Who can hire a wrongful death lawyer?
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things anyone can go through. It is even more painful to learn that you lost your loved one because of another party’s negligence and that their death could have been prevented. To support you through this unthinkable tragedy, a wrongful death lawyer like one from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC can give you the legal assistance you need. They can find out if your family may be entitled to monetary compensation. No amount of money can make up for the loss of your loved one, but a negligent party should be held fully accountable. However, it is important to know that only certain family members are eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
Who is Eligible to File a Claim?
Under Texas law, filing a wrongful death claim is limited to specific family members. Generally, the family members that have the standing to file a wrongful death lawsuit are:
- Spouse
- Parents
- Children (including adopted children)
One fact that may complicate this however is that the estate of the deceased individual may also file a lawsuit. If you have questions on whether you are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit, consult with a lawyer who can give you further information and assess your case.
Statute of Limitations
In addition to eligibility requirements, there is also a limited amount of time to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The Texas statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is only two years. If you are interested in filing one, it is recommended that you turn to an experienced lawyer for detailed guidance. Since there is limited time, a lawyer will know the most efficient way to obtain the information necessary to file your claim and submit it on time. There are few exceptions to the statute of limitations however, so talk to a lawyer so they can evaluate your situation.
Schedule a Consultation
When you are still reeling following the death of a family member, legal action may be the furthest thing from your mind. Understandably, you may be caught up in dealing with medical expenses, funerary costs, and coming to terms with the loss of your loved one. If negligence did play a role however, it is important that the negligent party be pursued for their actions. Your family deserves justice for your loved one’s death. With a lawyer by your side, they can take care of the difficult tasks of preparing a claim so you can focus on your healing.
It can be tough to know where to begin with a wrongful death claim. Filing a wrongful death claim can be complex, especially when the matter of eligibility is not clear. It can also take some time to gather all the facts, evidence, and documents necessary to put a lawsuit together. Act as soon as possible so a lawyer can have the time they need to assist you with your case. Talk to a qualified wrongful death lawyer for a consultation to discuss your case and learn about your full rights.
