5 Debunked Myths on Wrongful Death Cases in Texas

July 31, 2024
Dow Law Firm
debunked myths on wrongful death cases

Many government agencies put price tags on human lives. The Environmental Protection Agency, for instance, values human life at around $7.4 million. The Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration value one at around $9.6 million.

With this in mind, you could argue one of the biggest myths about wrongful death cases is that it isn’t worth filing a wrongful death lawsuit since money can’t replace a loved one. While this may ring true to some degree, filing a wrongful death lawsuit can make life easier for your family by eliminating a loved one’s funeral costs, medical bills, and more.

Here are five more common myths about wrongful death cases and the truth behind them.

1. Wrongful Death Cases Can Only Be Filed in Texas After Certain Types of Accidents

Some families think they can only file wrongful death cases in Texas following car accidents. Others are under the impression they can only file them in the wake of medical malpractice.

These are just two examples of the many types of accidents that warrant wrongful death lawsuits. Your family can also file them after workplace fatalities, deaths caused by defective products, and other accidents.

2. It’s Too Difficult To Win Wrongful Death Cases in Texas

One of the other misconceptions about wrongful death lawsuits is that it’s too hard to win them in court. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Your family may think you need to prove another person intentionally caused your loved one’s death to win your case. In reality, you only need to show that an at-fault party did something negligent that played even a small part in their deadly accident.

3. Only Spouses Can File Wrongful Death Cases in Texas

Unlike some other U.S. states, Texas doesn’t allow just anyone to file wrongful death cases after a loved one’s death. But thinking only a spouse can do it is another one of the false beliefs about wrongful death claims.

In Texas, the following people can file wrongful death cases:

  • Spouses
  • Parents
  • Children

If your loved one left dependents behind, you’ll want to take legal action quickly to ensure their death doesn’t prevent their children from securing the necessities in life.

4. Wrongful Death Cases in Texas Can’t Cover Anything Other Than Funeral Costs and Medical Bills

If your family files a successful wrongful death case in Texas and collects compensation, you can use it to pay for their funeral costs and medical bills. But that’s only the beginning.

This compensation can also cover living expenses, pain and suffering, and other costs.

5. Families Have as Long as They Want To File Wrongful Death Cases in Texas

Unfortunately, this is one of the myths about wrongful death cases that families often find out about the hard way. Your family does not have as long as you want to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Texas is two years from the date of a person’s death. Work on filing a wrongful death claim before then to avoid missing the opportunity.

Contact Us To Continue Debunking Wrongful Death Case Myths

Now that your family knows the truth about wrongful death misconceptions, are you ready to take legal action? The Dow Law Firm can break down more myths vs. facts in wrongful death lawsuits and help file a lawsuit for your family.

Call us at (512) 240-9951 or contact us online to avoid buying into myths on wrongful death cases.