Families in Texas that have lost a loved one due to an act of negligence can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. Though no amount of money can replace someone, there is often a need for financial compensation for several reasons, such as:
• The deceased person was the family’s main breadwinner.
• There are minor children that will need to be cared for.
• There are medical and funeral expenses left from the accident.
• The surviving family cannot return to work while they are mourning.
• The surviving family wants to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Here are a few of the most common reasons for wrongful death claims:
Medical malpractice
When a doctor or nurse makes a critical mistake, the consequences are sometimes fatal. Medical malpractice is one of the leading causes of wrongful death claims in the U.S. There are many different things that can go wrong in a medical setting, including birth injuries, medication errors, surgical errors, and misdiagnoses.
Car accidents
Each year, more than 38,000 people die in fatal car accidents in the U.S. Many of these accidents are caused by one driver’s negligence. Drivers that are distracted by digital devices, under the influence of alcohol, or driving aggressively can cause accidents that lead to wrongful death claims.
Nursing home negligence
Elderly patients who are in frail health are extremely vulnerable to harm. When nursing home staff neglect patients, the consequences can be fatal. Oftentimes, nursing home residents require 24-hour supervision and help with their most basic needs. If a nursing home does not provide the necessary level of care, patients can die from falling, medication mistakes, or infections.
Families can pursue compensation for pain and suffering
The financial damages that are caused by a wrongful death can be measured by adding up the expenses and the loss of future income. While the pain and suffering that your loved one endured can’t be truly measured, some courts do take this into account when awarding damages.
