Top-rated Wrongful Death Attorneys in Fort Worth, TX

DID YOUR LOVED ONE SUFFER AN ACCIDENTAL DEATH?

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  • Get More $$ in Your Pocket with Our Discounted 29% Contingency Fee Vs. the Industry Standard Fee of 33.3%-35%
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Join Clients That Rave
Chad BurnettChad Burnett
16:28 30 Oct 23
I hired Mullen & Mullen following a motor vehicle collision. I could not be more pleased with the Dallas personal injury lawyers I selected. They are the real deal! I was always kept in the loop on case developments. My attorneys sent the at-fault liability carrier multiple demands to make them agree to pay the policy limits. My lawyers also sent my own insurance company several demands to get them to offer me nearly the policy limits. A lot of attorneys would have given up and just recommended filing a lawsuit but Mullen & Mullen kept pounding the insurance companies until they did the right thing. This saved me a tremendous amount of money and time. I'm so very grateful that I found ethical, tenacious, and skilled attorneys to represent me. Mullen & Mullen gets my highest recommendation if you need a Dallas car accident attorney.C. Burnett
Diane WallaceDiane Wallace
17:43 26 Oct 23
Mullen and Mullen did an absolutely brilliant job representing me in an injury lawsuit and getting me maximum settlement results. I recommend them highly!
Mari HksMari Hks
17:38 04 Oct 23
Highly recommend this law firm, Josh took care of my case he was very nice and professional along with everyone else.
Zac CanidaZac Canida
17:14 26 Sep 23
I’m only 22 and this was the first case I’ve ever had, I got recommended Mullen and Mullen by a friend who has used them plenty of times and said nothing but good things about them. I have yet to see or hear anything that contradicts her statements! Everyone on the Mullen and Mullen team has been super helpful and kind to me by explaining everything that had and needs to be done to get the case in the right direction. Greg especially has been very helpful by keeping me updated and answering any questions I might have about the situation, he’s been an amazing help and I’m glad I was able to get him assigned to help me get what I deserve from my car accident. Very professional and fast responses, If you are ever injured in a car accident I 100% recommend this team to fight for you, ask for Greg!
sisay Aberasisay Abera
15:50 13 Sep 23
Highly recommend this law firm, filled with very nice and professional people who put their clients first. Josh took care of my case and were able to reduce my medical bills significantly which was awesome! Very pleased and glad I had them to work on my car accident case.Thank you, Mullen & Mullen Law Firm
Terrie RachallTerrie Rachall
20:13 28 Jul 23
Joe Morrison with Mullen and Mullen was fantastic representing me for an injury on someone's property. He kept me updated through the entire 2 year process. If I had any questions, Joe took the time to personally take my call and provide answers. Joe negotiated a settlement very quickly and ensured I received a fair settlement. I highly recommend Mullen and Mullen and would hire them again if I need help in the future. Best experience with any lawyer I have ever had!!
Alex MalcolmAlex Malcolm
22:05 17 May 23
I was injured in a motorcycle accident, and Shane Mullen took on my case with determination and empathy. His attention to detail and commitment to my case led to a favorable outcome. I'm grateful for his hard work and highly recommend Mullen & Mullen Law Firm.
I was involved in a car accident in Dallas texas off mockingbird. I was T bone by someone who had ran a red light. Me being a young female, I felt lost and taken advantage of by the other parties insurance.I chose Mullen Mullen because they were the only law firm who physically wanted to meet me and hear my side. They helped me with all on the medical assistance that I needed . Although it was a lot of therapy, I was really happy with the doctors they sent me to. Josh was very welcoming and I honest in the process. Every time I felt so at ease after speaking with him. I am so happy I had him on my case. Very hands on. Highly recommend!!!
Camry AdamsCamry Adams
16:21 14 Dec 22
Karen Lavigne is my name, and I had a great experience with Mullen & Mullen. Josh and Jessica was very patient and informative. If I had to decide again on which law firm to go with it would be Mullen & Mullen. Very transparent about ALL of my money down to the penny. I definitely recommend.
A AA A
14:57 01 Oct 22
It Honestly baffles me to see ANY negative or low reviews on this law firm. My case is far from over, however, I have never known a lawyer or law firm to not only give you their personal cell phone number but to also respond within 15 minutes. Never a complaint on the 10 plus text messages asking questions or the 2-3 paragraph e-mails. Never telling you it's to late or they are off the clock. They are NEVER off the clock. This firm has two or three lawyers dealing with numerous clients and STILL manage to do all they can to make you feel you are the only one. Try to remember they are human. They truly do everything to put you and your recovery first. The process is long but not something they have any control over. They don't control the Dr. Appointments or your recovery. They will help you find amazing Dr.s then it's up to you to be proactive in your recovery and keeping your appointments. It's been over a year and a half since my injury and my amazing, patient, and hardworking Attorney Joe has been here with me every step of the way. Hundreds of 5 star reviews. 3 or 4 low ones. You do the math.
Paul SPaul S
21:36 05 Sep 22
Mullen and Mullen are the best personal injury team in DFW. When you hire Mullen and Mullen, you have the best personal injury attorneys in DFW. You are getting the best support staff in the state of Texas.Knowing every case is unique. My case took 3 years to complete. My team was professional in the face of a lot of stalling tactics. Without a bat of an eye, the team turned up the heat on the defense for the best possible outcome for all parties.Without details, this group changed not only my life. Mullen and Mullen helped me change my outlook on life after the accident.The most important lessons I learned: 1) Do not try to navigate an personal injury case no matter the cause 2) Listen and follow the advice of your attorney. Get the best in Texas.Shane and Paul, thank you from me and my family.
Larry JohnsonLarry Johnson
17:00 06 Jul 22
I would like to thank Mullen and Mullen for the great service I received. I was involved in an accident and they really helped me out. I worked with the paralegal named Josh and he really made everything a simple process. Josh did a wonderful job and I couldn't be happier!
yolanda Rodriguezyolanda Rodriguez
23:17 15 Jun 22
I love they way they work and communication is the best, they will reach out to you and see if you need anything. Questions you have them they will answer you. Josh is an excelente person that help me so much he was always there for me and if I called him he would return my call as fast as he could. He explained everything I asked and I was really comfortable with him. Josh you are an awesome person. Thank you for everything. I love their services n I would highly reconmand them. Mullen and Mullen are there for you as soon as you call them.
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Join The Family That Wins

