Abilene Wrongful Death lawyer
Nationally Recognized Trial AttorneysNo family should ever experience the emotional trauma of losing a loved one through an avoidable and unpredicted accident. The experience of shock, loss, and grief is devastating enough, followed by the financial hardship of unexpected medical, burial, and funeral expenses.
When the deceased family member is a breadwinner, it can add financial adversity that compounds the matter. It can put the family at risk for even deeper hardship and potential ruin. When all of this has been caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing of another, it becomes a legal matter called a wrongful death.
A wrongful death claim can be made for surviving family members seeking compensation for damages and losses. While no amount of money can bring back a lost loved one, it can provide the financial resources needed for a family’s future survival and a sense of justice for what never should have happened in the first place.
Have you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence? Call Keith & Lorfing today at (325) 308-6960 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our wrongful death lawyer in Abilene!
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Determining if You Have a Wrongful Death Case
Determining whether you have a wrongful death case involves several key factors:
- Negligence: You must prove that your loved one’s death was caused by the negligence or intentional harm of another party.
- Breach of Duty: It needs to be shown that the responsible party owed a duty of care to the deceased and breached that duty.
- Causation: There must be a direct link between the breach of duty and the death.
- Damages: You must demonstrate that the death resulted in quantifiable damages such as medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
If these elements are present, you may have a viable wrongful death case.
Under Texas Statute Section 71.001, a wrongful death occurs from a “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default.” This type of death commonly occurs in traffic accidents caused by negligent drivers. These deaths can also happen in worksite accidents, such as on oil rigs, in slip and fall accidents, swimming pool drownings, through criminal attacks, medical negligence, and more.
The element of liability on the part of another person, business, or entity must be present. These are civil cases seeking damages. They may or may not also be subject to criminal charges, which is a separate matter handled in a criminal court.
In Texas, those survivors who are allowed to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party include:
- Surviving spouses
- Surviving children, either adult or minor, including adopted children
- Surviving parents, including adoptive parents
- Personal representatives of the deceased person’s estate
The surviving family members may file their claim singly or as a group. If they do not file their claim within three months from the day the deceased person passed away, the claim can be filed by the personal representative or the executor of the estate.
What Could Your Case Be Worth
The value of a wrongful death case depends on several factors:
- Economic Damages: Tangible losses such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and the lost income the deceased would have provided.
- Non-Economic Damages: Intangible losses like pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, additional punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
How to Get in Touch With Us
At Keith & Lorfing, our Abilene personal injury lawyers are here to support you through every step of your wrongful death case. To discuss your situation and explore your legal options, you can:
- Call Us: Reach out at (325) 308-6960 for a free consultation.
- Visit Our Office: Our team is available to meet with you in person to provide personalized assistance.
- Online Contact Form: Fill out our online contact form to get in touch with us, and we will respond promptly.
We are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
Keith & Lorfing: Wrongful Death Lawyers in Abilene
The Keith & Lorfing law firm stands out as a premier litigation firm in West Texas, specializing in wrongful death cases. Our attorneys bring decades of courtroom experience, renowned for their litigation and trial skills, combined with a practical approach to resolving cases efficiently.
With a proven track record in wrongful death law, we possess the expertise and resources to safeguard your legal rights during difficult times.
- 75+ Years of Combined Experience
- 500+ Years of Jury Trial Experience
- Best Lawyers in Abilene for 2023
- Former State & Federal Prosecutors on Staff
- Personalized Case Handling
- Multiple Offices Throughout West Texas
Trust Keith & Lorfing to provide the dedicated representation you need.
Hiring an Abilene Wrongful Death Attorney
When faced with the tragic loss of a loved one due to negligence, hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney is one of the biggest steps you can take. An attorney from our firm will:
- Provide Expert Legal Guidance: Navigate the complexities of wrongful death laws to build a strong case.
- Investigate the Incident: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to establish liability.
- Negotiate Settlements: Work towards fair compensation for your loss, covering medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
- Represent You in Court: Advocate on your behalf to ensure justice is served.
Choosing the right attorney ensures you have a dedicated advocate by your side, committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. At Keith & Lorfing, we offer compassionate and skilled representation to help you through this difficult time.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. If you fail to file a Texas wrongful death lawsuit within that timeframe, you may forfeit your right to pursue compensation.
However, there are some exceptions that may extend or toll the statute of limitations, such as cases involving minors or fraud. It’s essential to consult with a qualified wrongful death attorney promptly to ensure that your case is filed within the legal deadline and to navigate any potential exceptions.
Identifying Liable Parties in Wrongful Death Cases
The following parties may be held accountable in a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Individuals: A person whose negligent or intentional actions caused the death.
- Companies or Employers: If the death occurred due to unsafe working conditions, defective products, or corporate negligence.
- Medical Professionals: Doctors or healthcare providers who failed to provide adequate care.
- Government Entities: If the death resulted from unsafe public premises or actions by government employees.
Why Choose Keith & Lorfing Over Other Abilene Wrongful Death Attorneys
We believe our compassionate and dedicated team excels for several reasons:
- Highly Qualified Team: Our attorneys are among the most credentialed in West Texas, ensuring top-notch representation.
- Extensive Expertise: With over 75 years of combined experience, our team is skilled in handling complex wrongful death cases.
- Strategic Approach: Our methods aim for outstanding results, maximizing your chances of a favorable settlement or trial victory.
- Ample Resources: Multiple attorneys on staff allow us to provide high-quality service and client satisfaction.
- Rapid Response: Quick turnaround and response times using modern practices.
- Flexible Meeting Options: In-person or virtual meetings to fit your needs.
- Convenient Locations: Offices in Lubbock, Midland, Abilene, and San Angelo make us easily accessible.
- No Upfront Costs: We cover all case expenses; if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
OUR STREAMLINED PROCESS
FASTER. SIMPLER. EASIER.
With access to your very own legal team, a network of medical professionals, and clear direction on how to maximize your recovery, we take the pain and hassle out of the equation:
- Step 1: Meet with our Legal Team – it’s free!
- Step 2: Seek Medical treatment – we’ll help.
- Step 3: Follow the checklist in your client portal.
- Step 4: We’ll Make ‘Em Pay!
- Step 5: Cash your check.
Other Locations We Serve
As expert Texas personal injury attorneys, we cover the entirety of West Texas, including but not limited to:
Contact Our Abilene Wrongful Death Lawyer Today!
A wrongful death claim must be proven in court; this involves demonstrating that negligence occurred and that it led to the injuries that resulted in death and damages. Your case will need to be carefully prepared with solid evidence.
Our skilled trial lawyer has been preparing and building legal cases in the courts for more than a decade and is widely respected for the integrity of his professional work.
Contact Keith & Lorfing today to schedule a FREE consultation with our wrongful death attorney in Abilene!
The Best
In the West
With over 500 jury trials and over 75 years of experience, our team of attorneys have the experience and expertise you need to win and to win big. We employ multiple former federal and state prosecutors.
Our attorneys have clerked at the highest courts in Texas, graduated from some of the best Universities, and handled the biggest cases. Our attorneys could have easily worked at the largest law firms in New York, San Francisco, or Washington D.C. but chose to come back to West Texas –to their home – to protect and fight for our West Texas communities.
Trey Keith
Founding Partner Meet Trey
Russell Lorfing
Founding Partner Meet Russell
&
3 Things you’ll get With Keith & Lorfing
A Lawyer Will Answer Your Calls & Emails
You’ll Be Informed About Your Case Every Step of the Way
You’ll Be Treated With Compassion & Respect
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At No Cost To You!
We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.
