Texas Wrongful Death Lawyer

The sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one is a devastating experience that no family should have to endure. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, the pain is compounded by a deep sense of injustice. In Texas, the law allows certain family members to hold the at-fault party accountable through a wrongful death claim.

At Trujillo Gonzalez, we fight for families who have lost a loved one due to preventable tragedies. We know that no amount of money can ever replace a life, but we also know financial compensation can provide stability, accountability, and a sense of justice during an incredibly difficult time. With offices in Dallas, Allen, San Antonio, and Laredo, we represent clients across Texas and are willing to travel anywhere in the state for a robust wrongful death case.

We don’t back down from powerful opponents. We don’t settle for less than what’s right. We try the tough cases and are here to fight for your family.

Why Hire the Texas Wrongful Death Lawyers at Trujillo Gonzalez?

When a life is lost due to negligence, you need more than just a Texas wrongful death lawyer—you need a team of fighters who understand what’s at stake. At Trujillo Gonzalez, we’re not just here to file paperwork or negotiate soft settlements. We try cases. We go the distance, and we never forget what this case means to your family.

What sets us apart:

• Hundreds of cases tried in court – We know what it takes to win before a jury.
• Aggressive and strategic litigation – We don’t settle for lowball offers.
• Willing to travel anywhere in Texas – From border towns to big cities, we go where the case takes us.
• No upfront costs – We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.
• Personalized attention – You’ll always speak directly with your attorney, not just a case manager.

We’re proud to help Texas families seek justice after an unthinkable loss, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Our Offices Across Texas

Our Texas wrongful death lawyers offer compassionate, results-driven legal representation throughout the state. Our offices include:

• Dallas: Our central hub for wrongful death litigation, serving families across the DFW area.
• Allen: Serving North Texas communities with local access to dedicated legal support.
• San Antonio: Helping families throughout Central Texas, including Bexar County and surrounding areas.
• Laredo: Fighting for justice in South Texas, especially in cases involving trucking, oilfield, or cross-border claims.

We also offer virtual consultations and are happy to meet clients at home or in the hospital if needed.

What Is a Wrongful Death Under Texas Law?

In Texas, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of the wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default of another party. This is governed by the Texas Wrongful Death Act, which is outlined in Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code.

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit, separate from any criminal charges that may be filed. While a criminal case may result in jail time or fines, a wrongful death suit seeks financial compensation for the surviving family members. Importantly, the defendant (at-fault party) does not need to be criminally convicted for a wrongful death claim to succeed. The burden of proof is lower in civil court, and your family can still recover damages even if no criminal case is pursued—or if the defendant is found not guilty.

Wrongful death can arise from many types of incidents, including:

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Workplace accidents (especially when an employer is a nonsubscriber to Workers’ Comp)
• Dangerous or defective products
• Medical negligence or surgical errors
• Nursing home neglect or abuse
• Unsafe premises (such as fatal falls or electrocution)
• Criminal acts such as assault or drunk driving
• Oilfield and industrial disasters

Our team of Texas wrongful death attorneys at Trujillo Gonzalez investigates the cause of death, determines who is legally responsible, and builds a case that reflects the full scope of your family’s loss.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

Not every friend or family member can file a wrongful death claim. Under Texas law, only certain people have legal standing to bring a claim on behalf of the deceased:

Spouses

The surviving husband or wife of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim. This includes common-law spouses if the relationship meets the legal requirements of Texas.

Children

Biological and legally adopted children of the deceased may bring a wrongful death action. Adult children may also be eligible to file a claim.

Parents

Both biological and adoptive parents may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for the loss of their child.

If none of these family members file a claim within three months of the date of death, the executor or personal representative of the estate may file the claim unless the family specifically requests otherwise. Siblings, cousins, and other relatives, no matter how close emotionally, do not have the legal right to file a wrongful death suit in Texas.

What Damages Are Available in a Texas Wrongful Death Case?

Wrongful death lawsuits are meant to compensate surviving family members for the personal and financial losses they’ve suffered as a result of their loved one’s death. These damages are generally divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Damages

These include the measurable financial losses related to the death, such as:

• Lost earning capacity of the deceased
• Loss of inheritance (what the deceased would have saved or passed on)
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills incurred before death (if a survival action is also filed)
• Value of lost household services, childcare, or support

Non-Economic Damages

These are more subjective but no less important. They compensate the family for the emotional pain and disruption caused by the loss, including:

• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Loss of companionship, love, support, and guidance
• Loss of consortium (for spouses)
• Loss of care, comfort, and society

Exemplary (Punitive) Damages

In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, such as in drunk driving crashes or intentional violent acts, exemplary damages (also known as punitive damages) may be awarded. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

At Trujillo Gonzalez, our Texas wrongful death attorneys work closely with economists, grief experts, and vocational analysts to paint a complete picture of your family’s loss. You can trust that we will pursue every available form of compensation to help you recover financially and emotionally.

Survival Action vs. Wrongful Death

In some cases, families may also file what’s known as a survival action in addition to a wrongful death claim. While a wrongful death suit is brought by the family for their own losses, a survival action is brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate to recover damages the person could have claimed had they lived.

Survival action damages may include:

• Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
• Physical pain and mental anguish experienced before death
• Lost wages between injury and death
• Property damage or loss
• Punitive damages (in some cases)

These claims are often filed together, and our Texas wrongful death lawyers at Trujillo Gonzalez handle both types of actions when appropriate to ensure your family receives the full value of the law’s protections.

How We Prove a Wrongful Death Claim

To win a wrongful death lawsuit, the Texas wrongful death attorneys at our firm must prove that the defendant’s actions directly caused the death and that those actions meet the legal standard for negligence, recklessness, or misconduct. Our Texas wrongful death attorneys take a thorough, investigative approach to every case, including:

• Examining police reports, accident reconstructions, and eyewitness statements
• Reviewing surveillance footage, black box data, and medical records
• Consulting with medical experts, engineers, or safety specialists
• Interviewing coworkers, bystanders, or others with relevant information
• Analyzing corporate policies or procedures in the workplace or business-related cases

We move quickly to preserve critical evidence and build a compelling case that leaves no doubt about who is at fault and what your family has lost.

Texas Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims

Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim. This two-year statute of limitations is strict. Unfortunately, if you miss this deadline, your right to seek compensation will likely be lost, no matter how strong your case may be.

There are limited exceptions in rare cases, such as:

• If the party bringing the lawsuit is a minor child
• If the defendant actively concealed wrongdoing
• If the party bringing the lawsuit was mentally or physically incapacitated

However, it is always best to speak with our Texas wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible after the loss. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence, locate witnesses, or build a strong case.

Questions about Wrongful Death Claims? Speak With Our Compassionate Texas Wrongful Death Lawyers Today

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face this battle alone. At Trujillo Gonzalez, we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process—with strength, skill, and compassion. We understand the weight of your grief. Let us carry the legal burden so you can focus on your family, your healing, and your future.

Call (972) 550-6818 today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.