Advocating for the Family Members of Wrongful Death Victims in University Park
Wrongful death is a legal term referring to a lawsuit brought by surviving family members against parties that knowingly or negligently caused the death of another person. Damages are intended to compensate the victim’s family for lost financial support and suffering. A wrongful death claim is a way to hold responsible parties accountable and recover compensation for your family’s future.
If you have lost a loved one due to the carelessness or wrongdoing of someone else, speak with an experienced University Park wrongful death lawyer about holding responsible parties accountable. Reach out to The Lenahan Law Firm at (214) 295-1008 for a free case consultation.
What Types of Accidents Cause Wrongful Death?
Many types of accidents can be fatal. Accidents, or unintentional injuries, are the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 224,935 fatalities from 2018 through 2021, as stated by CDC. Potentially fatal accidents include the following:
- Car accidents: The force of impact when two or more vehicles collide can cause serious injuries to occupants. In 2021, one person was killed in a traffic crash every hour and 57 minutes in Texas, as reported by the Department of Transportation (TX DOT). Most car accidents are caused by some form of driver negligence.
- Motorcycle collisions: Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, motorcyclists can be severely injured in a collision. In 2021, 6,084 riders were killed on U.S. roadways, accounting for 14% of all vehicle deaths, as stated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Of these motorcycle fatalities, 62% resulted from accidents involving other vehicles. Negligent driving behavior, such as cutting a motorcyclist off while turning left at an intersection, can cause fatal motorcycle accidents.
- Pedestrian accidents: When hit by passenger vehicles weighing an average of 4,000 lbs., pedestrians are vulnerable to catastrophic or fatal injuries. More than 7,000 pedestrians in the U.S. were killed in crashes involving motor vehicles in 2020, according to the CDC. Impaired and distracted driving are contributing factors to fatal pedestrian accidents.
- Truck accidents: As e-commerce continues to increase, more semi-tractor trailers are on the roads. Deadly truck accidents can occur for several reasons, many of which involve truck driver or trucking company negligence. Large commercial trucks can collide with passenger vehicles and cause serious or fatal injuries when truck drivers speed, follow too closely, fail to check blind spots, drive while fatigued or impaired, or otherwise put others on the road at risk.
- Workplace accidents: Most fatal workplace accidents can be prevented if employers closely follow OSHA’s safety standards. The “Fatal Four” causes of worker fatalities in the construction industry include: falls from rooftops, scaffolding, ladders, and skyscrapers; getting caught in or between, as in trench and excavation cave-ins; being struck by flying objects, falling materials, etc.; and electrocution because of contact with power lines and other electrical hazards.
- Slip-and-fall accidents: Hazards on a property, such as a restaurant or a grocery store, can cause visitors to slip or trip and fall. Slip-and-fall hazards may include wet or slippery floors, food or drink spills, uneven floor surfaces, defective stairways, and snow and ice in walkways. Falls are the second leading cause of injury-related death among adults over the age of 65 and the leading cause among adults ages 85 and older.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in University Park?
The surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased are entitled to file a wrongful death claim. If they have not done so within three months of the victim’s death, the representative of the estate of the deceased is eligible to file.
The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in Texas is two years from the date the cause of action arises or the date of death. It is important to meet with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible and take action to pursue compensation within the time limit imposed by law.
Contact the University Park Wrongful Death Lawyers at The Lenahan Law Firm
If you have lost a loved one in an accident due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another, contact The Lenahan Law Firm in University Park for skilled representation. We appreciate how challenging this time can be and are dedicated to providing compassionate legal guidance and support.
Let our University Park personal injury attorneys handle the legal process while you focus on healing. Call us at (214) 295-1008 for a free initial consultation. We’re here to help.