Wrongful Death Attorney in Houston, TX
Compassionate Guidance When Loss Is Profound
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s choices is devastating. The Arnsworth Law Firm stands with families across Houston and Texas to seek accountability through civil claims that can provide stability during an uncertain time. As a Houston wrongful death lawyer, Coby Arnsworth offers direct access, clear answers, and steady advocacy from the first call through resolution.
We handle fatal outcomes involving vehicle collisions, workplace incidents, medical errors, unsafe property conditions, and other acts of negligence. When a commercial vehicle is involved, our
truck accident lawyer analyzes federal safety rules, driver logs, and company practices to hold every responsible party accountable.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim
A civil action when negligence or misconduct causes death
Seeks compensation for the surviving family’s losses
Separate from any criminal case
Often arises from crashes, medical errors, dangerous premises, or industrial incidents
Who Can File and Legal Timelines
In Texas, the surviving spouse, children, and parents may file
If they do not file within three months, the executor may file unless the family objects
General deadline is two years from the date of death, with limited exceptions
Siblings typically cannot file under Texas law
What Compensation May Be Available
Families may recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support and inheritance, and the value of services the loved one provided. Texas law also recognizes mental anguish and loss of companionship. In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may be available. We work closely with experts to document the full impact on your family’s future.
When death follows a serious injury that lasted days or weeks, we also evaluate a companion survival claim for the estate that addresses the loved one’s medical bills and pain before passing. If a commercial carrier played a role, we coordinate closely with our
trucking accidents team. For medical errors, we align strategy with our broader
practice areas to address unique rules.
Answers to Common Wrongful Death Questions
How is a wrongful death claim different from a survival action?
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the family’s losses. A survival action belongs to the estate and addresses the loved one’s damages before passing, such as medical bills and pain. Many cases include both.
Is there a cap on wrongful death damages in Texas?
Most negligence cases, including vehicle crashes and many workplace incidents, do not have caps on compensatory damages. Medical malpractice claims have specific limits on noneconomic damages by statute, and punitive damages have statutory caps.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas?
The surviving spouse, children, and parents may file. If they do not file within three months, the executor may file unless the family requests otherwise. Siblings generally cannot file under Texas law.
How long do we have to file?
The general deadline is two years from the date of death, with some exceptions. It is important to speak with a lawyer promptly so evidence is preserved.
Do we need to pay upfront?
No. We work on a contingency fee. There is no fee unless we win.
Compassion, Accountability, and Action
Your family deserves answers and a path forward. Call The Arnsworth Law Firm for
free consultation to discuss your options. We can meet at our Houston office, by phone, or by video, and we serve families across Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and the rest of Texas.