San Angelo Wrongful Death Lawyer
Nationally Recognized Trial Attorneys
Losing a loved one unexpectedly due to a preventable accident is an unimaginable tragedy that no family should have to endure. The emotional pain, shock, and grief are overwhelming, and the financial burdens of sudden medical, funeral, and burial expenses can add to the distress.
A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their losses and damages. While financial recovery cannot replace a loved one, it can provide essential support for the family’s future and deliver a measure of justice for a tragic event that should never have occurred.
When the deceased was the primary provider, the financial impact on the family can be severe, threatening their stability and future. This heartache is intensified when the loss results from someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, legally defined as wrongful death.
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 San Angelo. With our no win, no fee arrangement, you can pursue justice without any upfront costs.
Next Steps After Believing a Wrongful Death Has Occurred
If you believe a wrongful death has occurred, taking prompt and informed steps will help you seek justice for your loved one. Here’s what you should do next:
1. Seek Medical and Legal Documentation
- Obtain Medical Records: Collect all medical records related to the deceased’s treatment, including hospital reports, doctor’s notes, and any other relevant documents.
- Death Certificate: Ensure you have the official death certificate, which will be necessary for legal and insurance purposes.
2. Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney. At Keith & Lorfing, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and advise you on the best course of action.
- Legal Guidance: Your attorney will help you understand your rights and the legal process involved in filing a wrongful death claim.
3. Preserve Evidence
- Collect Evidence: Gather any evidence that may support your claim, such as photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and any relevant correspondence.
- Avoid Altering the Scene: If possible, avoid altering the scene of the incident until a thorough investigation has been conducted.
4. Investigate the Incident
- Hire Experts: Your attorney may work with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or forensic analysts to build a strong case.
- Witnesses: Identify and obtain statements from any witnesses who can provide information about the circumstances leading to the death.
5. File the Claim
- Determine Liability: Your attorney will help identify all potentially liable parties, including individuals, companies, or government entities.
- File the Lawsuit: Ensure the wrongful death claim is filed within the statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the date of death in Texas.
6. Pursue Compensation
- Economic Damages: Seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of income, and loss of financial support.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of parental guidance.
- Exemplary Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, seek punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.
7. Settlement or Trial
- Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with the defendants and their insurance companies to reach a fair settlement.
- Court Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. Your attorney will represent you in court to ensure justice is served and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Keith & Lorfing today at (325) 225-0143 or contact us online to schedule a FREE consultation with our wrongful death attorney in San Angelo.
Damages You Can Pursue
When a loved one’s life is tragically cut short due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, surviving family members have the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. Here’s an overview of the types of damages that can be claimed:
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for the financial losses directly resulting from the wrongful death:
- Medical Expenses: Costs incurred for the medical treatment of the deceased prior to their death, including hospital bills, medications, and other healthcare-related expenses.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Expenses related to the funeral, burial, or cremation of the deceased.
- Loss of Income: Compensation for the income the deceased would have earned if they had lived, including lost wages and potential future earnings.
- Loss of Financial Support: Financial contributions the deceased would have provided to the family, such as household expenses, education costs, and other monetary support.
- Loss of Inheritance: The value of the inheritance lost due to the premature death of the deceased.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses experienced by the surviving family members:
- Loss of Parental Guidance: The loss of care, nurturing, and guidance that the deceased would have provided to their children.
- Loss of Household Services: Compensation for the loss of services the deceased provided, such as childcare, housekeeping, and other domestic tasks.
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical and emotional pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death.
- Emotional Distress and mental anguish experienced by the surviving family members due to the loss.
- Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the loss of love, companionship, and consortium that the deceased provided to their spouse.
Exemplary (Punitive) Damages
In certain cases, the court may award exemplary or punitive damages. These damages are not intended to compensate the family for their losses but rather to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. Exemplary damages may be awarded in cases where the wrongful death was caused by gross negligence or intentional harm.
Factors Affecting Compensation
The amount of compensation awarded in a wrongful death claim can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Circumstances of the death: The nature and severity of the negligence or wrongful act.
- Age and health of the deceased: Younger individuals or those in good health may result in higher compensation due to the longer expected duration of financial and emotional support.
