Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Lawyers

Who Has Standing to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Corpus Christi, TX?

Texas law specifies which family members can pursue legal action and compensation after a wrongful death:

• Surviving spouses
• Children of the deceased
• Parents of the deceased

In certain cases, siblings or grandchildren may also have standing to bring claims. A wrongful death attorney can advise if your relationship qualifies you to file a lawsuit. Act promptly, as there is a strict two-year deadline in Texas to initiate cases after the date of passing. Let us review your potential claim immediately at no cost before time runs out.

Proving Liability in a Wrongful Death Case

The foundation of every successful claim is demonstrating that the defendant’s negligent actions directly caused your loved one’s death. As experienced investigators, we work diligently to uncover evidence establishing liability, such as:

• Reckless driving – Securing police reports, footage, and witness statements to prove speeding, intoxication, distraction, or other misconduct resulting in fatal car, motorcycle, or trucking accidents.
• Medical errors – Obtaining records and consulting experts to reveal if providers’ substandard medical care caused or contributed to a patient’s wrongful death through malpractice.
• Dangerous property conditions – Thoroughly inspecting premises, reviewing codes, and pinpointing negligence in drowning, dog bite, trip-and-fall, and other premises liability accidents.
• Defective products – Analyzing faulty vehicle components, machinery, fireworks, and consumer goods alongside engineers and experts to demonstrate negligent design flaws or manufacturing defects.
• Preventable workplace accidents – Collaborating with OSHA to establish negligence in explosions, electrocutions, equipment malfunctions, falls, and other occupational fatalities.

Building a compelling liability case is vital for obtaining justice after a wrongful death. With decades of experience, our attorneys are experts in negligent death investigations and constructing ironclad legal arguments.

Recoverable Monetary Damages in Texas Wrongful Death Lawsuits

There are several forms of compensation that can be sought through a wrongful death claim to make mourning families whole:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs stemming from the fatal traumatic injuries
• Lost income and benefits the deceased would have continued to earn
• Loss of companionship, guidance, nurturing, and protection
• Emotional distress and mental anguish resulting from the loss
• Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct

We work tirelessly to quantify all losses and obtain the maximum financial recovery possible so grieving families can move forward. Our goal is to honor your loved one’s memory by holding negligent parties fully accountable.

Navigating the Wrongful Death Litigation Process in Corpus Christi, TX

Although the legal process after a wrongful death may seem complex, our compassionate attorneys are here to guide and support families through each phase:

1. Free Initial Consultation – We meet with grieving families to review the details surrounding their loss and provide an honest assessment of their claim’s potential at no upfront cost.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering – We promptly take affirmative steps to collect police reports, secure key evidence, obtain medical records, consult experts, and construct a strong case foundation.
3. Pre-Lawsuit Demand – Prior to heading to court, we send the liable parties a letter outlining their negligence along with a settlement demand package. This initiates good-faith negotiations.
4. Settlement Discussions – If they respond, we work diligently to negotiate a fair settlement agreement and avoid prolonged litigation. If talks fail, we proceed to filing a lawsuit.
5. Lawsuit Filing – We prepare a detailed complaint identifying all defendants, damages, and legal causes of action and submit it to the court alongside a filing fee to initiate the case.
6. Discovery – We utilize tools like depositions, interrogatories, and requests for production to uncover all relevant details and information to support our case.
7. Settlement or Trial – Right up until trial, we make every effort to negotiate a satisfactory settlement. If one can’t be reached, we have the trial experience and skill to argue the case vigorously before a jury.
8. Payment Collection – Once damages are awarded, we guarantee prompt payment recovery and financial security for grieving families. No prolonged collection efforts are ever needed.

With compassion guiding each phase, our focus remains on optimizing case outcomes for those mourning the loss of cherished family members.

