Wrongful death Damages are claimed when someone dies because of another person’s action or inaction. They are filed by family members who have lost their loved one.
Tragically, some accidents have more serious consequences than just physical harm and property damage – they can result in the devastating loss of a loved one. Whether caused by car accidents, slip and fall incidents or product liability cases; any situation that could potentially lead to a personal injury lawsuit may also make way for wrongful death claims.
Parties in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit:
Grieving family members in Texas may be entitled to pursue justice and financial compensation if their loved one has tragically passed away. The right to file a wrongful death lawsuit is granted only to the surviving spouse, children or parents of the deceased person; other relatives such as siblings, divorced spouses and grandchildren are not eligible for this type of legal action. However, should you fit into these categories then it’s important that you understand your rights by ensuring both basic criteria have been met before proceeding with any proceedings.
- The defendant’s bad acts caused your loved one’s death
- You are a beneficiary of the deceased (spouse, child, or parent)
Adopted children and their adoptive parents may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can either be submitted individually or as an entire family – allowing survivors access to justice in this difficult time.
Wrongful Death Damages:
Wrongful death damages offer families of a lost loved one the support and recognition that their pain deserves. Depending on the familial relationship, financial compensation can be made available for those impacted by this tragic event to help offset losses associated with their loss – allowing them to begin healing.
Some commonly recovered wrongful death damages include:
- Lost earning capacity
- Loss of care and companionship
- Lost benefits
- Medical bills up to the date of death
- Funeral costs
- Emotional Damage
When an individual’s behavior is deemed excessively willful or criminally negligent, the family of their victim may be granted punitive monetary damages. Not only are these awards used to compensate for losses, they also function as a form of social deterrence – sending a message that such actions will not be tolerated in society.