Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, made even more challenging when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. That’s where wrongful death lawsuits come into play, offering a path to seek justice and compensation for your loss.
K.E. Bradley is a trusted legal ally, providing expert assistance on personal injury, estate planning, and VA disability claims in El Paso, Missouri City, Houston, and beyond. To see how our El Paso wrongful death attorneys can assist you, contact us online or call (915) 222-8082 today.
What to Know About Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Wrongful death lawsuits aim to hold accountable those responsible for the death of an individual due to negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, providing compensation to surviving family members for their losses and damages. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding wrongful death lawsuits and how an El Paso wrongful death attorney can assist you:
-
- Legal Basis: Wrongful death lawsuits are based on the legal principle that individuals or entities can be held liable for causing the death of another person through their wrongful actions.
- Who Can Sue: Typically, immediate family members such as spouses, children, and parents of the deceased are eligible to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Types of Wrongful Death Cases:
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Criminal actions
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
-
- Burden of Proof: This typically requires demonstrating negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct on the part of the defendant.
- Compensation:
- Medical expenses related to the deceased person’s final illness or injury
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income and future earnings
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death
- Statute of Limitations: Wrongful death lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations, which varies by jurisdiction. In most cases, plaintiffs have a limited amount of time from the date of the death to file a lawsuit. In order to file a lawsuit on time, speak with a wrongful death attorney in El Paso.
- Settlement vs. Trial: Settlements allow for a faster resolution and certainty of outcome, but a trial may be necessary if the parties cannot agree on a fair settlement amount.
Legal Representation: A skilled wrongful death attorney can help navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and advocate for fair compensation on behalf of the surviving family members.