The most tragic outcome of any accident is losing a loved one. The loss can feel all the more senseless if the accident would not have happened were it not for another person or party’s negligence. If someone else’s careless, reckless, or intentional wrongdoing killed a close family member, you may qualify to pursue compensation from those responsible.
At Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC, we understand the profound impact of a wrongful death. Our team of compassionate wrongful death attorneys in San Antonio is here to offer support, guidance, and legal representation during this incredibly challenging time.
We are committed to seeking justice for your loved one and providing you with the assistance you need to navigate the legal complexities. You don't have to face this journey alone – let us stand by your side as you pursue justice and honor the memory of your loved one.
Contact us today for your free consultation.
Why Choose Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC to Handle Your San Wrongful Death Claim
Choosing Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC to handle your San Antonio wrongful death claim is the right choice.
Our lawyers can assist you and your family during this difficult time by offering:
- Compassionate Support: We recognize the emotional challenges you're facing. Our team provides compassionate support, ensuring you feel heard, understood, and supported throughout the legal process.
- In-Depth Legal Knowledge: With years of experience in handling wrongful death cases, we possess the legal knowledge and resources to navigate the complexities of your claim effectively. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
- Personalized Approach: Your case is unique, and we treat it as such. We take the time to understand your specific circumstances, tailoring our approach to meet your individual needs and concerns.
- Clear Communication: We prioritize open and clear communication. You will be kept informed about the progress of your case, and we are always available to address any questions or concerns you may have.
- Results-driven: Our focus is on achieving meaningful results for our clients. We diligently work to build a strong case, negotiate on your behalf, and, if necessary, litigate to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
- Accessibility: We understand that accessibility is crucial during challenging times. Our team is readily available to assist you, ensuring you have the support you need when you need it.
- Proven Track Record: Our track record speaks for itself. We have successfully handled numerous wrongful death cases, securing favorable outcomes for our clients and holding those responsible accountable.
Choosing Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC means choosing a committed partner dedicated to guiding you through this difficult journey. Let us handle the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on honoring your loved one's memory.
Contact us today at (210) 320-1529 to receive your free consultation.
What Is Wrongful Death in Texas?
According to Section 71.002 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, wrongful death refers to a legal claim that arises when a person or entity’s wrongful act, negligence, or carelessness causes the death of someone. It is a civil action brought by the surviving family members or representatives of the deceased person seeking compensation for the losses they have suffered due to the death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
Texas law defines the individuals who may pursue a wrongful death claim in the state.
They include:
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse of the deceased has the primary right to file a wrongful death claim.
- Children: If there is no surviving spouse, the deceased person's surviving children may file a claim.
- Parents: If there is no surviving spouse or children, the parents of the deceased person may file a wrongful death claim.
- Executor or Administrator of the Estate: If none of the above individuals file a wrongful death claim within three months of the person's death, the executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate may bring the action.
Texas generally limits the right to file a wrongful death claim to the individuals mentioned above. Siblings, grandparents, and other relatives who do not fall into the specified categories may not have standing to bring a wrongful death claim.
If you are considering a wrongful death claim in Texas, consult an experienced San Antonio personal injury attorney. They can provide guidance based on the specific circumstances of your case and help navigate the legal process.
What Damages Can I Recover From a Wrongful Death Claim in San Antonio?
In San Antonio, Texas, a wrongful death claim allows eligible family members to seek compensation for various damages resulting from the loss of a loved one.
The specific damages you can recover in a wrongful death claim may include:
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Costs associated with the deceased person's medical treatment prior to their death.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: The reasonable expenses for the funeral and burial of the deceased.
Loss of Financial Support
Compensation for the loss of financial contributions that the deceased would have provided to the family, including income, benefits, and other forms of financial support.
Loss of Inheritance
Compensation for the loss of potential inheritance that the surviving family members would have received if the deceased had lived a full life.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional pain and suffering experienced by the surviving family members due to the loss of their loved one.
- Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the loss of companionship, care, and guidance that the deceased would have provided to family members.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases, punitive or exemplary damages may punish the defendant’s grossly negligent or intentional conduct.
The specific damages recoverable in a wrongful death claim can vary based on the circumstances of the case and the relationship of the claimant to the deceased. Additionally, determining and quantifying damages in a wrongful death claim requires you to complete complex processes.
Contact a personal injury attorney in San Antonio to file your wrongful death claim. They can assess your case, guide you through the legal process, and seek the compensation you and your family deserve.
How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Wrongful Death Claim?
Determining whether you have a valid wrongful death claim involves considering several key factors.
Here are some essential elements we can assess:
- Duty of Care: Establish that the party you believe is responsible for the death owed a duty of care to the deceased. For example, a driver has a duty to operate a vehicle safely, a doctor has a duty to provide competent medical care, etc.
- Breach of Duty: Demonstrate that the duty of care was breached due to negligence, carelessness, or intentional actions by the responsible party.
- Causation: Establish a direct link between the breach of duty and the death. It must be shown that the actions or negligence of the responsible party directly caused or significantly contributed to the fatal outcome.
- Eligible Plaintiffs: Ensure that you fall within the categories of eligible individuals who can file a wrongful death claim as listed above.
To support your claim, you need to gather various forms of evidence and documentation. This includes medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation that can help establish liability and damages.
Consult our experienced personal injury attorneys. We can evaluate your case, determine the viability of a wrongful death claim, and guide you through the legal process. We can also assist with collecting evidence and holding the appropriate parties accountable for your loss.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in San Antonio?
Like all other states, Texas imposes a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, within which you must file a wrongful death claim.
The specific timeframe can affect your ability to seek compensation.
- Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death: Generally, in Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the person's death.
- Exceptions: Specific circumstances or exceptions could affect the deadline. For instance, if the death resulted from a criminal act, the statute of limitations might be extended.
- Discovery Rule: In some cases, the statute of limitations may begin not from the date of death but from the date when the cause of action was discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence.
You must consult a qualified personal injury attorney to get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the statute of limitations for your specific case. Failing to file a wrongful death claim within the prescribed time limit may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
Contact Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC, Today for Help With Your San Antonio Wrongful Death Claim
If you’re grappling with a wrongful death in San Antonio, reach out to the attorneys at Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC. We understand the challenges you're facing, and our compassionate and experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process of seeking justice and compensation for your loss.
Don’t delay. You have only a limited time to pursue compensation, and the sooner you get started the better. Contact us today at (210) 320-1529 for your free consultation and discover how we can help you obtain the maximum compensation you need.