When an untimely death is caused by another person’s negligence, families often face significant challenges alongside their grief, as the sudden loss of income, care, guidance, and everyday support can affect every part of a household.
While no legal claim can undo your loss, it can provide financial security, hold the responsible party accountable, and give your family a stable foundation for the future.
The Fort Worth personal injury lawyers at O’Hare and Koch bring over 25 years of aggressive litigation experience to your side. We take the fight off your hands, push back against the insurance companies, and demand maximum compensation for your devastating loss.
Fatal Accidents in Fort Worth Caused by Negligence Deserve Accountability
When a fatal injury occurs in Tarrant County, surviving family members often face immediate uncertainty about their legal standing and recourse. Under Texas civil law, a wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death is caused by another party’s wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or conscious indifference to the safety of others.
Every driver, employer, property owner, and manufacturer owes a duty of care to act reasonably and protect others from harm. When that duty is breached, preventable tragedies occur across Fort Worth, including:
- Commercial truck and auto collisions
- Workplace and industrial accidents
- Dangerous property conditions
- Defective products
- Dangerous animals
Civil remedies allow surviving family members to seek monetary damages from the at-fault party, whether the conduct was accidental or reckless.
Your Rights Under Texas Law
Texas law states:
- Who Can File: Under Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the right to file belongs strictly to the surviving spouse, children (minor or adult), and parents of the deceased.
- Estate Claims: If eligible family members do not file within three calendar months of the death, the executor or personal representative may file on behalf of the estate.
- Time Limits: The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas is generally two years from the date of death.
What Financial and Emotional Losses Can a Wrongful Death Claim Cover?
A wrongful death claim reflects both the concrete financial impact and the deeply personal harm experienced by your family, such as:
Economic Losses
Economic losses cover concrete financial strains on your household, including:
- Emergency medical care and hospital bills before passing
- Lost wages and loss of future financial support
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of care, advice, and household support
Non-Economic Effects
Non-economic effects address the deeply personal, emotional impact of your loss, such as:
- Mental anguish and grief
- Loss of companionship and society
- Physical pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before passing
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be available when the conduct is especially reckless. They are not awarded in every case, but when the evidence supports them, we pursue them.
How O’Hare and Koch Advocate for Fort Worth, TX Families After a Tragic Loss
Dealing with insurance adjusters while grieving adds unnecessary strain to an already painful time. Insurance companies often try to resolve claims quickly and for as little as possible. When you partner with our experienced attorneys, we step in as your legal barrier so you never have to deal with them directly. Once we represent you, defense lawyers and insurance representatives are required by law to route all phone calls, letters, and emails straight to our office.
Here is how our team protects your interests:
- Independent reviews of police reports, physical evidence, and witness statements to establish complete liability
- Accurate calculations of full economic losses and non-economic damages, along with future financial needs to ensure proper claim valuation
- Direct handling of all settlement negotiations, with every offer presented alongside clear, honest advice
- Enforcement of legal deadlines that prevent the insurance company from using stall tactics or making low offers
- Careful examination of every settlement release and legal document to safeguard your rights before signing
- Full preparation for trial, building every case to stand up in court, so insurers know settlement offers must be fair and realistic
Talk to a Fort Worth Wrongful Death Lawyer Who Will Fight for Your Family
Seeking compensation through a wrongful death claim is about securing stability for your family and ensuring the responsible party answers for their actions. You deserve a clear path forward and a trusted firm that stands firmly by your side.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone’s negligence, do not wait to speak to a wrongful death lawyer in Fort Worth, TX. Your initial consultation is free, private, and carries no obligation. Contact us to schedule your case review today.