The death of a loved one can be quite shocking. This is particularly true when the death is unexpected. If your loved one has unexpectedly suffered a wrongful death, keep in mind there are steps you can take to help right this wrong. Now is the time to get organized, learn about your options and figure out where to go from here. If you have a problem of this kind, legal help is vitally important.
The Stewart Law firm can assist with any wrongful death and offer an Austin personal injury attorney you can count on to get results.
Your First Steps
While it can be hard to focus on anything after suffering such a loss, now is the time to get everything in order. The first thing to do is to get a copy of the death certificate. The public is entitled to a copy of this document from the Department of Health. At that point begins the process of determining if the death falls in the category of wrongful death.
In general, wrongful death is what happens when someone takes over the claim that the dead person would have been able to file. Wrong death is when someone dies before their natural lifespan. It can take several forms.
For example, someone might die from a car accident when their car hit another or hit a pedestrian. A person who is ill may have died as a result of a doctor’s poor medical practice whether deliberately or simply by failing to observe a basic standard of care. In that case, the family of the deceased may be eligible for a sum of money in the aftermath of the death.
Working With a Lawyer
Working closely with an Austin personal injury attorney is the next step. The lawyer can help discover if the person has a case. They’ll typically use many varied techniques to examine the case and see if the person can proceed. For example, they might send a private investigator to the scene where the accident took place.
The investigator will interview all who were present. They may also be able to track down people who were there at the time as bystanders. A lawyer can also determine what part the person’s behavior played, if any, in the accident or another issue that led to their premature death.
Bringing It All Together
Once speaking with a lawyer, the law firm will help make sure that it’s all put together going forward. They’ll find the paperwork and speak on behalf of the deceased. They will help survivors appoint a representative from the estate to act as the voice for the estate. At the Stewart Law firm, we understand how clients feel once a loved one has passed away accidentally. This is why we’re there with the expert legal advice that our many happy clients need from the first. Contact us today and find out how we can help you seek justice for your loved one.