Wrongful Death Statistics in Corpus Christi, TX

• Over 20 pedestrians are killed in traffic annually in Nueces County according to TxDOT data. (Source: TxDOT)
• The annual pedestrian fatality rate is 2.2 per 100,000 population – much higher than the national average of 1.9 based on Dangerous by Design research. (Source: Smart Growth America)
• Corpus Christi ranks as the #13 most dangerous metro in the U.S. for pedestrian fatalities. (Source: Smart Growth America)
• 70% of pedestrian deaths occur on arterial roads, many without adequate sidewalks or crosswalks. (Source: Smart Growth America)
• Nearly 30 lives are lost to drunk driving crashes every year in Nueces County. (Source: TxDOT)
• In Texas, a person is killed by an impaired driver on average every 9 hours. (Source: TxDOT)

Common Wrongful Death Claims We Handle in Corpus Christi

While each wrongful death case involves unique circumstances, there are some common scenarios we frequently see lead to preventable fatalities in Corpus Christi and across Texas. As experienced attorneys handling injury and fatality claims for over 350 collective years, we have deep expertise with these complex cases. Some of the most prevalent wrongful death claims we handle include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

One of the leading causes of wrongful deaths statewide is motor vehicle crashes. These can involve cars, commercial trucks and 18-wheelers, motorcycles, bicycles, ATVs, buses, planes and helicopters, and pedestrians. Common factors we see contribute to fatal collisions include:

• Impaired driving – driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Excessive speeding or reckless driving behaviors
• Distracted driving such as phone use or texting while driving
• Fatigued or drowsy driving
• Disregarding traffic signs, signals, or rights of way
• Poor maintenance of vehicles or defective auto parts

By securing police crash reports in Corpus, accident reconstructions, footage, medical records, and other evidence, our attorneys build strong liability cases against drivers, vehicle owners, or part manufacturers whose negligence contributed to a wrongful death.

Medical Malpractice

When doctors, nurses, specialists, or other healthcare professionals provide care below accepted standards, it can lead to patient injury or death. If improper diagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or other forms of medical negligence contribute to a wrongful death, we work with independent experts to prove malpractice. By obtaining records and providing testimony on proper protocols versus substandard care, we hold providers accountable.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Elderly nursing home residents often rely entirely on staff for their care and wellbeing. When facilities lack adequate staffing, training, or oversight, neglect can all too easily occur. Preventable pressure wounds, falls, malnutrition, dehydration, infections, or excessive sedation may amount to negligence. By investigating reports, deficiencies, and documenting patterns of neglect, we build strong cases against culpable nursing homes.

Workplace Fatalities

On job sites with inadequate safety protocols, lack of training or proper equipment, and minimal oversight, employees are at risk. Preventable accidents like falls, electrocutions, equipment malfunctions, trench collapses, explosions, and chemical exposure can all lead to employer liability. By partnering with OSHA experts, we ensure corporations and contractors are held fully responsible for providing the safe work conditions workers deserve.

Premises Liability Accidents

When property owners fail to address or warn of hazards, it can needlessly cost innocent lives. Drownings in unsecured pools, vicious dog attacks, staircase falls, and trip hazards are among premises liability claims we see. By thoroughly inspecting sites, establishing building code violations, and demonstrating blatant dangers were ignored, we prove liability on behalf of mourning families.

While specifics vary case-by-case, our attorneys have the expertise to handle any scenario in which negligence or misconduct results in preventable fatalities. With compassion and skill, we commit to uncovering the truth so mourning families can obtain a full measure of justice.

Causes of Wrongful Death in Corpus Christi

While the specific circumstances leading to each wrongful death vary, there are some recurring acts of negligence and misconduct that contribute to many preventable fatalities in our community. As experienced Corpus Christi attorneys handling these cases for decades, we have seen certain high-risk behaviors and lack of care result in tragedy time and again.

Some of the most common factors leading to wrongful death claims we handle include:

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or illicit drugs greatly diminishes motor skills and reaction time. When impaired motorists get behind the wheel, disastrous crashes often ensue. We hold drunk and drugged drivers fully accountable.

Medical Negligence

From surgical mistakes to improper prescriptions, delayed diagnosis, and more – medical errors claim thousands of lives annually. By working with independent experts, we establish when subpar medical care contributes to a wrongful death through malpractice.

