Wrongful death lawsuits involve significant damages. Losing a loved one is one of the worst things a family can face. The jury verdict numbers and the settlement amounts for wrongful death claims are typically noteworthy. Let our experienced wrongful death attorneys explain your options. We have been winning huge multi-million dollar settlements for over 35 years. Call (281) 587-1111!
No set numbers
Every case is unique, and it is nearly impossible to get a value on a wrongful death case without knowing all the facts. Even then, the most skilled wrongful death lawyer in Houston can only give the family a range of potential settlements or verdicts. When it comes down to a jury trial, there is never any crystal ball on what a jury could do. However, the best wrongful death attorneys with a wealth of experience can estimate a value for the family.
Liability considerations
The cause of death will have a significant impact on the value of a wrongful death case.
For instance, if your loved one was stopped at a red light with numerous witnesses and was struck from the rear by a drunk driver, liability will not be in much dispute. But because Texas is a comparative responsibility state, if the decedent was partly at fault, damages will be reduced.
Insurance coverage
In Texas, it is difficult to collect damages from an individual who has no money or has no insurance coverage. So the amount of insurance can impact a wrongful death claim.
A few examples:
Your family member is hit from the rear in a car accident. The negligent party had only a minimum liability policy. Unless there is other coverage, like (underinsured motorist), another defendant, or the negligent driver is independently well-off, the insurance coverage will probably be all that is reasonably recoverable.
A truck accident was caused by a negligent 18-wheeler driver who lost control of the tractor-trailer, killing an innocent family member. The insurance coverage can be substantial and maybe more than one layer.
Likewise, death is caused by a dangerous and defective product that can involve deep-pocketed defendants where the collection of the judgment is not a factor.
Relationship with the deceased
Because a wrongful death case in Texas values the loss from the perspective of the family member suing, the relationship of the individual family member with the deceased will be assessed. Most folks don’t understand that the value of a wrongful death case is not putting a number on the life of the deceased, but rather, the amount of their loss.
Wrongful death lawsuits consider individual factors for each family member involved in a lawsuit.
General family member proceeds
Typically, the value of a wrongful death claim considers the family hierarchy in valuing the claim. Here is a general breakdown for which family member gets the most money from a jury in order verdicts and settlements in Harris, County, Texas:
- Spouses
- minor children who have lost a parent
- parents who have lost a minor child
- adult children who have lost a parent, and
- parents of an adult child
Everyone can have their own lawyer
Wrongful death lawsuits can be brought by spouses, parents, or children in Texas. All family members do not have to have the same Houston wrongful death attorney. We have never lost a wrongful death claim and our results over three decades are incredible!
Talk with a leading wrongful death attorney
If you have questions about wrongful death in Texas, called the longer Law Firm and talk with an experienced wrongful death lawyer. Call 281-587-1111.
