Unfortunately, some accidents end in death. When a victim dies because of another’s actions, his or her estate (usually represented by family members) can pursue a claim on the decedent’s behalf. If you are looking to pursue a claim against a deceased person, you similarly deal with his or her estate in court.
An estate is comprised of the property a person leaves behind after death, and it is represented by the person named as its “personal representative” or “executor.”
Consider an example. A drunk driver collided with you and died in the crash. As the intoxicated driver was at fault for the accident, he is responsible for the injuries and damages you suffered whether or not he survives. You can still obtain compensation through a personal injury suit, but the legal process will be different.
In most cases, the deceased driver’s estate will need to pass through a probate process in court before you will be able to pursue your claim. In the probate process, an estate is divided to pay debts and deliver inheritances to the person’s beneficiaries fairly. By pursuing your claim, you become a potential creditor, and the estate will need to pay its debt to you when your claim is settled or won.
This process remains the same whether the person from whom you are seeking compensation died as a result of the accident or from unrelated causes.
In cases like these, it becomes even more important to seek legal representation immediately. You will need to meet probate court deadlines when you file to protect your claim, among other steps.
Other FAQs
- Am I covered under the Jones Act?
- Can I pursue a wrongful death claim regarding my family member’s death?
- Can I receive compensation for a car accident or truck accident injury?
- Can I receive compensation for an oil rig injury?
- Can I receive compensation if I was injured by a product, such as a ladder or a power tool?
- Can I still receive compensation if I am partially responsible for my own injury?
- Do I have a personal injury case?
- Does Texas law require me to wear a motorcycle helmet?
- How much is my case worth?
- How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?
- How should I choose a lawyer?
- If I am injured while on someone else’s property, can I receive compensation?
- What are compensatory damages?
- What Are Mineral Rights?
- What can I do if someone is spreading false information about my business?
- What if I am not sure who is at fault for my injury?
- What if the person at fault for my accident is deceased?
- What is a “material” breach of contract under Texas law and why is it important?
- What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
- What is my Houston personal injury case worth?
- What is repudiation of a contract?
- What is the Death on the High Seas Act?
- What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
- What Is the Jones Act?
- What makes a trucking accident different from other auto accidents?
- What should I do after an accident or injury?
- What should I do if I am having trouble with a business insurance claim?
- What should I do if I feel that my insurance claim was unfairly denied?
- What should I do if I’m involved in a traffic accident?
- Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana?
- Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas?
- Will I have to testify in court for my personal injury case?
- Will my case have to go to trial?
