The unexpected loss of a loved one creates profound emotional pain that no words can adequately express. When that loss results from someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, the devastation extends beyond grief to encompass financial hardship, unanswered questions, and a desperate need for justice.
If you’ve lost a family member due to another party’s reckless or negligent behavior in Texas, a wrongful death lawyer McAllen families trust can help you on this difficult journey while pursuing the compensation and accountability your family deserves.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we understand that no legal outcome can restore what you’ve lost. However, holding responsible parties accountable and securing financial compensation can provide your family with stability during an impossibly difficult time. Our wrongful death lawyers in McAllen depend on combining compassionate support with aggressive legal advocacy to fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in McAllen, Texas?
A wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life due to another party’s negligent, careless, or wrongful actions. Under Texas law, families in McAllen may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for both financial losses and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
A wrongful death attorney in McAllen reviews the circumstances surrounding the death to determine whether another individual, business, or entity can be held legally responsible. When negligence is established, surviving family members may file a civil lawsuit, even if criminal charges are pending or have already been resolved.
Wrongful death claims in McAllen are handled through civil court and focus on financial recovery and accountability rather than criminal punishment. These cases can stem from fatal car or truck accidents, unsafe property conditions, defective products, workplace incidents, or medical negligence.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in McAllen?
Texas law specifies who is eligible to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Generally, the following individuals may file a claim:
Surviving spouses
Children (including legally adopted children)
Parents of the deceased
In some cases, the executor or personal representative of the estate may file a claim on behalf of eligible family members. A McAllen wrongful death lawyer can review your situation and determine who has the legal right to pursue damages under Texas law.
What Factors Contribute to Wrongful Death Cases in McAllen, TX?
Wrongful death claims often arise from incidents that could have been prevented with proper care or adherence to safety laws. Some of the most common causes include:
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents remain one of the leading causes of wrongful death claims. Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and violations of traffic laws often play a role in fatal crashes.
Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Collisions involving commercial trucks frequently result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. These cases may involve multiple liable parties, including drivers, employers, maintenance providers, or manufacturers.
Workplace Accidents
Construction sites, industrial facilities, and oilfield operations carry serious risks. When employers or contractors fail to follow safety regulations, fatal workplace accidents can occur.
Medical Negligence
Errors during diagnosis, treatment, or surgery can tragically lead to loss of life. A wrongful death lawsuit may arise when healthcare providers fail to meet acceptable standards of care.
Dangerous Property Conditions
Poorly maintained premises, unsafe structures, or inadequate security may result in fatal slip and fall accidents, drownings, or other preventable tragedies.
A wrongful death claim lawyer in McAllen investigates the circumstances surrounding the incident to identify responsible parties and preserve critical evidence.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case in McAllen, TX?
To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, four legal elements must be proven:
Duty of care – The responsible party owed a legal duty to act reasonably and safely
Breach of duty – That duty was violated through negligence or misconduct
Causation – The breach directly caused the death
Damages – The death resulted in measurable losses to the surviving family members
An experienced wrongful death lawsuit lawyer in McAllen gathers documentation, testimony, accident reports, and other evidence to build a strong case establishing liability.
What Compensation Is Available in a McAllen Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death compensation is designed to help families in McAllen cope with both the financial strain and the profound personal loss caused by a loved one’s death. While no amount of money can replace what was lost, a wrongful death claim can provide meaningful financial support and long-term stability.
Economic Losses Families May Recover
Economic damages address the tangible financial impact of the loss, which may include:
Lost income the deceased would have contributed to the household
Loss of future earning potential and financial support
Medical bills related to the final injury or treatment
Funeral and burial costs
Loss of employment benefits, retirement contributions, or household services
Non-Economic Losses Recognized Under Texas Law
Non-economic damages reflect the deeply personal effects of losing a loved one, such as:
Loss of companionship, love, and emotional support
Mental anguish and emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members
Loss of parental guidance or the loss of a spousal relationship
Every wrongful death case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the specific circumstances. A wrongful death attorney McAllen families rely on can carefully evaluate both the financial and personal losses you’ve suffered to pursue compensation that truly reflects the impact of your loss.
The Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims
Texas law imposes strict deadlines on wrongful death lawsuits. In most cases, families have two years from the date of death to file a claim. Missing this deadline may permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
Certain circumstances can affect this timeline, including cases involving minors, government entities, or delayed discovery of negligence. Speaking with a McAllen wrongful death attorney as early as possible helps protect your legal rights.
How Hollingsworth Law Firm Approaches Wrongful Death Cases
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we understand the pain of losing a loved one. Our approach combines compassion with meticulous legal preparation, ensuring families receive both support and strong advocacy.
Listening and Understanding: We take time to understand your loss and concerns, ensuring our claim reflects the true human impact of the tragedy.
Thorough Investigation: We act quickly to gather critical evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to establish liability.
Identifying All Liable Parties: We evaluate all potential sources of liability to ensure no party is overlooked.
Clear Communication: We keep you informed with transparent, honest guidance throughout the entire process.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We handle all negotiations to ensure fair compensation and protect you from lowball offers.
Trial-Ready Preparation: While we aim for a settlement, we fully prepare each case for trial, ensuring we’re ready if needed.
Long-Term Financial Security: We pursue compensation that addresses both immediate and future financial needs.
Compassionate Support: We offer steady guidance to help reduce legal stress so your family can focus on healing.
Contact Our McAllen Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, time matters. Evidence can fade, deadlines apply, and early legal guidance can make a real difference. The wrongful death attorneys McAllen families turn to at 713-637-4560, Hollingsworth Law Firm, are here to help you pursue accountability with care and determination.
We offer free consultations, we recover compensation, and compassionate support throughout the process. As your personal injury lawyer in McAllen, we handle the legal work so your family can focus on healing and honoring your loved one.
Steve Hollingsworth is a skilled trial attorney with over 50 cases tried across Texas. With experience as a felony prosecutor and representing major insurers, he now focuses on helping injured Texans in areas like car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability. Steve founded his own firm to provide dedicated, client-focused legal representation.
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
RossanaFormer Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
AnonymousFormer Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G.Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
SaraFormer Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
AndrewFormer Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V.Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts .
overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H.Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law.
He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E.Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T.Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury.
His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H.From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him.
He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant.
My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome.
I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
JessieFormer Client
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