Sugar Land Wrongful Death Lawyer
It’s always devastating when a loved one dies unexpectedly. Your child may die in a drowning. Your spouse may lose their life in a car accident. Your brother may get killed in a shooting.
These are all possible cases of wrongful death. If someone’s negligent or reckless behavior caused your loved one’s death, you may be able to file a claim. A claim allows you to recover compensation for damages you and your family members may have suffered due to the unexpected death.
At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, we understand how emotional it can be to deal with a family member’s sudden death. These cases can be complex, so get the legal help you need to recover compensation and move on. See how an experienced Sugar Land wrongful death lawyer can help.
Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim
There are four elements involved in a wrongful death claim:
- Duty. There must be proof that the defendant had a duty to act with care toward the plaintiff. For example, all motorists must act with care when on the road.
- Breach of duty. The defendant must have breached their duty. This means being negligent, such as speeding or not acting in a careful manner.
- Causation. It’s not enough that the defendant was negligent. The negligence must have caused damages, such as injuries or financial losses.
- Damages. There must be damages involved in the case in order to file a claim and receive compensation. These may include medical bills, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.
What to Know About Wrongful Death in Texas
In Texas, like all other states, there is a statute of limitations. This means you have two years from the date of the death to file a claim for compensation.
In Texas, wrongful death claims may be filed only by certain members of the victim’s family. This includes their surviving spouse, children, and parents of the decedent. Adoptive parents and adopted children may also file a wrongful death claim. Siblings cannot file a wrongful death claim, however, but multiple members of the family can group together to file a claim.
There are multiple types of damages that can be awarded in wrongful death claims. The most common damages include:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills
- Any pain or suffering the victim suffered before their death
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Lost inheritance
- Lost love or companionship
- Mental anguish
- Lost household services
- Lost care, support, guidance, or counsel
Contact Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm Today
If your loved one was killed by someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, you may have legal options available. Seek legal help right away to get adequate compensation for your losses.
Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm can assist you with your wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back to life, we can help you get peace of mind. Contact a Sugar Land wrongful death lawyer for a free consultation by calling (713) 234-0030 or filling out the online form.
