Wrongful Death Settlements: What You Can Expect

In a busy city like Corpus Christi, Texas, life moves at a fast pace. When a sudden accident leads to wrongful death settlements, it leaves a family in shock. The emotional pain is amplified by sudden financial stress. Dealing with bills while you are grieving feels like too much to handle.

Families often look for a way to find justice and stability. For example, Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers help local residents by looking at the facts of their specific situation. They take over the hard work of dealing with insurance companies. Understanding how wrongful death settlements work helps you know what to expect.

Who Can Claim Compensation for a Wrongful Death?

Only certain family members have this right. This includes the surviving spouse, the children, and the parents of the person who died. You can choose to file the claim as a single person. You can also file together as a family group. If no one files a claim within three calendar months, the representative of the estate can do it.

This rule exists to protect the people who were closest to the deceased. The focus is on the losses you are feeling right now. It is also about the support you will miss in the years to come.

Types of Compensation in Wrongful Death Settlements

Settlements cover two main types of damages. Each type addresses a different part of your loss.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the financial losses you can count. These are often the easiest parts of a settlement to prove. You use bills, receipts, and pay stubs to show the total. Medical expenses from the final injury are a big part of this. Funeral and burial costs are also covered. These costs often come as a shock and can drain a family’s savings.

The loss of future income is another major factor. If the person who died was a provider, their absence creates a huge gap. A settlement calculates what they would have earned if they had lived. This includes their salary, any bonuses they might have received, health insurance benefits, and retirement savings.

Non-Economic Damages

Not every loss has a price tag attached to it. These damages cover the emotional and personal side of your loss. This includes the mental anguish you feel every day. It also covers the loss of companionship and love. For a spouse, this means the loss of a partner and a shared life. For a child, it means growing up without a parent’s advice and care.

These damages are harder to calculate than a hospital bill. However, they are a vital part of seeking justice. The law uses money to acknowledge that your life has changed forever. It is a way to hold the responsible party accountable for the full scope of the harm they caused.

The Difference with Survival Actions

You might also hear the term “survival action.” This is different from a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim focuses on the family’s loss. A survival action focuses on what the deceased person went through. If they did not die instantly, they might have suffered pain or fear. The estate can seek compensation for that experience.

This claim also covers medical bills that were built up before they passed away. Any money from a survival action goes into the estate first. It is then paid out to the heirs according to a will or state law. Both types of claims are often filed at the same time to cover all bases.

What Influences the Value of a Settlement?

No two cases result in the same amount of money. Many things change the final value of a settlement. The age of the deceased is a very important factor. If a person was young and had many working years left, their economic value is higher. Their health before the accident also matters.

Insurance policy limits also set a ceiling on what you can get. If the person at fault has a small insurance policy, it may limit the total payout.

The Timeline for a Legal Case

The process takes time. It starts with a thorough look at the evidence. Your team of lawyers will look at police reports and talk to witnesses. Once the facts are clear, a demand is sent to the insurance company. This starts the negotiation phase. Insurance companies often try to offer a low amount at first. It takes back-and-forth talks to get to a fair number.

Most cases are settled before they ever reach a courtroom. A trial is a public and very long process. A settlement is usually faster and stays private.

The Importance of Proof

You cannot just say what happened; you must have evidence to prove it. This means using photos of the accident and expert testimony. Doctors might explain the cause of death. Financial experts might explain how much money was lost over a lifetime. Gathering this proof early helps ensure that your case is as strong as possible. It prevents the insurance company from making excuses to avoid paying.

Final Thoughts

A wrongful death settlement is about holding the person whose irresponsible actions took someone’s life accountable and making them pay for the irreversible damage. It provides the resources a family needs to move forward in life. While it cannot bring back their loved one, it offers a sense of closure and makes them somewhat financially secure.