Jason Stephens | June 2, 2023 | Wrongful Death
If you recently lost a loved one in Fort Worth, Texas, you may wonder about your options for seeking justice against the party responsible for the death. While a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party will not reverse the death or erase your emotional pain, it may help provide a sense of justice and financial security.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, explain whether you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim, and give you more information about what to look for in a wrongful death lawyer.
About Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Texas
Texas law states that a person is liable for damages arising from an injury that causes another’s death if the death was caused by their “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default.” A wrongful death claim is brought for the exclusive benefit of the decedent’s surviving spouse, children, and parents.
If a case goes to court, the jury can award damages that it deems reasonable for the losses resulting from the death and apportion those damages between surviving family members. If the fatality was due to a willful act or omission or gross negligence, the jury can award exemplary damages. Alternatively, the case could be settled through a settlement.
What To Look For in a Fort Worth Wrongful Death Lawyer
When you are searching for a wrongful death lawyer in Fort Worth, here are a few key credentials to look for:
Experience
Experience cannot be underestimated in a wrongful death case. These types of cases are complex. Substantial damages may be at stake. You can bet that the defendant will have their own powerful attorney on their side defending their rights, so you need to have an experienced lawyer on yours to even the playing field.
In addition to experience bringing wrongful death claims, you should also ensure that the lawyer you choose has experience in the particular legal matter your case involves. For example, a wrongful death claim based on a car accident is much different than one based on product liability or an aviation accident.
A Track Record of Success
You should also ask about the lawyer’s track record of success with similar cases.
Some questions you might want to ask include:
- How many wrongful death cases have you pursued?
- How many of them did you win?
- How many went to trial?
- How many were resolved through a settlement?
- What was the average payout to families?
While past results are no guarantee of future results, your lawyer should be candid about their record.
Knowledge of Relevant Laws and Subject Matter
Wrongful death cases are complex. Your lawyer may need to have knowledge about various areas of law. You can ask the lawyer questions about wrongful death cases in general as well as your particular situation to see what they can teach you about the law and whether they seem knowledgeable on the subject.
Compassion
It can be very emotionally draining to lose a loved one and then pursue a wrongful death claim. Your lawyer should treat you with kindness and compassion. They should handle the heavy lifting in the case so you can focus on your grief and family.
How To Find the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Fort Worth
Here are a few ways that you can find a skilled lawyer to represent you in a wrongful death case:
- Ask for personal recommendations from friends, family members, or professional colleagues. If they know a lawyer, that lawyer may recommend someone.
- Check that the lawyer you are considering hiring is in good standing and does not have a disciplinary record against them.
- Read reviews from previous clients about the experiences they had with the lawyer.
- Schedule a free consultation with more than one lawyer. Pay attention to how you feel and whether their communication style works with yours.
Most law firms offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal rights and options. Call today to discuss your wrongful death case with an experienced Fort Worth personal injury attorney.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth wrongful death lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000