texas, a “wrongful death” occurs under three circumstances, according to Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code § 71.001 to 71.003. A family member (specifically, the cause of action can be brought by a spouse, parent, or child of the decedent) may have a cause of action for wrongful death when:

An injury results in a person’s death or a fetus’s failure to be born alive
An injury is due to another person or entity’s wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default
The injured person could have filed a lawsuit if they were born alive

A family member usually sues for wrongful death when someone dies because of the wrongdoing or negligence of another person or entity. Wrongful deaths can arise from various circumstances, including:

Car accidents
Truck accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Bus accidents
Boating accidents
Medical malpractice
Products liability

Most wrongful deaths involve motor vehicle accidents or medical malpractice. Discussing the circumstances of the death with a qualified Richardson wrongful death attorney can help determine if a surviving family member has a cause of action on behalf of the deceased.

Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

A wrongful death lawsuit could recover compensation for the survivor’s losses. A decedent’s estate or their family member can recover compensation for:

The decedent’s medical bills
Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of care or companionship
Lost income or employment benefits
Pain, suffering, or mental anguish
Property damage
Punitive damages, under specific circumstances

A capable wrongful death lawyer in Richardson can review the nature of a survivor’s losses to calculate appropriate damages. Losing a loved one leaves family members with significant emotional and financial stress; our compassionate attorneys can help survivors during this difficult time.

Limitations on Wrongful Death Claims

There are certain limitations on wrongful death lawsuits in Richardson. For example, according to Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 71.004, a deceased person’s spouse, children, or parents can file a wrongful death lawsuit—however, if the surviving family members do not file a wrongful death claim within three months, the estate administrator may file the claim instead.

There are also specific time constraints for filing wrongful death cases. Per Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003, survivors must file a wrongful death action within two years of the person’s death.

Consider Contacting a Richardson Wrongful Death Attorney

When you lost a family member due to an accident or injury involving someone else’s misconduct or negligence, you might have a cause of action for wrongful death against the person or entity responsible. Call a Richardson wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and options.