Austin Wrongful Death Lawyers
Compassionate Legal Support for Families Seeking Justice
At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we realize that nothing can make up for the loss of a loved one, especially when your loved one’s death is unexpected and the result of third-party negligence. As experienced wrongful death attorneys in Austin, we understand how difficult it can be to move on after the death of a loved one. As such, we are committed to taking legal action against the party responsible for your loss. It’s our goal to help family and friends seek justice on behalf of their lost loved ones, and we’re relentless in our pursuit of the full and fair compensation our clients need to afford funeral and burial expenses and other related costs.
Understanding the gravity of such a loss, our team provides compassionate and personalized services to meet your emotional and financial needs during this challenging time. As your wrongful death lawyer in Austin, we remain accessible and communicative throughout the legal process, answering any questions you may have about your rights and the progression of your claim. Our supportive approach ensures you are not alone in navigating the aftermath of a tragic loss.
Have you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence? Call Law Offices Of Vic Feazell, P.C. today at (254) 938-6885 or contact us online for a FREE consultation!
"
Understanding Texas Wrongful Death Laws
Texas has specific laws that govern wrongful death claims, defined under Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. These laws allow certain family members, such as the deceased's spouse, children, and parents, to seek compensation for their loss. The statute outlines the types of damages that can be sought, including economic losses like lost earnings and benefits and non-economic damages such as mental anguish and loss of companionship. Understanding these legal nuances is crucial, as they can significantly impact the outcome of a wrongful death claim.
Navigating these laws with a wrongful death attorney in Austin requires a comprehensive understanding of state statutes and the evolved judicial interpretations. Our team at the Law Offices Of Vic Feazell, P.C. is well-versed in the intricacies of Texas wrongful death laws, providing the guidance necessary to build a thorough and compelling argument. Whether addressing strictly defined timelines or interpreting how damages are calculated, we are here to offer clarity and support to our clients throughout their legal journey.
The Costs of Wrongful Death
Families and dependents of individuals who are wrongfully killed are left to deal with the following expenses:
- Funeral Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Medical Bills
- Prescriptions & Other Pain Management or Treatment Costs
- Loss of Companionship
Although nothing can bring a loved one back, taking legal action against the responsible party with a wrongful death lawyer in Austin can help the family obtain compensation to cover these costs and prevent financial burdens from accruing. Our Austin wrongful death attorneys are here to help you pursue justice on behalf of your lost loved one.
Dealing with the aftermath of wrongful death can also involve emotional and psychological challenges. Families may face difficulties in adjusting to life without their loved ones, impacting mental health and family dynamics. Therefore, families need to seek financial and emotional support, allowing them time to heal and rebuild their lives.
In addition to a wrongful death claim, a survival action claim may be filed on behalf of the deceased's estate in Texas. This type of claim seeks to compensate the estate for expenses incurred as a result of the deceased's untimely death, as opposed to a wrongful death claim that seeks to compensate the surviving family members of the estate.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Texas, a parent, spouse, or adult children of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim. This includes adopted children and parents of adopted children as long as the adoption is complete and legal. An adopted child, however, may not file a claim on behalf of a biological parent. In some cases, a representative of the deceased's estate can file a claim unless the surviving family members of the deceased's estate specifically request them not to. Texas, unfortunately, does not allow siblings to file a wrongful death claim.
Understanding who can legally initiate a wrongful death claim ensures the process proceeds without unnecessary delays. Our team, including your fatal accident attorney in Austin, is prepared to offer guidance on these legal matters, help you determine your eligibility to file a claim and take necessary steps to protect your rights and interests in the legal proceedings.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Preventable Car Accident?
Car accidents remain a top cause of wrongful deaths across the U.S., and our Austin car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C. are well aware, the Austin area is no exception to this. Sadly, many of these accidents are caused by distraction or driver error, meaning they could have likely been prevented if only the driver or party responsible for the accident had been more careful and conscientious.
Tragically, fatal car accidents caused by other people’s negligence often leave the family left behind grieving, frustrated, and angry. In addition to the immense grief and emotional trauma that a victim’s loved ones suffer through, a wrongful death caused by a car accident often leads to burdensome financial costs. Though there is nothing that can make up for a loved one’s loss, many people are able to obtain financial compensation from the party responsible for the accident, alleviating many of the tangible burdens placed on them after their loved one’s passing.
It’s hard enough to lose a person we love, but this loss can become even more devastating in the wake of all of the costs that a fatal car accident can create. For instance, you might be facing the high costs of:
- Potential emergency treatment
- Transport to hospital
- Notifications to family
- Funeral / memorial arrangements
- Financial distress due to income loss
- Emotional therapy costs
Each of these costs can set you back hundreds, sometimes thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars, all of which could have been prevented if another person had not caused a deadly car accident.
Contact Our Austin Wrongful Death Attorneys Today
Losing a loved one in any situation can be unimaginable and extremely hard to deal with. While dealing with the aftereffects of such a loss is often a person's main priority, pursuing compensation and justice for their suffering and losses should not be overlooked. By holding the person responsible for your loved one’s death accountable, you can take action to prevent such events from happening to another person or family in the future.
Our team provides dedicated support and advocacy, holding negligent parties accountable while you focus on healing. We offer a sensitive approach, ensuring you have the resources and legal knowledge to navigate this challenging period. Trust us to pursue what is fair and alleviate some burdens on your emotional and financial recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the deceased individual's death. This timeline is critical as failing to file within this period may bar the family from pursuing a claim. However, certain exceptions can alter this timeframe, such as cases involving fraud or if the survivor was a minor at the time of the death. Understanding the exact timeline applicable to your situation is essential.
Our team at the Law Offices Of Vic Feazell, P.C. assists in determining the appropriate filing deadlines, ensuring that you do not miss critical dates that could affect your claim. As your wrongful death lawyer in Austin, we are equipped to handle complex situations that involve exceptions to standard limitations, providing peace of mind to families during a challenging time.
Why Hire a Local Austin Wrongful Death Attorney?
Choosing a local attorney for a wrongful death claim can provide numerous advantages, primarily due to their familiarity with local courts, jury pools, and traffic patterns that may contribute to fatal accidents. An attorney based in Austin will have insights into how local factors may affect your claim and can offer a more tailored legal strategy.
At the Law Offices Of Vic Feazell, P.C., our deep connections to the Austin community allow us to leverage local knowledge effectively. We understand the unique challenges of the city's rapid growth and changing infrastructure, and are using this awareness to advocate passionately for our clients. With us, clients gain not only experienced legal guidance but also a compassionate partner invested in the well-being of the Austin community.
What Is the Difference Between Wrongful Death & Survival Claims?
While related, wrongful death and survival claims serve distinct purposes under Texas law. A wrongful death claim seeks to compensate surviving family members for the losses they suffer due to their relative's death, including both financial and emotional hardships. The deceased's immediate family members bring these.
Conversely, a survival claim is filed on behalf of the deceased's estate. It seeks compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before their death and any medical expenses incurred. This claim focuses on damages the deceased could have pursued had they survived the incident. Both claims can be prosecuted in concert to ensure comprehensive redress of the family's and estate's losses. Consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Austin will ensure these claims are handled correctly and efficiently.
Don’t face this difficult time alone. Let our dedicated Austin wrongful death lawyers help you seek the compensation and closure you deserve. Contact us now!