Put Years of Experience in Your Corner
While all the cases that our lawyers support on a daily basis deal with great damage and suffering, there is no case so tragic as that of wrongful death. Following this worst-case scenario, you will be trying to cope with the emotional trauma of losing a beloved family member, and the idea of attempting to find an attorney, on top of dealing with funeral arrangements, might seem too overwhelming a burden.
However, it is extremely important to have an experienced wrongful death attorney to immediately begin working on the case to ensure that crucial evidence is preserved and obtained.
During this time of emotional crisis, you need one of our empathetic, knowledgeable Laredo wrongful death lawyers in Laredo to take some of the excruciating weight off your shoulders. You should not have to face the threat of overbearing financial costs for a tragedy caused by another’s negligence, ignorance, or insufficient care. Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC can step in to take care of everything.
Call at (956) 728-9191 to get a free consultation about filing a claim for the wrongful departure of a family member, or contact our team online.
What Counts as Wrongful Death?
In the following weeks after a beloved spouse, child, or parent has died, you will be struggling emotionally to cope with this tragic loss. Add to this trauma the process of figuring out whether their death was truly “wrongful,” and it might seem like your life is a nightmare. However, our lawyers can work with you directly in advising exactly whether your claim will count as a wrongful death or not.
Essentially, if a victim has received a critical injury from someone else’s reckless or ignorant behavior, and if this injury eventually proves to be fatal, the victim’s family is entitled to claim for wrongful death. Remember that the term “wrongful” does not include uncontrolled or coincidental circumstances, but cases where the perpetrator is clearly at fault for destructive or negligent behavior.
Such cases can range from a crash where the driver was under the influence, or a long-term, fatal disease that results from a company’s inadequately tested medication. Whatever the circumstance, our attorneys can help you determine who is clearly at fault, and then begin the process of financial reparations.
Types of Compensation for a Wrongful Death Claim
It is important to realize that in most circumstances, filing a wrongful death claim is not for the damage caused to your loved one, taken much before their time. The type of claim that you can file for reparations specifically on your family member’s behalf is called a “survival claim,” which is a separate type of compensation our attorneys can also discuss with you.
A wrongful death claim, however, specifically allows you to be compensated for what you have lost, as the one profoundly affected by the tragic death of your family member.
Just some examples of losses, or “compensatory damages” which you can receive reparations for include:
- Financial losses – Whether your career has been negatively affected or your earning capacity has decreased, either due to taking time off or supporting your loved one during his or her injury, many financial costs may affect your job or educational path.
- Funeral coverage and loss of services – You may have also had to pay for additional parental, spousal, or child support services before and following your loved one’s passing. And of course, you will have had to contribute to exceeding funeral and burial costs. All of these examples, and more, can be covered by reparations.
- Emotional losses – While this clearly can refer to the mental agony and emotional anguish of losing a family member, you may have also had to undergo extensive therapy or psychological counsel in order to cope with such loss. Such trauma can also be claimed for a wrongful death claim. In addition, any loss of companionship, joy, support, and guidance that have been prematurely stolen from you by your family member’s untimely death can fall under this category.
How Much Is My Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
The value of a wrongful death claim in Texas varies significantly, depending on several factors. These include:
- Economic Damages: Tangible losses like the deceased’s medical expenses incurred prior to death, funeral costs, loss of the deceased’s expected earnings, loss of benefits, and inheritance.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are more subjective and include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship, care, and protection provided by the deceased, loss of consortium for a spouse, and loss of love and nurturing for children.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Each wrongful death case is unique, and therefore, it is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer who can evaluate all aspects of your situation.
How Long Will My Wrongful Death Claim Take?
The duration of a wrongful death claim in Texas can vary greatly. Several factors contribute to the timeline including:
- The Complexity of the Case: More complex cases with multiple liable parties or complicated evidence can take longer to resolve.
- The Cooperation of the Involved Parties: If the parties involved are cooperative, the process can be smoother and quicker. However, resistance or disputes can prolong the case.
- The Legal Proceedings: The time required for the various stages of the legal process, including investigation, filing, discovery, negotiation, and possibly trial and appeal, can all influence the duration of the case.
- Settlement Discussions: Often, wrongful death cases are settled out of court by negotiation. The length of these negotiations can affect the overall timeline of the case.
- The Court: The court’s schedule and backlog of cases can also play a significant role in determining how long a case will take.
It is important to have realistic expectations and understand that prioritizing thoroughness and achieving the right outcome is more important than how quickly the case can be resolved.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the person’s death. This legal timeframe is crucial to adhere to, as failing to file within this period can result in the loss of the right to sue for damages.
Exceptions to the Rule:
- Discovery Rule: In some cases, the clock may start when the cause of death is discovered, especially if it differs from the initial assumption.
- Minors: The timeline might be extended for claims involving minors until they reach adulthood.
- Criminal Cases: If the death is being investigated as a crime, the statute of limitations may be paused until the criminal case is resolved.
It is vital to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the legal time limits and to understand if any exceptions apply to your case.
Seek Justice for Your Loved One’s Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one as a result of someone else’s carelessness or misbehavior is a devastating event. Our compassionate team of experienced accidental death lawyers in Laredo at Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC is here to help you obtain justice and hold those at fault responsible.
With years of experience handling complex wrongful death lawsuits, we understand the emotional and financial toll it may take on families. Our dedicated attorneys will investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, gather evidence, and create an effective argument on your behalf.
What sets us apart:
- Extensive knowledge of wrongful death laws in Texas
- Proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts
- Compassionate and personalized legal representation
- Access to a network of experts to strengthen your case
- Transparent communication and regular updates on your case
We believe that every family deserves justice and closure after a wrongful death, and our goal is to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Do not hesitate to reach out to Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC and request a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a seasoned Laredo wrongful death attorney at our firm. We are here to answer your questions and provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
Ethical, Compassionate Service for Our Clients
When you are facing a case of claiming for wrongful death, it can feel like you have been knocked to the ground by the negligent party’s perpetration on your loved ones, as well as by the uncompassionate policies of insurance law.
This is when you need to call for wrongful death lawyers in Laredo. Our Laredo wrongful death attorneys at Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC can support you through this painful process until you are able to stand on both feet again.
Contact us now at (956) 728-9191 for a consultation with one of our compassionate lawyers, determined to fight for you and the legacy of your loved one.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I need an attorney for a wrongful death case?
Getting legal counsel in a wrongful death case is strongly advised, even though it is not legally necessary. These situations can be emotionally charged and challenging, and a qualified lawyer can help make it easier. They can guide you through the court system, making sure that all procedures are done correctly and optimizing your chances of winning.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney?
Hiring a wrongful death lawyer usually entails paying a contingency fee, which is a portion of the settlement or verdict that you are awarded. You must discuss pricing and payment plans with the lawyer during your initial consultation.