The profound grief of losing a loved one is often compounded by life-altering financial impacts. At the Bernsen Law Firm in Beaumont, our dedicated attorneys help family members of wrongful death victims pursue appropriate financial recoveries. We work to hold negligent people and corporations accountable for causing fatal accidents and other preventable deaths in Southeast Texas. Our experienced and compassionate lawyers aim for settlements and trial verdicts that provide surviving family members with economic security and a sense of comfort.
In Texas, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed when a person’s death results from an injury caused by the neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness or wrongful act of a business or another person.
Our firm assists plaintiffs with wrongful death lawsuits after accidents and acts of violence, including:
In wrongful death actions, the burden of proof is on the plaintiff. This means that the person who brings the lawsuit needs to present evidence that the defendant is liable for fatal harm. The kind of evidence available and appropriate to meet the burden of proof depends on the specific circumstances of each case. Police reports, eyewitness accounts, security camera footage and trucker logbooks are among the documentation that can be helpful.
Our firm has a record of building strong cases on behalf of families who have suffered after car accidents, truck accidents and other tragic events.
The plaintiff who files a wrongful death lawsuit can seek damages from the defendant. The total amount of a settlement or court order may account for financial and emotional harm such as:
A wrongful death action in Texas can seek compensation only for the surviving spouse, children and/or parents of the deceased. A jury determines the percentage of the award that each of the surviving family members is entitled to receive. In instances where the death resulted from the defendant’s gross negligence or willful act or omission, it is also possible to collect punitive damages (also called exemplary damages).
Chapter 71 of the Texas Statutes focuses on wrongful death claims. The surviving spouse, children, parents of the deceased and estate executor or administrator are the only people capable of initiating a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. Unfortunately, siblings of the deceased are barred from suing.
If your loved one died due to someone’s negligence or wrongful act, reach out to an experienced attorney. The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas is two years from the date of death, and there are very few exceptions to this rule. Our skilled legal team guides wrongful death plaintiffs through the processes of filing a lawsuit, compiling evidence to build a case, negotiating settlements and litigating in civil court.
From our office in Beaumont, the trial attorneys of the Bernsen Law Firm vigorously pursue compensation for the families of wrongful death victims in Southeast Texas. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced team members, call 409-212-9994 or contact us online.