Fort Worth Wrongful Death Lawyer
Did you recently lose a loved one in a fatal accident in Fort Worth, Texas? If so, Stephens Law Firm, PLLC can help. Contact us online or call (817) 420 7000 to speak with an experienced Fort Worth wrongful death lawyer and pursue the compensation you deserve.
With over 60 years of combined experience, we’ve recovered more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts for families like yours. Schedule your free consultation today—we’ll guide you through the legal process and fight for maximum compensation for medical costs, lost income, and the devastating loss of companionship and support.
Why Choose Stephens Law Firm, PLLC for Help With a Wrongful Death Case in Fort Worth, TX?
It can be incredibly difficult to think about the circumstances of your loved one’s death. That’s especially true when you know your loss was preventable. During this time, our team at Stephens Law Firm, PLLC is here to fight for the compensation you need.
Our attorneys have handled hundreds of cases and know how to deliver results that make a difference in the life of every client we represent. We’re skilled negotiators, but we’ve been equally successful in the courtroom–and the insurance company knows it.
Both the Martindale-Hubbell and Avvo lawyer rating services have recognized our team with their highest possible ratings. We’ve earned an AV-Preeminent rating and a perfect-10 Avvo rating. Our seasoned trial attorneys are prepared to go the extra mile to help your family get justice.
To learn more about how our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers can help, call for a free consultation today.
Understanding Wrongful Death Laws in Texas: Do You Have a Valid Claim for Compensation?
Texas law gives survivors the right to seek compensation if someone else caused the death of a loved one. More specifically, a wrongful death is any death caused by someone else’s “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default”.
Any number of situations can give rise to a valid wrongful death claim, including deaths caused by:
- Negligent drivers in motor vehicle accidents
- Doctors and hospitals that make fatal medical errors
- Property owners who fail to maintain their premises
- Manufacturers who sell defective and dangerous products
If the deceased person could have filed a personal injury lawsuit, you likely have a valid wrongful death case.
Wrongful death claims are decided in civil court. They’re designed to compensate survivors rather than punish defendants for criminal acts. You may have a valid wrongful death case regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Texas?
Certain surviving family members are given priority when it comes to filing a lawsuit, including:
- The surviving spouse
- The victim’s biological or adopted children
- The victim’s parents
Often, the victim’s personal representative, or executor of their estate, files the formal lawsuit. When a case is successful, damages are distributed to the victim’s survivors.
What Is My Fort Worth Wrongful Death Case Worth?
The factors that are most relevant when assessing the value of a wrongful death claim include:
- The age and life expectancy of the victim prior to the accident or event that caused their death
- The nature of the accident or event
- The victim’s estimated future earning capacity
- Whether any surviving dependent children exist, and their ages
- The financial impact of the loss on surviving family members
- How the victim contributed to the household
- How your family’s life has changed due to the loss
- Whether shared fault is a legitimate issue
Calculating the value of damages in wrongful death claims can be particularly challenging. That’s because much of your compensation award will account for projected future losses and your family’s intangible suffering.
Our lawyers conduct a detailed analysis of every factor that can be used to maximize your case value. We also know how to stop insurance companies from manipulating the facts to reduce your case value.
While it’s impossible to give you an estimate of your case value without understanding the facts, we can offer more insight in a free case review. Contact us today to schedule yours.
What Types of Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Case in Fort Worth?
After a loved one suffers a fatal injury, you can demand compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages.
Common examples of damages in wrongful death cases include:
- Medical expenses incurred in an attempt to save your loved one’s life
- Loss of financial support and employment-related benefits
- Loss of the value of household services the victim performed during their life
- Loss of inheritance, or accumulated wealth, had your loved one lived
- Loss of your loved one’s companionship, support, and guidance
- Loss of consortium, or loss of a spouse’s companionship
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault party for gross negligence or malice that led to the person’s death. These damages are not tied to the family’s financial losses but are meant to deter similar conduct in the future.
The amount of compensation you receive often depends on how the victim contributed to their household, the identity of surviving loved ones, and the parties involved in the case.