In the last four years, our firm made Top Verdict’s “Top 50” Personal Injury Settlements in Texas list 44 times, and the “Top 100” list 70 times.

2023 Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements
2021 Texas Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2021 Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2020 Texas Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2019 Texas Top 20 Settlements All Practice Areas Mullen & Mullen
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Table of Contents

Accidental Death Lawyers Who Settle For More

YOU CAN TRUST OUR FAMILY TO FIGHT FOR YOURS™

If your loved suffered a wrongful death due to the negligence or recklessness of another person or company, our skilled Fort Worth attorneys are ready to assist. Obviously, no amount of money can ever undo the ultimate injustice. Rest assured, however, that we will hold the wrongdoer accountable, get the answers you deserve, and seek the maximum financial compensation available.

Mullen & Mullen is consistently recognized by TopVerdict for obtaining some of the largest recoveries in the entire state of Texas. In the last 4 years our firm made the Texas “Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 44 times, and the “Top 100” list 70 times. Our stellar results allow us to offer a below industry standard 29% pre-suit contingency fee which means more money in your pocket.

Our experienced local team has an incredibly strong work ethic and truly cares. We’ve been privileged to serve North Texas for over 40 years. This is our backyard. Call (817) 768-6680 now for a free consultation and some excellent advice.

What Your Attorney Says

"We fought for this family like we’ll fight for yours."

When the unimaginable occurs, bereaved families seek and rightfully deserve answers. Our firm, spanning decades, has a dedicated record of securing compensation and holding wrongdoers accountable on behalf of clients who have suffered the loss of their loved ones.

While most of the outcomes in our wrongful death cases remain confidential and cannot be divulged in great detail, there’s one case that epitomizes our firm’s commitment.

We were engaged by the family of an individual who tragically lost his life in a pedestrian accident while walking on the shoulder of a highway. The insurance provider of the motorist promptly revealed the policy limits of their insured but contested liability, refusing to honor the policy limits, citing the police report that assigned fault to our deceased client.

The motorist stated in the police report that our client had stumbled into his lane of travel. When we commissioned a toxicology report, it unequivocally showed that our client had no drugs or alcohol in his system, casting significant doubt on the motorist’s claim that our client had appeared to be stumbling before the incident.

We also obtained the body-worn camera footage from the investigating officer, which proved pivotal. The footage contained a brief exchange where the motorist acknowledged seeing our client before the incident occurred, establishing that there was enough time for him to react. The implication was clear – the motorist had failed to move over sufficiently to avoid the collision, despite having the opportunity to do so.

