Overview Of Wrongful Death Lawsuits - Part 3

 

When a person dies or is killed due to the negligence or misconduct of another, the surviving members of the victim's family may sue for "wrongful death." While most wrongful death lawsuits follow in the wake of criminal trials, someone found liable for wrongful death may or may not be convicted of a crime associated with that death.

 

A suit for wrongful death may only be brought by the personal representative of the decedent's estate. Every state has a civil "wrongful death statute," or set of statutes, which establish the procedures for bringing wrongful death actions. Actions for personal injury, conscious pain and suffering, or expenses incurred prior to the decedent's death are also brought by the personal representative. The damage awards from these actions belong to the estate and may pass to different parties as directed by the decedent's will.

 

This 4 part series of articles will provide an overview of the wrongful death lawsuit process.  The key elements covered will be:

 

• Elements of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
• Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
• Determining Pecuniary Loss
• Adjustments in the Jury's Award
• Using Expert Testimony to Determine Pecuniary Loss
• Punitive Damages
• Survival Actions for Personal Injury

 

Part 1 in this series addressed Elements of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit and Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit.  Part 2 in this series addressed Determining Pecuniary Loss and Adjustments in the Jury's Award. Part 3 in this series will address Using Expert Testimony to Determine Pecuniary Loss and Punitive Damages.

 

Using Expert Testimony to Determine Pecuniary Loss

 

Plaintiffs are able to present expert testimony to establish the value of the decedent to his family. When the decedent is a housewife who was not employed outside the home, the financial impact on the survivors will not involve a loss of income, but increased expenditures to continue the services she was providing or would have provided if she had lived. Because jurors may not be knowledgeable regarding the monetary value of a housewife's services, experts may aid the jury in this evaluation.

 

Punitive Damages

 

Punitive damages are awarded in cases of serious or malicious wrongdoing to punish the wrongdoer, or deter others from behaving similarly. In most states, While a plaintiff may not recover punitive damages in a wrongful death action in most states. Texas has specific statutes that permit the recovery of punitive damages. In those cases when the act is done willfully or by gross negligence, the family may be able to recover exemplary — or punitive — damages to penalize or punish the defendant for their gross negligence and to send a message to help ensure such gross negligence does not happen again

 

Call your Amarillo wrongful death lawyer right away

 

If a loved one has died after an accident or injury caused by the negligence or misconduct of another individual or company, you may be entitled to bring a legal action for wrongful death against those responsible. Due to the time deadlines for filing such a lawsuit, it is important that you contact an experienced Amarillo wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and your potential case. When the unexpected happens and you need an experienced professional Amarillo wrongful death attorney you know you can count on Bill Cornett.  For well over 45 years, Amarillo attorney William (Bill) Cornett has been there to help in an uncertain time.  If you need him, Bill is there.  Call him today.

 

Your most important action may end up being the phone call that you make to your Amarillo wrongful death lawyer.  In the Texas Panhandle that call should be to Amarillo wrongful death lawyer Bill Cornett.  Be safe and be smart…remember these phone numbers (806) 374-9498 or (800) 658-6618.

 

Put Cornett Law Firm’s 45+ years of experience to work for you

 

Bill Cornett, Amarillo Attorney with Cornett Law Firm, offers affordable, qualified services as an experienced personal injury lawyer, probate attorney, family law attorney, criminal law attorney, DWI attorney and divorce attorney. Bill also has experience in estate planning and agriculture law. Sit down with Bill at his office located at 612 S. Van Buren St. in Amarillo TX by calling (806) 374-9498 or (800) 658-6618 TODAY to schedule a free consultation.

 

Bill Cornett recently handled a commercial truck accident case where a rear wheel came off a moving trailer which resulted in a $1,400,000 recovery for his clients.  The case was settled when an expert witness was produced that proved negligence on the part of the defendants.  This was a tragic case that resulted in a large settlement which was deserved by the clients. Let Bill Cornett go to work for you to make sure you get the settlement you deserve.