Strong Legal
Advocacy

Image of attorneys Douglas E. Dilley and Miguel E. Dilley

What rights do grieving families have in Texas?

On Behalf of | Mar 21, 2023 | Wrongful Death |

Losing a loved one irrevocably changes someone’s life. Parents, children and spouses are among those who are usually most profoundly affected by someone’s untimely death.

The surviving family members or someone who dies unexpectedly will likely experience intense emotional upheaval and profound grief. They may require professional services to process their emotions. The family may also be left in a lurch because of all of the expenses incurred when their loved one died and the loss of their support and services.

Those who are wondering what they can do when a loved one dies unexpectedly – and as a result of another’s negligence, recklessness or intentionally dangerous conduct – may benefit from learning more about their rights under Texas state law.

Some families can file a wrongful death lawsuit

Texas civil statutes allow those harmed by others to pursue a claim in civil court for financial compensation. Wrongful death lawsuits are a kind of personal injury claim brought by those who have recently lost a loved one. They are an option regardless of whether or not the state prosecuted anyone in relation to the tragedy.

State law specifically empowers those affected by the negligence, carelessness, unskillfulness, omissions or misconduct of an outside party to request compensation through a lawsuit. Typically, those harmed by others bring their claims directly, but wrongful death lawsuits are an option for those affected by someone else’s death, not the person directly harmed.

Provided that they file a lawsuit within two years of the death, it may be possible for grieving survivors to recover the full economic value of someone’s premature death. Family members can pursue a claim, but if they fail to act, the representative of someone’s estate could also pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

How civil claims help

Families that feel harmed by the loss of a loved one obtain a sense of closure through a successful wrongful death claim. Presenting the situation to the courts and securing a ruling that affirms another party caused a loved one’s death can give families justice.

They can also recoup certain expenses and reduce how much the tragic passing of their loved one harms their family economically. Learning more about the right to pursue a wrongful death claim can help those who are grieving an unexpected loss of a loved one in Texas.

Archives