In the tragic scenario where someone you love dies unexpectedly, your emotional needs and the impact on your children and other family members are probably your primary concern. Practical issues often take a backseat to the personal tragedy involved in such a loss.

However, you do need to consider the practical implications of an unexpected death. Texas law allows you to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against someone who causes a car crash or similar incident that proves deadly.

If negligent or wrongful behavior directly resulted in your loss, you may need to consider such a lawsuit. How do you determine what amount to request in the lawsuit?

Some losses have verifiable financial costs

Expenses associated with the end of someone’s life often include medical bills for care received prior to death, as well as funeral and interment costs. You can refer to the billing statements you receive for their care and funeral of your loved one to establish an appropriate price for these expenses.

Similarly, you can look at your loved one’s income at the time of their deaths and use that, as well as benefits that they receive, as the basis for claims for lost income and benefits.

Other losses may require consideration to place a price

Texas allows you to pursue pain and suffering because of your grief, as well as the cost of their lost services and support. These figures can sometimes be hard to estimate, which is why talking to an attorney when you think you may have grounds to bring a wrongful death lawsuit is a smart decision.