Understanding Wrongful Death Claims In League City

A wrongful death claim seeks to hold accountable any person or entity whose negligent, reckless or intentional actions caused the death of your loved one. Successfully proving wrongful death means showing that your loved one died due to the defendant’s misconduct or failure to act responsibly.

Common wrongful death claims involve:

• Vehicle accidents – resulting from drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving etc.
• Medical malpractice – surgical errors, medication errors, misdiagnosis etc. See more on medical malpractice cases.
• Workplace accidents – equipment defects, failure to enforce safety rules, negligent supervision
• Premises liability – drowning, electrocution, improper security. Read more on slip and fall cases.
• Nursing home abuse or neglect

Wrongful Death Claim Process in League City

The wrongful death claim process involves:

• Conducting a thorough investigation to establish cause of death and liability
• Calculating all damages and losses suffered by family members due to the death
• Negotiating a fair settlement or taking the claim to court if needed
• Distributing any compensation to eligible heirs according to Texas law

Our attorneys handle every aspect of the wrongful death claim. We provide FREE CONSULTATION, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today at (844) 308-8180. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in League City

Some leading causes of wrongful death claims in League City include:

• Car accidents – head-on collision, failure to yield, running red lights, rollover crashes etc. We pursue maximum damages if another driver violated traffic laws and caused a fatality.
• Trucking accidents – jackknife, tire blowout, drunk driving, ignoring federal rest rules. Commercial drivers and their employers can be held fully liable.
• Motorcycle accidents – drivers often fail to notice bikes, causing horrific crashes. Negligence causes completely avoidable deaths. See more on motorcycle accident cases.
• Pedestrian accidents – inattentive driving continues to kill pedestrians on roads, at intersections and in parking lots. Justice is deserved. Read more on pedestrian accident claims.
• Premises liability – property owners are liable for unsafe conditions leading to drownings, slip and falls, assault due to poor security etc.
• Nursing home abuse – involves neglect, physical/emotional abuse. Staff shortages often play a role. Accountability saves others.
• Medical malpractice – major surgery errors, anesthesia mistakes, misdiagnosis that prevents treatment, medication overdoses etc. Doctors must be held responsible for negligent patient care.

League City Wrongful Death Statistics

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 665 fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area in 2020.
• Over 200 nursing home abuse-related deaths are reported in Texas annually. Many more cases go unreported.
• Johns Hopkins research indicates over 250,000 deaths occur in the U.S. each year due to medical errors. Negligence causes as many as 400,000 preventable deaths according to the Journal of Patient Safety.
• The Texas Department of Public Safety reported 4,480 traffic accident fatalities statewide in 2020.

Sources:  CDC, NHTSA, TXDOT, TDI

Eligibility After A Wrongful Death

Texas law allows certain surviving family members to bring a wrongful death claim and potentially recover compensation. Eligible parties include:

• Spouse of the deceased
• Children of the deceased
• Parents of the deceased
• Siblings of the deceased

Others may be able to make a case for eligibility depending on the circumstances. We provide FREE CONSULTATION, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today at (844) 308-8180. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

How To Prove Wrongful Death in League City

Successfully proving wrongful death means establishing:

• The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased (i.e. a driver must obey traffic laws, doctors must provide adequate care etc.)
• The defendant breached their duty of care through negligence or misconduct.
• This breach of duty directly caused injury or death.
• The death resulted in measurable losses and damages to surviving family members.

We undertake meticulous investigations and build airtight cases by gathering police reports, medical records, accounts from witnesses, video evidence, expert testimony and more. Our sole focus is securing maximum compensation through a fair settlement or jury award.

Damages For Wrongful Death

Many different types of damages and losses can be recovered in a Texas wrongful death claim. This compensation is meant to help families move forward financially after losing their loved one. We fight for full accountability to promote safety improvements that prevent future wrongful death tragedies.

What Can Be Included in Wrongful Death Compensation?

• Funeral and burial costs
• Past and future lost income
• Loss of benefits like health insurance
• Loss of inheritance
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Pain and suffering of the deceased. Learn more about calculating pain and suffering damages.
• Severe emotional distress of family members
• Punitive damages in egregious cases

Our lawyers take great care to calculate every possible element of damage to ensure your family is fully compensated. We deal directly with insurance companies, aggressively negotiating a full and fair settlement. If they refuse to pay what your claim is worth, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court. We provide FREE CONSULTATION, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today at (844) 308-8180. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Compensation For Your Family in League City

Losing a beloved family member takes an enormous emotional and financial toll. In the wake of a fatal car accident, medical mistake or other incident caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct, our attorneys can help by:

• Conducting an in-depth investigation to determine cause of death and liability
• Collecting police reports, medical records, autopsy results, video footage and other evidence. Learn more about getting your police report.
• Consulting with medical, financial, vocational or other experts to evaluate the full impact of this loss
• Fighting with insurance companies to make them own up to their policyholder’s responsibility
• Taking the case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
• Helping you properly distribute any compensation awarded to eligible family members

We handle all legal matters and insurance battles seamlessly so you can have peace of mind. Our passion for justice drives us to hold negligent parties fully accountable.