How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out?
If your family member lost their life due to another person’s negligence, a wrongful death claim can provide much-needed financial relief. In such a case, the settlement is typically paid out in one of two ways: a lump sum or a structured settlement.
- A lump-sum settlement provides immediate access to the entire compensation amount (in a single payment). This can be used to cover urgent costs like medical bills, burial expenses, and other debts related to the deceased person’s medical care.
- A structured settlement spreads payments out over time, offering long-term financial support.
A lump sum may be ideal if your family needs to pay off significant expenses quickly. Structured settlements, on the other hand, can offer steady income over time—helping your family adjust financially after your loved one’s death. However, they can carry risks if not properly protected, so it’s important to discuss safeguards like escrow accounts or guaranty agreements before accepting this form of payment.
We’re here to help you recover damages for the financial and emotional losses caused by an unexpected death. Our legal team can help you navigate every step of the process and hold the at-fault party responsible. We’ll ensure that you understand what you’re entitled to, that your voice is heard, and that your case is handled with care.
How Can Texas Shared Fault Laws Impact My Right to Recover Compensation for Wrongful Death?
Texas has modified comparative negligence laws. Your compensation will be reduced to the extent your loved one shared any blame for their fatal injuries. Families lose their right to damages completely once the victim’s share of fault exceeds 50%.
Shared fault is a common issue, both in wrongful death and personal injury claims. Disproving unfair allegations can be more difficult in wrongful death cases. The victim obviously can’t tell their side of the story.
If the insurance company is trying to get away with paying less than you deserve, call our Fort Worth wrongful death attorneys today. Your case review is always free, so it never hurts to learn how our team can help.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Texas?
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. We don’t charge a dime unless we recover compensation in your case.
Many people put off calling a lawyer because of the expected cost. You don’t have to worry about this with our law firm. You’ll never be required to cover upfront fees.
We Handle All Types of Wrongful Death Cases in Fort Worth
Our lawyers at Stephens Law Firm, PLLC have the skills to handle any type of wrongful death claim.
We represent clients in cases involving:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Uber or Lyft accidents
- ATV accidents
- Boating accidents
- Slip and fall accidents and premises liability claims
- Electrocution accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Electrocution accidents
- Oil rig accidents
- Defective products
- Maritime accidents
- Aviation accidents
- Criminal assault and homicide
We know this is a difficult time. The best way to protect your family’s future is to call our law offices for a free case review. Once we understand the details, we can give you more information about your legal options.
How Do I Prove My Family Deserves Compensation for Wrongful Death in Texas?
While different legal theories can be relevant to your case, the most common legal basis is negligence.
To prove negligence, you’ll need evidence to prove four elements:
- The defendant owed your loved one a legal duty of care
- The defendant breached that duty
- Causation—meaning the defendant’s conduct caused your loved one’s death
- The specific damages your family suffered as a result
The standard of proof is not as high as the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard in criminal cases. You must still prove your case by a preponderance of the evidence. That means the evidence must show that it’s more likely than not that the defendant was responsible.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You Prove Your Negligence Case
Our lawyers are here to handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Determining who is legally responsible for your family’s damages
- Collecting evidence to establish causation
- Hiring experts who can testify about contested issues
- Documenting the value of your damages
- Defending against allegations that your loved one shared fault
After the loss of a loved one, hiring an experienced attorney is one of the smartest moves you can make. With our team in your corner, you’re much more likely to wind up with the full compensation you deserve.
What Is the Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Texas?
After a fatal injury in Texas, you have two years to take legal action. This two-year statute of limitations period starts to run on the date of your loved one’s death. While rare exceptions exist, you’ll generally lose your right to damages after two years have passed.
Contact an Experienced Fort Worth Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Case Review
We know that facing life without your loved one can seem impossible. Count on our experienced Fort Worth wrongful death lawyers to seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Our lawyers have decades of combined experience and have won over $300 million for our clients. To learn more about how we can put our proven track record of success to work for you, call Stephens Law Firm, PLLC to arrange a free consultation today.
