When a loved one dies as a result of a preventable accident, the loss is devastating. There is no doubt that this person provided financial and emotional support to their family, and these losses are often so sudden that a family has little or no time to prepare. When someone dies as a result of another’s negligence, carelessness, recklessness, or intentional acts, this is called a wrongful death. Examples of wrongful death include:
- Truck accidents
- Car accidents
- 18-wheeler accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Oilfield accidents
- Workplace accidents
Fortunately, Texas law provides for certain family members to be compensated financially for the loss of their loved one to an accident by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of money can ever be enough to compensate a family for such a tremendous loss, financial compensation can bring a sense of closure and ensure that the family’s financial needs are met. Contact Cypress wrongful death lawyers Sutliff & Stout for a free consultation to get started filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
In Texas, the law allows for the surviving spouse, children, and parents of a decedent to collect financial compensation from a wrongful death claim. These are called damages. While no two wrongful death claims are the same, below are general steps for filing a successful wrongful death lawsuit in Cypress, Texas.
Hire a Cypress Wrongful Death Attorney
To find out whether you have a valid wrongful death claim, consult Cypress wrongful death lawyers Sutliff & Stout as soon as possible for a free consultation. Although the family is undoubtedly suffering a catastrophic loss, this is an essential first step. Although hiring an attorney for a wrongful death claim is not required, it is highly suggested. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is extremely stressful, and attempting to handle the claims on your own will surely add to it. Usually, the individuals or businesses responsible for the wrongful death will hire their own attorney. That attorney’s job is to ensure financial compensation remains as low as possible. They are counting on a decedent’s family to quickly settle any claims without asking too many questions. Sadly, this can result in an unfair situation for a family. A Cypress wrongful death attorney at Sutliff & Stout will have the experience necessary to hold all responsible parties accountable for the death of your loved one. A wrongful death attorney will be a family’s best chance to secure the maximum value of their wrongful death claim.Â
When searching for the right wrongful death attorney, it is essential to do your research. The Cypress wrongful death lawyers at Sutliff & Stout are experienced in filing wrongful death claims. Key factors to look for when searching for an attorney include:
- Years of experience in wrongful death
- Dollar amount recovered
- Testimonials from past clients
- Care and compassion when speaking with the family
- If they are willing to take your wrongful death claim to trial
Sutliff & Stout wrongful death attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience and have recovered over $1 billion for their clients.
Filing a Cypress Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A wrongful death attorney will file a lawsuit, usually in state district court, on behalf of the family members. If multiple family members have claims, they can file a lawsuit together or individually. Where the lawsuit is filed depends on various factors, including where the accident occurred and where the party (or parties) responsible for the accident lives or does business. Even if the lawsuit may be filed in a different area of Texas, the wrongful death lawyers at Sutliff & Stout are licensed to practice throughout Texas. Once a lawsuit is filed, the wrongful death attorney will work with the other parties to negotiate the wrongful death claim. Under Texas law, the family must file a lawsuit within a certain amount of time (statute of limitations), or they will be unable to recover for their losses.
The Types of Damages Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The state’s wrongful death statutes allow surviving family members to be compensated for the suffering and loss they sustained due to the family member’s death. Many types of damages are recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit. Common damages include:
- Medical expenses incurred treating the victim’s fatal injuries
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support or any loss of income that would have supported surviving family members
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Emotional suffering and emotional distress family members suffered as a result of the accident and loss
The wrongful death lawyers at Sutliff & Stout Injury & Accident Law Firm understand that in addition to grieving your loss, you may be drowning in bills. Your lost loved one might have been the primary breadwinner for your family, and without them, you are in financial turmoil. That is why we are experts at helping family members receive the maximum damages.
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