Galveston Wrongful Death Lawyer

Galveston Wrongful Death Attorneys

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing is a devastating and life-changing experience. The emotional consequences can be overwhelming for surviving family members, to say nothing of the financial burdens such a situation can bring. When you are facing the aftermath of this unthinkable tragedy, a Galveston wrongful death lawyer from Stevenson & Murray can provide the legal support you need to seek justice.

At Stevenson & Murray, we have distinguished ourselves as premiere wrongful death litigators, earning a reputation throughout the Galveston area for handling high-stakes, emotionally tense cases with compassion, professionalism, and a steadfast dedication to our clients and their needs. We have successfully represented bereaved parties in a range of wrongful death cases, and we know how to use the legal system to your advantage.

Wrongful Death Claims in Galveston, Texas

A wrongful death claim is a civil court proceeding that arises when an individual passes away due to the negligent or malicious actions of some other party. It’s important to understand that these cases are intended to seek financial compensation for the decedent’s heirs. Any proceedings intended to punish the defendant for criminal negligence, manslaughter, or murder charges would be a separate matter that takes place in the criminal justice system rather than through civil court.

While legal proceedings can be extremely complex and challenging, the basic goal of a wrongful death claim is straightforward: to provide compensation to the surviving family members and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths

Determining the cause of a wrongful death is crucial to establishing liability. While wrongful deaths can stem from a wide range of situations, some common scenarios include:

• Car Accidents – People in the United States are highly dependent on automobiles to get around, and this is especially true in large, spread-out states like Texas. This, unfortunately contributes to a high number of automobile accidents, some of which are fatal for drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. When a fatality results from negligent or reckless driving (including drunk driving and distracted driving), obtaining compensation through a wrongful death claim may be possible.
• Medical Malpractice – When a medical error leads to an unexpected death, you can take advantage of the law to seek compensation. Examples of medical malpractice that can lead to fatalities include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and improper medication.
• Workplace Accidents – With the Galveston area being home to fast-paced and inherently dangerous industries like oil refining, workplace injuries and accidents are an unfortunate reality. Sadly, the worst of these on-the-job incidents can be fatal for the workers involved. Fatal workplace accidents can often be traced back to unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or faulty equipment.
• Defective Products – Deaths caused by defective or dangerous consumer products can also qualify for wrongful death claims. These products can range from malfunctioning power tools to unsafe pharmaceutical supplements.

Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Case

Regardless of the incident’s root cause, the aftermath of a wrongful death can place significant financial stress on family members in addition to the more obvious emotional consequences.

While nobody can put a dollar amount on the loss of a cherished family member, your Galveston personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation to alleviate some of this burden and provide your family with financial stability while you heal. Compensation for wrongful death claims can encompass a variety of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses
• Funeral Costs and Other Final Expenses
• Lost Income
• Loss of Companionship and Guidance
• Pain and Suffering
• Punitive Damages (in certain cases involving egregious or blatant negligence)

Wrongful Death Attorney FAQs

Q: How Much Is a Wrongful Death Claim Worth in Texas?

A: A wrongful death claim in Texas can be worth a great deal of money, depending on the circumstances of the case. Your settlement should be proportionate to the damages at hand. The more extreme your damages are, the more compensation you should receive. Damages include things like funeral expenses, medical bills, and loss of consortium.

Q: Can You Sue for Wrongful Death in Texas?

A: Yes, you can sue for wrongful death in Texas. A wrongful death suit in a Texas civil court is intended to seek financial compensation for the bereaved loved ones left behind after someone loses their life due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. Note that this process is totally separate from any criminal case intended to punish a defendant for murder or manslaughter.

Q: Is It Hard to Win a Wrongful Death Claim?

A: It can be challenging to win a wrongful death claim, but this will depend on the specific circumstances of your unique case. Some of the factors that may impact the degree of difficulty will include the quality of your legal representation, the availability of solid evidence, and the defendant’s disposition (e.g., their willingness to negotiate an out-of-court settlement).

Q: How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Calculated?

A: Wrongful death settlements are calculated by attempting to put a monetary value on intangible elements like lost companionship, emotional turmoil, and parental guidance and then adding that to more concrete financial damages, such as the lost wages that the decedent would have otherwise contributed to their household. A fair compensation package for wrongful death should cover the total of all of these elements.

Stevenson & Murray: Effective Legal Strategies for Wrongful Death Cases in Galveston, TX

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, it is crucial to act quickly to protect your rights and secure the compensation your family deserves. We know it can be extremely difficult to undertake the challenge of a civil court case while simultaneously grieving the loss of a beloved family member.

However, the faster and more decisively you act, the more likely that we can steer your case to a positive resolution involving a substantial compensation package for you and your family.

Begin the process today by contacting Stevenson & Murray to set up a confidential and compassionate consultation. Our dedicated team of wrongful death lawyers and world-class support staff is here to help you during this trying time.