Wrongful death occurs when it results from someone else's negligence and could have been avoided. The injury and death of a person can destroy the family who relied on the emotional and financial support of the deceased for their survival. A person or company that engages in reckless and negligent acts that result in someone's death deserves to be punished.
If you have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one, no matter what your current employment or citizenship status is, you are entitled to be represented by knowledgeable Dallas wrongful death lawyers, The Gonzales Law Firm, P.C. We will fight exhaustively to get you the justice and compensation you and your family need.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In some cases, only the spouse and children can file a wrongful death lawsuit. In others, other relatives like the grandparents may be allowed to file. If the responsible party is another relative, there are limitations as to who is able to file a lawsuit.
Most lawsuits fall under a limited time frame during which the family is able to file a wrongful death claim. The allotted time is counted from the date and time the accident occurred or was reported.
In the event that the injured party had begun filing a lawsuit, but died before the case was settled, the survivors and beneficiaries are entitled to continue the lawsuit on the victim's behalf.
Determining Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The surviving family is typically permitted to file for payment of medical and burial expenses. Other damages are assessed by determining the amount of future damage the family will suffer as a result of the victim's absence. These damages often include an estimated amount of earnings that the deceased would have received. This is called victim's potential earning capacity. The pain and suffering of the surviving family members is also taken into consideration when assessing damages.
Do you have questions concerning wrongful death?
Please contact the wrongful death attorneys of The Gonzales Law Firm, P.C.