What Is a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Did you know that every year there are over 90,000 medical malpractice cases? Did you also know that 45,000 people pass away from motor vehicle fatalities? Slip and fall cases contribute to over 20,000 deaths.
These numbers are jarring, especially for loved ones trying to find justice through grieving. Wrongful death cases are thus one of the most effective ways to seek redressal, as you will get the justice and compensation you deserve.
But what exactly is a wrongful death lawyer? And how can they help you? Keep reading to learn more below.
What Is a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
A wrongful death lawyer is an attorney who represents the survivors of a person who has died as a result of the negligence or unlawful act of another. The lawyer pursues a civil action on behalf of the survivors, seeking damages from the person or entity responsible for the death.
The most common type of wrongful death occurs when a person is killed in a car accident due to the other driver’s negligence. Common scenarios leading to a wrongful death claim include medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and defective products.
To succeed in a wrongful death action, the lawyer must prove that the death was caused by the negligence or criminal act of another and that the survivors are suffering financial damages as a result of the end. The damages sought in wrongful death include funeral and burial expenses, loss of income and companionship, and pain and suffering.
How to Define ‘Wrongful Death’
The term “wrongful death” can be used to describe any death caused by another person or entity’s negligence or wrongful act. For a family to have a legal claim, they must prove that the death was caused by negligence or a criminal act and that the end resulted in financial damages.
There are many different types of accidents and incidents that can lead to wrongful death. Some of the most common include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, and defective products.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of wrongful death below:
- Negligent homicide: Occurs when the defendant’s actions, or lack thereof, result in the death of another person – for example, if a drunk driver hits and kills a pedestrian leading to a car accident.
- Intentional homicide: Happens when the defendant kills the victim on purpose – for example, if someone murders their spouse, the spouse’s family may file a wrongful death claim against the murderer.
- Medical malpractice: This occurs when a doctor or other medical professional’s negligence results in a patient’s death – for example, if a surgeon leaves a sponge in a patient during an operation, and the patient later dies of infection, the patient’s family may file a wrongful death claim against the surgeon.
- Workplace homicide: This type occurs when the company’s negligence results in an employee’s death – for example, if an employee is killed in a work-related accident, the employee’s family may file a wrongful death claim against the company.
As you can see, there are many instances where wrongful death can occur! Your best bet to tackle such cases is to work with a great Houston, Texas, criminal death attorney to better your chances of winning the case.
What Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?
Wrongful death lawyers may work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case and you receive a financial settlement or verdict. This can be a good option if you do not have the money to pay an attorney upfront.
The first step in working with a wrongful death lawyer is to schedule a free consultation. During this meeting, you will discuss the facts of your case, and the lawyer will let you know if they think you have a claim. They will likely ask for a retainer fee if they take your case.
Once hired, your wrongful death lawyer will begin investigating your claim. This will involve reviewing police reports, medical records, and eyewitness accounts. They will also interview witnesses and experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
Once your lawyer has gathered all the evidence, they will file a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf. The lawsuit will detail the injuries and damages you have suffered as a result of your loved one’s death. It will also name the defendants and seek financial compensation for your losses.
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court and argue your case before a judge and jury. If you reach a settlement with the defendants outside of court, your lawyer will work to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
No matter your case stage, a wrongful death lawyer can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact a wrongful death lawyer today to schedule a free consultation if you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence.
Financial Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases
When a death occurs due to the negligence of another, the survivors may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. In a wrongful death action, the decedent’s survivors can recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages have a specific monetary value, such as funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and lost wages. Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify and may include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and mental anguish.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the survivors for their loss but rather to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar conduct.
The number of damages that may be recovered in a wrongful death action will depend on several factors, including the decedent’s age, health, earning capacity, and the survivors’ relationship to the decedent.
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, you should contact an experienced wrongful death attorney to discuss your legal rights and options. You will be able to cover some of the expenses relating to this passing and the burden it has placed on your family.
How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help?
You may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim if you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. An experienced criminal death attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through the claims process.
A wrongful death attorney can also help you investigate your loved one’s death, gather evidence, and build a strong case. If you are entitled to damages, a wrongful death attorney can help you recover the total amount of compensation you are owed. This can benefit families facing financial difficulties with increased costs but reduced income.
It can also be a rewarding process to gain recognition for the injustice that has led to the passing of your loved one. Thus, hiring a wrongful death attorney can be highly beneficial in various situations.
Why Should I Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney?
The wrongful death claims process is complex and daunting, and the stakes are high. You are likely dealing with tremendous grief and may struggle to cope with your loss. Hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney can take some of the burdens off you and allow you to focus on your grieving process.
An experienced wrongful death attorney will also know the applicable laws and how to build a solid case to maximize your chances of recovering compensation. If you are entitled to damages, an experienced wrongful death attorney will fight to get you the total amount of payment you are owed.
Work with a Professional Wrongful Death Attorney Today
No money can truly compensate a family for losing a loved one. However, filing a wrongful death lawyer can help the family to obtain justice and hold the responsible party accountable.
It can also help the family to obtain the financial compensation they need to cover funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
At Morgan Legal Group, we specialize in helping you win a wrongful death case with ease. As the premier criminal death lawyer in Houston, we will manage your case so you get the compensation you deserve!
Click here for a free consultation today!