Fort Worth Wrongful Death Lawyer

The Fort Worth wrongful death lawyers at Bailey & Galyen help families pursue accountability after losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. When a death could have been prevented, the emotional pain is often compounded by unanswered questions, financial strain, and uncertainty about what to do next.

During this difficult time, having experienced legal guidance can help you understand your options and protect your family’s interests.

Wrongful death cases are not just about legal claims. They are about honoring a life, seeking answers, and addressing the financial and emotional impact left behind. At Bailey & Galyen, we approach wrongful death matters with care, professionalism, and a commitment to clear communication. Our attorneys work closely with families in Fort Worth and throughout Tarrant County, offering support while handling the legal process with attention and respect.

If you are unsure whether you have a viable wrongful death claim or simply need your questions answered, speaking with our Fort Worth wrongful death attorneys can help you understand your rights and what steps may be available.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact Bailey & Galyen for a free confidential consultation today.

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Why Families in Fort Worth Choose Bailey & Galyen for Wrongful Death Cases

Choosing a law firm after a tragic loss is never an easy task. Families deserve legal support they can trust—support that balances experience with compassion. Bailey & Galyen has served Texas families for decades, and wrongful death cases remain an important part of our personal injury practice.

Families turn to Bailey & Galyen because we offer:

• Decades of Experience in Texas Injury Law
  Our attorneys have handled wrongful death claims arising from a wide range of accidents and negligent conduct throughout Fort Worth and North Texas.
• Local Knowledge of Tarrant County Courts
  We understand how wrongful death cases proceed in Fort Worth-area courts, including local filing procedures and expectations.
• A Team-Based Legal Approach
  Wrongful death cases often involve complex investigations, insurance issues, and financial loss analysis. Our attorneys work with skilled legal professionals to address every aspect of the claim.
• Clear and Compassionate Communication
  Families deserve to be informed, not overwhelmed. We explain the process in straightforward language and remain accessible throughout the case.
• No Upfront Costs for Injury Claims
  Wrongful death cases are handled without upfront legal fees. Families can focus on healing while we handle the legal work.

Bailey & Galyen is committed to providing families with steady guidance during one of the most challenging periods of their lives. Reach out today to learn more.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

Under Texas law, a wrongful death occurs when a person loses their life as a result of another party’s negligence, carelessness, or wrongful act. These claims are civil actions, distinct from any potential criminal proceedings that may arise.

A wrongful death claim allows certain family members to seek compensation for the losses they suffer due to their loved one’s death. These cases focus on both financial harm and the personal loss experienced by surviving relatives.

Each case is unique, and determining whether a claim exists requires a careful review of the facts. Learn if your situation qualifies for legal action during a free consultation with our team.

How Wrongful Death Claims Differ From Criminal Cases

Families are often unsure how a wrongful death claim fits alongside a criminal investigation or prosecution. It is common to wonder whether a civil case can move forward if criminal charges are still pending—or if no charges are filed at all.

In Texas, wrongful death claims are civil cases, not criminal ones. The underlying purpose of each case is different. Criminal cases are brought by the state and focus on whether a crime was committed and what punishment may apply. A wrongful death civil lawsuit, on the other hand, is brought by surviving family members and focuses on the harm caused to them by another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct.

Because these cases serve different purposes, one does not depend on the other. A wrongful death claim may move forward even if no criminal charges are filed, or if a criminal case ends without a conviction. The legal standards are different, and the court must examine different legal issues.

For many families, a wrongful death claim provides an opportunity to seek answers, accountability, and financial support that the criminal justice system does not address. A Fort Worth wrongful death lawyer at Bailey & Galyen can explain how these cases proceed independently and help families understand how civil claims may help them address their losses, rather than punishment for the wrongdoer.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Fort Worth?

Texas law limits who may file a wrongful death claim. Generally, eligible individuals include:

• The surviving spouse
• Children of the deceased
• Parents of the deceased

These individuals may file a claim individually or together. In some situations, a personal representative of the estate may bring a related claim on behalf of the estate.

Understanding eligibility is an important first step. Our wrongful death attorneys can help determine who may pursue a claim and how it should be structured to maximize compensation.

Types of Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death damages are intended to address the losses suffered by surviving family members. While no amount of compensation can replace a loved one, damages may help alleviate financial pressure and acknowledge the family’s loss.

Damages in Texas wrongful death cases may include:

• Loss of financial support and income
• Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Mental anguish suffered by surviving family members

In certain cases, additional damages may be available, depending on the specific circumstances. Texas law allows juries to decide certain damages based on the facts presented.

How Financial Loss Is Evaluated After a Wrongful Death

After losing a loved one, financial concerns can feel overwhelming—especially when that person played a key role in supporting the household. While money can never replace a life, Texas law recognizes that wrongful death often creates real and lasting financial hardship for surviving family members.

In a wrongful death case, courts look at how the loss has affected the family economically, both now and in the future. This may include the income the deceased would likely have earned, as well as the value of services they provided to the household. These services might include childcare, home maintenance, or other contributions that now must be replaced.