- Financial situation of the deceased: The deceased’s earning capacity, employment history, and potential future earnings.
- Relationship between the deceased and the claimants: The extent of the emotional and financial impact on the surviving family members.
Who Can Be Prosecuted in a Wrongful Death Claim
Several potential parties may be held liable, depending on the circumstances of the death. Here’s who you can prosecute in a wrongful death claim:
- Drivers: In cases of fatal car accidents, the at-fault driver can be held accountable for their negligence or reckless behavior.
- Medical Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers may be liable if medical malpractice or negligence led to the wrongful death.
- Property Owners: Owners of premises where unsafe conditions caused an accidental death can be pursued for their negligence.
- Criminal Offenders: Individuals who committed a crime resulting in the death can be held liable both civilly and criminally.
- Businesses: Companies can be held responsible if their actions or negligence resulted in a wrongful death. This includes cases involving defective products, unsafe working conditions, or inadequate safety measures.
- Employers: In workplace accidents, employers may be liable for failing to provide a safe working environment or for negligence in training and supervision.
- Product Manufacturers: If a defective product caused the wrongful death, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer can be held accountable under product liability laws.
- Municipalities and Government Agencies: Government entities can be held responsible if unsafe public spaces, road conditions, or negligence by government employees led to the wrongful death.
- Shared Liability: Often, more than one party may be responsible for a wrongful death. For example, in a truck accident, both the driver and the trucking company might share liability.
Establishing Liability
To successfully pursue a wrongful death claim, you must establish that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, breached that duty, and that this breach directly caused the death and resulting damages. Here’s how this is typically done:
- Investigation: Conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, review accident reports, and analyze medical records.
- Witness Testimony: Interview witnesses who can provide insight into the circumstances leading to the death.
- Expert Consultation: Engage experts such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or forensic analysts to support the claim.
- Discovery Process: During litigation, the discovery process helps uncover additional evidence from the defendant, including documents, depositions, and interrogatories.
Our experienced San Angelo personal injury lawyers can guide you through this process and help you secure the damages you are entitled to.
Trust in Us
Keith & Lorfing is a leading litigation firm in West Texas, specializing in wrongful death cases. Our attorneys bring decades of courtroom experience and are known for their exceptional litigation and trial skills. We take a practical approach to efficiently resolving cases, ensuring your legal rights are protected during challenging times.
- Former State & Federal Prosecutors on Staff
- 500+ Jury Trials Conducted
- 75+ Years of Combined Experience
- Multiple Offices Throughout West Texas
- Recognized as Best Lawyers in Abilene for 2023
- Personalized Case Handling
Trust us to provide the dedicated representation you deserve.
Why Hiring a San Angelo Wrongful Death Attorney is a Good Idea
When faced with the tragic loss of a loved one due to negligence, hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney is vital to seek justice and obtain the compensation your family deserves. At Keith & Lorfing, our dedicated attorneys are committed to providing compassionate and skilled representation to help you through this challenging time. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Investigate the Incident: Our team will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to establish liability and build a compelling case.
- Provide Expert Legal Guidance: We will navigate the complexities of wrongful death laws to build a strong case and ensure you understand your rights and options.
- Negotiate Settlements: We strive to secure fair compensation for your loss, covering medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
- Represent You in Court: If necessary, we will advocate on your behalf in court to ensure justice is served and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Choosing the right attorney means having a dedicated advocate by your side, committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Timeframe for Making a Claim
The statute of limitations is the time period within which you must file your claim. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of the deceased person’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Filing after this period can result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation.
There are specific circumstances where the statute of limitations may be extended or tolled, including:
- Fraud or Concealment: If the defendant intentionally concealed their wrongdoing, the statute of limitations may be extended.
- Minors: If the claimants include minor children, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the minor reaches the age of 18.
- Discovery Rule: If the cause of death was not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin from the date the cause of death was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
Taking timely action is essential in wrongful death cases. Delaying the filing of a claim can lead to:
- Loss of Critical Evidence: Evidence may be lost or become less reliable over time.
- Witness Availability: Witnesses may become difficult to locate, or their memories may fade.
- Legal Rights: Missing the deadline can result in the forfeiture of your right to seek legal recourse.