Armed with this concise yet crucial footage, our firm presented it along with our settlement demand, prompting the insurance carrier to swiftly reverse their stance. Most importantly, the grieving family could finally find solace in knowing the full truth about what transpired in the loss of their loved one.

We didn’t simply accept the police report’s judgment that faulted our deceased client, nor did we relent when the motorist’s insurance provider disclaimed liability. Instead, we delved deeper, unraveled the facts, and fought relentlessly for this family, just as we are prepared to do for yours.

Shane V. Mullen
Eagle

Our Results Speak For Themselves

Gross Settlements Before Fees & Expenses

We have achieved numerous multimillion-dollar settlements across all practice areas, but we are restricted from displaying some very large results due to settlement confidentiality. Here are a few recent results without confidentiality agreements:

$6,150,000.00
Work Accident

$4,000,000.00
Wrongful Death

$2,978,104.95
Vehicle Accident

$2,550,000.00
Vehicle Accident

$2,550,000.00
Vehicle Accident

$2,250,000.00
Premises Liability

Why Choose Mullen & Mullen to Handle Your Case?

According to TopVerdict.com, our Dallas attorneys consistently achieve some of the highest recoveries in the state of Texas. As a matter of fact, in the last four years, we’ve made their Texas “Top 50” Personal Injury Settlements list 43 times, and their “Top 100” list 70 times. For example, in 2021 one of our claims made the Top 10 list, eight made the Top 11-20 list, and ten made the Top 21-50 list. When you factor in our reduced 29% contingency fee, we are confident we will help you recover more. At Mullen & Mullen, we pride ourselves on routinely recovering full policy limits for our clients without the necessity of costly and time-consuming litigation.

According to TopVerdict.com, our Dallas attorneys consistently achieve some of the highest recoveries in the state of Texas. As a matter of fact, in the last three years we’ve made their “Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 43 times. For example, in 2021 one of our claims made the Top 10 list, eight made the Top 11-20 list, and ten made the Top 21-50 list. When you factor in our reduced 29% contingency fee, we are confident we will help you recover more. At Mullen & Mullen, we pride ourselves on routinely recovering full policy limits for our clients without the necessity of costly and time-consuming litigation.

We have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic technology through well-established relationships with medical doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, neurologists, counselors, and other healthcare providers in the entire DFW Metroplex. You receive the quality medical attention you need from local providers near where you live or work. These providers specialize in treating people hurt in accidents of all kinds and they know how to properly document injuries to meet the legal burden of proof in your personal injury case. These providers are also willing to delay billing collections until after your case is resolved so you can focus on recovering without additional stress. Physicians that don’t routinely treat accident victims as part of their practice usually turn away patients over fear of being involved in the legal process or fear of health insurance companies refusing to pay accident-related healthcare bills. Please call us at 214-747-5240 for a free consultation and some advice.

Even if you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford your deductible, Mullen & Mullen will secure you the quality healthcare and state-of-the art diagnostics you deserve with no upfront out of pocket costs.

Shane, Joseph and Regis have almost 100 years of combined experience practicing personal injury law. That doesn’t even include the combined experience of the attorneys that serve as of-counsel to Mullen & Mullen at no additional cost to our clients. Our firm continues to evolve, but we never forget our Core Values. We do the right thing, handle cases the way we would want our own case handled, and we truly listen to clients. We have over 40 years of local knowledge, and that matters!

Some lawyers forget that they represent the client, but we never have. Our legal team will make YOU the priority. You are the boss, and we will respond quickly to your requests for case updates and assistance. We guarantee that when you need to speak to your counsel, you will speak directly to your counsel, not to a paralegal or secretary, because that’s the way it should be.

Most firms hire an investigator to help develop evidence on your case and charge you back for that service. Our firm, however, has 2 full-time accident investigators on staff and we offer their services to you for free. This is another way we will maximize your compensation.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Video footage is worth a lot more. Our in-house videographer allows us to capture the true impact the accident has on your life beyond mere words on a piece of paper.

When necessary, Mullen & Mullen Law Firm uses cutting edge technology like 3D imaging videos to fully demonstrate the extent of our clients’ injuries to the insurance companies. This also helps maximize the value of your claim.

Mullen & Mullen’s attorneys live and work right here in Dallas, and always have. We believe in paying our success forward by helping people in the North Texas community, and are dedicated to supporting these local charities.

