Wrongful Death

Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Lawyers

Helping Families in Texas Seek Justice

Wrongful death is a legal term that refers to a person’s death caused by the negligence, carelessness, or wrongful act of another person or entity. When someone dies in a preventable accident or because of another’s wrongful actions, the surviving family members have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This is called a wrongful death lawsuit.

At Gonzales Law Firm, we understand that no amount of compensation can undo the tragedy you have experienced. However, we also know that a successful wrongful death claim can bring you a sense of justice and financial relief during this difficult time. Our Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers are here to help you every step of the way. We offer compassionate, personalized legal guidance and aggressive advocacy both in and out of the courtroom.

Call our office at (361) 309-4243 or contact us online to speak to a member of our team today. We offer free, confidential consultations. Hablamos español.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit is generally reserved for the deceased person’s surviving spouse, children, and parents. If there is no surviving spouse, child, or parent, then the right to file the lawsuit may pass to the deceased person’s estate. The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate will be responsible for filing the claim.

Unlike in some other states, siblings, domestic partners, and other relatives are not typically entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. Additionally, parents are generally not allowed to file a wrongful death claim for the loss of an adult child, though there can be exceptions depending on the circumstances and applicable law.

What if there is no surviving spouse, child, parent, or personal representative? In some cases, there may be no surviving family members or personal representative to file a wrongful death claim. If this happens, the options can be more limited and may depend on how the estate is administered and who is appointed to act on its behalf. In any case, it is important to consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Corpus Christi who can help you understand your rights and options.

Families often have questions about where a claim will actually be filed and how the process works in practice. A wrongful death attorney can review whether your case belongs in a Nueces County court in Corpus Christi or another Texas venue, explain what role each eligible family member may play in the lawsuit, and help you avoid missed deadlines or procedural mistakes that could affect your ability to recover compensation.

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What Types of Accidents Give Rise to Wrongful Death Claims?

Wrongful death claims can be based on a wide range of accidents and incidents. Generally, if a person’s death was caused by the negligent, reckless, or wrongful actions of another person or entity, the surviving family members will have the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Our firm handles all types of wrongful death cases.

We represent clients in cases involving:

Car accidents
Truck accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Workplace accidents
Construction accidents
Oilfield accidents
Defective products
Medical malpractice
Premises liability
Dangerous drugs

In the Corpus Christi area, many wrongful death cases also arise from crashes on major roads such as Interstate 37, U.S. Highway 77, and State Highway 44, industrial incidents at refineries and ports, or medical treatment received at local hospitals and clinics. A wrongful death lawyer Corpus Christi families trust can investigate the circumstances of the incident, gather evidence before it is lost, and work with appropriate professionals to show how another party’s conduct led to your loved one’s passing.

What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Wrongful death claims are meant to compensate the surviving family members for the losses they have suffered as a result of their loved one’s death. This includes both economic and non-economic losses.

Surviving family members may be entitled to recover compensation for:

Medical expenses related to the deceased person’s final injury or illness
Funeral and burial expenses
Lost income and benefits
The value of the household services the deceased person would have provided
Loss of love, companionship, care, support, and consortium
Mental anguish and emotional distress
Pain and suffering

Surviving spouses, children, and parents may also be entitled to recover compensation for the loss of the deceased person’s love, companionship, guidance, and support. This is called “loss of consortium.”

Under Texas law, surviving family members may also be able to recover punitive damages in a wrongful death claim. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff, but rather to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar wrongful conduct. In order to recover punitive damages, you will need to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with fraud, malice, or gross negligence.

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How Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Corpus Christi Help Me?

If you have lost a loved one in an accident or as a result of another’s wrongful actions, you may be unsure of where to turn or what to do next. At Gonzales Law Firm, we can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the fair recovery you are owed. We know that no amount of compensation can make up for your loss, but we also know that a successful claim can help you find closure and secure the future of your family.

Our Corpus Christi wrongful death attorneys have a proven track record of success. We are prepared to put our extensive experience to work for you and your family.

From the start, we can evaluate whether you are within the deadline set by Texas law, help you gather key documents such as medical records and accident reports, and communicate with insurance companies so you do not have to handle stressful calls on your own. A wrongful death attorney Corpus Christi families rely on can also explain how the legal process fits around other important matters, such as probate in the Nueces County courts, so you understand what to expect at each step.

When you choose our firm, you can expect:

Compassionate, personalized guidance focused on your family’s specific needs
Aggressive advocacy at every stage of the process
Open and honest communication, including regular case updates
Responsive service and availability when you need us most
Zero upfront fees and payment only if we recover compensation for you

Why Choose Us as Your Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Attorneys

At Gonzales Law Firm, we stand apart as a family-oriented legal practice with deep roots in Corpus Christi. This connection to the local community drives our commitment to delivering personalized service tailored to the unique needs of each family we serve. By choosing us, you benefit from direct access to seasoned attorneys who are invested in fighting for justice on your behalf.

Our team leverages years of cumulative experience, providing unparalleled legal guidance and advocacy. This robust experience equips us to handle even the most complex wrongful death claims, ensuring that your family's rights are safeguarded and pursued aggressively. We understand the emotional and financial strain these situations impose, and our supportive, compassionate approach aims to ease the process, providing you with peace of mind while we handle the legal intricacies.

As a family-owned firm, we take the time to learn about your loved one, the impact of the loss on your daily life, and your long-term goals, so that we can pursue a result that reflects your family’s unique story. When you work with a wrongful death attorney at our office, you receive the benefit of personal attention from lawyers who live and work in Corpus Christi and who are committed to standing beside you through every stage of your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Texas?

Under Texas law, the surviving spouse, children, and parents may file a wrongful death claim. If none file within three months, the personal representative or executor may file, unless the family requests otherwise. Siblings cannot bring a Texas wrongful death action, but they may have rights in a related survival claim.

What is the difference between wrongful death and a survival claim?

A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the family’s losses after a loved one’s death, such as financial support and companionship. A survival claim belongs to the decedent’s estate and recovers the damages the person could have pursued if they had lived, like medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages before death.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death case in Texas?

Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Claims involving government entities can have much shorter notice deadlines, so it is important to speak with counsel quickly to preserve your rights and critical evidence.

What compensation is available in a wrongful death case?

Families may seek loss of financial support, loss of household services, loss of companionship and guidance, mental anguish, and funeral and burial expenses. In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, exemplary damages may also be available.

What if my loved one was partly at fault?

Texas uses proportionate responsibility. If the decedent shared some fault, the family’s recovery can be reduced by that percentage. If the decedent was more than 50 percent at fault, recovery may be barred. A careful investigation can counter unfair fault claims and protect the value of your case.

Do I need a criminal conviction to win a wrongful death case?

No. Wrongful death is a civil case with a different burden of proof than a criminal court. You can pursue civil accountability regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or a conviction is obtained.

What local factors matter in Corpus Christi wrongful death cases?

Industrial and refinery operations, port and offshore work, heavy trucking along I-37 and US-77, and tourism-related properties can introduce complex insurance layers, federal regulations, and specialized evidence. Choosing a firm familiar with local courts, experts, and insurers can make a meaningful difference.

Stand strong with Gonzales Law Firm in Corpus Christi

When a preventable loss shatters your family, swift action protects evidence and preserves your legal options. Gonzales Law Firm investigates immediately, secures records and witnesses, and builds a fact-driven case to pursue full accountability and compensation. Speak with our Corpus Christi wrongful death attorneys today to understand your next steps and timeline.

Call (361) 309-4243 or contact us online to speak to a member of our team about your case today. Hablamos español.

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