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An unexpected death can be traumatizing for the deceased’s family and friends. Knowing that a negligent person caused the accident that led to their death can be even more infuriating. Fortunately, state law provides surviving family members with legal recourse to hold the at-fault party liable.
At Haines Law, we understand that no amount of money will back your loved one, but the compensation you could recover in a wrongful death claim can help you cover expenses related to the death. An Atascocita wrongful death lawyer can help you and your family build a case and collect the damages you’re entitled to. Get in touch with a compassionate personal injury attorney who can help you navigate this legal process.
Common Types of Fatal Accidents in Atascocita
There are many types of accidents that could lead to a fatality. However, certain types of incidents are more likely than others to result in death. Some of the most common types of fatal accidents in the area include:
- Car crashes
- Motorcycle wrecks
- Truck collisions
- Cycling accidents
- Boating wrecks
- Pedestrian accidents
These types of accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other severe injures that can lead to death. If your loved one was involved in any of these unfortunate events, a skilled wrongful death attorney can help you take action against the responsible party.
Damages Available in Wrongful Death Claims
In a typical personal injury case, the injured party can seek compensation for damages such as medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering. In wrongful death claims, the accident victim is no longer alive to pursue those actions. So, the decedent’s surviving family members have the right to pursue a claim. Compensation available to the family may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost future income and inheritance
- Lost companionship and support
- Mental anguish, pain, and suffering
If the accident victim survived for some time after the accident, the damages might also include that person’s pain, suffering, and medical expenses. Any compensation recovered in a settlement will go to the decedent’s estate and then to their beneficiaries. An Atascocita attorney can help you understand the laws governing damages in a wrongful death claim.
Statute of Limitations in Fatal Accident Cases
Immediately after a family member’s death, you likely do not want to deal with the stress of negotiating a settlement or filing a lawsuit. However, waiting too long to take action could jeopardize your chances of recovering compensation.
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Even when pursuing a settlement outside of court, it is important to note the statute of limitations. The defendant may attempt to draw out settlement negotiations until the statute of limitations has passed.
If you have no standing to file a lawsuit, the at-fault party has no reason to pay a settlement. A dedicated lawyer at our firm can represent you in settlement negotiations and file a wrongful death claim if it becomes necessary.
Consult an Atascocita Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a family member in an unexpected accident is a devastating event. You and your loved ones will understandably need time to focus on taking care of each other. However, the window for taking legal action is slim.
This is why it is crucial to hire an Atascocita wrongful death lawyer. Our legal team at Haines Law can help you build your claim and hold the responsible party liable for their actions.