Wrongful Death Lawyers in Richardson

Helping You Pursue Justice in Richardson After Wrongful Death

Few things are worse than losing a loved one in a preventable accident. You likely have many questions about how to move forward, let alone how to handle the abrupt changes that follow a death. Wrongful death is defined as a fatality resulting from a “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default.” You must hold the right people responsible for the untold damage they caused. Our Richardson wrongful death attorneys at MAS Law can help you build a strong case to pursue a favorable outcome.
 

When to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Richardson

While not all fatalities are preventable and grounds for seeking damages, those that are can be difficult to prove. MAS Law offers free consultations to help you better understand which angle to take and how to proceed. We have obtained millions of dollars in damage awards for our clients, and our wrongful death lawyers in Richardson, TX, know what it takes to strategize effectively.

Wrongful death lawsuits in Texas can be filed for:

• Construction accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Car accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Defective products
• Lack of necessary safety equipment
• Premises liability

In many situations, families are unsure whether a tragic loss qualifies as a wrongful death claim. A discussion with a wrongful death attorney Richardson families trust can help you connect the facts of what happened to the legal standards in Texas, such as whether negligence or a wrongful act can be proven with available evidence. By reviewing medical records, police reports from agencies serving Richardson, and any employer or property owner documentation, we can help you determine if pursuing a civil claim is an appropriate step for your family.

Wrongful death lawsuits are civil cases, not criminal offenses. If a crime was committed that led to a death, it will be prosecuted by the state rather than brought forth by the loved ones of the victim. The statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years. The sooner you get started, the better your chances will be of gathering all the right evidence and building a strong case for a favorable outcome.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

Unlike some states, Texas allows many parties to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one. 

These parties include:

• Surviving spouse
• Children of the deceased
• Parents/adoptive parents

These parties have the option to file a claim together, or one of them may choose to file a claim alone. A representative of the deceased’s estate is also eligible to file a claim if no family member has filed one within three months of the deceased’s passing, as long as a family member has not requested that no claim be filed. Consulting with our legal team can provide clarity and direction on eligibility and next steps.

Family dynamics can be complicated after a loss, and not every relative will agree on how to proceed. Our Richardson wrongful death lawyers can explain how joint claims work, how settlement funds may be distributed among eligible family members, and what happens if one relative wants to move forward while another does not. By walking you through how Texas courts in Collin County and Dallas County typically address these issues, we help you make informed decisions about who should be listed as plaintiffs and how to protect relationships while still pursuing justice.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Recovering the damages your family deserves after losing a loved one can bring peace of mind, knowing your expenses can be paid and the negligent party was brought to justice.

According to Texas Statutes section 71.001, family members of the deceased can recover damages for the following:

• Loss of companionship or support
• Mental and emotional pain and suffering
• Medical and funeral expenses
• Lost earning capacity
• Lost inheritance

In addition to these damages, punitive damages may sometimes be awarded in cases of gross negligence, aiming to punish the responsible party and deter similar future actions. The impact of losing a loved one can ripple through your family’s lives in ways beyond initial costs. Guidance from our wrongful death lawyer in Richardson can help calculate these damages and take into account all financial and emotional impacts. At MAS Law, our focused approach ensures every dimension of your loss is addressed during proceedings.

To fully value a claim, we take time to understand how your loved one contributed to your household and future plans. That may involve reviewing employment records, benefits information, and retirement projections, along with speaking with family members, friends, or colleagues who can describe the guidance and support your loved one provided. By gathering this level of detail, a Richardson wrongful death attorney from our team can present a clearer picture to an insurance carrier or to a jury of how the loss has changed your life, which can have a direct impact on the compensation that may be available.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Texas?

The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. In Texas, it is generally two years from the date of death. Exceptions may apply, including medical malpractice cases, delayed discovery, claims involving government entities, or situations where the deadline is tolled. Because timing rules vary by case, it is important to consult an attorney to confirm the applicable deadline.

Key timing considerations for wrongful death claims include:

• Understanding the start date of the two years based on when the death occurred or when negligence was discovered.
• Recognizing special rules that may apply if the claim involves a government agency, which can require earlier notice of the claim.
• Accounting for related proceedings such as criminal cases or regulatory investigations that may impact how evidence is preserved and when it becomes available.
• Allowing time for investigation by your legal team so that witnesses can be contacted and important documents can be obtained before memories fade or records are lost.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and discuss your wrongful death case. Our compassionate attorneys can provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Local Experience in Richardson Wrongful Death Legal Processes

Choosing a local firm like MAS Law can give you significant advantages when dealing with area-specific legal processes. Richardson has its own local courts and district regulations that may impact the progression of wrongful death claims. By understanding these nuances, our attorneys can maneuver your claim more effectively. Our local presence allows us to maintain strong relationships with local courts and understand the expectations of local judges, which can be invaluable in resolving your case efficiently and favorably.

Our team at MAS Law is adept at blending legal acumen with an understanding of Richardson's community needs and values. We know the local timelines, processing delays, and the best evidential documentation practices required at local courts. If you are pursuing a wrongful death case, our community roots and legal experience can help make local dynamics work to your advantage while providing a compassionate, client-centered approach throughout the legal proceedings.

How Our Richardson Wrongful Death Lawyers Handle Your Case

The Basics for Wrongful Death Claims in Richardson, Texas

Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and difficult experience. When that loss is caused by another's negligence or wrongful actions, seeking justice can become even more complicated. Our qualified Richardson wrongful death lawyers are committed to supporting you through each stage of the legal process for filing a wrongful death case.

Key aspects of the legal process for wrongful death claims include:

• Evaluating the circumstances surrounding the death
• Determining who can file a wrongful death claim
• Understanding the types of damages that can be recovered
• Negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court
• Providing compassionate and personalized legal support throughout the case

Take the first step toward justice by booking an initial consultation with our seasoned attorneys. We are here to help you seek accountability and find closure for your loved one's loss.

Seeking Justice for Your Loved One

The loss of a loved one caused by another's carelessness or wrongdoing is truly heartbreaking. At MAS Law, our Richardson wrongful death attorneys are committed to helping families pursue justice and accountability. We recognize the emotional and financial strain of wrongful death and are here to guide you every step of the way.

When you choose MAS Law to represent you in a wrongful death claim, you can expect:

• Compassionate and personalized legal guidance
• Aggressive advocacy for your rights
• A thorough investigation into the circumstances of the death
• Transparent communication and updates on your case
• Experienced representation in negotiations and court proceedings

Clients of MAS Law benefit from a comprehensive approach that combines legal proficiency with empathy. Whether it is the initial investigations or courtroom advocacy, we stand by your side to address all challenges through understanding and strategic preparation, making the journey toward justice less daunting.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Now

Our team of Richardson wrongful death lawyers wants to help. During your free consultation, we will go over what happened and how to make sure you are prepared for the challenges ahead. Because of Texas’ comparative negligence laws, the defendant may try to avoid paying a full settlement by assigning blame to the victim. Let our team work to challenge unfair attempts to shift fault.

You may be entitled to recover money lost from:

• Healthcare costs
• Funeral expenses
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Lost inheritance

Building a case to seek damages for wrongful death not only helps you and your family move forward from this tragedy, but it also helps prevent similar accidents from happening in the future. With punitive damages and requirements to increase safety, you may play a key role in keeping people safe. Call our Texas wrongful death attorneys today and get started on your case.

Texas Wrongful Death FAQ