Has your family lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence in Corpus Christi, Texas? If so, the Law Office of William J. Tinning, P.C. is here to help. Contact us today at (361) 643-9200 for a free consultation with an experienced Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyer.
While no legal action can undo your loss, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial security and a sense of accountability. Our firm is committed to protecting your family’s interests, seeking the maximum compensation available, and holding the responsible parties accountable while you focus on healing.
Why Choose the Law Office of William J. Tinning, P.C. to Handle My Family’s Wrongful Death Claim in Corpus Christi, TX?
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is an overwhelming experience. While you focus on your family and the grieving process, you should not have to deal with insurance companies or complex legal issues on your own. Our experienced Corpus Christi wrongful death attorney is prepared to protect your rights and pursue the compensation your family deserves.
Families throughout Corpus Christi turn to the Law Office of William J. Tinning, P.C. because of our commitment to honest guidance, personalized representation, and proven results. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients and their families, and we have earned the respect of clients, insurers, and the legal community alike.
When you hire our firm, you gain a dedicated legal team that will investigate your claim, build a strong case, negotiate aggressively, and, when necessary, take your case to trial. Contact us today for a free consultation with a trusted Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer.
Understanding How Wrongful Death Lawsuits Work in Texas
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim that allows certain surviving family members to seek compensation when a loved one dies because of another person’s or business’s negligence or wrongful conduct. These cases are separate from any criminal charges that may arise from the same incident.
Like other personal injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits:
- Are filed in civil court
- Seek financial compensation for the surviving family members
- Focus on the losses suffered by the family rather than punishing the at-fault party
Even if a defendant faces criminal prosecution, a wrongful death lawsuit may still be filed. The two proceedings serve different purposes and can move forward independently of one another.
In a Texas wrongful death case, the family has the burden of proving that the defendant’s negligence or wrongful conduct caused the death. This must be established by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible. This standard is lower than the beyond a reasonable doubt standard required in criminal cases.
How Do I Know Whether I Have a Valid Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Claim?
Texas law gives certain surviving family members the right to sue for compensation after a fatal injury.
Those family members include:
- Surviving spouses
- Biological or adoptive children
- Parents
If someone else caused your loved one’s death, there’s a very good chance you have a valid wrongful death case. Call our law firm today to learn more about your rights.
How Much Money Is My Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Case Worth?
Variables that will impact your case value include:
- The amount of financial support the victim provided prior to death
- Your relationship with the victim
- How the victim contributed to the household and family
- The victim’s age and life expectancy
- The victim’s prior earnings history and projected earning capacity
- The circumstances surrounding the death and the nature of the defendant’s acts
- Your family’s financial costs, including medical bills, funeral expenses, etc.
- Texas shared fault laws, if comparative fault is at issue
Your family is already dealing with an incredible amount of stress. The compensation you recover can provide critical financial stability to your family.
When you hire our team, we’ll collaborate with leading experts who can help establish your case value. Much of your damages award will compensate for future financial loss and your family’s grief and trauma. You won’t have receipts to clearly establish the value of these losses.
Without experienced legal help, you give the insurance company room to downplay your case value and pay less than you deserve.
What Types of Damages Are Available in a Successful Wrongful Death in Corpus Christi?
Broadly, your family can demand compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Economic damages help offset the financial consequences you’ve experienced due to the premature death of your loved one.
Examples include:
- Lost wages and lost future financial support
- Medical expenses incurred to treat the fatal injury
- Loss of services provided by the victim, including household and childcare services
- Property damage
- Funeral expenses
- Estate administration expenses
- Loss of inheritance
Projecting the value of future financial losses is a complex endeavor. Our lawyer has the skill and experience you need to convince the insurance company to offer a fair settlement.
Non-Economic Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Non-economic damages are personal and subjective. Your family has suffered an unimaginable loss. Non-economic damages are designed to help you cope.
Examples include:
- Loss of a spouse’s company and support, or loss of consortium
- Lost parental guidance and instruction
- Mental pain, suffering and grief
Texas courts also have the authority to award punitive damages to surviving spouses and children. The goal of punitive damages is to punish the defendant for extreme, shocking acts or intentional wrongdoing.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Texas?
Most wrongful death lawyers offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis.
This means:
- You don’t pay upfront
- You only pay once your case is resolved and your attorney has recovered compensation
- Attorneys’ fees are deducted directly from your settlement or verdict
A contingency fee arrangement allows families to pursue justice without the added financial burden of paying attorney’s fees while their case is ongoing.
What Is Comparative Negligence and How Can It Impact the Value of a Wrongful Death Case in Texas?
Texas modified comparative negligence laws in cases involving shared fault. It’s possible that the defendant will attempt to blame your loved one for causing their own death.
In Texas, damages are reduced in proportion to fault up to 50%. If your loved one’s share of fault was greater than 50%, your family cannot recover compensation from another responsible party.
What Are Some Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Texas?
Accidents are the most common cause of wrongful death in Texas. Still, wrongful death claims can be based on any situation where a fatal injury occurs.
Our Corpus Christi personal injury attorney handles all types of claims, including those involving:
- Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents
- Premises liability claims involving dangerous property conditions
- Intentional torts, including gun violence and domestic violence
- Industrial accidents
- Oil field accidents
- Slip and fall accidents and falls from heights
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Maritime and offshore accidents
- Uber or Lyft accidents
- Boating accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
If you lost a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact our attorney for the advice and support you deserve. When you call us, we’ll listen to your story and answer your questions. You can count on us to provide the straightforward guidance you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Wrongful Death in Texas?
Texas applies a two-year statute of limitations in wrongful death cases. The clock begins running on the date of death, which could be later than the date of the fatal accident. After two years, you can no longer file a claim for compensation.
Two years seems like a long time. In reality, it doesn’t give you much time to accomplish everything you’ll have to do before filing a claim. Getting a lawyer involved quickly is the best way to protect your family’s interests.
Contact a Trusted Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
Losing someone you love is never easy. The loss can be particularly difficult when it was premature and avoidable. Your family deserves every ounce of justice the law has to offer. Call the Law Office of William J. Tinning, P.C. today to learn how an experienced Corpus Christi wrongful death attorney can fight for justice.