About Our Highly Skilled Attorneys

Attorney Shane V. Mullen, Managing Partner
Shane V. Mullen, Attorney at Law

Shane V. Mullen, Managing Partner

Our Managing Partner, Shane V. Mullen, has been handling personal injury cases for 21 years. He is “Top-rated” by Thompson Reuters who named him as a Texas Super Lawyer 3 consecutive years. Shane is also a lifetime member of both the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, solidifying his expertise in handling significant cases. He is also an esteemed member of Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America, further attesting to his exceptional legal prowess. Shane brings hard-won, battle born knowledge to your case.

Attorney Joseph R. Morrison, Senior Associate
Joseph R. Morrison, Attorney at Law

Joseph R. Morrison, Senior Associate

With 18 years of personal injury experience, Attorney Joseph R. Morrison has established himself as a highly skilled legal professional. Notably, he served as counsel of record in a case that garnered recognition from VerdictSearch.com as a top 5 Premises liability (slip and fall) verdict in Texas. The defendant in this case was a Fortune 500 company with an annual revenue exceeding 11 billion. The specific case, Jeffrey Young v. ConAgra Foods, Inc., showcased Joe’s exceptional abilities in achieving favorable outcomes.

Joe is a distinguished member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers, solidifying his standing among the nation’s most esteemed legal practitioners. Furthermore, his membership in both the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums further attests to his expertise in handling substantial cases.

Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum member

Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Both Shane and Joseph are lifetime members of the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, meaning they have each settled cases in excess of two million. This solidifies their expertise in handling significant personal injury cases.

Regis L. Mullen, Founding Attorney
Regis L Mullen, Attorney at Law

Regis L. Mullen, Founder

Our Founder, Attorney Regis L. Mullen, has 56 years of personal injury experience. Regis received his Admission to practice law in 1967. Previously a Litigation Supervisor at Allstate Insurance Company, he knows all the tactics liability carriers use to deny or reduce personal injury settlements. Drawing upon his profound comprehension of the inner workings of the insurance industry, Regis established a law firm dedicated to meeting the legal needs of injured individuals in North Texas.

Texas Top 50 settlements - Wrongful Death - 2021

According to our records, the result obtained by Shane V. Mullen, Joseph R. Morrison in the case Estate of Unborn Child v. Motorist was one of the Top 50 Wrongful Death Settlements in the United States in the year 2021 and has made our list of the Top 50 Wrongful Death Settlements in the Nation in 2021. See the list here.

Case: Estate of Unborn Child v. Motorist
Type: Car Accident, Motor Vehicle Accident, Wrongful Death, Negligent Tort
Attorneys: Shane V. Mullen, Joseph R. Morrison of Mullen & Mullen Law Firm
Amount: $1,510,000.00
State: Texas

ABOUT WRONGFUL DEATH CASES

What Is A Wrongful Death Claim?

When a family member succumbs to the negligence, recklessness, intentional actions, or misconduct of another party, surviving family members have grounds for legal action. They can pursue claims for mental anguish, loss of financial support, loss of household services, loss of advice, and loss of maintenance that the deceased family member provided before their premature death.

Even if the deceased had a Will, an estate can still be established. Legal damages for the deceased will be pursued through a survival action case, and we will outline the distinctions between these two types of claims below.

How Soon Must You File A Wrongful Death Claim?

Time is of the essence, so prompt action is crucial. In Texas, two statutes of limitations govern the law:

  • The period within which the deceased could have filed a claim – 2 years.
  • The period within which you can claim on behalf of your loved one – 2 years.
  • Waiting beyond two years and one day from the incident that led to the loss of your loved one will legally prohibit you from seeking financial compensation.

The decisions you make now will significantly impact your case’s outcome. You have a single opportunity to present your loved one’s story correctly.

  • Immediate strategic decisions must be made.
  • Evidence needs to be collected promptly.
  • Experts may be required urgently.

Distinguishing Between Wrongful Death And Survival Action

A Wrongful Death claim is initiated by certain family members who directly suffer financial and emotional harm due to the untimely and unjust loss of a relative caused by another’s negligence or gross negligence.

A Survival Action is filed by the deceased’s estate, seeking damages for the harm suffered by the deceased directly due to someone else’s negligence or gross negligence leading to their demise.

The distinction hinges on the victim and the nature of the harm. For instance, if a father dies suddenly and can no longer support his children, the children may sue for mental anguish and the loss of financial support and guidance.

