If you lose a family member after an unexpected accident in Laredo, TX, due to someone else’s negligence, you may deserve compensation for damages. An experienced Laredo wrongful death lawyer at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers can help you go through your grief while we fight for your settlement. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation at (956) 529-7336.
Our lawyer has 20 years of experience fighting for families like yours. We’ve won millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We’d be proud to fight for your family’s financial security, to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of your loved one’s company and support.
We’re here to help you fight for justice. Call our law firm in Laredo, Texas to learn more about how we can put our experience and resources to work for you.
How Can Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers, Help Me Recover Compensation After a Fatal Accident in Laredo, TX?
Establishing liability for wrongful death can be challenging. After you lose a loved one due to the negligent acts of another person, you may be wondering who caused their death. How can you prove that someone else was responsible? What if the insurance company tries to blame the deceased person?
An experienced Laredo personal injury lawyer can help you navigate these and other challenges. At Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced lawyer has won the Avvo Client Choice Award for our legal services. He’s also earned a place on the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
We can put our experience to work for your family by:
- Gathering evidence to prove the cause of your loved one’s death
- Determine who is liable for paying your damages
- Defending you against unfounded allegations that your loved one caused their own death
- Hiring experts to support your case
- Negotiating with the insurance company for the fair compensation you deserve
Our Laredo personal injury attorney can handle all of the legal issues that arise in your case. Just give us a call to learn more about how we can help.
How Common Are Fatal Accidents in Texas?
According to data published by the Texas Department of Transportation, 5,994 fatal car accidents occurred across the State of Texas in 2022.
TXDOT also reported:
- 1,355 fatal accidents involving SUVs
- 1,534 fatal accidents involving pickup trucks
- 199 fatal accidents involving large commercial trucks
- 575 deadly motorcycle accidents
TXDOT also provides data about fatal accidents in Laredo. According to these reports, 2,087 people were killed in car accidents in 2022.
Traffic accidents aren’t the only way people can lose their lives in Texas. 533 workplace fatalities were reported to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2021. In 2023, 7 people lost their lives because of fatal dog bite injuries.
What Is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs anytime someone dies because of another party’s careless, reckless, or wrongful acts. If your loved one was merely injured, they would have had the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Because they did not survive the injuries, the right to take legal action transfers to surviving family members.
Most wrongful death cases involve accidents. In other words, wrongful death claims are not criminal matters. Instead, wrongful death cases are handled in civil court. When an action for wrongful death is successful, survivors recover financial compensation.
You can also file a wrongful death lawsuit even if the defendant is facing criminal charges.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Texas?
Under Texas wrongful death laws, the following family members can sue for damages:
- A surviving spouse
- Children
- Parents
If none of these family members exist, the deceased person’s personal representative may bring the action for wrongful death. Any compensation that is recovered is then distributed to the decedent’s next of kin or according to their will.
How Much Should I Expect From My Laredo Wrongful Death Settlement or Verdict?
No two cases are exactly the same. Each case involves different victims, different defendants, and different causes of death. Because of that, our lawyers will evaluate your case on its merits to determine the amount of money you deserve.
Our Laredo wrongful death attorney will evaluate:
- The level of financial support your loved one provided
- Your loved one’s age and life expectancy at the date of death
- The types of household services, including child care, your loved one provided
- The identity of the deceased person’s survivors and the age of any surviving children
- The circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death
- The types of financial expenses incurred due to the accident and death (medical expenses, funeral costs, etc.)
- Whether your loved one contributed to the accident in any way
Many other factors can influence your case value. That makes it especially important to consult an experienced attorney before accepting any settlement deal. If you don’t have a lawyer in your corner, it can be tough to know whether the insurance settlement is giving you the full compensation you deserve.
At Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers, our lawyer is always available to discuss your case. Call our legal team to schedule your free case evaluation today.
What Types of Damages Can My Surviving Family Members Recover After a Fatal Accident?
The unexpected loss of a loved one can be traumatic in many different ways. While you’re struggling with grief, you may quickly find yourself in a difficult financial position–especially if your loved one provided most of the family’s financial support.
Examples of the types of damages you may recover in a successful wrongful death case include:
- Medical expenses incurred prior to your loved one’s death
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
- Loss of future financial support
- Loss of the value of household services
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of your loved one’s company and support (loss of consortium)
- Loss of parental guidance
Under Texas law, other damages may be available depending on the specific facts. Our lawyers will work closely with your family to determine the types of damages your family has suffered. To learn more about how we can help with your case, call our law firm for a free case review today.
Can I Recover Damages If My Loved One is Being Blamed for a Fatal Accident?
Under the modified comparative negligence laws that apply in Texas, it is possible for a victim to recover partial compensation if they share some blame for the accident. However, if your loved one was mostly responsible, you cannot sue for damages. You lose your right to seek compensation once your loved one’s “percentage of fault” reaches 51%.
If your loved one’s percentage of fault was less than 51%, you can recover damages, but they’ll be reduced by your loved one’s percentage of fault.
What Are the Leading Causes of Fatal Accidents?
Any type of accident can lead to someone’s untimely death.
At Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers, we often handle wrongful death claims involving:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Sports accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bus accidents
- Uber or Lyft accidents
- Boating accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dog bites
- Defective products
- Poisonings
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
- Assault and violence
Our lawyer is here to help regardless of the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death.
How Do I Prove Liability After a Fatal Accident?
Most wrongful death cases are based on negligence. In other words, most wrongful deaths occur because someone was careless and caused an accident.
To establish negligence, you must offer proof that:
- The defendant owed your loved one a legal duty of care
- They breached the duty of care
- The breach directly caused your loved one’s death
- You suffered damages
Many different types of evidence can be used to prove your case. Our lawyer will locate eyewitnesses, video footage, evidence from the accident scene and more. We’ll also work to document the specific damages you have suffered due to your loved one’s death.
Our team can get started today. All you have to do is call for your free initial consultation.
How Long Do I Have To File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Fatal Accident in Texas?
In the State of Texas, the statute of limitations in wrongful death cases is only two years. If you fail to file your lawsuit within two years of your loved one’s death, you lose your right to compensation entirely.
There are exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations. However, these exceptions are rare. For example, you may have more time to take legal action if the defendant is also facing criminal charges. The statute of limitations is paused while the defendant handles their criminal defense.
Contact an Experienced Laredo Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation
The time following a loved one’s death can be incredibly difficult. Our lawyer at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers, will handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your family.
Contact us today to arrange a free consultation with our experienced Laredo wrongful death attorney.
Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
6557 Metro Court, Suite 1 Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 529-7336
