As a general rule, the only ones eligible to file a wrongful death claim are the spouse, children and parents of the victim. But if another member of the victim's immediate family witnesses the incident, and fulfils a few other requirements, they may also be able to obtain a damages settlement via a "bystander claim."

Bystander recovery claims differ from wrongful death claims because the focus is not on the victim but the witness. Witnessing the injury or death of a loved one can have a profound impact and cause all kinds of trauma. Bystander claims are designed to help people in that awful situation on the road to recovery. As such, they are completely different from the wrongful death claim which may be filed in relation to the same incident.

The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers

9039 Katy Fwy Suite 209

Houston, TX 77024

281-623-1701

https://www.joestephenslaw.com/

If you have lost a family member due to the negligence of another party (whether that is a lone individual or a corporation), you are well within your rights to pursue a claim for wrongful death. This may allow you to retrieve significant damages to cover financial losses, as well as compensation for the mental anguish you have suffered.

Of course, no lawsuit is going to bring back your beloved family member, but a wrongful death claim can help you to attain a degree of closure. It is also an important means of ensuring the responsible party is found legally culpable for the incident.

The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers

9039 Katy Fwy Suite 209

Houston, TX 77024

281-623-1701

https://www.joestephenslaw.com/

Losing a beloved family member is never easy, but it is especially shocking when their death is the result of a motorcycle accident. In these circumstances, the trauma of the unexpected loss is supplemented by the financial pressure for those left behind.

The fact that your loved one's death was the result of another motorist's negligence adds to the distress and pain of the experience, and can make the grieving process much more difficult. But you don't need to suffer in silence. We can help you to begin your claim for wrongful death, and we'll be there to support you every step of the way.

The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers

9039 Katy Fwy Suite 209

Houston, TX 77024

281-623-1701

https://www.joestephenslaw.com/

If a family member dies in a car crash caused by another party, those who are left behind- whether that is the husband or wife of the deceased, the parents or the children- are well within their rights to pursue a claim for wrongful death against both the other driver and the other driver's insurance provider.

But wrongful death claims are a complex business. Typically, the process for negotiating a financial settlement with the insurance company can be a stressful and drawn-out affair. And it's important to remember that the insurers in question will do everything in their power to avoid paying out the full value of your claim.

The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers

9039 Katy Fwy Suite 209

Houston, TX 77024

281-623-1701

https://www.joestephenslaw.com/

Every single driver in the United States has a legal obligation to ensure that their vehicle is properly insured. Of course, the individual regulations differ between states, but typically each vehicle must have a certain level of property damage and personal injury coverage in order to be legally fit to drive.

In spite of this, statistical estimates indicate that one in every six drivers does not have the legally required insurance. Even more troubling is the fact that it is uninsured drivers who are typically the likeliest to be involved in a fatal accident. This not only makes the roads more dangerous for insured drivers, it also adds an unnecessary layer of complexity to legal proceedings in relation to any accidents resulting in wrongful death.

The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers

9039 Katy Fwy Suite 209

Houston, TX 77024

281-623-1701

https://www.joestephenslaw.com/

One of the many tragic aspects of losing your loved one in an accident is the amount of unanswered questions. It's perfectly natural to want to uncover all the circumstances surrounding the accident itself, to piece together the events which resulted in your loved one's death. It is also perfectly natural to want to hold those responsible to account. But this becomes decidedly more complex when the individual responsible is a minor.

The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers

9039 Katy Fwy Suite 209

Houston, TX 77024

281-623-1701

https://www.joestephenslaw.com/

When a traffic collision involves large commercial vehicles such as 18-wheeler trucks or semis, the risk of fatalities is much higher than a collision between regular passenger vehicles. What's more, it has even been claimed that the fatality rate per mile is higher for commercial trucks than it is for any other vehicle.

Wrongful death claims are never easy, but those which involve 18-wheelers are particularly complex. This stems from the fact that more people are usually involved in the claim. These include the truck driver, the truck's owner, not to mention the larger corporation and various insurance providers. This can lead to added levels of complication in what is already a decidedly difficult business.

The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers

9039 Katy Fwy Suite 209

Houston, TX 77024

281-623-1701

https://www.joestephenslaw.com/

In Texas, not all family members are permitted to pursue a claim for wrongful death. In addition, each family member is considered to be a separate claimant, rather than the family itself serving as the overall claimant. This means that any settlement awarded must be divided amongst them individually, with the exact percentage depending on the extent of their specific damages.

While negligence and responsibility are equally apportioned in a wrongful death claim, the damages are not. That means the value of these damages can differ greatly for beneficiaries depending on both monetary and non-monetary factors.

The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers

9039 Katy Fwy Suite 209

Houston, TX 77024

281-623-1701

https://www.joestephenslaw.com/

Losing a loved one is guaranteed to send shockwaves through your family. As well as the unavoidable trauma, those left behind frequently have to contend with financial hardships as a direct result of their bereavement. For example, medical expenses and funeral costs- not to mention loss of income- mount up fast. In some circumstances, a wrongful death claim might be your best bet to mitigate against your losses and to obtain compensation. This might include wrongful death insurance benefits.

The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers

9039 Katy Fwy Suite 209

Houston, TX 77024

281-623-1701

https://www.joestephenslaw.com/

When you are suffering through the bereavement in the aftermath of losing a loved one, navigating the murky waters of lawsuits and damages claims can seem all but impossible. That's why The Stephens Law Firm is here to support you in your grief, and to do what it takes to get you on the road to financial and emotional recovery.

Wrongful death claims are designed to award families a level of remuneration in proportion to the losses they have endured as a result of the death of a loved one. They also aim to hold those responsible to account. Of course, monetary damages are a poor substitute for your lost loved one, but they can provide a bit of extra financial support during this difficult time.

The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers

9039 Katy Fwy Suite 209

Houston, TX 77024

281-623-1701

https://www.joestephenslaw.com/