Losing a loved one is the most painful experience someone can have — and when that loss is sudden, unexpected, and caused by someone else’s negligence, families are left to cope not only with grief, but also with the unfairness and unanswered questions that follow.
At Omar Ochoa Law Firm, we understand your heartache and confusion during this devastating time. Our compassionate McAllen wrongful death lawyers are here to provide steady support, clear guidance, and relentless legal advocacy as you seek justice for your loved one.
Skilled Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving McAllen Families
Sadly, statistics indicate a concerning trend in the rise of preventable deaths nationwide in recent years. During such difficult times, families in McAllen need compassionate and skilled legal representation to understand their rights and pursue justice.
At Omar Ochoa Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing unwavering support and legal guidance to families who have suffered the tragic loss of a loved one due to wrongful death. With decades of experience gained by winning over $1 billion for our clients, we have the skill and resources to thoroughly investigate the circumstances, build a strong case, and fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable.
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one and believe it was due to negligence, please contact Omar Ochoa Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation. Call us at 956-253-3121.
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Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.001-71.003 defines wrongful death as one resulting from another party's:
Careless or negligent actions
Deliberate misconduct
Failure to fulfill professional responsibilities
Inadequate skills in delivering services
Product defects or warranty failures
Reckless behavior
To pursue a wrongful death lawsuit successfully, evidence must demonstrate that had the deceased survived, they would have qualified to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases in McAllen
Our dedicated McAllen wrongful death attorneys handle a diverse range of fatal accident circumstances, including:
Car Accidents
Negligence on the road, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or running red lights, are frequent causes of tragic fatal collisions. Our team is experienced in investigating these incidents to determine fault and pursue justice for grieving families.
Truck Accidents
Due to their size and complexity, accidents involving large commercial trucks often result in severe injuries and fatalities. Factors like driver fatigue, improper maintenance, overloading, and inadequate training can contribute to these devastating events, and we are skilled in navigating the intricate regulations governing the trucking industry.
Maritime Injuries
Tragic fatalities can occur in the maritime industry due to unsafe working conditions, vessel negligence, improper training, or equipment malfunctions, and our attorneys are prepared to handle the complexities of admiralty and maritime law to advocate for affected families.
Defective Products
Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumers. When defective design, manufacturing flaws, or inadequate warnings lead to a fatality, we hold negligent companies accountable for the harm they have caused.
Regardless of how your loved one's death occurred, our McAllen wrongful death lawsuit lawyers will evaluate your situation and explain your legal options for pursuing fair compensation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Texas law clearly defines who can pursue a wrongful death claim. Eligible family members include:
The surviving spouse
The deceased's children (including adopted children)
The deceased's parents (including adoptive parents)
If none of these individuals file a claim within three months of the person's death, the executor or administrator of the deceased's estate may do so unless all eligible family members specifically request otherwise.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing Wrongful Death Claims in Texas
According to Section 16.003 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, surviving family members have two years from the date of the victim's death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to seek compensation.
Here are several factors that can affect this deadline:
Discovery Rule
This legal principle can extend the typical two-year deadline in situations where the deceased or their family could not have reasonably known about the negligent cause of death until a later point in time.
Government Entities
Filing claims against governmental entities (like cities or the state) imposes much stricter and often shorter notification requirements that must be met before the standard two-year statute of limitations begins to run. If these preliminary steps are missed, a claim could be barred.
Minor Children
The statute of limitations for surviving minor children who have the right to bring a wrongful death claim may be tolled until they reach the age of majority (18). This gives them an independent opportunity to pursue legal action, even if the standard limitation period has passed for adult survivors.
After a fatal accident, evidence can disappear quickly, and important documents may be lost. Don't delay seeking legal help — our McAllen wrongful death attorneys can help you meet all critical deadlines.
You Deserve Answers, and We’ll Find Them. Call Us.
Schedule a free consultation with Omar Ochoa Law Firm to understand your rights and options.
Texas law outlines various types of wrongful death damages available to help families cover resulting costs and rebuild their lives.
Here's what you should know about your compensation rights:
Economic Damages
These are tangible financial losses directly resulting from your loved one's death. This can include medical expenses incurred before their passing, funeral and burial costs, the loss of their future earning capacity (including wages, benefits, and potential career growth), and the value of lost household services they provided.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address the intangible losses suffered by surviving family members due to the emotional impact of the death. This can include compensation for mental anguish, grief, loss of companionship, loss of inheritance (the financial benefit the survivors would have likely received from the deceased's estate), and loss of care, counsel, and support.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the death was caused by particularly egregious conduct, such as gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are not intended to compensate the survivors for their losses but rather to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Distribution of Damages
Texas law specifies how the damages recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit are to be distributed among the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. Our attorneys can explain the legal framework for distribution and ensure the funds are allocated appropriately according to the law.
