What Is Considered Wrongful Death?
According to Texas Statutes Section 71.001, a person's death is considered a wrongful death when it is caused by a party's "wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default." In East Texas, wrongful deaths can occur as the result of:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Oil Field Injuries
- Defective Products
- Other Causes
If someone you love has lost their life because of another person's or organization's negligence, you may have the right to seek financial compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Personal injury attorneys Randy Akin and Greg Burton of Longview, TX, have handled many wrongful death cases during their combined 50-plus years in practice. They can help you hold the responsible parties accountable for your loss and collect the damages you deserve.
Request a Free Consultation With Our Wrongful Death Lawyers
The law firm of G.R. Akin, P.C. offers free wrongful death consultations to families in Longview, Tyler, and surrounding East Texas communities. If you are unable to travel to our office for whatever reason, our lawyers are happy to meet with you at your home, in the hospital, or anywhere else.
Initial case reviews with our attorneys carry no obligation, so there's no reason not to discuss your case with our team. During your consultation, our lawyers will review the details of your loved one's passing and honestly recommend whether your family could benefit from filing a wrongful death claim.
To schedule your totally free, no-obligation consultation, contact us online or give us a call.
Call Us: (903) 297-8929
"True professionals."
"Randy and his team are true professionals. Highly recommended." Christopher H.
Relatable Personal Injury Attorneys
At our law firm in Longview, TX, you won't find stuffy, pretentious attorneys in expensive suits. Instead, our personal injury lawyers are down-to-earth, accessible professionals who will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and will make your wrongful death case as easy to understand as possible.
However, despite their laid-back demeanors, our wrongful death lawyers are not afraid to take on difficult and complex cases. Even if your case involves a unique personal injury or a difficult-to-prove instance of medical malpractice, our attorneys will dedicate their full attention to your case and go all the way to trial if necessary.
Additionally, our firm is committed to timely communication. When you work with us, you will always know the status of your wrongful death case.
If another party's negligence has caused the wrongful death of your loved one, we are the East Texas lawyers that you need to call. To begin building your case, contact our office today.
How Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help You
Give You Time to Grieve
In the wake of your loved one's passing, you have so much going on that you may not be able to find the time to handle a wrongful death case. Allow our attorneys to take charge of building your case and achieving the compensation you deserve. We can give you time to grieve properly and help guide your family through this difficult period.
Navigate the Law
The law can be confusing for the average person, but our attorneys can navigate it with ease and keep you informed of the status of your case every step of the way. Allow us to file all documentation by the proper deadlines and explore all avenues of compensation. Our attorneys can improve your chances of securing the best financial outcome in cases of wrongful death.
Achieve Peace of Mind
Though nothing can make up for the loss of your loved one, winning your case can allow you to feel as though you've gained a certain amount of closure. You can also feel proud because you've helped bring wrongdoing to light and potentially prevented other people from losing a loved one.
"Nice and honest."
"They are very nice and honest people. If they can help you they will take the case." Saleh M.
Our Law Firm Can Help You Take Legal Action Today
If your loved one has succumbed to injuries sustained due to the negligence of another person or party, you deserve financial compensation. Time is of the essence, and you have nothing to lose by requesting a free consultation with our attorneys. We can help you navigate your wrongful death case and allow you and your family to focus on grieving during a complicated time.
We invite you to request a free consultation with our Longview, TX, law firm:
(903) 297-8929
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Texas, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the victim's spouse, children, or parents. Only one wrongful death claim can be filed, but multiple family members can choose to file it together as a group.
If the victim's spouse, children, or parents do not file a wrongful death claim within three months of the death, then the executor or personal representative of the victim's estate can file a claim, unless the family requests that no claim be filed.
A victim's siblings are not able to file a wrongful death claim in Texas.
The Statute of Limitations Is 2 Years Time Is Limited to File a Claim
In almost all wrongful death cases, the victim's family members have two years from the date of the death to file a claim. After the statute of limitations has expired, the family is no longer allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party.
You have two years to file the lawsuit, but wrongful death lawsuits can take months to properly investigate and assemble. Therefore, it is in your best interest to consult with our wrongful death attorneys as soon as you are able.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Damages
In a wrongful death lawsuit, damages are awarded to relieve the financial hardships suffered by family members as a result of losing their spouse, parent, or child. If your loved one has suffered a wrongful death, you could potentially recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses incurred before death as a result of the accident
- Loss of necessary income and other financial support
- Funeral, burial, and associated costs
- “Loss of consortium,” which refers to the loss of the deceased’s love and companionship
- Emotional pain and anguish
- Lost inheritance, including any money the victim would have been expected to save and leave behind if they had survived
- Property damage, if the victim died in a car accident or some other kind of accident that resulted in property damage
- Punitive damages, if the responsible party’s actions were especially reckless or morally reprehensible
Obviously, some of these expenses are easier to quantify than others. When you work with our Longview wrongful death attorneys, they will help you calculate your family's damages and make sure that any claim you submit is as comprehensive as possible.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Wrongful Death?
Different parties can be responsible for wrongful death, including:
- Drunk or distracted drivers
- Employers
- Property owners and tenants
- Medical professionals who committed medical malpractice
- Individuals who committed intentional acts
"Awesome attorney."
"Greg has been an awesome attorney. Even after my case was settled, he has help get rid of debt collectors that have called & sent mail for a company that got paid when my case was settled. I highly recommend Greg. He is super nice & will take care of all the work for you." Lauralee M.
Understanding Personal Injury
If your loved one survived their catastrophic injuries, they may still qualify for a personal injury suit. Personal injury cases allow an injured party to collect compensation for losses from the party responsible for the harmful incident. Our law firm serving Longview and beyond can help you prove that the at-fault party was responsible for your injuries.