Wrongful Death Settlements

Successfully proving liability can result in a substantial wrongful death settlement with the insurance company. This eliminates a lengthy trial. Securing fair compensation depends on:

• The defendant’s financial means and insurance coverage – deep pockets allow larger settlements
• Strong evidence of liability and damages
• Victim did not contribute to the incident. Learn about comparative negligence laws in Texas.
• Victim had substantial earning capacity and a long life expectancy
• Surviving family members were highly dependent on the deceased
• Significant non-economic damages like loss of companionship existed

With seasoned negotiation skills, we consistently obtain maximum wrongful death settlements for grieving families. However, we won’t hesitate to take an insurance company to court if that becomes necessary. Our sole focus is on your best interests. We provide FREE CONSULTATION, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today at (844) 308-8180. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Statute of Limitations in Texas Wrongful Death Claims in League City

The deadline to file a wrongful death claim is typically two years from the date of injury or death in Texas. Meeting this statute of limitations is crucial. We immediately start gathering evidence and building your case, knowing this window closes quickly. Don’t risk losing your opportunity to recover compensation – call us right away for urgent legal help.

Insurance Companies Aren’t Always Fair

Insurance companies have incentive to pay as little as possible on wrongful death claims. They may use dishonest tactics including:

• Denying liability entirely, even when negligence clearly caused the death
• Making unreasonably low settlement offers, hoping families will take the easy way out
• Delaying talks intentionally until the statute of limitations expires
• Claiming the deceased person was partially at fault without justification
• Disputing the damages calculation

Our award-winning attorneys have abundant experience successfully fighting back against these tactics. We know how to maximize compensation for your family.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

• Named to Best Law Firms in America list by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®
• Attorneys with decades of wrongful death litigation experience
• Superb track record of trial verdicts and settlements
• sensitively guide families through the legal process
• Aggressively pursue maximum compensation for clients
• Console and counsel grieving families
• No fees whatsoever unless we obtain financial recovery

Losing a loved one to someone else’s negligence inflicts massive pain. Our lawyers serve as tenacious advocates for your family, delivering justice and closure after a heartbreaking loss. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation with our attorneys to discuss your case right away.

FAQ’s

What Does “Wrongful Death” Actually Mean?

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as the result of someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. The surviving family members may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the responsible party (such as a drunk driver who caused a fatal car accident). This claim seeks compensation for losses suffered by the family due to their loved one’s untimely passing.

What Are Some Common Examples of Wrongful Death?

Some of the most common causes of wrongful death claims include:

• Car, truck and motorcycle accidents caused by drunk drivers, speeding, distracted driving, etc.
• Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication errors
• Workplace accidents due to unsafe conditions, defective equipment, etc.
• Premises liability accidents, like slip and falls, drownings, electrocution
• Nursing home abuse or neglect

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In most states, the following surviving family members are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit:

• Spouse / domestic partner of the deceased
• Children of the deceased
• Parents of the deceased
• Siblings of the deceased
• Other family members who were financially dependent on the deceased

An experienced wrongful death attorney can advise you on the specific eligibility rules in your state.

Possible Outcomes of Your Wrongful Death Case

There are a few potential outcomes for a wrongful death claim:

• A settlement agreement – The defendant agrees to pay compensation without going to court. This is common.
• Trial verdict – If no settlement is reached, a jury awards damages after trial.
• Case dismissal – The claim is dismissed if liability cannot be proven.

An accomplished wrongful death lawyer will strive for the most favorable outcome.

What Is the Difference Between a Murder and a Wrongful Death?

Murder is a criminal offense in which someone intentionally kills another person. The perpetrator can face criminal charges and prison time.

A wrongful death is a civil claim brought by the victim’s family seeking compensation from the responsible party for their losses. Even if the death was accidental, survivors may still have a valid wrongful death lawsuit if it was caused by negligence or misconduct. The defendant pays damages but does not risk jail time.

What Types of Compensation Could I Recover?

Some of the damages that can potentially be recovered in a wrongful death claim include:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support and future income
• Loss of benefits like health insurance
• Loss of inheritance funds
• Loss of guidance from the deceased
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages in egregious cases

An experienced attorney will fight for full compensation for everything your family has lost.

What must be proved in a wrongful death case?

To prove a wrongful death case, the following elements must be established:

• The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased (such as a driver obeying traffic laws)
• The defendant breached their duty of care through negligence or misconduct
• This breach of duty directly caused the death of the victim
• Surviving family members experienced measurable losses from their loved one’s death

With thorough evidence gathering and litigation experience, a knowledgeable attorney can build a compelling wrongful death claim on your family’s behalf.

Is a wrongful death lawsuit a criminal or civil case?

A wrongful death claim is always a civil lawsuit, not a criminal case. This means the family seeks financial compensation for their damages from the defendant through the court system. Even if the conduct was criminal, the defendant does not risk jail time – only monetary damages intended to help the surviving family members.

Can a Corporation be Held Liable for a Wrongful Death?

Absolutely. If the negligence or misconduct of a corporation or company causes a wrongful death, they can be sued just like an individual. Examples include a manufacturer of a defective product, a construction company that fails to observe safety rules on a job site, or a big-rig trucking company whose driver caused a fatal accident. An experienced attorney can help determine liability.

Can a Minor Child Recover for the Wrongful Death of a Parent?

Yes. Minor children are almost always entitled to recover compensation for the wrongful death of a parent who was supporting them financially. The funds typically go into a special trust or account to provide for the child’s needs until adulthood. An attorney can pursue the maximum recovery possible to protect the child’s future.

How Long After My Relative’s Passing Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Action?

Each state has its own statutes of limitations – filing deadlines – for wrongful death claims. In most states, you have 1-3 years from the date of death to file a claim. This window closes quickly, so it is wise to speak with an attorney promptly if you lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. Don’t risk missing your opportunity to recover much-needed compensation.

We provide FREE CONSULTATION, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today at (844) 308-8180. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Wrongful Death FAQs