At SJ Injury Attorneys, our Houston wrongful death attorney knows that losing a loved one is often the most challenging obstacle a family will ever go through. Matters can be made even worse knowing that you lost a loved one due to negligence or the reckless actions of another. While no amount of monetary compensation can account for your loss, bringing justice to your incident is so crucial during this trying time.
That is why our Houston personal injury lawyer is here to provide the guidance and support you need during this overwhelming time. Whether your loved one was lost due to a drunk driver or a workplace incident, you can turn to our personal injury firm in Houston for trustworthy and compassionate counsel.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Houston?
When you've lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, it can bring frustration and overwhelming emotion. While there isn't much good news to be had, an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer can help in securing justice on behalf of your loved one.
The following individual may file a claim of wrongful death:
- Spouses or partners
- Children (whether dependent or not)
- Adopted children
- Adoptive parents
Any of these individuals may choose to file separately or together following the death of a loved one. Unfortunately, siblings are not allowed to file wrongful death claims in Texas. It is important to understand that wrongful death claims can only be made for monetary damages and will not have an impact on any criminal proceedings or trials.
What Can Be Obtained in a Houston Wrongful Death Claim?
Similar to other injury claims, a wrongful death claim can be filed to compensate family members and loved ones who were emotionally, financially, and physically dependent on the lost loved one.
These damages can include the following:
- Loss of earning capacity for a family
- Loss of care, counsel, maintenance, and support
- Mental and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of love, companionship, and comfort
- Loss of inheritance that children would have received
- Funeral costs and related hospital bills
In some cases, exemplary damages may be awarded. These are reserved for cases involving a willful act or gross negligence. These damages are used to punish the wrongdoer and essentially aim to curb similar incidents from happening in the future.