In a case where a single individual endures a prolonged, agonizing death, the estate can sue for pain, suffering, physical impairment, mental anguish, and medical bills incurred leading up to the death.

While it’s often advisable to pursue both causes of action, financial constraints may necessitate prioritizing wrongful death claims to prevent large hospital liens and other liens from attaching to the ultimate recovery of the survival action. By focusing solely on wrongful death damages, lien holders are often deterred from intervening in the pursuit of compensation for your family.

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Texas?

In Texas, the eligibility to file a wrongful death claim is legally defined, distinguishing between those with the right to initiate legal action and the beneficiaries. According to Texas law, the following individuals have the standing to file a claim:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Child or multiple children (including adult children)
  • Parent or legal guardian

Are Siblings Permitted To File A Wrongful Death Claim?

No, under Texas law, siblings do not possess this right. However, funds recovered from a survivor action benefit the estate. If the deceased had a will designating a sibling as a beneficiary, indirect financial benefits accrue to the sibling through the lawsuit.

Can The Decedent’s Estate Initiate A Wrongful Death Claim?

In Texas, the executor and/or administrator of the decedent’s estate generally has the right to file a wrongful death claim if no such action has been initiated within ninety (90) days following the decedent’s death by the surviving spouse, children, parent, and/or guardian. An exception exists if the estate is prohibited from filing a lawsuit by any of the aforementioned parties.

What Elements Must Be Established For A Wrongful Death Claim?

To file a wrongful death claim in Texas, the decedent’s surviving spouse, parent, or child must bring the suit, and it must be proven that a person or corporation committed a wrongful act resulting in the decedent’s injuries and subsequent death. Furthermore, it must be established that the decedent would have had grounds for legal action if they had survived. The surviving spouse, parent, or child must have also suffered actual damages, as detailed above.

What Damages Can Be Recovered By A Surviving Spouse, Parent, Or Child?

Recoverable damages include “actual damages.” While a surviving spouse or surviving children may potentially recover punitive damages, this is not applicable to parents of a deceased child.

What “Actual Damages” Can Parents Recover In A Wrongful Death Claim?

Parents of a deceased child can recover monetary damages resulting from the child’s death (before and after the age of 18), damages for the termination of the parent-child relationship, commonly referred to as “companionship and society,” and mental anguish, encompassing emotional pain, torment, and suffering—sometimes presented as grief and bereavement—resulting from the demise.

What “Actual Damages” Can Parents Recover If The Deceased Child Was An Adult At The Time Of Wrongful Death?

Parents can recover the same damages as if the child were a minor (refer to the above explanation).

What “Actual Damages” Can A Spouse Recover If Their Partner Died?

Recoverable damages include financial loss due to the spouse’s death, damages for the termination of the marital relationship (affection, comfort, sexual companionship), mental anguish resulting from the death, and the loss of inheritance (including the loss of future earning capacity or additional assets to the estate).

What “Actual Damages” Can A Surviving Child Recover If A Parent Was The Victim Of Wrongful Death?

Recoverable damages encompass future financial loss due to the parent’s passing, damages for the disruption of the parent-child relationship (affection, compassion, etc.), mental anguish, and potential loss of inheritance.

What Factors Will A Jury Consider In Determining Damages For Mental Anguish And Loss Of Companionship?

Jurors are typically instructed to consider the relationship between the deceased and the party, living arrangements, any extended periods of absence, family harmony, and shared interests or activities.

Can Punitive Damages Be Recovered If A Child, Spouse, Or Parent Dies?

Yes, punitive damages can be recovered if the loved one’s death resulted from willful or grossly negligent conduct. However, the Tort Reform Act of 1995 imposes caps on punitive damages, and Texas law limits recovery to the surviving spouse and children. Strangely, parents are not eligible to recover punitive damages for the loss of a child.

Can Damages Be Recovered For The Wrongful Death Of A Spouse If The Couple Was Separated At The Time?

Potentially. This is a case-specific inquiry, taking into account the support received (if any) from the decedent during the separation period before their demise.

If Pregnant, Can Damages Be Recovered For The Wrongful Death Of A Fetus?

Yes, but inexplicably, generally only if the fetus would have been capable of taking at least one breath if removed from the womb just prior to the violent event or if the fetus is born alive and subsequently dies.

What Is A “Survival Action”?

A survival action is initiated by or on behalf of an estate to seek damages for injuries suffered by the decedent who was the victim of wrongful death before their passing.

