Austin Wrongful Death Lawyer
The sudden loss of any family member or loved one is always a traumatic event. You might be even more angry and in pain when your loved one’s death results from someone else’s carelessness or recklessness.
A compassionate and dedicated Austin wrongful death lawyer understands the pain, grief, and challenges that come with losing a family member who is taken through no fault of their own. Our seasoned injury attorneys can help you deal with the legal complexities while your family takes time to mourn and process the loss.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits Explained
When a person dies due to another person’s irresponsible or negligent actions, the death would be considered wrongful. This can occur due to various incidents, some of which may be criminal. As a result, pursuing a claim is governed by various laws. There may be criminal charges in some circumstances, but filing a civil claim is a separate legal process. To begin, relatives of the decedent can usually initiate a civil lawsuit against the party who was at fault. This claim, when handled correctly, would result in substantial monetary damages.
Understanding all the statutes that apply to these cases can be challenging. However, a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney in Austin will know how to preserve any relevant evidence and build a strong case.
Compensation for Wrongful Death Claims in Austin
Financial compensation in a wrongful death action can be complicated to calculate since each individual loss must be given a monetary value. Calculating the extent of funeral and medical costs is a straightforward process, and compensation is usually available for a family’s lost income or inheritance.
Meanwhile, assigning monetary value to losses like emotional trauma and loss of companionship is much more challenging. This often requires expert testimony or extra attention. Lastly, some wrongful death cases might qualify for punitive damages, which are designed to punish the defendant and prevent similar actions from reoccurring. If a defendant drove under the influence of alcohol and caused a fatal crash, for example, punitive repayments might apply to a case.
A dedicated wrongful death lawyer in Austin understands the difficulty associated with financial compensation and can help surviving family members determine the true value of their losses and setbacks.
What Is a Survival Action Claim?
After an accident, a grieving family might be able to file both a wrongful death claim and a survival action lawsuit. However, it is critical to understand the distinction between these two types of claims.
A survival action is a lawsuit filed to recover damages for the expenses that a decedent would have accrued had they continued to live. The damages collected through the claim can be incorporated into the estate and distributed to beneficiaries at a later date. Survival action claims are usually filed alongside a wrongful death lawsuit, and a seasoned Austin attorney can help a family further understand the nuances of these two options.
Consult an Austin Wrongful Death Attorney for Best Results
When you lose a family member due to a defendant’s negligence, you might be feeling angry, lost, and confused about what to do next. Fortunately, in Austin, you can work with our legal team to hold this party accountable and seek compensation for your family’s loss.
However, there are statutes of limitations to consider, and knowing the intricacies of these legal procedures is difficult. Contacting a knowledgeable Austin wrongful death lawyer can make a significant impact on your claim. Call us today, schedule an initial consultation, and discuss your options for seeking justice with one of our team members.
