TEXAS WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER
Did you lose a loved one? You need a Wrongful Death Attorney!
A wrongful death lawyer helps those whose family members have died because of the negligence or misconduct of another person. A lawyer like this helps the family members (also known as the distributees) get monetary compensation for their loss. Distributees usually include spouses, children or parents.
For there to be a case, the plaintiff has to prove that there was a death of a close family member caused by another party’s negligence. They also have to show that the surviving family members are suffering monetary injury because of the loss.
Damages in wrongful death suits are quite confusing to many people. The damages paid to the surviving family members are usually based on the monetary loss incurred. If you want to file a wrongful death suit against a third party then it is important for a Texas Wrongful Death Lawyer to demonstrate the following:
Financial Habits of the Deceased
The amount of the damages awarded is sometimes determined by the financial habits of the deceased. Even though they may have been rich, if they squandered most of their money then the damages paid out could be greatly reduced. If the decedent had a poor income then the award is also reduced. At times, the court may award the damages based on the potential of the decedent. If, say, they were previously employed and then lost their job, the wrongful death lawyer can prove that they had a healthy income and the court may award higher damages. It is upon the lawyer to portray the decedent in good light as regards their financial habits. The better the financial habits of the decedent the more the damages paid.
Use of expert testimony
Sometimes the lawyer may bring in experts to determine the level of loss the family incurred as a result of the death. This includes lost income and lost services. These experts are usually economists who put value on the impact the decedent had in terms of their contribution to the family. The lawyer is supposed to make it clear that since the family lost these services they have to compensate for them by spending money to get them. These experts aid in this evaluation because the juror usually does not have the expertise to determine the worth of the decedent to the family.
Award of punitive damages
If the cause of death was due to intentional malice by the accused then the court may impose punitive damages on the accused. These damages are usually imposed as a deterrent for someone else who may find themselves in similar situations. Whether or not the family can lay claim to punitive damages is determined by the state. Some states permit it while others do not. A wrongful death lawyer is usually able to give you guidance on whether your state permits this.
Although the damages paid to the family do little in terms of softening the blow of losing a loved one. They go a long way in making the lives of the family bearable, as they do not incur financial losses because of the death of their loved one.
Were you injured by an accident in Texas? Want justice for those responsible? The Law Offices of Denny Martin have 30 years of experience fighting to get the maximum settlement for our clients. With Millions collected, we know how to put the insurance company on the run. Let our Texas Wrongful Death Attorneys concentrate on your case, so that you can focus on your own recovery. We proudly serve throughout the state of Texas including: Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Lubbock, and Waco. Call now for free information regarding your case!
Law Offices of Denny Martin
(877) 675-4777
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