Our Fees — Pay Nothing Upfront
When dealing with the aftermath of a wrongful death, the financial burden can be overwhelming. We aim to alleviate some of this stress by offering our legal services on a contingency fee basis.
Contingency fees are a type of payment arrangement where our fees are contingent upon winning your case. This means that you do not have to pay any upfront fees or hourly rates. Instead, our payment will come as a percentage of the compensation awarded to you.
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t need to worry about paying any legal fees at the start of your case. This allows you to focus on your family and healing without the added financial stress.
- Access to Justice: Contingency fees make it possible for individuals who might not afford legal representation to seek justice and compensation for their loss. Financial constraints shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing a wrongful death claim.
- Risk-Free Representation: If we do not win your case, you do not owe any legal fees. This reduces your financial risk and provides peace of mind during a difficult time.
- Attorney Incentive: Since the attorney’s payment depends on the success of the case, they are highly motivated to work diligently to secure the maximum compensation possible. Your attorney is directly invested in the outcome of your case.
- Focus on Results: Knowing that their payment depends on winning the case ensures that your attorney is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you. Your success is their success.
We believe that financial constraints should not prevent you from seeking the justice you deserve. Our contingency fee arrangement reflects our commitment to providing high-quality legal representation without adding to your financial burden.
Why Choose Keith & Lorfing Over Other Wrongful Death Attorneys in San Angelo
Choosing the right attorney to represent you in a wrongful death case is a critical decision. At Keith & Lorfing, we believe our compassionate and dedicated team stands out for several reasons:
- Highly Qualified Team: Our attorneys are among the most credentialed in West Texas, providing top-notch representation. Our team includes former state and federal prosecutors who bring a wealth of experience and insight to each case.
- Strategic Approach: We employ a strategic approach designed to achieve outstanding results. Whether negotiating settlements or representing you in court, we aim to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
- Extensive Expertise: With over 75 years of combined experience, our attorneys are well-versed in handling complex wrongful death cases. Our deep knowledge and understanding of wrongful death law ensure that we can effectively navigate the legal system on your behalf.
- Ample Resources: With multiple attorneys on staff and a robust support team, we are equipped to provide high-quality service and personalized attention to every client. Our resources enable us to thoroughly investigate and build strong cases.
- Rapid Response: We prioritize quick turnaround and response times, utilizing modern practices to ensure that your case progresses efficiently and effectively.
- Flexible Meeting Options: We offer both in-person and virtual meetings to accommodate your needs and preferences, making it easy for you to stay informed and involved in your case.
- Convenient Locations: Our offices in San Angelo, Lubbock, Midland, and Abilene make us easily accessible, ensuring that you have local support when you need it.
- No Upfront Costs: Our contingency fee arrangement means you pay no upfront costs. We cover all case expenses, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case. This commitment reduces your financial risk and allows you to focus on healing.
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 a San Angelo Wrongful Death Lawyer Today!
Delaying action can jeopardize your case by losing critical evidence and missing key deadlines. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are here to provide the support and representation you need during this difficult time.
Proving a wrongful death claim involves demonstrating that negligence occurred and led to the injuries resulting in death and damages. Your case needs meticulous preparation with solid evidence. Our skilled trial lawyers have decades of experience building strong legal cases and are widely respected for their professional integrity.
Don’t wait to take action. Call us at (325) 225-0143 or contact us online to learn how we can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. We are committed to standing by your side and fighting for your rights every step of the way.
Representing the
Texas Panhandle
We have consciously chosen to represent individuals and families, not corporations or the elite. We are dedicated to helping family-oriented West Texans striving to provide their children with a better life.
Our attorneys come from humble beginnings and deeply understand the value of hard work. Our fathers and grandfathers were farmers, mechanics, laborers, firefighters, and servicemen. These roots instill in us a profound commitment to serving the hardworking people of West Texas every day.
This often means standing up to big insurance companies trying to short-change you or taking on powerful oil companies that attempt to intimidate our clients. No matter who the adversary is, our mission remains consistent: to level the playing field for people like you and me.
Our dedication to justice for hardworking Texans drives every decision we make, every client we represent, and every case we pursue. We are committed to standing by your side and fighting for your rights.
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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We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.