Our McAllen wrongful death attorneys can help calculate and prove the losses you've suffered, ensuring your family receives fair compensation. Though no amount of money can replace your loved one, securing your family's financial support is an important step forward.
How Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Help Grieving Families
The compassionate legal team at Omar Ochoa Law Firm provides comprehensive support throughout every stage of your wrongful death case. Here's how we'll help while you focus on healing:
Thorough Investigation and Case Building
We conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one's death, gathering crucial evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and opinions to build a strong and compelling case that establishes negligence and liability.
Claim Management
Our team handles all aspects of the insurance claim process, including communicating with insurance companies, negotiating settlements, and protecting you from unfair tactics designed to minimize or deny your rightful compensation.
Legal Documentation and Court Proceedings
We meticulously prepare and file all necessary legal documents, navigate complex court procedures, and ensure all deadlines are met accurately and efficiently, relieving you of this significant burden during a difficult time.
Consistent Communication and Support
We understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one, and we prioritize clear and consistent communication, keeping you informed of every development in your case and providing compassionate support and guidance throughout the entire legal journey.
Trial Preparation and Representation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial attorneys are fully prepared to vigorously represent your family's interests in court, presenting a compelling case to a judge and jury to pursue the justice you deserve.
No matter what challenges arise, our McAllen wrongful death attorneys will support you throughout the entire experience.
Hold Them Accountable — Contact Us Now
Reach out to Omar Ochoa Law Firm for a confidential consultation.
Why Choose Omar Ochoa Law Firm for Your Wrongful Death Case?
Here's why clients trust our personal injury law firm to handle their McAllen wrongful death claims:
We're Your Partners
We will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options without the added stress during this difficult time.
Our Advocacy Is Strong
Our experienced attorneys meticulously build your case to pursue the full financial compensation you are entitled to under Texas law for your losses.
We're Local
We possess a comprehensive understanding of Texas wrongful death laws and diligently apply this knowledge to protect your family's interests.
We're Ready to Go to Trial
Our firm is prepared to handle all aspects of wrongful death litigation, providing strong and effective representation in negotiations and at trial.
Client-First Commitment
We are available 24/7 to address your concerns, offer support in both Spanish & English, operate locally with a proven track record, and you pay no fee until we win your case.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Want to hear more about how we help and what we do? Don’t just take our word for it. Read our real client reviews and testimonials - and see videos from our real former clients.
5.0
Mr. Ochoa was able to help us after a hurricane get us more for our property damage. Also great friendly staff was able to answer all questions!!!
Richard Trevino
5.0
First time getting a lawyer for an accident, Omar Ochoa Lw firm was very helpful in providing clear instructions and information to help me battle my motor vehicle case. I would highly recommend.
Jodabeni Dondeli
5.0
I am highly recommending Omar Ochoa law firm. We had damage to our roof and were not satisfied with our insurance. Got recommended to Mr Ochoa he really did all he Could to help us get enough to repair our roof. Staff are also very friendly and helpful. This currently helps to feel welcome. Again I highly recommend if you are looking for help with roof repair and you were not satisfied with your insurance reimbursement
Find Strength and Justice After Loss — Contact Omar Ochoa Law Firm
While no legal action can truly replace your loved one, pursuing justice and accountability can provide a measure of closure and financial security for your future.
Call Omar Ochoa Law Firm at 956-253-3121 today for compassionate guidance and dedicated advocacy. Let us help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the answers and compensation your family deserves.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if the at-fault party doesn't have insurance?
Even if the at-fault party lacks insurance, we will explore all available options for recovering compensation, such as pursuing personal assets or examining your loved one's insurance policies for underinsured motorist coverage.
What if my loved one's death was partly their fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your family can still recover damages even if your loved one was partially responsible for their death, as long as their fault is not more than 50%. However, the compensation you receive will be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.
Does a will affect the filing of a wrongful death claim?
A will does not determine who can file a wrongful death claim, as this right is granted by Texas law to specific surviving family members. However, the will may influence who ultimately receives the proceeds from a successful wrongful death lawsuit, as these funds typically pass to the beneficiaries designated by law, which may align with or differ from the will's provisions.