Wrongful Death Attorney

in Houston, Texas

Coming to terms with the loss of a loved one is never an easy process. When a family member dies after a long battle with a disease, closure may come easier; however, when another party's negligence results in an untimely death, coping with your loss may prove more difficult. If this is the case, survivors may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit to bring responsible parties to justice and receive financial security for their future.

While no amount of money can replace a father, mother, child or spouse, the sense of closure it provides and financial burden it lifts can aid in your recovery.

What Constitutes Wrongful Death

By law, a wrongful death is when an individual perishes due to the negligence or misconduct of another person, company or entity. Each state has passed laws to protect individuals from blatant misconduct that can result in a wrongful death. Unfortunately, while these laws exist, mistakes and accidents still occur, many of which are fatal.

Examples of situations that may results in the wrongful death of a loved one include:

• Medical Malpractice - If a physician failed to diagnose a terminal disease or their misconduct resulted in the death of a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed
• Automobile Accidents - If another party's negligence or misconduct resulted in a fatal car accident, survivors may have the right to financial compensation for their loss
• Offshore Accidents - Hazardous and overcrowded work environments may result in the wrongful death of a loved one
• Defective Products - If a company's defective product resulted in a fatal accident, then their negligence must be held accountable

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

According to Texas law, survivors of the deceased, who include the decedent's immediate family members, such as spouse, children and parents, may file a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation they may be entitled to includes:

• Loss of companionship
• The amount of money earned by the deceased
• Funeral and medical expenses
• The savings of the deceased
• The amount of contribution in terms of education and maintenance the deceased would have provided for any surviving children
• Mental anguish and suffering
• Punitive damages

The wrongful death statute of limitations, or the time frame by which you must file a claim, varies by type of claim. While financial compensation for your loss may be the furthest thing on your mind when coping with the loss of a loved one, if you fail to file a lawsuit by the deadline you forfeit your right to financial compensation.

For this reason, it is essential that you contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. The Houston, Texas wrongful death attorneys of Kennedy Hodges, L.L.P. have successfully litigated many wrongful death lawsuits and will gladly provide you with a free consultation to discuss your rights.