If you lost a loved one to violence in Harris County, Texas law may allow surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death civil claim independent of any criminal case.
Get Connected Now →Losing a family member to a violent act is one of the most devastating experiences a person can endure. In the immediate aftermath, families are left managing grief, funeral arrangements, and unanswered questions while law enforcement conducts its investigation. The criminal justice process can feel outside of your control, and it often is -- but a separate civil legal process exists specifically to help surviving family members seek accountability and financial relief.
Many families do not realize that a wrongful death civil claim can move forward regardless of how the criminal case resolves. A conviction is not required to pursue civil liability. If your family lost someone in northwest Harris County or anywhere in Texas due to another person's harmful actions, time is a critical factor. Texas law places firm deadlines on when a wrongful death claim can be filed, and waiting too long can permanently close the door on your legal options.
Yes. In Texas, a wrongful death civil lawsuit is a separate legal proceeding from any criminal case. The civil claim does not need to wait for a criminal conviction, a plea, or even the conclusion of the criminal trial. Families can pursue civil accountability on their own timeline, subject to the two-year statute of limitations.
Under Texas law, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased person are entitled to bring a wrongful death action. 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.
No. Civil cases use a different and lower standard of proof than criminal cases. In a civil wrongful death action, the family must show that it is more likely than not that the defendant's actions caused the death. A criminal acquittal does not automatically prevent a successful civil claim.
Texas law generally requires that a wrongful death lawsuit be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline typically results in the claim being dismissed regardless of its merits. It is important to speak with an attorney as early as possible to protect your rights.
HurtMatch is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice or representation. We connect individuals and families with Texas-licensed attorneys who handle wrongful death and personal injury cases. The referral service is free, and the attorneys in our network work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no attorney fee unless you win your case.