Losing a loved one is hard enough. If that loss happened because someone acted negligently, you have the right to file a wrongful death claim. However, receiving a fair payout requires legal knowledge.
Consulting an experienced Missouri City, TX attorney about wrongful death settlements can give you a significant advantage. You can delegate all the legal action to a skilled team while spending more time with your family.
Factors Affecting Wrongful Death Payouts
In Missouri City, the journey to receiving a wrongful death settlement can take a long time. Some of the factors that affect the duration of the case and the size of the settlement are:
- Cause of Death: Clear cases of negligence are usually resolved faster, while complex situations may require lengthy investigations.
- Available Evidence: Strong evidence (e.g., medical records, witness statements) can speed up the process and support a higher settlement.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The at-fault party’s insurance coverage determines how much compensation may be available. When policy limits are low, it can restrict the final payout.
- Economic Losses: Factors like the size of the victim’s lost income and funeral expenses influence the settlement amount.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of guidance may increase the value of the claim. However, these damages may be harder to prove than economic losses.
- Liability Disputes: If the responsible party denies negligence or tries to shift blame, the case may take longer.
Many wrongful death claims settle out of court, but if negotiations stall, filing a lawsuit may extend the timeline. However, it could also result in a larger payout.
Negotiations with the Insurance Company
Negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company are a significant part of wrongful death cases. The insurance adjuster conducts an investigation and tries to find facts that help the company reduce the payout. During negotiations, adjusters often put pressure on the victim’s family members, who are usually in a highly delicate emotional condition. This can lead to unfair outcomes.
A Missouri City attorney with experience in wrongful death settlements can take over such negotiations and fight for their client’s rights. With a legal team on your side, you do not have to stand up to the insurance company and keep reliving your loss. The attorney can handle all the communications.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for wrongful accident cases is two years. Many people believe that they have enough time to file the claim and wait until they feel better to do it. However, such delays can easily hurt the case.
Even if the period set by the statute is not over yet, evidence can become harder to collect. The faster you and your legal team can start building a case, the easier it can be to recover a maximum settlement.
Discuss Wrongful Death Settlements with an Attorney in Missouri City, TX
If your loved one died because someone else acted negligently, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. The amount of Missouri City wrongful death settlements depends on many factors, including the skills of your attorney. At Schechter Shaffer & Harris, LLP, we can help you get the money you deserve. Call our team to get a free consultation at any time.
