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A wrongful death can be devastating for the victim’s family members. They may endure a great deal of emotional anguish and financial distress in the wake of their loved one’s passing. Furthermore, the process for pursuing compensation can seem daunting and complex.
Thankfully, our legal professionals are prepared to offer thorough guidance and support to plaintiffs in wrongful death cases. We will ensure that our clients rights’ and interests are protected during each step of the legal process. Further, we will fight fiercely to recover the maximum amount of damages available in every case.
Seek support from our experienced wrongful death attorneys at The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. today by calling (817) 476-1797.
Considering Settlement Offers in Richardson Wrongful Death Claims
If you file a wrongful death claim, it is highly likely that the defendant and their insurance company will attempt to entice a settlement agreement before going to trial. When you enter into a settlement agreement, you will receive a specific amount of compensation in exchange for the voluntary dismissal of your case.
There are several reasons why it may be beneficial to settle before trial. For example, by settling early, you may acquire payment more quickly. Additionally, you may save on certain costs that would be incurred at trial like witness fees and filing expenses.
Unfortunately, it is possible that the defendant in your case will try to settle your claim as quickly and as cheaply as possible. If you are not offered a settlement that reflects the true value of your case, then you will have to go to trial to obtain the payment you deserve.
Accordingly, guidance from our wrongful death lawyers can be very helpful when considering settlement offers. We will help you understand the true value of your claim. We will also help negotiate for a more substantial settlement offer. If one is not presented, then we will take your case to trial and fight for the damages you are owed.
Understanding What Constitutes a Wrongful Death in Richardson, TX
Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 71.002(b), a wrongful death occurs when an individual loses their life because of someone else’s “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default.” Simply put, a wrongful death is one that happens as a result of another party’s negligent or intentional behavior.
Accordingly, there are a multitude of different accidents that can result in wrongful deaths. For instance, such deaths may happen because of motor-vehicle collisions, oil and gas accidents, slip and fall accidents, abuse from nursing home staff, or medical malpractice. If you suspect that your family member suffered a wrongful death, then our lawyers will assess the strength of your potential claim.
Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Richardson, TX
Deadlines to file specific types of lawsuits are set forth by states’ statutes of limitations. In Texas, the deadline to file a wrongful death case is established by Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(b).
Accordingly, you will usually have to bring your wrongful death claim to court within two years of your loved one’s death. This time window may only be extended under narrow circumstances. If you fail to file your case on time, then you may miss out on your chance to recover important compensation.
Furthermore, even though you may have up to two years to bring your wrongful death claim to court, you should start building your case as quickly as you can. The evidence required to support your case may become hard to collect and preserve as time passes. As an example, a piece of physical evidence may be misplaced or may begin to deteriorate. Additionally, an eyewitness to your family member’s deadly accident may forget a crucial detail. In general, sooner you get to work on your claim, the smoother the process of evidence collection will be.
Examples of Fatal Injuries Suffered by Wrongful Death Victims in Richardson, TX
There is a wide range of fatal injuries that can be sustained by wrongful death victims. If your family member passed away as a result of any of the following, our legal team will help build your claim:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries can involve swelling, bleeding, or other forms of damage to the brain. They often result from blunt force trauma to the head. Accordingly, many traumatic brain injuries occur during car accidents, falls, and physical assaults.
Those who suffer traumatic brain injuries may pass away suddenly or succumb to their injuries over time.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Severe damage to the spinal cord can be fatal. Spinal cord injuries are regularly sustained in accidents where victims’ backs and necks are violently impacted. Fatal outcomes can result from respiratory failure, blood clots, and infections that develop as a result of paralysis and compromised health.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries such as ruptured organs or internal bleeding are often fatal and may not be immediately noticeable without medical intervention. They can occur in almost any type of accident, including car crashes, industrial accidents, and falls from tall heights. Damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen can lead to rapid health deterioration and death if not treated promptly.
Burn Injuries
Severe burn injuries can lead to wrongful deaths because of complications like infections, shock, and respiratory problems. Fatal burns may be caused by fires, explosions, electrical accidents, machinery accidents, and motor-vehicle collisions.
Chemical Exposure Injuries
Exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances can lead to severe organ damage or fatal diseases. In workplaces like industrial plants or warehouses where incidents such as gas leaks are possible, individuals can inhale or come into contact with substances that cause immediate health crises or cause them to develop fatal symptoms over time.
Infections
In cases involving medical malpractice or nursing home abuse, wrongful deaths may occur because of infections. For example, a hospital patient or nursing home resident may die from a case of sepsis or pneumonia that was developed because of negligent care.
An infection can cause a victim’s health to deteriorate rapidly, especially if they are a senior citizen or a member of another vulnerable population.
Call Our Law Firm for Assistance with Your Wrongful Death Claim in Richardson, TX
Get support from our experienced wrongful death attorneys today by calling The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797.