Ask a Wrongful Death Attorney: How Long Does a Lawsuit Usually Take

Has someone you love died in an accident? If you believe your loved one died wrongfully, you should get in touch with a wrongful death attorney so they can help you file a lawsuit.

Ask a Wrongful Death Attorney: How Long Does a Lawsuit Usually Take?

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to say how long your wrongful death lawsuit is going to take. Some lawsuits take just a few months to settle, while others can take years. It comes down to the specifics of your case, as well as how long you’re willing to wait.

When you are grieving the loss of someone you love, it’s natural to want to move through a lawsuit as quickly as possible so you can focus on healing. But it’s important to trust your lawyer and be patient with the process if you want to ensure that your loved one and your family get justice.

What Counts As Wrongful Death?

Distracted Driving

If your loved one got into an accident because the other driver was distracted, this counts as wrongful death. Unfortunately, in today’s world, it’s all too easy for drivers to become distracted, and many people are negligent about safe driving practices.

You and your lawyer should work together to gather any evidence that could prove that the other driver was distracted. Things like traffic cameras, witness statements, cell phone logs, and computer logs in cars can all offer crucial evidence to prove your case.

Hit and Runs

A hit and run occurs when a driver involved in a collision flees immediately after the collision. Whenever anyone gets into a car accident, all parties involved must stop to check for injuries, call the police, and exchange contact and insurance information.

Sadly, hit and run drivers can be difficult to track down. One of the best ways you can track down a hit and driver is by contacting a qualified Houston wrongful death attorney. They will help you find evidence and work with investigators to find the driver who caused the death of your loved one.

Pedestrian and Cycling Accidents

Pedestrians have the right of way on the road, and vehicles need to yield to them. If a driver is negligent and fails to stop and a pedestrian is hit, this is a wrongful death case.

Unfortunately, many pedestrian and cycling accidents result in the death of the pedestrian or cyclist. Even if no one dies in an accident like this, there can be long-term or even permanent injuries as a result of these accidents. A lawyer will help you prove negligence on behalf of the driver.

Workplace Accidents

Some workplaces have higher risks than others. An employer has to ensure that their employees always have access to the right training and equipment so that they can work both effectively and safely. If your loved one dies on the job and it was due to negligence or unsafe practices on the part of the employer, this counts as wrongful death.

In some cases, deaths outside of the workplace can also count as wrongful death. For instance, if your loved one is made to work multiple long overtime shifts and then gets into a car accident because of exhaustion, you could have a valid case on your hands.

Medical Malpractice

It is a doctor’s duty to take care of their patients. Doctors receive years of training to prepare them to care for their patients. That said, accidents do happen even when doctors have all the right training.

But if your loved one died because of a doctor’s negligence, that counts as medical malpractice. There are several examples of medical malpractice, including surgical errors, misdiagnoses, delayed diagnoses, and improper treatment. If you believe your loved one died because of medical malpractice, make sure to get in touch with a lawyer right away.

How Do You Prove Wrongful Death?

As the plaintiff, the burden of proof falls upon you. There are several important things you need to do to prove that your loved one died because of another person’s actions or negligence. Your lawyer will help you gather this evidence.

A few examples of the types of evidence you can use to prove wrongful death include medical bills, witness statements, as well as evidence that you have suffered including financial loss and grief or depression. It can take time to gather all of this evidence, but you need to stay patient if you want to make sure you see justice.

Losing a loved one is never easy. If it happens because of someone else’s actions or negligence, this can be incredibly traumatizing to deal with. You and your family deserve to get justice for what you have been through. Your lawyer will be ready to help you.