If your family lost someone to reckless firearm discharge in west Harris County, Texas civil law may give you the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party.
Get Your Free Review →Losing a family member without warning is devastating under any circumstances. When an 84-year-old woman is struck by a stray bullet while standing in her own kitchen, the grief is compounded by the senselessness of the act. Families in this situation are left to navigate funeral costs, emotional trauma, and unanswered questions while investigators and prosecutors work through the criminal process at their own pace.
The criminal case against the accused addresses the state's interest in punishing wrongdoing, but it does not provide financial relief or acknowledgment to the surviving family. A separate civil wrongful death claim exists precisely for families like this one, and HurtMatch can connect you with a licensed Texas attorney who will evaluate whether you have grounds to pursue one.
Yes. A civil wrongful death claim in Texas is legally separate from the criminal case. The standard of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal court, and a family can pursue a civil claim regardless of whether the accused is charged, acquitted, or convicted.
Under the Texas Wrongful Death Act, eligible claimants typically include the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. If none of those parties file within three calendar months of the death, the executor or administrator of the estate may file on behalf of the estate.
In most Texas wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline can permanently bar a family from recovering any compensation, which is why consulting an attorney promptly is strongly advisable.
Texas law allows wrongful death claimants to seek compensation for losses such as pecuniary loss of care and support, loss of companionship and society, mental anguish, and in some circumstances funeral and burial expenses. An attorney can evaluate which categories may apply to your specific situation.
HurtMatch is a legal referral service, not a law firm. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. We connect families with licensed Texas attorneys who can evaluate their case. Any formal legal relationship would be established directly between you and the attorney you choose to work with.