Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience that brings emotional, financial, and practical challenges. In Corpus Christi, Texas, industries such as oil and gas, construction, maritime, and transportation create unique risks that can lead to fatal accidents. Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers specialize in helping grieving families navigate the legal system to hold responsible parties accountable and secure fair compensation. outlines how these attorneys can assist, the types of wrongful death cases they handle, and the steps to take to pursue justice.
Why Hire a Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Texas wrongful death laws are complex, and pursuing a claim without legal expertise can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers provide compassionate guidance and aggressive representation to ensure families receive the justice and financial relief they deserve. These attorneys help by:
Evaluating your case: Determining if negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct caused the death
Identifying liable parties: Pinpointing individuals, companies, or third parties responsible
Navigating Texas laws: Understanding statutes like the Texas Wrongful Death Act and survival actions
Maximizing compensation: Calculating economic and non-economic damages, including lost financial support and emotional suffering
A Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyer handles the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on healing while they pursue accountability.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi’s economy, driven by industries like maritime, oil and gas, and transportation, sees a range of accidents that can result in wrongful death. Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers commonly represent families in cases involving:
Car and truck accidents: Often caused by drunk driving, distracted driving, or speeding, with Nueces County reporting over 20 pedestrian deaths annually due to traffic accidents
Workplace accidents: Including oil rig explosions, construction site falls, or machinery malfunctions
Maritime accidents: Common in Corpus Christi’s bustling port, involving fishing or shipping incidents
Medical malpractice: Resulting from negligent healthcare providers or hospital errors
Defective products: Such as faulty equipment or medications with inadequate warnings
Premises liability: Including slip-and-fall accidents or inadequate security leading to fatal injuries
These incidents often involve negligence by individuals, corporations, or third parties, and a skilled attorney can build a case to prove liability.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Texas
In Texas, wrongful death claims are governed by the Texas Wrongful Death Act, allowing certain family members to seek compensation for losses caused by a loved one’s death. A Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyer can explain the two main types of claims:
Wrongful Death Claims
These claims compensate surviving family members (spouses, children, or parents) for their losses, including:
Economic damages: Lost financial support, benefits, or inheritance the deceased would have provided
Non-economic damages: Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
Funeral and medical expenses: Costs incurred due to the death
Survival Actions
A survival action allows the deceased’s estate to recover damages the deceased would have been entitled to if they had survived, such as:
Pain and suffering endured before death
Medical expenses from the injury to the time of death
Only spouses, children, parents, or the estate’s representative can file these claims, and Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers ensure all eligible damages are pursued.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
The financial and emotional toll of a wrongful death can be immense. Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers work to secure compensation for:
Lost financial support: Income the deceased would have earned
Loss of benefits: Including pensions, retirement plans, or insurance
Emotional suffering: Mental anguish and loss of companionship
Funeral and burial costs: Out-of-pocket expenses
Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, to punish the responsible party
Calculating these damages is complex, requiring expertise to account for future losses and intangible harms. Attorneys use evidence like financial records, expert testimony, and family statements to build a strong case.
How Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Lawyers Build Your Case
A successful wrongful death claim relies on thorough evidence and legal strategy. Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers employ:
Investigation: Collecting police reports, accident scene photos, and witness statements
Medical and financial records: Documenting expenses and lost support
Expert testimony: From accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, or economists
OSHA or regulatory records: Identifying safety violations in workplace deaths
Negotiation skills: Dealing with insurance companies to secure fair settlements or preparing for trial
For example, firms like The Patel Firm PLLC emphasize meticulous evidence gathering to hold negligent parties accountable. This allows families to focus on grieving while attorneys handle the legal burden.
Texas Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death
Texas law imposes strict deadlines for filing wrongful death claims:
Two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit
Three months for individual survivors to file independently; after that, the estate’s administrator must file unless all survivors agree otherwise
Missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to compensation. Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers act quickly to preserve evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness accounts, which can fade over time.
Choosing the Right Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Lawyer
Selecting the right attorney is critical to your case’s success. Look for:
Experience: A track record in wrongful death cases, like David Burkett of The Burkett Law Firm, with over 42 years of trial experience and $50 million recovered
Local knowledge: Familiarity with Corpus Christi courts and Texas laws
Compassion: Attorneys who prioritize client care, like those at Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, offering direct communication
Contingency fees: No upfront costs, with fees only paid if you win (typically 33% of the settlement)
Proven results: Firms like Williams Attorneys, recognized for shaping wrongful death laws and securing large settlements
Schedule free consultations with multiple attorneys to compare their approach. Firms like Thompson Law offer 24/7 availability for case reviews.
Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death in Corpus Christi
To protect your legal rights after a loved one’s death:
Contact a lawyer immediately: To meet filing deadlines and preserve evidence
Gather documentation: Including medical records, accident reports, and financial statements
Avoid insurance company statements: Don’t provide recorded statements without legal advice
File within deadlines: Ensure compliance with the two-year statute of limitations
Seek emotional support: While attorneys handle legal matters, consider counseling for grief
Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers at firms like Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., with experience in over 20,000 cases, can guide you through these steps with compassion.
Why Act Quickly?
Time is critical in wrongful death cases. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become unavailable, and deadlines are unforgiving. A Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyer ensures your case is filed promptly and supported by robust evidence, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Conclusion
The loss of a loved one due to negligence is a profound injustice. Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers provide the expertise and empathy needed to seek justice, holding negligent parties accountable and securing compensation for your financial and emotional losses. Whether your case involves a car accident, workplace incident, or defective product, attorneys like those at Sico Hoelscher Harris LLP or Ben Crump, PLLC can offer trusted guidance. Don’t delay—contact a Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyer today for a free consultation to explore your options and begin the path to closure and financial recovery.