Family recovers $13 million in wrongful death claim against City of Houston

Houston, TX – The family of a 75-year-old man killed in a 2021 collision caused by a speeding Houston Police Department vehicle was awarded $13 million on Monday by a Harris County jury.

Fox 26 reports that the family of Charles Payne had sued the City of Houston for wrongful death, demanding compensation and accountability for the police officer’s actions that resulted in their loved one’s fatal injuries.

According to Fox 26 reporting at the time, Payne was driving south on North Shepherd Drive around 12:00 p.m. on December 26, 2021. Payne was turning left on Thornton Road when a northbound police cruiser struck his Cadillac. The police vehicle was traveling at nearly 75 miles per hour, well above the 35 miles per hour speed limit. Its sirens and lights were not activated, and the officer was not actively responding to an emergency.

Payne was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The officer driving the police vehicle suffered minor injuries.

How Is Car Accident Wrongful Death Compensation Determined?

When a wrongful death claim arises from a car accident, any compensation awarded is intended to account for both the financial and emotional impact of the loss. The total award depends on the specific circumstances of the case, but courts and insurance adjusters generally look at measurable financial losses as well as the suffering caused by the death. Compensable losses in a wrongful death case may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the victim’s final injury or illness
• Loss of the victim’s income and benefits
• Loss of services or support that the victim provided to their family
• Emotional pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
• Loss of companionship, guidance, or consortium

While these categories help define what a family might recover, the actual dollar amount varies from case to case. Many elements can influence the total compensation a court awards after a fatal car accident, including:

• The victim’s age, health, and life expectancy before the accident
• The victim’s earnings, career potential, and benefits
• The level of financial and emotional dependence family members had on the victim
• The degree of fault or negligence assigned to each party involved
• The evidence available to prove the extent of losses and liability

Because wrongful death cases often involve substantial damages and complex proof requirements, families can benefit from having an attorney help them understand the full value of their claim. Strong legal representation can help make sure a claim doesn’t overlook any compensable losses and that the case is built for the strongest possible recovery.

Contact a Houston Car Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer to Discuss Your Case

If your family lost someone you loved in a car accident, you have the right to hold the driver who caused the crash accountable for your financial and personal losses. A Houston car crash attorney can evaluate the full scope of your losses and prepare a comprehensive claim on your behalf. Consider reaching out to an experienced attorney today to review your options.