Losing a Loved One in a Laredo TX Auto Accident: Understanding a Wrongful Death Claim

The unexpected death of a loved one is a tragedy under any circumstances. If your loved one has been killed in a preventable accident, however, the tragedy can be even more painful and overwhelming. Grieving while pursuing justice is a difficult balance, but negligent parties must be held accountable for your loved one’s wrongful death.

That is where the Laredo auto accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw come in. We have been helping victims in Laredo, Texas, for over 33 years. We even offer a free consultation so you can find out more about what we can do for you. Give our top Texas law firm a toll-free call at 1-800-862-1260 to get started!

When someone dies in a preventable accident, such as a fatal car accident in Laredo Tx, wrongful death lawsuits allow the surviving loved ones of the victim to pursue legal action on their behalf. This enables justice to be served and allows families to obtain the compensation they need following their loss. Only certain family members, however, are allowed to file wrongful death lawsuits. Family members who can pursue wrongful death lawsuits are:

• Surviving spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Executor of the estate

Children and parents qualify for wrongful death, whether they are biological or adoptive. The executor of the estate of the deceased can only pursue a claim if no family members do within three months. It is important to note that siblings, grandparents, and unmarried partners are not entitled to bring wrongful death claims.

In Laredo, Texas, wrongful death is determined based on negligence. When someone’s actions or lack of actions fall below the reasonable duty they owe to others, that party is considered negligent. When someone’s negligence leads to a fatal accident, they can be held liable for wrongful death lawsuits. To prove negligence in the death of your loved one, you will need to collect as much evidence as possible. Some common forms of relevant evidence for wrongful death victims include:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Autopsy reports
• Photo/ video evidence
• Maintenance logs
• Employment and financial records

When working with a Laredo wrongful death attorney to pursue a lawsuit against liable parties, “damages” are the means used to quantify how much compensation victims can seek. Damages account for the financial impact of an accident, as well as its emotional toll. Some common examples of damages you may qualify for include:

• Property damage
• Reimbursement for medical expenses
• Reimbursement for funeral costs
• Emotional distress
• Lost income
• Loss of benefits
• Loss of consortium
• Punitive damages

In particularly extreme cases, such as accidents caused by willful acts or gross negligence, victims may be awarded punitive damages. These damages are not intended to compensate victims for their losses, but rather, they are meant to punish the defendant and discourage similar types of negligence in the future. Because of the severity of wrongful death cases, victims have a better likelihood of winning punitive damages, which can lead to particularly lucrative compensation.

The assistance of experienced legal counsel, such as the South Texas wrongful death lawyers at Carabin Shaw, is essential for victims seeking to ensure justice is served. Attempting to navigate the complexities of the legal system without the help of an attorney can jeopardize the compensation you need. A good lawyer will make sure your case is strong and that all negligent parties will face accountability for the death of your loved one. Furthermore, your attorney can handle insurance negotiations on your behalf, collect evidence for you, and even conduct a private investigation if necessary. By delegating the busywork to your lawyer, you can focus your energy on grieving with your family.

For over three decades, Texans have trusted Carabin Shaw to secure justice for them. Our attorneys work to maximize compensation and minimize stress for victims in Laredo and beyond. To hear from some of the people we have helped in the past, check out our law firm’s client reviews page.

Getting started is easy with our free case review offer. Just give us a toll-free call at 1-800-862-1260. Our staff speaks both English and Spanish and is available 24/7 to take your call. Furthermore, at Carabin Shaw, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis. That means we only get paid if and when we win your case. With no up-front cost and no risk, there is no reason to delay. Call Carabin Shaw today!

For more information:

• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/cp/htm/cp.71.htm
• https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence#