Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer
The loss of a loved one causes grief and pain for surviving family members, and at this difficult time, the last thing on your mind is hiring the assistance you need to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, that is the exact action you should consider taking, as a lawyer will investigate the death to determine liability, collect evidence to prove your case, and help you claim the full settlement you deserve. As leading wrongful death lawyers in Houston, the team at Livingston & Flowers Law Firm is here to help, as we have more than 23 years of experience providing legal assistance to clients in the state.
What Causes Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death is any death caused by negligent actions or inactions of another person. Everyone is expected to act with a reasonable standard of care to keep others around them safe. When people act carelessly and someone dies as a result, the loved ones of the victim can file a claim against the at-fault party. Any negligent act can result in wrongful death, but there are some that are more common than others.
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death, and according to the Texas Department of Transportation, many of those fatal crashes are caused by drunk driving. Unfortunately, car crashes are just one common cause of wrongful death. Defective products, slip and fall accidents, pedestrian crashes, and bike accidents are some other very common causes of wrongful death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Texas law only allows certain people to file a wrongful death claim. Under the law, any surviving spouse, parent, or child of the deceased can file a claim against negligent parties for wrongful death. Surviving spouses can file a claim even if they were separated at the time of the death, or if they had remarried, as long as the deceased did not have a new spouse.
Adult children are allowed to file a claim, and that includes biological and adopted children. Adopted children are not allowed to file a wrongful death claim after the death of their biological parent or parents. Surviving biological and adoptive parents can also file a claim if their child suffers a wrongful death, even if the child was an adult at the time of the accident.
How are Wrongful Death Claims Valued?
No one can place a price on human life, and no amount of compensation will replace a loved one after an accident. However, the damages you can pursue in a wrongful death claim can help offset the financial burden of the loss. The compensation available in wrongful death claims includes:
- Pecuniary losses, such as loss of care and support
- Loss of society and companionship
- Mental anguish
- Loss of inheritance
- Funeral expenses
- Burial expenses
When the defendant acted with gross negligence or acted intentionally, punitive damages are also sometimes available. No matter the type of damages you are eligible for, our team of wrongful death attorneys is here to help you receive the help you need to overcome these troubling times.
Let Our Wrongful Death Lawyer in Houston Help with Your Claim
Wrongful death lawsuits are some of the most complex types of personal injury claims to file, but you do not have to go through the process alone. At Livingston & Flowers Law Firm, our team of wrongful death lawyers has the knowledge and experience to assist with your claim and help you recover the full settlement you deserve. Call us today at (877) 722-3277 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
