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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“I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with my attorney, Josh and his paralegal Janelle. They were communicative and moved quickly to get my settlement after my accident. I was told by another law firm that I did not have a case. Josh went above and beyond to help me. Janell stayed in touch with me throughout the process and answered any questions I have had. They are very familiar with workman’s comp as well. I would highly recommend them!”- Brittany E. (Google Review)
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“A friend recommended me to KRW Lawyers. They helped me out with a nice settlement, did great work while I recovered from a bad car accident. I appreciate you guys!”- Moses T. (Google Review)
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“My mother and I would like to express how very blessed we have been to have Henry Wollam, Genevieve Casanova, and KRW Lawyers staff helping us. They helped us at a time when we did not know who to turn to after our car accident. Something as simple as getting medical care and answers to our questions became difficult. But with Henry Wollam and Genevieve Casanova, doors were opened, and we felt peace of mind that everything was going to be alright. Knowing we could trust and depend on their knowledge and professionalism. They have big hearts that listen to their clients. We believe they worked very hard for us. Again, we thank you for everything you've done for us.”- Joann M. (Google Review)
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“KRW lawyers are a Godsend!- Sandy J.H. (Google Review)
From the very start to the very end, my attorney, Henry Wollam, has been truly exceptional. He is very personable, professional, and always available when I have questions. Mr. Wollam's paralegal Genevieve have been truly amazing keeping me up to date on my case. They both handle my questions with promptness and care. If you're in a vehicle accident and sustained injuries no need to look any further. KRW are knowledgeable, and very professional. I highly recommend KRW to anyone that needs a lawyer.” -
“Henry & Genevieve were the absolute best after I was in a car accident. They handled everything for us from the very beginning from dealing with the insurance, medical records, etc. Letting me worry about my healing while knowing we were in good hands. We will 10 / 10 recommend them to our friends and family or use them in the future if needed!”- Janet S. (Google Review)
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“- Lilly (Google Review)
I had an excellent experience working with KRW Law Firm after my car accident. From the very beginning, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about my well-being. They took the time to explain every step of the process in a way that was easy to understand, which gave me a lot of peace of mind during a stressful time.
What stood out most was their dedication and attention to detail. They handled everything efficiently and kept me informed throughout the entire case. I never felt like just another client—they truly made me feel supported and prioritized.
Thanks to their hard work and expertise, my case was settled successfully, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the outcome. I highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal assistance after an accident. They go above and beyond to deliver results while treating their clients with care and respect.
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“The KRW Lawyers were the best at helping me after my car was hit by someone running a Stop sign. The lawyer Seth Tatom and legal aid Lorna worked hard to get me help in getting my car fixed and compensation for my injuries. They did an amazing job of answering my questions and keeping me updated throughout the whole process. I would highly recommend the firm to anyone injured in an accident.”- Estella R. (Google Review)
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“I was involved in an accident, and I was referred to KRW (Scott, specifically). I had never used a personal injury attorney. I never had the need to. Scott explained the entire process and walked me through it. His first-hand knowledge of insurance companies is invaluable. The insurance company made an initial offer, and he got us 6X that. Not to mention, Scott and his professional team were a pleasure to deal with. I hope I don't have to use a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I'm calling KRW. No question.”- Wes M. (Google Review)
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“KRW Lawyers handled my accident case and I truly could not have asked for a more caring and hard working team! Lorna (Paralegal) was extremely helpful and treated me like family. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for making this traumatic accident easier to handle knowing they had my back the whole way.”- Cheyenne 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.
