Abilene Wrongful Death Attorney
Let Our Firm Fight for Your Family
Losing a loved one is devastating, but when that loss is caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful act, the grief can be compounded by anger, confusion, and financial strain. At KRW Lawyers, we understand the pain and uncertainty families face after a tragic loss. Our Abilene wrongful death lawyer is dedicated to helping you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve to protect your family’s future.
If your loved one’s death could have been prevented, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim under Texas law. Our legal team will stand by you every step of the way—handling the complex legal process so you can focus on healing.
Connect with KRW Lawyers to schedule your free consultation today.
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What is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. In essence, it is a personal injury claim that the victim can no longer bring on their own, so their family members pursue it on their behalf.
Examples of situations that can lead to wrongful death include:
- Car accidents caused by distracted or drunk drivers
- Truck accidents involving driver fatigue or improper loading
- Medical malpractice such as surgical errors or failure to diagnose
- Workplace accidents due to unsafe conditions or equipment failures
- Defective products that cause fatal injuries
- Criminal acts, including assault or reckless behavior
In each of these cases, someone’s negligence or intentional action resulted in the untimely death of another person. A wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members to hold the responsible party accountable—both legally and financially.
Texas Wrongful Death Laws
Texas law recognizes the rights of surviving family members to recover damages when a loved one’s death is caused by another’s wrongful act, neglect, or carelessness. These laws are outlined in Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, commonly known as the Texas Wrongful Death Act.
Here are some key elements of the law:
- Statute of Limitations: Generally, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of death. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in losing your right to compensation.
- Burden of Proof: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act directly caused the death.
- Survival Actions: In addition to a wrongful death claim, a separate “survival action” may be filed on behalf of the deceased’s estate to recover damages the victim could have claimed if they had survived, such as medical expenses or pain and suffering.
Because these cases can be complex and emotionally charged, it’s important to work with our Abilene wrongful death attorney who understands Texas law and can guide you through every legal step.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under Texas law, only certain family members are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These include:
- The surviving spouse
- Children of the deceased (biological and adopted)
- Parents of the deceased
If none of these individuals file a lawsuit within three months after the death, the executor or personal representative of the deceased’s estate may bring the claim instead—unless a family member requests otherwise.
It’s also important to note that siblings, cousins, and grandparents typically do not have standing to file a wrongful death claim in Texas. However, they may still benefit indirectly from any settlement distributed through the estate.
At KRW Lawyers, we can help you determine your eligibility to file, identify all potential beneficiaries, and ensure that the claim is properly filed within the legal timeframe.
Compensation for Wrongful Death
No amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one. However, financial compensation can help ease the burden of unexpected expenses and provide long-term stability for your family.
In Texas, wrongful death compensation may include:
Economic Damages
These are tangible losses that can be calculated financially, such as:
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support
- Loss of benefits, such as health insurance or retirement contributions
Non-Economic Damages
These address the emotional and intangible impact of losing a loved one:
- Loss of companionship, love, and emotional support
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Loss of guidance and nurturing for surviving children
Exemplary (Punitive) Damages
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, Texas courts may award exemplary damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Wrongful Death FAQs
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
You generally have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. There are rare exceptions, so it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What’s the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim compensates family members for their losses. A survival action, on the other hand, allows the deceased person’s estate to recover damages for pain, suffering, and expenses incurred before death.
Can more than one family member file a wrongful death lawsuit?
Yes. Eligible family members can file together in a single lawsuit or separately. Typically, the court will consolidate multiple claims into one case.
Do I need to go to court for a wrongful death claim?
Many wrongful death cases are resolved through settlements. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your lawyer may take the case to trial to pursue full justice.
How can an Abilene wrongful death lawyer help me?
An experienced lawyer handles every aspect of the process—from investigating the cause of death and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court. At KRW Lawyers, we provide compassionate legal support and aggressive representation to help your family obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Abilene Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
At KRW Lawyers, we know that no legal case can undo the pain of losing someone you love. However, holding the responsible party accountable can bring closure and help secure your family’s financial future.