Financial losses may also include medical expenses related to the final injury or illness, along with funeral and burial costs. In many cases, these expenses arise suddenly, placing additional stress on families already coping with grief.

Evaluating these losses requires a careful review of employment records, financial history, and family circumstances. A skilled wrongful death lawyer helps gather and present this information clearly so the full scope of the family’s loss is understood. This process is not about placing a value on a person’s life, but about recognizing the tangible impact their absence has created.

How Negligence Is Established in a Wrongful Death Case

To pursue a wrongful death claim, it must be shown that another party’s negligence caused or contributed to the death. This typically involves establishing:

• A duty of care owed to the deceased;
• A breach of that duty;
• A direct connection between the breach and the death; and
• Resulting financial damages to surviving family members.

Our investigation may include reviewing accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence. These cases often require detailed preparation and coordination, and our experienced team has the resources and legal abilities to build a solid case and fight for the maximum amount of damages available.

What Happens If the Deceased Was Partially at Fault?

Some families hesitate to explore a wrongful death claim because they worry their loved one may have been partially responsible for what happened. In Texas, this concern does not automatically prevent a claim from moving forward.

Texas follows a modified comparative responsibility rule. This means the court may consider whether more than one party contributed to the incident. In wrongful death cases, a jury evaluates the evidence and determines how responsibility should be allocated among the parties involved.

If the decedent was partially at fault, it does not automatically eliminate the family’s right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases often involve complex circumstances, and responsibility is rarely as clear-cut as it may seem at first. Insurance companies may attempt to shift fault away from their insured, but these arguments do not ultimately determine the final outcome.

Because fault assessments can significantly impact a case, careful investigation and presentation of evidence are particularly crucial. The dedicated wrongful death team in our Fort Worth office can review the facts, address allegations of fault, and help families understand how Texas law applies to their specific situation.

What Are the Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Fort Worth?

Fort Worth’s busy roadways, construction activity, and commercial centers contribute to various types of fatal accidents. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death claims in the area include:

• Serious car and truck collisions
• Industrial and construction site incidents
• Unsafe property conditions
• Negligent security
• Defective consumer products
• Medical errors

Each situation presents different legal and factual challenges. Having experienced legal representation can help ensure the case is handled carefully from the start.

The Role of Insurance in Wrongful Death Claims

Many wrongful death cases involve insurance companies, whether through auto policies, commercial liability coverage, or other forms of insurance. Insurance companies often conduct their own investigations and may challenge liability or the amount of damages claimed.

Families should be cautious when communicating with insurers after a fatal accident. Statements made to an insurance adjuster can affect the outcome of your claim. Instead, let our wrongful death lawyers handle communications with insurers and help protect your family’s interests.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

Texas law imposes a time limit for filing wrongful death claims. This deadline is commonly referred to as the statute of limitations. In most cases, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years following the date of death.

Missing this deadline can prevent a claim from moving forward. Because timelines can vary depending on the specific facts, consulting with an attorney early can help preserve your legal rights.

What to Expect During the Wrongful Death Legal Process

Families often want to know what pursuing a wrongful death claim involves. While every case is different, the process typically includes:

• Initial case review and investigation
• Identification of responsible parties
• Gathering evidence and documentation
• Negotiation with insurance carriers
• Filing a wrongful death lawsuit if a settlement is not possible

Bailey & Galyen works to manage the legal process, allowing families to focus on healing and supporting one another.

How Bailey & Galyen Supports Families Through Wrongful Death Claims

At Bailey & Galyen, we recognize that wrongful death cases require more than legal knowledge. They require patience, empathy, and respect for the difficult times families are going through.

Our attorneys assist families by:

• Explaining legal options in clear terms
• Handling investigations and documentation
• Communicating with insurance companies
• Preparing cases for negotiation or trial when appropriate
• Keeping families informed throughout the process

We strive to provide steady guidance without adding unnecessary stress.

Addressing Common Concerns After a Fatal Accident

Families often worry about whether pursuing a claim will reopen emotional wounds or take too much time. While legal action does involve effort, many families find that working with a compassionate attorney who provides answers to their questions and fights for accountability and justice can provide a sense of closure.

Others worry about the legal costs associated with litigation. At Bailey & Galyen, we handle all wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis without charging any upfront legal fees. This allows families to pursue their rights without added financial burden.

Reach Out to the Fort Worth Wrongful Death Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen to Learn More

Losing a loved one unexpectedly can be devastating. While no legal action can undo that loss, understanding your rights and options may help you move forward with greater clarity.

The Fort Worth wrongful death lawyers at Bailey & Galyen are dedicated to providing families with compassionate and knowledgeable legal support during this challenging time. We are here to answer questions, explain the process, and guide you every step of the way.

If your family has lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, contact Bailey & Galyen for a free, confidential consultation today. Call (817) 438-2121 to speak with our Fort Worth team.

Schedule A Free Appointment