Wrongful Death vs. Personal Injury Claims in Houston

Both wrongful death and personal injury claims in Houston relate to negligence. In a wrongful death case, you seek compensation from anyone liable for a family member’s death. Comparatively, in a personal injury case, you pursue compensation from anyone who caused you to get hurt. 

Let an empathetic and compassionate Houston wrongful death lawyer explain your legal options to you if you are coping with the loss of a family member due to another party’s actions. Alternatively, you can hire a personal injury lawyer if you want to obtain compensatory damages from anyone at fault for your injuries. 

What You Need to Know About a Wrongful Death Claim in Houston 

Per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71, a person or business can be held responsible for an individual’s death if they commit an act of carelessness or neglect. In this situation, a surviving parent, child, or spouse of the deceased person (decedent) can file a claim against this party. 

Based on Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you have two years from the date of a family member’s death to submit a request for compensation from any responsible parties. Common reasons why wrongful death claims are filed include:

• Car accident
• Truck accident
• Medical malpractice
• Bicycle accident
• Pedestrian accident

Filing a wrongful death claim does not guarantee your case will go to trial. A liable party could offer a settlement before your trial date. If you accept, you will receive compensation outside of the courtroom. 

If a trial is required, it pays to have a Houston wrongful death attorney on your side. Your lawyer knows how emotionally taxing it is to go through the legal process after a family member’s death. They address your legal concerns and questions and put you in a position to get the case results you want. 

What to Expect If You Proceed with a Personal Injury Claim in Houston

In a personal injury case, you are asking for compensation from anyone who harmed you. With a lawsuit, you are the plaintiff. A personal injury lawyer can represent and advocate for you during your trial and make it clear why a liable party should have to compensate you for your losses. 

Your attorney attempts to resolve your case before a trial is necessary. They can negotiate a settlement on your behalf. If no settlement agreement is reached, your lawyer has no issue with presenting their argument to a judge or jury. 

The Bottom Line on Wrongful Death vs. Personal Injury Claims in Houston

Wrongful death and personal injury claims are different, but there are similarities between them. For example, the statute of limitations for filing either type of claim is two years. You can recover economic and non-economic damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses in both types of claims. Also, a wrongful death or personal injury claim may be resolved via settlement negotiations or a trial. 

Schedule a free consultation with our attorney if you are interested in filing a wrongful death or personal injury claim. From here, share your legal concerns and questions with your lawyer. This allows you to gain insights into wrongful death and personal injury claims. If you have grounds for a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit, your attorney can submit your compensation request and guide you through the legal process.