When the unthinkable happens and a catastrophic accident occurs, individual lives can be claimed in a number of ways. During this stressful and traumatic time, families of wrongful death victims are often also facing financial burdens brought on by the loss of their loved one. The good news is, a personal injury attorney could help. Let an Alice wrongful death lawyer know about your situation.
When Does Wrongful Death Occur?
Fatalities often occur in situations such as:
- Car accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Maritime accidents
- Industrial explosions
- Oilfield incidents
- Construction accidents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2010 alone over 33,000 individuals were killed in motor vehicle accidents, while over 27,000 fatalities occurred through accidental falls.
The laws surrounding who can pursue a wrongful death claim and what damages they may be entitled to varies by state. The legal precedent can quickly become complex, especially if other specific laws, such as the federal maritime law, the Jones Act, come into play.
Damages and Liable Parties
When fatalities occur due to the negligence, the responsible party or parties may be financially and legally liable for the resulting damages. The family of the deceased could be facing a number of costs, including funeral arrangements, medical costs incurred before the passing of their loved one, and the lost income to their family, all of which could pose a large problem for years to come.
Since in a wrongful death, the injured party is no longer available to tell us what happened, it can sometimes be extremely difficult to determine who is liable. For example, if a worker is killed in a construction site scaffold collapse, a supervisor, site operator, equipment manufacturer, or other party may be held partially or wholly responsible. In the face of pressure from insurance companies and other parties, it can be overwhelming to determine liability, especially when coping with the loss of a loved one. This is why it is important to consult an Alice attorney who works in wrongful death cases.
Seek Compensation with an Alice Wrongful Death Attorney
The devastating loss, coupled with confusing laws and difficult evidence, makes the assistance of an Alice wrongful death lawyer invaluable in your case. The lawyers at The Gutierrez Law Firm will handle your legal problems so that you can focus on your family. If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, contact us today.
