Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Losing someone you love in an accident or because of someone else’s intentional act is a tragedy none of us should have to face. While nothing can bring your loved one back, filing a wrongful death claim against the responsible party can bring you a sense of closure and hold them accountable for their actions.

You may be wondering whether you really need a lawyer to file a wrongful death claim, especially if you have already been offered a settlement. It’s highly advisable to do so, as an attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you obtain all of the compensation to which you are entitled under Texas Law. Some of the other ways that a wrongful death lawyer in Houston can help you include:

Determining Whether You Have a Claim

Only people with a certain relationship to a person who has passed away in an accident or because of someone else’s wrongful conduct can file a claim. An attorney familiar with the Texas wrongful death statute can evaluate your situation and determine whether you have the right to recover compensation.

Evaluating Your Losses

Texas law allows people who have a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for a number of different damages. For example, you can recover for lost earning capacity of the person who passed away, lost inheritance, loss of companionship, society, and love, and the lost value of household services. A lawyer can help identify all of your compensable damages, ensuring that you obtain the largest settlement or award possible.

Attempting to Negotiate a Settlement Agreement

Insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible in every claim they receive. As a result, they often engage in tactics that are designed to get people to settle claims for far less than they are actually worth. Remember, insurance companies handle liability claims every day, and their representatives are likely far more knowledgeable than you are about how much you can recover and the law.

For example, an insurance adjuster may tell you that you are not entitled to damages that you are entitled to or start with a lowball offer to make subsequent offers look more attractive. Fortunately, when you work with an attorney, he or she will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that any settlement you accept is fair.

Taking Your Case to Court

If you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company, your attorney will likely file a wrongful death lawsuit in court. In the event that your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court and present your case in the strongest terms possible.

Call Us Today to Speak with a Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you have lost a loved one in an accident or because of someone else’s wrongful conduct, you should speak to a qualified attorney as soon as you can. At Blizzard Greenberg, we are committed to helping people obtain justice through wrongful death claims and work tirelessly to obtain the largest possible settlement or award in every case we take.

To schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney, call our office today at 866-560-1867 or contact us online.