At some point, almost every family experiences an untimely death. While this is sometimes caused by an illness, it is often the result of another person’s negligent actions. A wrongful death lawyer can’t bring the deceased back, but they can help bereaved families to cover their financial losses. Today, let’s have a look at some of the most common types of wrongful death and discuss whether you should hire an attorney.
Who Can Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
If your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence, you might wonder whether you should get in touch with a lawyer. The answer is almost always “yes”. A good attorney can prove that your relative’s death was caused by someone else and help you get the compensation you need to pay for the medical bills, end-of-life expenses, the lost income, and the lost affection and love related to the death.
Most commonly, the executor of the will is responsible for selecting and hiring an attorney, but any close family member can do so. If you relied on your loved one’s income, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to a lawyer. Usually, the initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose.
You Suspect Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is when a doctor or other healthcare professional fails to uphold their duty of care, and it is one of the biggest causes of death in the US. If your loved one has passed away due to an error such as a wrong prescription, a problem during surgery, a misdiagnosis, or a birthing error, you might be able to claim compensation for your losses from the medical professional or the hospital.
However, it’s not easy to prove that medical malpractice was the cause of the patient’s death. People pass away for a number of reasons, and the doctor’s attorney may argue that the cause of death was natural. For this reason, you have to hire an experienced malpractice lawyer who can compile sufficient evidence and collaborate with top medical experts.
Your Loved One Died in a Workplace Accident
Every year, around 4,000 to 5,000 people pass away due to a workplace injury or accident. Some jobs, such as construction, farming, or law enforcement, are more dangerous than others, but workers in every industry may be affected. If your loved one has died due to a workplace accident, you may be entitled to money that covers their lost wages, your emotional pain, and any end-of-life care.
Just like with medical malpractice, it can be challenging to prove that a workplace accident caused the death. Together with your wrongful death attorneys in Bryan, TX, you’ll have to uncover exactly what happened and prove that the employer was responsible for keeping your relative safe.
Your Loved One Was Involved in a Car Crash
Deaths on the road are even more common than workplace accidents. In fact, over 46,000 people pass away after a car crash each year. While some of these accidents are related to weather conditions or caused by the deceased person, others happen due to another driver’s negligence. Some of the leading causes of car crashes are drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving.
If someone else caused your loved one’s death on the road, you should reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. The attorney will work with you to gather evidence that proves the other driver’s negligence. Often, deaths due to car crashes can result in six-figure settlements. While this compensation can’t make the pain of your loss go away, it can help take the financial pressure off.
Your Loved One Was Murdered
Homicide, which is defined as intentionally causing someone else’s death, is punished even more severely than negligence. If your loved one was deliberately killed by another person, you must reach out to an experienced lawyer. They can not only help you get compensation for your losses, but they can also criminally pursue the perpetrator to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else.
When Should I Call a Lawyer?
Now you know what situations constitute a wrongful death, you might wonder whether you should get in touch with a lawyer. If you believe your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out, especially since you won’t have to pay for your initial consultation.
In Texas, there is a statute of limitations on wrongful death cases. Currently, you must file your lawsuit within two years of the incident. Because compiling evidence and coming up with a strategy can take some time, you must call a lawyer as soon as you can.
Every year, more than one hundred thousand US citizens pass away due to others’ negligent acts. Issues such as medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and car crashes can all lead to wrongful death. If your family has been affected, you should ask for an initial consultation with a wrongful death lawyer and find out whether you could claim compensation for your losses.
