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Wrongful Death

Death attorneys

Wrongful deaths are generally the result of the carelessness, unlawful actions or total inaction of a person, company or manufacturer. Should an accident which results in a fatality occur under these conditions, it is commonly called a wrongful death. Should a parent be killed as the result of the negligence of another, the children are left without the care of a parent and direction they would have received through the years, while the remaining partner loses love and companionship. Wrongful deaths leave devastation in their wake; families who are grieving the loss of a beloved family member may also be forced to deal with monetary ruin. Not only have the loved ones of the deceased lost the close bond with another, they have also lost the potential economic support in the future.


While nobody wants to talk about money in the wake of desolation and emotional loss, the reality is that life does go on and life requires money to get by. There is no level of financial support which can make up for the death of a family member however financial damages can be eased by receiving a fair recovery amount through a wrongful death suit. In order to ensure that your settlement is equitable it’s important that you retain the services of a Houston personal injury lawyer who can walk you through the process and be your advocate during this very difficult time. The attorneys of Sullo & Sullo, LLP want to work on your behalf to ensure your rights are fully protected. Our attorneys have a solid reputation, years of experience and the knowledge necessary to handle the complexities of a wrongful death lawsuit.


How Do Wrongful Deaths Occur?

For those below the age of thirty-five, automobile collisions are the leading cause of wrongful death however overall twice as many people die each year from medical malpractice errors as those who die in auto accidents. Drivers who drive under the influence and those who engage in excessive speed behind the wheel are the major factors in car accident wrongful deaths. Other causes of motor vehicle wrongful deaths involve defective automobiles or automobile parts, or flawed designs in roadways.

Should the wrongful death be directly tied to a manufacturing defect which was known of yet ignored, the family of the deceased may be able to collect additional punitive damages. These types of damages are awarded in an attempt to discourage those responsible from repeating the issue that caused the death. The most common types of manufacturing defects include airbags which fail to work, seat belts which do not hold the occupant firmly in their seat, tires whose tread separates, roof crush resulting from a rollover accident or faulty brakes.

Medical malpractice wrongful deaths are much more prevalent than most people believe; in fact medical errors are the third leading cause of death in America following heart disease and cancer. Nearly 250,000 people die each year from the adverse effects of prescription drugs, while another 100,000 die from preventable medical errors. Following car accidents and medical errors, wrongful deaths result from injuries in the workplace, boating and swimming accidents, slip and falls and train accidents. Mesothelioma which is a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos also causes approximately 5,000 wrongful deaths each year. Criminal activity can also cause a wrongful death as can occupational conditions—when a refinery worker dies in an explosion this can be considered an occupational condition.


How is Compensation Determined?

Once you have chosen a Houston personal injury law firm, you will want to discuss the merits of your specific wrongful death lawsuit. Our highly knowledgeable attorneys will discuss the parameters of a wrongful death lawsuit with you including the fact that the victim must have died due to misconduct by the defendant, and that misconduct must clearly show negligence. The victim must have survivors such as children, husband or wife, or other beneficiary, and there must have been clear monetary damages as a result of the death.

At the Houston law firm of Sullo & Sullo we know how important it is to take the time and discuss all aspects of your potential wrongful death suit following the death of your loved one. Courts generally consider the age of the deceased as well as his or her relative healthiness level and approximate life expectancy. Next they will consider the total monetary loss, the amount of life insurance available for the family and the extent family members were dependent on the decedent for economic support. In some instances, family members may be awarded damages for the loss of the company of the deceased as well. To fully calculate the economic cost of a death, experts may be consulted in an attempt to determine both the economic and non-economic contributions of the deceased.

Our attorneys have the knowhow to walk you through the process and give you straight answers to your questions. We are compassionate when you need compassion, yet aggressive in obtaining the maximum settlement amount to ensure your future is once more financially stable. Sullo & Sullo Attorneys have an extensive understanding of product liability law as well as the necessary knowledge of regulations pertaining to automobiles and laws regarding traffic and medical issues. Call the attorneys of Sullo & Sullo today for a consultation regarding your potential wrongful death suit.


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