Wrongful Death Lawyer in Texas — Personal Injury Claims in Houston

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Texas? Under Texas law, certain family members such as the decedent’s spouse, children, and parents may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. The specific order of priority and eligibility is defined by statute and can be complex depending on family circumstances. How long do I have to file? Texas has a statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. The time limit typically begins from the date of death, so it is important to consult legal counsel promptly to ensure your claim is timely and to preserve evidence.

Families may recover economic damages such as medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, and lost earnings and benefits the decedent would have provided. Non-economic damages can include loss of companionship and mental anguish but are subject to statutory and evidentiary considerations. Calculating damages often requires medical and financial documentation and, in some cases, expert analysis to estimate future losses. Our firm helps gather the necessary records and prepare a comprehensive damages valuation for settlement or trial.

Not always. Many wrongful death claims settle through negotiations with insurers before a lawsuit is filed. A settlement can resolve the matter without court involvement while providing compensation more quickly. If settlement negotiations fail or the defendant refuses to accept responsibility, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Our firm prepares cases for litigation and represents families at trial when that is required to pursue fair compensation.

The White Law Firm typically handles wrongful death cases on a contingency basis, which means there are no upfront attorney fees. Fees are taken from any recovery obtained, so families can pursue a claim without immediate legal costs. There may be out-of-pocket case expenses for experts, filing fees, and investigations. We discuss these details during the initial consultation and manage expenses carefully to protect client interests.

Medical records, autopsy reports, police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, and employment records are all critical pieces of evidence. Preserving these materials quickly helps ensure a complete factual record. Expert testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and economists may also be necessary to establish causation, fault, and the full extent of damages in complex cases.

Case duration varies widely based on facts, complexity, and whether the matter settles or proceeds to trial. Some claims resolve in months when liability is clear and insurers cooperate, while others take a year or more if litigation and extensive discovery are required. Our firm works to move cases efficiently while ensuring a thorough investigation and preparation to maximize the likelihood of a fair outcome for the family.

You can speak with insurers, but they often seek recorded statements and quick settlements that may undervalue a claim. Having legal representation ensures communications protect your rights and that settlement offers are evaluated against a full damages assessment. Referring insurers to your legal representative helps avoid inadvertent statements that could harm a claim and ensures negotiations proceed based on accurate documentation and valuation of losses.

When multiple parties share fault, claims can be brought against each responsible party or their insurers. Texas follows comparative fault rules that may affect recovery based on the relative percentage of responsibility assigned to each party. A comprehensive investigation helps identify all potentially liable parties and develop a strategy to pursue full recovery from available sources, including commercial insurers or corporate defendants.

Filing a claim does not have to delay funeral arrangements. Families can proceed with necessary services while the legal process moves forward. Initial legal work focuses on investigation and preservation of evidence rather than delaying family needs. If immediate funds are needed for burial expenses, legal representation may help negotiate early partial payments from insurers or pursue other measures to address urgent costs.

Begin by contacting a firm experienced in wrongful death matters to schedule a consultation. Bring any available records such as medical bills, police or incident reports, and contact information for witnesses to help the initial review. The White Law Firm offers a free initial consultation to review the facts, explain legal options, and outline next steps to preserve evidence and pursue recovery on behalf of your family.