If your family has been affected by institutional negligence in a Texas school setting, HurtMatch can connect you with an experienced local attorney who handles wrongful death and special needs cases.
Get Connected Now →Losing a child is an unimaginable tragedy. When that loss occurs inside a school building, at the hands of a staff member hired and entrusted to protect a vulnerable student, the grief is compounded by a profound sense of betrayal. Families in this situation often feel overwhelmed, unsure of their rights, and uncertain whether the system that failed their child will ever be held accountable.
Students with autism and other disabilities are among the most vulnerable people in any school environment. They rely entirely on the adults around them for safety and dignity. When an institution like a large public school district fails to prevent harm to one of its students, civil law may provide a path toward accountability. Understanding your options is the first and most important step.
Yes, under certain circumstances. While governmental entities in Texas have limited immunity protections, Texas law does allow claims against school districts in specific situations, and a qualified attorney can evaluate whether those conditions apply to your case. There are also notice requirements and deadlines that differ from standard civil claims, which is why consulting an attorney promptly is important.
A criminal case and a civil case are separate legal proceedings with different standards of proof. A criminal conviction can be relevant evidence in a civil action, but families do not have to wait for the criminal case to resolve before pursuing civil claims. In fact, waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to file within the two-year statute of limitations.
Texas generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death and personal injury claims, beginning from the date of the incident or death. In cases involving governmental entities like a school district, there may be additional notice requirements with even shorter deadlines. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is strongly advised.
Texas wrongful death claims can seek to address losses such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and other damages recognized by Texas law. Every case is different, and a licensed attorney can explain what categories of loss may apply to your specific situation. HurtMatch does not guarantee any outcome or recovery amount.
HurtMatch is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. HurtMatch is a free referral service that connects individuals and families in Texas with licensed personal injury attorneys. Submitting your information through HurtMatch does not create an attorney-client relationship. That relationship is formed only if and when you choose to retain an attorney from our network.