Damages from Murder, Homicide & Terrorism in Dallas

Representing Cases of Murder, Homicide, and Terrorism Victims in Dallas

Many victims of terrorism and other violent crimes feel helpless and violated. Dealing with emotional and physical trauma is extremely overwhelming. On top of that, covering property damage, medical bills, and missed time at work can make an already difficult and heart-wrenching situation even more stressful. No one should have to worry about financial security in the wake of such a distressing event.

The Lenahan Law Firm has helped many families obtain maximum compensation so that they could eventually move on with their lives. We are wholly dedicated to our clients and to fighting on their behalf. Also, we believe in what we do and are devoted to obtaining excellent results for those that have suffered dearly. We take terrorism-related injuries and criminal wrongful deaths very seriously and have an extensive background in the area of crime victim rights. This means that we are better prepared to help the victims who come to us in need of proper compensation and justice.

Contact The Lenahan Law Firm at (888) 473-2820 today to discuss a Dallas terrorism, murder, or homicide claim.

What Is Legally Considered Murder, Homicide, and Terrorism?

Becoming the victim or the loved one who was a victim of a violent crime is an incredibly traumatic experience. However, given legal jargon and terms, it can be difficult to know exactly what you or your loved one was the victim of and when you can receive compensation.

Murder: The legal definition of murder is when someone intentionally causes the death of another person. This can be done in a number of ways, from violent attacks to poisonings, but so long as it was intentional, it is considered murder. There are different levels of murder, from first-degree, which involve preplanning the victim’s death, to second-degree, which means that the murderer did not plan for the killing but still intended for it to happen.

Homicide: Most people assume that murder and homicide are the exact same crime and use the terms interchangeably. However, homicide is more of a blanket term that refers to the killing of a victim, whereas murder is a specific crime that means the death was intentional. For example, manslaughter, or the unintentional killing of another person, is considered an act of homicide. However, manslaughter and murder are very different crimes with very different punishments under Texas law.

Terrorism: There is no one definition of terrorism. The term can cover a myriad of crimes and actions. However, under the Code of Federal Regulations, it is considered, “The unlawful use of force and violence against personas or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives” (28 C.F.R. Section 0.85). Essentially, someone who harms or threatens another person in order to gain some sort of social or political objective could be considered a terrorist.

Was Your Loved One Killed in an Act of Terrorism?

Terrorism has resulted in the tragic deaths of many individuals on American soil and otherwise. Terrorist attacks are an unfortunate reality for many individuals on a daily basis. Losing a loved one to terrorist activity is possibly the most difficult thing for a family to endure. In many cases, those that commit terrorism would not have been able to carry it out without the financing of certain companies or governments.

Our firm has held these individuals and corporations responsible for sponsoring these heinous acts. If you or a member of your family has been injured or wrongfully killed due to terrorist activity, you have a right to be outraged. You also have the right to demand compensation for the physical and emotional damage of the attack with the help of an injury attorney. Going up against these larger companies, and even the government, can be a terrifying prospect. However, you are fully within your legal rights to do so. This process may seem intimidating, but with an experienced attorney at your side from The Lenahan Law Firm, you can trust that you are receiving the best legal guidance.

What Damages Can Victims of Terrorism, Homicide, and Murder Recover?

You may assume that your only chance at justice will be the criminal trial and conviction of the person responsible for your injuries and trauma. However, you should keep in mind that you may be able to bring a civil case against them. During this civil case, you can demand compensation for the damages you suffered as a result of the crime. Oftentimes, these civil cases are easier to win than the criminal ones, so even if the responsible party is not convicted of the crime, you shouldn’t be afraid of bringing a civil case against them.

In these civil cases, terrorist and homicide victims can seek compensation for:

• Injuries
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost future wages
• Pain and suffering
• Mental and physical impairment

You don't have to accept this wrongful conduct. Although no amount of compensation can help lessen the pain you have been put through, handling your case with a Dallas personal injury lawyer can help prevent further damage from being done to your future and may help thwart terrorist and criminal activities that could destroy lives.

Further Resources for Victims

Once you have begun filing a claim against the responsible party, you may find yourself facing a settlement that doesn’t cover all of your expenses. While you should always fight to get as much as possible from the party that was responsible for the violent crime, there are times that what you receive just isn’t enough. Sometimes this is due to legal caps on settlement amounts; other times it may be due to insurance policy limits. Whatever the case may be, you shouldn’t assume that you don’t have any options left. Texas cares deeply about the crime victims that call our state home and has long had the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program in place to help those in need.

The program helps victims pay for losses they experience due to a crime, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, and property replacement if anything was destroyed during the crime. However, the program can only be used when all other avenues of compensation, such as insurance or a claim, have been explored. It must also be applied for, and there may be caps on the amount you receive.

You may also be able to seek out restitution from the criminal responsible for your injuries or the death of your loved one. At times, judges may order a convicted criminal to pay back the victims for damages such as medical bills, property damage, therapy or counseling costs, and costs of crime-scene cleanup. However, keep in mind that it is up to a judge to decide whether you should receive restitution, and this money can only be awarded if the person responsible was convicted. On top of that, you cannot receive restitution for anything that the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program has already paid for. Whatever second avenue of compensation you are looking for, discussing your options with an experienced Dallas wrongful death attorney first will always be the best bet for recovering full damages.

Serving the Families of Terrorism and Homicide in Dallas, TX

We at The Lenahan Law Firm have long made it our business to help those in severe need. Our attorneys have even worked with the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Program in the past and have gone out of our way to provide a safe and dedicated legal representation for victims in the past. In fact, Attorney Marc Lenahan has previously served as the President-Elect for the Nation Crime Victim Bar Association, where he was able to help countless violent crime victims in desperate need of a helping hand. If you or someone you loved has become the victim of a violent crime such as terrorism, homicide, or murder in Dallas, then you need The Lenahan Law Firm. Call us at (214) 295-1008 for a free consultation today.

Additional Information

• Everything You Need To Know About the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program