This is the next post in my series of articles discussing wrongful death cases in Laredo, Texas. The previous post provided an overview of the key topics to be addressed in the series. In addition, it stressed the need for surviving members of the victim’s family to engage a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible following the accident. It is imperative to retain counsel with the experience to represent your interests after such a catastrophic event. In this post, I will discuss handling wrongful death cases that involve several defendants. If you need assistance, contact my office today to speak to a lawyer. My office serves much of south Texas.
Laredo employers may be held liable for wrongful deaths caused by their employees
In many cases, especially those involving commercial vehicles such as trucking accidents, wrongful death claims may involve more than one defendant. Under Texas law, a company who employs someone will often be responsible for the acts of the employee. In the case of a trucking accident, the employer who owns the truck and employs the driver, may be liable for the driver’s negligence. The company may also be considered liable under additional legal theories, such as negligent hiring or negligent supervision of the employee.
Consider for example, a case in which a motorcyclist is struck and killed by the driver of a commercial pick-up truck. The truck driver was speeding and texting at the time of the accident and therefore can clearly be shown to have been negligent. In this case, the company for whom the driver works will likely be held liable as well because employers are typically responsible for the actions of their employees. Now suppose that the driver has had multiple previous traffic accidents, two of which have occurred during his employment with the company. His employer may face additional responsibility for negligent hiring (hiring a driver with a poor driving record for a driving position). Furthermore, the employer’s potential negligent supervision of the employee during his time with the company may lead to additional liability. The outcome of each case will turn on the facts of the specific situation.
Laredo residents should engage a wrongful death lawyer with resources to adequately represent their interests
Given the complexity and highly contentious nature of these matters, it is essential to contact a lawyer with experience and sufficient resources to handle your case. A knowledgeable wrongful death attorney may identify multiple potential defendants. Failing to do so may result in inadequate compensation for a family’s loss. Often, experts will be necessary in cases involving commercial defendants. The costs for conducting the investigation and for retaining experts is often paid by the law firm in advance of any settlement or final disposition of the case. As such, it is important to retain a firm able to sustain the charges on your behalf during the pendency of the case. My firm has the resources and experience to handle wrongful death matters in Laredo. Contact us today to speak with an attorney.