Texas Wrongful Death Attorneys | Fatal Accident Lawyers
The McFarlane Law Approach to Texas Wrongful Death Cases
We provide comprehensive legal support through every stage of your wrongful death case:
Thorough Investigation
We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other specialists to determine exactly how and why your loved one died.
Evidence Preservation
We take immediate action to preserve critical evidence before it disappears from accident scenes.
Liability Determination
We identify all parties whose negligence contributed to your loved one’s fatal accident.
Estate Matters
We assist with establishing estate representation when necessary to pursue survival claims in Texas.
Damages Assessment
We work with economists and life-care planners to calculate the full financial impact of your loss.
Settlement Negotiation
We engage in strategic negotiations to secure a fair settlement when possible for grieving families.
Trial Preparation
We prepare every wrongful death case as if it will go to trial, strengthening our position in negotiations and ensuring readiness if litigation becomes necessary.
Texas Wrongful Death Lawyers Fighting For Families After Fatal Accidents
Our experienced attorneys handle wrongful death claims arising from all types of fatal accidents across Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico:
- Fatal truck and car accidents
- Workplace fatalities and industrial accidents
- Oil field and refinery deaths
- Plant and chemical explosions
- Maritime and offshore fatalities
- Medical malpractice resulting in death
- Defective product fatalities
- Fatal construction accidents
- Aviation disasters
- Acts of violence due to negligent security
Understanding Texas Wrongful Death Laws
A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to the legal fault of another person or entity. Texas law allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their losses through specific legal procedures.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
- Texas law specifies who can file a wrongful death claim.
- Texas: Spouses, children (including adopted children), and parents of the deceased
- Louisiana: Spouses and children; if none, then parents; if none, then siblings; if none, then grandparents
- New Mexico: Personal representative of the estate for the benefit of surviving spouse and children; if none, then parents; if none, then dependents
- Our wrongful death attorneys carefully explain the legal process and eligibility requirements to family members during this difficult time.

Compassionate, Results-Driven Wrongful Death Representation
We understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one. However, wrongful death compensation serves important purposes:
- Providing financial stability for families who have lost a breadwinner
- Covering expenses related to the death, including medical and funeral costs
- Acknowledging the non-economic losses suffered by family members
- Holding wrongdoers accountable and deterring similar conduct in the future
Our approach combines compassionate client service with aggressive legal advocacy to achieve the best possible outcome for your family after a fatal accident.
The McFarlane Law Difference: Why Choose Our Personal Injury Lawyers
Our experienced attorneys handle wrongful death cases arising from:
Fatal Transportation Accidents
- Commercial truck and 18-wheeler fatalities
- Fatal car accidents
- Motorcycle crash deaths
- Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities
- Bus and public transportation fatal accidents
- Aviation disasters and helicopter crashes
Workplace and Industrial Fatalities
- Construction site deaths
- Manufacturing fatal accidents
- Oilfield fatalities in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale
- Fatal plant explosions and fires
- Toxic exposure deaths
- Falls from heights
- Equipment malfunction fatalities
Maritime Fatal Accidents
- Offshore oil rig fatal incidents
- Vessel collision deaths
- Drownings in commercial operations
- Fatal diving accidents
- Commercial fishing fatalities
- Maritime helicopter crashes
Other Preventable Deaths
- Defective product fatalities
- Fatal medical errors and malpractice
- Nursing home neglect and abuse deaths
- Premises liability fatal incidents
- Wrongful deaths from negligent security
Compensation Available to Texas Families in Wrongful Death Cases
The compensation available in Texas wrongful death cases typically includes:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support and earning capacity
- Loss of benefits and inheritance
- Loss of household services the deceased would have provided
- Final expenses and estate administration costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Loss of love, companionship, and consortium
- Loss of care, guidance, and nurturing
- Loss of society and comfort
Maritime Fatal Accidents
In addition to wrongful death damages, Texas law allows families to recover “survival damages” for the pain, suffering, and mental anguish the deceased experienced before death. These damages become part of the deceased’s estate.
Other Preventable Deaths
In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, exemplary damages may be available under Texas law to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Texas Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations
While grieving families need time to process their loss, there are important legal reasons to consult with a wrongful death attorney promptly:
- Texas Statute of Limitations: Wrongful death claims in Texas must be filed within two years of the date of death in most cases.
- Louisiana Statute of Limitations: Louisiana has a one-year prescription period for wrongful death claims.
- New Mexico Statute of Limitations: Wrongful death claims in New Mexico must be filed within three years.
- Evidence Preservation: Critical evidence can disappear quickly, especially in workplace or industrial accidents.
- Witness Testimony: Witnesses’ memories fade over time, making early interviews crucial.
- Corporate Defense Tactics: Companies often begin building their defense immediately after a fatal accident.
- Our attorneys handle the legal aspects of your case with sensitivity to your grief, allowing you to focus on your family during this difficult time.
The McFarlane Law Advantage in Texas Wrongful Death Cases
What sets our wrongful death practice apart:
Experience
Our attorneys have secured substantial verdicts and settlements for families who have lost loved ones in preventable accidents across Texas.
Resources
We have the financial strength to advance all costs associated with complex wrongful death litigation.
Compassion
We provide personalized attention and support to grieving families throughout the legal process.
Trial Success
Our courtroom experience often leads to better settlements without the need for trial.
Multi-State Knowledge
We understand the varying wrongful death laws across Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
Texas Cities We Serve in Wrongful Death Cases
Our wrongful death attorneys represent families throughout
- Houston Metropolitan Area: Harris County, Fort Bend, Montgomery
- Dallas-Fort Worth: Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County
- San Antonio: Bexar County and surrounding areas
- Austin: Travis County, Williamson County
- El Paso: El Paso County
- Corpus Christi: Nueces County, San Patricio County
- Rio Grande Valley: Hidalgo County, Cameron County
- East Texas: Beaumont, Tyler, Longview
Wrongful Death Case Results: Multimillion-Dollar Verdicts and Settlements
$15.2M
Verdict
Fatal truck accident on I-10 near Houston involving commercial driver fatigue
$9.8M
Settlement
Oilfield explosion causing wrongful death of worker in Midland, Texas
$7.5M
Recovery
Fatal construction site fall in Dallas due to inadequate safety equipment
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Wrongful Death Claims
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney in Texas?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Many explosion-related injuries, particularly chemical exposures, may not be immediately apparent. Report the incident to your supervisor, document everything you can remember about the circumstances, and consult with an experienced plant explosion attorney before giving statements to company representatives or signing any documents.
How long do wrongful death cases take to resolve in Texas?
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What is the difference between wrongful death claims and survival claims in Texas?
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How are wrongful death settlements distributed among family members in Texas?
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Contact Our Texas Wrongful Death Attorneys Today
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct in Texas, Louisiana, or New Mexico, contact McFarlane Law for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys will provide compassionate guidance through this difficult time while fighting for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Call (512) 222-4900 or complete our contact form to speak with a wrongful death lawyer. With offices throughout Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, we’re ready to support you and your family during this difficult time.
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