Unsafe Property Conditions

Drownings, dog attacks, and trip-and-fall hazards often result when landlords and property owners ignore or fail to remedy blatant dangers. Through liability claims, we compel proper maintenance, lighting, fencing, security, and code compliance.

Defective Products

Faulty vehicle components, dangerous children’s products, malfunctioning machinery, and flammable goods can lead to catastrophic injuries or death when companies cut corners. Our product liability team makes manufacturers pay.

Lack of Safety Protocols

Preventable construction site falls, toxic exposures, equipment malfunctions, and more workplace fatalities occur in industries that shirk safety. We ensure justice and spark change through corporate accountability.

Intentional Harm

The senseless deaths of loved ones due to violence shake communities to the core. We help families find some closure through wrongful death claims against provable assailants, bars over-serving patrons, inadequate security providers, and other liable parties who enable harm.

By revealing the negligence and human errors underlying so many preventable deaths, we obtain not only justice for mourning families but also meaningfully improve public safety. Our work is guided by a commitment to protecting others from harm.

Eligibility to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Corpus Christi

Upon a wrongful death in Texas, the law clearly defines which family members and representatives have legal standing to file lawsuits seeking accountability and compensation. Eligibility is usually limited to immediate relatives who are most directly impacted by the loss of their loved one.

Typical parties with standing to file a wrongful death claim include:

• Surviving spouses of the deceased
• Biological and adopted children of the deceased
• Parents of the deceased
• Legally appointed personal representatives of the deceased’s estate

In some cases, siblings, grandparents, or grandchildren who were financially dependent on the deceased may also be able to pursue legal action. An experienced Corpus Christi wrongful death attorney can assess your specific family relationship and situation to determine if you meet the criteria to become a plaintiff.

It is crucial to act promptly, as strict statutes of limitations apply to these cases. Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file a claim for wrongful death in Texas before your window expires. Let our attorneys evaluate your case immediately so you do not lose eligibility due to missed deadlines. We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS.

With compassion and skill, our lawyers empower those mourning the preventable loss of their loved ones to gain some measure of justice and closure. We handle all aspects of complex cases so families can focus on healing.

Seeking Compensation After a Wrongful Death in Corpus Christi

No amount of money can ever make up for the tragic loss of a beloved family member. However, under Texas law, certain categories of monetary compensation may be pursued through wrongful death claims. These damages aim to provide surviving families with the financial means to grieve, cover final expenses, restore stability, and work to move forward.

Experienced Corpus Christi wrongful death attorneys can seek damages including:

• Funeral and burial costs – Any end-of-life expenses related to services and interment paid by the family.
• Medical bills – Emergency transportation, hospital treatment, medications, and other costs stemming from fatal injuries.
• Lost income and benefits – The projected earnings and employment benefits the deceased would have earned over their full working life.
• Loss of companionship – The intangible value of losing their loved one’s fellowship, guidance, love, nurturing, and protection.
• Mental anguish – The emotional distress, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, and suffering resulting from the loss.
• Punitive damages – In egregious cases, additional sums meant to punish defendants for intentional or grossly negligent misconduct.

By meticulously quantifying all losses, we build robust demand packages and maximize recoveries so families can move forward. Our tireless advocacy aims to ease financial burdens while honoring those lost too soon.

With over 350 collective years helping Texas families obtain justice, our attorneys have the compassion, expertise and dedication to guide clients through wrongful death claims with their best interests in mind. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION

Steps in Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Corpus Christi

Though the legal process after a wrongful death can feel complex, our attorneys guide families through each stage:

