Wrongful Death

Words cannot explain the feeling of losing someone you love. When that person loses their life because of someone else’s negligence, the pain is worse because of the injustice.  

“Wrongful death” is a legal term for a special type of lawsuit brought by the family members of a deceased to recover against the person or company that caused that death. This means family members can recover for things like medical expenses, burial expenses, “lost earning capacity” and “lost inheritance” (money the deceased would have contributed to the family). Family members can also recover for the loss of things that matter most: companionship, guidance, support, and love.

Wrongful death claims can result from a variety of circumstances, including car wrecks, medical mistreatment (medical malpractice), dangerous and defective products, construction accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Depending on what happened, special laws may apply that govern a wrongful death claim. For example, wrongful death claims in the context of medical malpractice are governed by a special set of rules.

While filing a lawsuit is not typically the first thing families think of when a loved one passes, it is important to follow up with an attorney as soon as possible. Wrongful death claims in Texas have a 2-year statute of limitations, meaning families need to file their lawsuit within two years of the incident that caused the death. Additionally, getting an attorney involved will help ensure evidence related to your claim is preserved.