Wrongful Death Attorney in Clear Lake, TX
An unexpected death in the family is never an easy thing to experience, but when you learn that their death was the result of negligence or some type of illegal behavior, you are likely to have questions about how you can ensure accountability. If you are struggling with the loss of a family member after a fatal personal injury, you need to speak with an experienced Clear Lake wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
Representing Wrongful Death Claims in Clear Lake, TX
The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates have decades of proven experience representing clients in Clear Lake and surrounding Texas communities in all types of personal injury claims, including wrongful death cases. A Clear Lake personal injury lawyer is an invaluable asset if another party has injured you or a loved one, but when a personal injury is fatal, it’s crucial to consult an attorney with a strong record of successful wrongful death representation.
Our firm will carefully review the details of how your family member’s death happened, identifying the party or parties most likely to be responsible. While a wrongful death suit is a type of personal injury action, there are specific rules that apply to this type of case that you must understand to ensure the greatest chances of success. We’ll guide you through each step of your proceedings and do everything we can to maximize your compensation.
Building a Wrongful Death Case in Clear Lake
A wrongful death case can arise whenever the victim of a personal injury does not survive. For example, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in Texas each year. The Texas Department of Transportation reported 4,150 deaths from vehicle crashes statewide in 2024 alone. Other common causes of wrongful deaths include slip-and-fall accidents, workplace accidents, and intentional acts of violence.
However your loved one’s death happened, if you believe a specific party is responsible, it’s crucial to hire a wrongful death lawyer who can gather the evidence needed to establish liability. In Texas, the surviving family and beneficiaries of the deceased have the right to bring a wrongful death claim. It will usually be the surviving spouse, parent, or child of the deceased, or the personal representative named in the deceased’s estate plan.
Your Clear Lake wrongful death lawyer can gather evidence needed to establish liability for the fatal injury and then calculate the total damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant. While a standard personal injury case seeks compensation for the victim’s damages, a wrongful death claim aims to compensate the victim’s family. A skilled attorney can calculate all economic and non-economic damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant.
Ultimately, a wrongful death case may share many procedural similarities with a standard personal injury case, but it will be more challenging to resolve. It’s vital to have experienced legal counsel on your side to ensure the greatest chances of success, and the team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates is confident we can guide you to a positive result. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible so we can start building your case in Clear Lake, TX.
FAQs About Wrongful Deaths in Clear Lake, TX
How Do You Prove Fault for a Wrongful Death in Clear Lake?
To prove fault for a wrongful death in Clear Lake, you need to gather evidence that shows exactly how the death in question happened. The type of evidence you need will vary based on the nature of the fatal incident in question. For example, proving fault for a fatal car accident may require police reports, vehicle computer data, cell phone records, and testimony from eyewitnesses who saw the accident happen firsthand.
Will the Defendant Go to Jail for Causing a Wrongful Death?
It is possible for a defendant to go to jail for causing a wrongful death based on how they caused it. If their actions were illegal, such as drinking and driving, or they committed an intentional act of violence, they not only face civil liability for damages but also criminal prosecution from the state. In Texas, penalties for criminal offenses escalate dramatically when a defendant has caused someone else’s death.
What Damages Can You Claim in a Wrongful Death Case?
The damages you can claim in a wrongful death case can include funeral and burial expenses, any losses suffered by the deceased’s estate, lost financial support the deceased can no longer provide to their family, and compensation for pain and suffering. A Clear Lake wrongful death lawyer can accurately calculate the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant who caused your family member’s death.
What Does Comparative Negligence Mean in a Wrongful Death Case?
In a wrongful death case, comparative negligence could mean losing a percentage of the final case award. If the victim is found to have contributed to causing the fatal incident in question, a percentage of fault will be assigned to them. As long as they are found less at fault than the defendant, the family can still recover compensation, but the case award is reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault.
Why Should I Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Clear Lake?
You should hire a wrongful death lawyer in Clear Lake because this type of civil case is likely to be far more challenging to resolve than you expect. It’s possible for various challenges to arise that you will not be able to resolve on your own, and a skilled local attorney can help you overcome these challenges efficiently. Ultimately, you are more likely to win your case and more likely to maximize your compensation with an experienced attorney representing you.
Get in Touch With Our Firm
The team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates knows how difficult it can be to lose a family member unexpectedly. If their death was the result of negligence or misconduct, we can help you pursue accountability and claim compensation that can help your family manage the economic impact of this tragic loss. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with a Clear Lake wrongful death lawyer to learn how we can help.