Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Texas
If your loved one died as a result of someone else’s negligence (including via car accident, being hit by a truck, or other types of personal injuries), your family may be entitled to financial compensation. However, in order to obtain the compensation you deserve, you must act quickly in order to respect the wrongful death statute of limitations in Texas.
Here, the Grimes & Fertitta wrongful death attorneys in Houston have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the wrongful death statute of limitations in Texas.
If you want a more in-depth look at the legal process of wrongful death claims, we suggest reading our article: How does a wrongful death lawsuit work?
FAQ: How long do you have to sue for wrongful death?
A: According to the wrongful death statute of limitations in Texas, you have two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a wrongful death claim.
Our attorneys understand that you need time to grieve the death of a loved one. The death of a loved one unexpectedly due to someone else’s negligence can be incredibly traumatizing and stressful. However, if you fail to file a wrongful death claim within two years, you may never be able to collect the financial compensation you and your family deserve.
Because it can be so difficult to stay on top of deadlines as you mourn the loss of your loved one, we recommend that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. Because on top of grief, you may soon be burdened with medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses.
Hiring the right wrongful death lawyer in Houston can help ease some of this stress by securing compensation to help you and your family recover from this loss. And though no amount of compensation can ever replace your loved one, it can provide you with some peace of mind as you focus on healing.
FAQ: When should I hire a wrongful death attorney?
A: The short answer: right away. Though it can be difficult to think of taking legal action while you’re grieving, these types of cases require lengthy and thorough investigations that a family may not be able to handle on their own. You don’t want to wait until you’re near the two-year mark of the wrongful death statute of limitations in Texas to act. The sooner you contact a wrongful death attorney to start your investigation, the stronger your case will be.
We understand that no amount of money can make situations like this disappear, but we believe that no family should have to suffer the financial consequences of someone else’s negligent acts. That’s why we recommend finding a reputable wrongful death attorney that you can trust soon after the death of a loved one. An experienced wrongful death attorney from Grimes & Fertitta will fight hard to ensure the negligent party is held responsible for their actions.
Tip: If you’re unsure if your attorney is a good fit, here are some questions to ask your personal injury lawyer.
FAQ: Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Texas?
A: The following surviving family members in Texas can file a wrongful death claim: the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased person. Each person can file a claim individually or one claim can be filed as a group. If any of these individuals do not file a claim within the first three months of the victim’s death, a claim can be filed by a representative of the estate of the deceased victim on behalf of survivors who had a relationship with the victim.
There are a few limitations on who can file these claims in Texas law. An adoptive child may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of an adoptive parent (as long as they are fully and legally adopted), but not for the adoptive child’s biological parent. Siblings, whether biological or adoptive, are unable to file a claim at all. Take note of these limitations and be sure to ask your attorney if you need clarification.
Surviving family members and spouses in Texas may be entitled to the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of income
- Emotional distress/loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering of the victim before their death
- Loss of inheritance
- Punitive damages (if criminal activity was involved)
The legal team at Grimes & Fertitta can be your advocate and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Grimes & Fertitta for a Wrongful Death Attorney You Can Trust
We hope by covering the wrongful death statute of limitations in Texas, we’ve helped make you more aware of your options. You don’t have to go through this traumatic event alone.
Wrongful death claims can take an emotional toll on the entire family. You need a dedicated legal team to help fight for the justice that your loved ones deserve.
If you need to file a claim for wrongful death in the Woodlands, Texas, let a Grimes & Fertitta attorney remove some of the burden from your shoulders so you can focus on healing. We will never treat you like just another case number.
Contact us online today or call us at 713-224-7644 today for a free consultation.
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