Wrongful Death Lawyer in Corpus Christi

Compassionate Legal Support After the Loss of a Loved One

Losing a family member is one of life’s most painful experiences, especially when it happens because of someone else’s carelessness. In these heartbreaking situations, the Texas wrongful death and survival statutes allow surviving family members to seek justice and financial relief. At Perkins & Perkins, our attorneys combine decades of legal experience with compassion and dedication to help families hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation they deserve.

Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Will Help You Move Forward

Spouses, children, parents, or estate executors all have the right to file for compensation in the event of a wrongful death. These cases often stem from auto accidents, workplace injuries, oilfield, pipeline, and industrial accidents, and defective products. Damages can include pain and suffering, funeral and medical costs, lost income, wages, and earning capacity, and loss of consortium, among others. Families generally have two years from the date of death to file a claim, so acting quickly is crucial.

Free Consultation for Your Wrongful Death Case

Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your wrongful death case. At Perkins & Perkins, we have a proven record of success, including the largest construction injury verdict in Texas in 2022, which totaled $18.1 million. In 2024, we secured the largest product liability, quadriplegia, brachial plexus injury, and auto product liability settlement in Texas according to TopVerdict.com. Our consultations are free and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, contact us today to begin your path toward justice and healing.

Common Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

Wrongful death claims can stem from many different types of tragic, preventable incidents. Some of the most common include:

18-Wheeler, Car, and Motorcycle Accidents
Fatal collisions caused by negligent or impaired drivers, defective vehicle parts, or unsafe road conditions.
Medical Malpractice
Deaths that result from medical errors such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, medication errors, or improper treatment.
Workplace, Industrial, and Oilfield, Pipeline, and Industrial Accidents
Fatal injuries that occur on the job due to unsafe conditions, lack of protective equipment, or employer negligence.
Defective or Dangerous Products
Deaths linked to faulty machinery, unsafe consumer products, contaminated drugs, or exposure to toxic materials.

Types of Compensation for Your Loss

If your family has lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, Texas law allows you to seek financial compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. Depending on your situation, damages may include:

Medical Expenses
Coverage for emergency care, hospital bills, and any medical costs incurred before your loved one’s passing.
Funeral and Burial Costs
Reimbursement for funeral services, burial, or cremation expenses.
Lost Income, Lost Wages, Loss of Earning Capacity and Financial Support
Compensation for the earnings your loved one would have contributed to the household in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Damages for the emotional pain, anguish, and mental distress caused by the wrongful death.
Loss of Consortium
Compensation for the loss of companionship, love, and guidance suffered by surviving family members.
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future.

Determining Compensation in Personal Injury Cases

When a loved one’s death is caused by negligence, your family may be entitled to compensation for both actual damages (economic damages like lost wages and funeral expenses) and compensatory damages (non-economic damages like pain and suffering, and emotional losses). Understanding what damages are available and how they are calculated can help you make informed decisions about your claim and ensure your family receives the justice and financial security you deserve.

Wrongful Death FAQs

Who can file a wrongful death or survivor claim in Texas?

In Texas, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the deceased person’s spouse, children, parents, or executor of their estate.

What qualifies as a wrongful death case in Texas?

A wrongful death case arises when a person’s death is caused by another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. Common examples include fatal car or truck accidents, workplace incidents, oilfield, pipeline, and industrial accidents, and medical negligence, or defective products.

How is compensation determined in a wrongful death case?

Compensation depends on several factors, including the victim’s age, income, and the impact of their loss on surviving family members. Damages may include lost income, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. In cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the responsible party.

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

A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their personal losses, like loss of financial support and companionship. A survival action, on the other hand, is filed on behalf of the deceased’s estate to recover damages the person could have claimed if they had lived, such as medical bills and pain and suffering before death.

What evidence is needed to prove a wrongful death case?

To prove wrongful death, you must show that the defendant had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the death through negligence or wrongful conduct. Evidence may include police reports, medical records, eyewitness testimony, and expert opinions.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if criminal charges were also filed?

Yes. A civil wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal case. Even if the defendant faces or avoids criminal charges, you can still file a civil lawsuit to seek financial compensation for your loss. The burden of proof in a civil case is lower, meaning you can win damages even if no criminal conviction occurs.

How long does a wrongful death lawsuit take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether it settles out of court or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months through settlement negotiations, while others may take a year or more. At Perkins & Perkins, we focus on achieving the best possible outcome as efficiently as possible while ensuring your family’s rights are fully protected.