• Free case review – We meet with grieving families to examine the details surrounding their loved one’s passing and provide an honest assessment of their claim’s merits. There is never any fee for this review.
• In-depth investigation – We take affirmative steps to request records, secure evidence, and talk to witnesses and experts. Building a compelling argument requires diligence from the start.
• Demand letter – Before heading to court, we send the liable parties a letter detailing the grounds for liability and a settlement demand package. This starts the negotiation process.
• Settlement negotiations – If they respond, we work to reach a fair settlement agreement and avoid prolonged litigation. If talks fail, we proceed to file a lawsuit.
• Lawsuit filing – We draft the complaint identifying defendants, counts of liability, damages, and legal grounds for relief sought. This is submitted along with a filing fee to the court.
• Discovery phase – We propound discovery to uncover all relevant details and information from defendants through interrogatories, requests for production, depositions, and other means.
• Settlement or trial – Prior to trial, we make every effort to negotiate a satisfactory settlement. If not reached, we are fully prepared to argue the case vigorously in court.
• Post-trial motions – If the outcome is not just, we can file motions challenging unjust verdicts or awards. This may lead to a modified judgment.
• Payment collection – Once damages are awarded, we ensure prompt payment and secure this recovery for the family. Prolonged collection efforts are never required.

With compassion and skill guiding each phase, our attorneys focus on achieving the most favorable results on behalf of grieving families.

Why Choose Thompson Law for Your Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Case

Losing a loved one is heartbreaking enough without having to manage lengthy legal action alone. At Thompson Law, we’re here for families before, during, and long after any claim is resolved. With over $1.8 billion recovered for injury victims statewide, no law firm is better equipped to fight for your rights. We offer:

• Zero fees paid until we win your case – Our “No Fee Guarantee” gives you the freedom to pursue justice risk-free.
• 360 years of collective experience – Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge across all practice areas to maximize case outcomes.
• Personal attention and respect – You work directly with our attorneys at all times. Cases never get passed to associates or paralegals.
• Concierge care – We come to you and handle all the details. You focus on healing while we build your claim.
• Multilingual services – We offer Spanish language services and translators to serve all of Corpus Christi‘s diverse communities.

The sudden loss of a loved one is painful enough without having to fight for justice alone. Let our compassionate Corpus Christi wrongful death attorneys help guide your family and honor your loved one’s memory by holding negligent parties fully accountable.

Call us to get started with a FREE CONSULTATION of your potential wrongful death claim, contact our office today . We’re available 24/7 to take your call.

Wrongful Death FAQs

Wrongful Death

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What Should I be Aware of When Considering a Wrongful Death Case?

Knowing the applicable statutes of limitations, understanding the elements of negligence and proximate cause, and gathering evidence to establish liability are all crucial factors that can influence the outcome of a wrongful death case.

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How Do You Determine Who is At-Fault in Wrongful Death Cases?

Wrongful death cases can be highly emotional and complex, making it crucial to determine who is at fault. In these cases, liability is determined by analyzing the evidence to identify who acted negligently or intentionally caused the death. This often involves investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident, such as whether the victim was in a safe environment and whether there were any contributing factors to the death. Additionally, insurance policies and state laws may also come into play when determining fault. It’s important to have a skilled attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you receive the compensation you deserve. While nothing can bring back a loved one, accountability can bring some closure and justice for the family.

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What is the Process for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

The loss of a loved one can be a devastating experience, especially when the death was caused by another person’s negligence or intentional harm. In such situations, the surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible individual or entity. The process for filing a wrongful death lawsuit typically involves gathering evidence, hiring an attorney, filing the complaint, and going through the discovery process which involves exchanging information and evidence with the opposing party. The case may then proceed to trial or settle outside of court. It is important to remember that each state has its own laws and procedures for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, so it’s recommended to consult with an experienced attorney to help guide you through the process.

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Do I Have to go to Court for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

While many wrongful death cases settle out of court, anyone filing a lawsuit should prepare for the possibility of having to go to trial. A skilled wrongful death attorney can litigate on your behalf to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.

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What Damages are Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Texas, damages for wrongful death can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of possible inheritance, pain and suffering, and loss of society, companionship, support, and care. In some instances, punitive damages might be sought. These are damages intended to punish the guilty party and deter other parties from engaging in the same conduct.

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Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?

Each state has its own unique wrongful death laws regarding who can bring a claim and how settlements are to be distributed. Here is a guide to wrongful death claims for every state in the US.

In Texas, the surviving spouse, children, or parents can file a wrongful death claim. If no family members file, an executor of the deceased person’s estate may file. Here is a complete guide to wrongful death claims in Texas.