Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
When a person dies from the hands of another, the spouse, parents and children have a right to bring a claim to all those responsible who caused the death. These claims can arise out of deaths involving:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- 18 wheeler crashes
- Refinery explosions
- Chemical plant mishaps
- Workplace accident mishaps
- Drunk driver collisions
- Boating collisions
- Premises or property defects
- Deaths caused by defective or dangerous products
- Medical malpractice or errors by doctors, hospitals and nursing homes
- Dog or other animal attacks
- Fires caused by dangerous conditions or faulty wiring and electrical systems
- Construction site accidents
- Violent assaults
Who May Make a Wrongful Death Claim?
Each state has different laws as to who is eligible to bring a claim for wrongful death of a loved one. Typically, family members who can bring claims include spouses, parents, and children. Also, certain states (including Texas) allow the estate of the victim to bring an action to recover for medical expenses, funeral expenses, and conscious pain and suffering. To bring a wrongful death claim, the family must prove a person or company caused or could have prevented their loved one’s death. If that is proven, the family is entitled to receive monetary compensation for the loss as they suffered. The lawyers at Sorrels Law know how to bring the right claims to maximize the recovery our clients are entitled to. Those damages can include:
- Medical bills incurred before the victim passes away
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Economic damages
- Loss of earnings that would have been made in the future
- Loss of the relationship, companionship and care – often called loss of consortium
- Loss of household services
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of services and support, such as nurture, care, education, and guidance
- Loss of advice and counsel
- Mental anguish, distress, emotional pain and torment suffered by the survivors
- Pain and suffering of the deceased
- Loss of parental consortium including the loss of love, society, companionship, affection, solace, comfort and assistance
- Punitive damages
How Long Do I Have to Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
It is possible to wait too long to bring a claim. And if you wait too long, you may lose your opportunity to seek any compensation for your loss. In most cases, the statute of limitations to bring a wrongful death claim is two years. But this is not always the case. Often, for example in medical malpractice cases, the time is much shorter and may only be a few days. So, you should not wait. We encourage you to act as quickly as possible. Give our team a call today at 713-496-1100. We can help you analyze your claim to decide if and when it should be filed.
Is It Really No Fees Unless You Win?
Our lawyers understand this tragic death is the one of the worst things that has ever happened in your life. We know nothing can ever replace the loss of your spouse, child, or parent. We know you are dealing with a broken heart and may have many questions about what to do next. We understand and are here to help during this time of need. We will pursue your rights and obtain all of the compensation you are legally entitled to recover. We will work relentlessly on your behalf. We have done so for thousands of clients in the past and will make sure your case is handled properly and personally.
Firm Attorney Randy Sorrels is quadruple board-certified in personal injury law and civil trial law. He has been the President of the State Bar of Texas, and many lawyers have turned to him when they or their family members have been injured. Thousands of clients have trusted the lawyers at Sorrels Law over the years to represent them during the most challenging times in their lives. There are decades of positive reviews by former clients, as well as numerous jury verdicts I’m behalf of their clients. You can count on the lawyers at Sorrels Law to handle your case personally and professionally.
We are on your side. You will not pay us anything for your consultation. You will pay us nothing upfront and will pay absolutely nothing at all unless we win your case and make a recovery on your behalf. We are here to help you evaluate your options.