What Damages Can Be Recovered In A “Survival Action”?

Recoverable damages in a survival action encompass the physical pain and mental anguish endured by the victim before their demise, medical expenses incurred prior to their passing, funeral and burial expenses, property damages, and potential punitive damages.

Does The Type Of Claim Or Action Impact Hospital Liens?

Yes, amounts recovered in a survival action are subject to a hospital lien, whereas wrongful death damages generally are not.

In A Survival Action, Can The Estate Recover Damages For Physical Pain And Mental Anguish If The Victim Died Or Lost Consciousness Quickly?

Likely not. Recovery of such damages is typically limited to instances where conscious pain and suffering can be demonstrated, even if only for a brief period.

How Do You Establish A Wrongful Death Claim In Texas?

Four elements must be proven:

  • The defendant’s actions must have contributed, either wholly or partially, to your loved one’s passing.
  • The defendant must have acted with negligence or the specific intent to cause harm.
  • The death of your loved one must have affected you or other surviving family members eligible to bring a wrongful death action.
  • Surviving family members must be present and suffer monetarily and/or emotionally due to the wrongful death.

Was The Defendant Negligent?

Proving negligence is often the most challenging aspect of a wrongful death claim. While cases involving clear negligence, such as drunk driving, are straightforward, matters like medical malpractice can be less clear-cut, requiring significant time and resources for determination.

This might also be referred to as “breach of duty,” signifying the defendant’s responsibility for a duty of “due care”—a duty to keep the other person safe or refrain from actions that may cause harm.

Did The Defendant’s Actions Lead To Your Loved One’s Death?

Establishing causation can vary in difficulty. For instance, in a car crash, it is relatively straightforward to determine whether the defendant’s actions caused the accident. However, in cases involving medical malpractice, proving negligence becomes challenging, especially when the harmful consequences occur months or years after the negligent act, such as prescribing the wrong medicine.

Demonstrating Damages In Wrongful Death Cases

Once intent, breach of duty, and causation are established, damages are presumed due to the loss of the individual. However, in cases where harm occurs but not death, proving intent and causation may not be sufficient; you must also demonstrate the nature and extent of the harm (damages).

Facing the reality that others’ decisions can lead to the loss of a loved one is difficult. If you find yourself in this heartbreaking situation, contact our Fort Worth lawyers for a free consultation and guidance.

Is Wrongful Death Considered “Murder” In Texas?

No, it is distinct. Murder charges can only be pursued in criminal court, and financial compensation cannot be sought for such charges. In Texas, wrongful death is a civil action seeking financial damages, not imprisonment or execution. While a murder victim’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit, it’s a separate legal avenue. Notably, O.J. Simpson, after winning his criminal trial, lost a wrongful death lawsuit brought by surviving family members.

In criminal cases, the prosecutor must prove “beyond a reasonable doubt,” while in civil wrongful death cases, the standard is a lower burden of proof, known as “preponderance of the evidence.” This distinction played a role in Simpson’s case, where he won the criminal trial but lost the civil wrongful death claim.

Compensation In Texas Wrongful Death Claims

Various avenues exist for financial compensation in Texas. Examples of “actual damages” include:

  • Financial losses, such as the loved one’s lost earning capacity.
  • The value of care, maintenance, counsel, advice, and support the loved one would have provided to family members.
  • Mental anguish, representing the emotional pain suffered.
  • Loss of positive benefits like love and companionship from the deceased.
  • Inheritance lost from what the loved one would have accumulated and left behind.

Additionally, “exemplary” damages can be awarded in Texas, serving to penalize or punish the defendant for gross negligence, rather than compensating for actual losses.

CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Call (817) 768-6680 to talk to a Fort Worth wrongful death attorney right now. We won’t put any pressure on you to hire us on the spot. Simply learn how we’ll approach your case and get some excellent free advice. Make your decision only when you feel 100% ready. Do remember though, that the Texas statute of limitations gives you just 2 years from the date of your accident to file a claim.

We’ll come to your home or hospital room if it makes it easier on you! Phone and Zoom consultations are also available. You can call us, or use the form or chat feature on this page to request a free consultation now.

FORT WORTH OFFICE LOCATION

Mullen & Mullen Law Firm
9500 Ray White Rd #241
Fort Worth, TX 76244
Phone (817) 768-6680
By Appointment Only

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The Mullen & Mullen family is here to address your concerns and make the path to recovery smooth. There are no fees to get started and you pay $0 if we don’t settle your case.

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