No loss is more devastating than the unexpected death of a family member. When that death results from someone else's negligence — a reckless driver, a dangerous property, a defective product, or an employer's safety failure — Texas law gives surviving family members the right to hold the responsible party accountable and seek compensation for their loss.

Texas Wrongful Death Statute

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of a deceased person may bring a wrongful death lawsuit. If none of those individuals file within three months of the death, the estate's personal representative may file on their behalf.

Texas law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death claims. This deadline is strict. Failing to file within two years of the date of death permanently bars recovery. Working with an experienced Corpus Christi personal injury attorney immediately after a fatal accident is critical to preserving your rights and securing vital evidence.

What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Claim

Wrongful death damages in Texas fall into two categories. First are the losses to the surviving family members themselves: loss of financial support the deceased provided, loss of household services, loss of companionship and society, mental anguish suffered by the survivors, and loss of inheritance.

Second are survival damages — the losses the deceased person suffered before death, including their own pain and suffering, medical bills incurred before death, and lost earning capacity during the period between injury and death. These claims are brought through the decedent's estate.

How Wrongful Death Differs from Personal Injury

A personal injury claim is brought by the injured person. A wrongful death claim is brought by qualifying family members when the injury results in death. The two claims can overlap when the deceased survived for a period before dying, creating both a survival action and a wrongful death action. Navigating these distinctions requires experienced legal counsel familiar with Texas courts.

Why Acting Fast Matters

Evidence degrades quickly after a fatal accident. Surveillance footage is overwritten. Witnesses' memories fade. Physical evidence at the scene is removed. If commercial vehicles are involved, electronic logging device data must be preserved through prompt legal action. The attorneys at Anderson Alexander A2X Law know how to move quickly to secure the evidence that wins these cases.

Our firm has represented South Texas families after fatal car accidents, truck crashes, workplace deaths, and other tragedies. We handle these cases with the sensitivity and dedication they demand. Contact us to learn more about our wrongful death representation.

Free Consultation for Corpus Christi Families

If your family has lost someone due to another party's negligence, Anderson Alexander A2X Law is here to help. Call us at (361) 452-1279 for a free, confidential consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for your family. Contact us today to get started.