Our Abilene wrongful death lawyer will treat your case with compassion, respect, and determination. We are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you achieve justice during this difficult time.
Call (325) 770-0508 to take the next step, and find ongoing support from a team committed to helping you move forward.
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“Henry and Lisa were able to quickly take my case and had it closed in a short time. They kept great communication and always followed up with phone calls just to check in. I highly recommend them if you ever need legal assistance.”- Russ D.
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“My case was drawn out and took a year and half to settle but Mr. Morales and Genevieve did an amazing job! They kept me informed on all negotiations and would highly recommend them.”- Anisha P.
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“We were involved in a hit and run accident that left us severely injured. What my insurance company offered was so small that I knew we needed help. From first contact with Genevieve Casanova (paralegal) we were well cared for. She was professional and kind, stayed in touch, answering all of my questions and addressing my concerns with grace. Our lawyer Nicholas Morales went above and beyond for us and we are grateful.”- Tanya W.
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“I had an excellent experience with KRW. Their professionalism and dedication were evident throughout the entire process. I cannot thank them enough for their support and expertise. Highly recommended!”- Fabian N.
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“My experience with KRW Lawyers has been awesome! Joshua Hatley and his asst. Brittany Martinez were always readily available, professional, and kind! Thank God for these amazing individuals who were always doing their job. I am eternally grateful for all the work they did to keep my case moving forward.”- Valeria G.
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“I’m incredibly grateful to KRW Law Firm for taking on my car accident case and securing a settlement for the injuries my wife and I sustained. From start to finish, my attorney, Henry Wollam, was confident, knowledgeable, and professional—exactly what you want when you're going through a stressful situation. He clearly knew the process inside and out, which gave me peace of mind throughout. The entire staff, especially Genevieve, was also courteous, responsive, and professional every step of the way. I highly recommend KRW to anyone in need of legal help.”- Jay E.
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“I’m truly satisfied with the results of my personal injury case due to the representation of KRW Lawyers. His paralegal Ms. Genevieve Casanova also did amazing at staying in contact with me and answering any questions I had. I highly recommend you contact them immediately if you’ve been in an accident that caused you injuries!”- Kayla B.
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“I reached out to KRW for help because of a workplace accident. They were able to assist me professionally and fairly. They spoke directly to me and did not promise things that could not be delivered.”- Former Client
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“It is hard to adequately describe quality of the legal representation I received from KRW. From day one, Joshua Hatley and his assistant Brittany, were courteous, fair, attentive, hard-working, and most of all, HONEST.”- Jack S.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Abilene Supports Your Family
Our wrongful death attorneys meet you where you are. We listen to your concerns, explain your rights under Texas law, and give you clear insight into what to expect at every phase. If you are considering a wrongful death claim in Abilene, we help you understand:
- Eligibility for a claim: Texas law permits surviving spouses, children, and parents to pursue wrongful death claims.
- Types of recoverable damages: Compensation may address lost financial support, lost companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.
- Local court procedures: Wrongful death cases in Abilene most often move through the Taylor County court system. Texas law sets a two-year deadline from the date of death to file these lawsuits.
- Insurance and opposing parties: We help position claims against corporations, insurance companies, or individuals whose actions may have caused the death.
- Contingency fees: You owe nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.
Because wrongful death lawsuits require both legal knowledge and personal attention, we review each claim alongside the unique facts—whether that involves workplace deaths, fatal vehicle accidents, or unsafe premises. These situations sometimes involve local entities, employers, or property owners in Abilene, so we adjust our support to the specifics of your case. Our detailed approach ensures your case reflects your family’s needs and community connections.
We approach every claim as if it will reach trial, preparing thoroughly and negotiating assertively so you can focus on your family during this challenging time.
