New Braunfels Wrongful Death Attorney

Wrongful Death Claims In Texas

Understanding the basics of Texas wrongful death law can help you decide whether to talk with a wrongful death lawyer about your situation. In general terms, a wrongful death claim arises when a person dies because of another party’s wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default. Many of these cases involve fatal car or truck crashes, unsafe property conditions, or dangerous conduct at work or in other settings.

Texas law limits who can bring a wrongful death claim. Typically, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the person who died have the right to file. In some situations, they file together. In others, one family member may bring the claim. When these relatives do not act within a certain period, the personal representative of the estate may be able to pursue the claim for the benefit of the statutory beneficiaries.

Families often want to know what kinds of compensation might be available. No amount of money can replace your loved one, but a successful claim can ease financial strain and recognize what your family has lost. Courts and juries may consider things like lost income and benefits, the value of household services, mental anguish, and the loss of companionship and support that the deceased person provided.

Texas also sets deadlines for bringing wrongful death cases. In many situations, families have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit, although there can be exceptions and related claims with different timelines. Because these rules are complex and very fact specific, it is wise to speak with an attorney promptly so we can evaluate the deadlines that may apply to your case.

Common categories of potential wrongful death damages include:

• Loss of the deceased person’s income and benefits over their expected working life
• Loss of services, care, advice, and support the person provided to the family
• Mental anguish experienced by close family members
• Loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance
• Reasonable funeral and burial expenses

Common Causes Of Fatal Accidents

Families in New Braunfels and the surrounding area often contact us after sudden, violent events. Many tragedies involve traffic on the busy highways, as well as collisions on farm to market roads and local streets. Others come from unsafe properties, defective products, or serious incidents at work.

Our work in personal injury has shown us that many of these deaths could have been prevented if people or companies had made safer choices. Distracted or impaired drivers, trucking companies that push unrealistic schedules, property owners who ignore hazards, and businesses that fail to maintain safe equipment all put others at risk. In a wrongful death case, we look closely at each person or entity whose conduct may have contributed to what happened.

Examples of incidents that may lead to wrongful death claims include:

• Car crashes caused by speeding, distraction, or drunk driving
• Collisions with commercial trucks
• Crashes involving rideshare vehicles or delivery drivers
• Falls from unsafe stairs, walkways, or balconies
• Fatal injuries caused by negligent security or dangerous premises
• Serious workplace incidents related to unsafe equipment or procedures
• Defective products that fail during normal use

Every case is different, and liability is often more complex than it first appears. For example, a fatal crash on the way into New Braunfels might involve not only another driver but also that driver’s employer, a vehicle manufacturer, or a bar that overserved alcohol. Our attorneys investigate these possibilities and pursue claims that reflect the full scope of responsibility.

What To Do After A Fatal Incident

In the days and weeks after losing a loved one, your focus is understandably on your family and immediate arrangements. At the same time, certain steps can help protect your rights if you decide to pursue a wrongful death claim later. We work to make these steps as manageable as possible and can guide you through them during a free consultation.

If a fatal crash or incident occurred in or near New Braunfels, there is likely a report from law enforcement or another investigating agency. Obtaining a copy of this report and keeping any written information you receive about the incident can be helpful. If you have photos, messages, or contact information for witnesses, preserving those materials in a safe place is also useful.

Insurance companies or representatives for the other parties may contact you with questions or proposed settlements. It is usually safer to limit what you say before you have spoken with a wrongful death attorney, because statements can be taken out of context and quick offers rarely account for long term losses. When we are involved early, we can help you respond in a way that preserves your options.

Simple steps that may help protect your family’s rights include:

• Keeping copies of police reports, letters, and paperwork related to the incident
• Saving any photos, videos, or messages that relate to what happened
• Writing down names and contact details for possible witnesses
• Avoiding detailed conversations with insurers until you have legal advice
• Contacting our firm to discuss your situation in a free, confidential consultation

When you reach out to us, we explain what a consultation involves and what information is helpful to bring, if you have it. We can meet you at our office or come to your home in New Braunfels or another location. Our goal is to make that first step as low stress as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Texas?

In Texas, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the person who died typically have the right to bring a wrongful death claim. In some situations, the personal representative of the estate may file on behalf of these family members. We can review your family’s circumstances and explain how the rules apply.

How long do wrongful death cases usually take?

The length of a wrongful death case depends on factors such as the complexity of the facts, the number of parties involved, and how insurers respond. Some claims resolve in negotiations, while others require a lawsuit and possible trial. We discuss likely timelines with you and provide updates as your case progresses.

What will your attorneys actually do for my family?

Our attorneys investigate what happened, identify responsible parties, gather evidence, and handle communications with insurers and defense lawyers. We evaluate the full impact of your loss, negotiate for a fair resolution, and prepare for trial if needed. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and answer your questions.

Will we have to go to court in New Braunfels?

Many wrongful death claims settle without a trial, although we prepare every case as if it could be heard in court. If a lawsuit is filed, it may proceed in the appropriate Comal County or other Central Texas court. We guide you through each step and explain what to expect if hearings are required.

Talk With Our Team About Your Next Steps

Choosing to speak with a lawyer after a wrongful death is a personal decision, and it can feel like a difficult one. When you contact Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we take time to listen, answer your questions, and explain how Texas law may apply to your situation. Our goal is to give you clear information so you can decide what is right for your family.

Call (512) 400-3278 to arrange your free consultation with our team.