Key Questions to Ask After a Loved One's Wrongful Death.
When a loved one dies due to the wrongful actions of another, it can be a shock. Their death may feel sudden and unfair. You may have many questions about what happened and what will come next. Our wrongful death attorneys at Sanchez Medina, can protect your legal rights and help you get answers to some key questions.
- What happened? How did my loved one die?
The first step is understanding how your loved one died. Your attorney will review the circumstances surrounding the death and investigate whether it was caused by negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Once we have a clear picture of what happened, we can begin to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Who is responsible for my loved one's death?
In order to recover damages in a wrongful death case, you must be able to prove that another person or entity is responsible for your loved one's death. This can be difficult to do on your own, but with our help, you can hold the party responsible accountable. In many cases, the party at fault can be held financially liable for damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income.
- Who can I sue?
Not everyone responsible for your loved one's death will be easy to identify or hold liable. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to sue the individual responsible, the company they work for, or even the government. Determining who to sue can be complicated, so it is essential to speak with an attorney about your case.
In a wrongful death case, you may be able to recover compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are intended to cover things like medical expenses incurred prior to death, funeral costs and burial expenses, lost income or support, pain and suffering of the deceased person before death, and pain and suffering of the surviving family members. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.
- How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. This means that you have two years from the date your loved one died to file a claim. If you don't, you will likely be barred from recovery.
- How long will it take to settle my case?
The length of time it takes to settle a wrongful death case varies depending on the complexity of the case and how willing the parties are to negotiate a settlement. In some cases, settlements can be reached fairly quickly. In others, it may take months or even years to reach a resolution.
- What if the person who caused my loved one's death doesn't have insurance?
If the person who caused your loved one's death does not have insurance, you still may be able to recover damages by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. In Texas, there are also programs that provide compensation to victims of uninsured or underinsured motorists. These programs can help cover things like medical expenses and lost income.
- Do I need a lawyer?
In most cases, you will need legal representation to file a successful wrongful death claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know the ins and outs of the legal process and can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation possible.
- How much will it cost to hire an attorney?
At Sanchez Medina, we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not owe us anything unless we are able to recover damages on your behalf.
If you have lost a loved one due to the wrongful actions of another, contact Sanchez Medina today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced wrongful death attorney. We will answer your questions and help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us today at 956-567-7777.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for informational purposes only. The provision of this material does not create an attorney-client relationship between the firm and the reader and does not constitute legal advice. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and the contents of this newsletter are not a substitute for legal counsel. Do not take action in reliance on the contents of this material without seeking the advice of counsel.
The information contained in this blog may or may not reflect the most current legal developments. Accordingly, information in this blog is not promised or guaranteed to be correct or complete, and should not be relied upon as such. Readers should conduct their own appropriate legal research.
You might Also Like
Important Medical Decisions: What Are Advance Directives?
Advance directives are critical medical decisions that allow you to communicate your wishes for end-of-life care. They can include a living will and a health care proxy. An advance directive allows you to communicate your wishes for medical care should you become unable to do so yourself.
Read MoreThe importance of seeking experienced legal representation for a wrongful death case
Wrongful death refers to the unfortunate situation when a person's death is due to another party's negligence, as opposed to a natural or accidental cause. This leads to financial and emotional consequences for the friends and family of the deceased.
Read More