The law is vast and complex, meaning there’s really no average settlement for any type of legal case. Speaking to a wrongful death attorney in Houston can help you determine how much you’re likely to get for your circumstances, but there are lots of factors at play that will influence it. Let’s take a look at what can influence your settlement below.
Ask a Wrongful Death Attorney in Houston: What Is an Average Settlement Worth?
As stated above, there’s no average settlement for any wrongful death case. Check out this site to contact the best wrongful death attorneys you’ll find in Houston so you can start discussing your specific case in detail.
Some cases settle for tens of millions of dollars, but others may not even reach a seven-figure settlement. Your attorney will examine all the factors that might influence how much you can win for your loved one’s death, and from there, they’ll calculate the sum you should be aiming for. It’s up to the liable party’s insurance company to make an offer that matches or is close to that sum.
What Influences How Much You Can Win In a Wrongful Death Settlement?
1.Funeral Costs
The cost of a funeral and burial/cremation will always be covered by a wrongful death settlement. The sum given won’t be enough to cover an extravagant funeral event, but it will be enough to cover a nice, respectable service. Families who need extra to put towards the event, such as those flying in close relatives from out of state, or those needing an extra-large coffin, may be awarded more in funeral costs.
2. Lost Income
You can be awarded a sum equivalent to the income your lost loved one would have earned from the time of their death up to their retirement. If they were likely to obtain pay rises or promotions, then these will be accounted for in the sum. Bonuses, vacation time, and more will also be included.
3.Lost Benefits
Lost benefits work similarly to lost income. If you would have received any benefits if your loved one was still alive, then you can be compensated for the loss of these benefits.
4.Lost Financial Support
If your loved one was financially supporting you, then you can be compensated for the sum they likely would have given you throughout the rest of their/your life. This is particularly common if a non-working spouse lost a spouse who worked.
5.Lost Service
Did your loved one take care of certain things around the house or in your shared business? You can be compensated for what it will cost you to hire somebody to take over those tasks.
6.Lost Inheritance
You may be compensated for what your loved one was likely to have saved and left to you as an inheritance if they’d lived a typical lifespan. This will likely be calculated based on their current savings or any unwritten plans left behind stating how much they were going to start saving and when.
7.Lost Comfort and Camaraderie
If you’re filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a lost spouse, you may be compensated for the loss of comfort, camaraderie, and companionship. You can be awarded this sum in addition to what you can win in emotional damages.
8.Emotional Damages
You could potentially win millions of dollars for your mental distress. How much you can win will depend on the circumstances that surrounded your loved one’s death and how badly it’s impacted your life. A family with lots of children will be awarded more than a grieving but childless spouse. Similarly, somebody whose loved one suffered a lot before their wrongful death will be awarded more than if the death came suddenly and relatively painlessly.
9.Medical Expenses
If your loved one spent time in the hospital or received at-home treatment before their wrongful death, then you can be compensated for any medical expenses.
Who Can Make a Wrongful Death Claim?
Any surviving close family member can make a wrongful death claim on behalf of the loved one. This typically means a parent/guardian, spouse, or child can file a case on behalf of the family member.
How Long Do You Have To Make a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Texas is two years. The sooner you file the better, as all the evidence and people’s memories of the incident will still be fresh. This can make it easier to investigate and speak to witnesses to help build your case.
Wrongful death cases can often settle for millions of dollars, but it’s important that you speak to your attorney about all of the types of compensation you could win during your case.
