People are injured because of the negligence of someone else on a daily basis in Texas.  While many of these situations are very difficult to overcome, no situation is more difficult for family members than when someone is killed because of the negligence or recklessness of another person.  In these situations, those who have lost someone prematurely need to seek the help of Texas wrongful death lawyers, and below is a brief look at two of the leading causes of Texas wrongful death lawsuits as well as a brief description of the damages that could be awarded if such a claim was successful.

Texas Workplace Accidents

Texas workplace accidents are responsible for a large number of deaths on an annual basis.  While workers’ compensation laws provide some pre-set benefits for family members to obtain, these benefits do not cover all the costs incurred by such a sudden loss.  In addition, when a death occurs because of the negligence of a third party or because of an unreasonably dangerous working environment, family members could have the right to bring a claim against those responsible for this untimely and avoidable death.

Texas Traffic Accidents

Even though workplace accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful deaths in Texas, traffic accidents are generally thought to be the leading reason for these types of lawsuits being filed.  Every year, more than 3,000 people are killed in some sort of Texas traffic accident, and many of these situations involve negligence or recklessness by at least one driver.  These sudden deaths are often violent and completely unforeseen, which leads to overwhelming amounts of shock and grief to be endured by the surviving family members.

Potential Damages in a Texas Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Texas wrongful death lawsuits not only involve challenges in terms of proving liability, but the calculation for damages can also be difficult.  There are many different forms of damages that can be sought, and much will depend on the specifics of the case at hand.  However, common forms of damages that are pursued in these cases include damages for immediate costs incurred that include medical, funeral and burial costs as well as ongoing damages that relate to the loss of income by the family as the result of this death and the loss of companionship based on the absence of the role that’s played by a parent or spouse in the overall quality of life for the family.

Generally, these damages are quantified by looking at the person’s recent earnings, the potential for future earnings and the intangible contributions that are generally made by someone who would be present in the lives of his or her loved ones.  These calculations should be handled by Texas wrongful death lawyers who are experienced with these sorts of matters so that those who are suffering can obtain the justice they deserve.

If you have lost someone you love because of the negligence or recklessness of someone else, you need to seek the help of the Texas wrongful death lawyers at Parker McDonald, P.C. today by contacting the firm to schedule a free initial consultation.