Wrongful Death

Representing injury victims and their families for over 50 years

Losing a loved one is an unbearable tragedy, made even more devastating when their death results from another's negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. In the wake of such a profound loss, families are left grappling with unimaginable grief, emotional trauma, and often, significant financial burdens. While no legal action can ever truly replace your loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide essential financial security and a sense of justice for the surviving family members.

At Smith Wilson Law Firm, P.C., we understand the immense pain and sensitivity surrounding wrongful death cases. With offices conveniently located in both Amarillo and Canyon, Texas, we are dedicated to offering compassionate yet aggressive legal representation to families throughout the Texas Panhandle who have suffered this immense loss. Our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined experience to these incredibly sensitive cases, combining deep legal acumen with a profound commitment to helping you navigate this challenging time. We know that pursuing a wrongful death claim can feel overwhelming, and we are here to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

A wrongful death claim arises when an individual dies due to the fault of another party. This fault can stem from various negligent acts, including:

• Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents: Deaths caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, or other forms of reckless vehicle operation.
• Medical Malpractice: Fatalities resulting from misdiagnosis, surgical errors, birth injuries, medication errors, or other forms of substandard medical care.
• Workplace Accidents: Deaths occurring due to unsafe working conditions, employer negligence, or equipment malfunctions.
• Premises Liability: Fatalities caused by unsafe property conditions, such as slips and falls, inadequate security, or fires.
• Defective Products: Deaths linked to dangerous or faulty consumer products.

In Texas, certain family members are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit, including the deceased's surviving spouse, children, and parents. Such claims seek to recover damages that compensate the family for their losses, not to punish the at-fault party.

While no amount of money can fill the void left by a loved one's passing, a successful wrongful death claim can provide crucial financial stability for the future and acknowledge the profound impact of their death. At Smith Wilson Law Firm, P.C., we tirelessly advocate for the maximum compensation available under Texas law, which may include:

• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for the income your loved one would have earned over their lifetime.
• Loss of Inheritance: The value of the assets your loved one would have accumulated and passed on.
• Medical Expenses: Bills incurred for your loved one's treatment before their passing.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses: The costs associated with laying your loved one to rest.
• Loss of Companionship, Society, and Support: Compensation for the emotional pain and loss of the love, comfort, advice, and care your loved one provided.
• Mental Anguish: Damages for the severe emotional suffering experienced by the surviving family members.

We also assist families with survival actions, which are separate claims brought on behalf of the deceased person's estate for damages they would have been able to recover had they lived (e.g., pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death).

At Smith Wilson Law Firm, P.C., we approach wrongful death cases with the utmost sensitivity and diligence. We understand the emotional toll this process can take, and we strive to ease your burden by handling all legal complexities. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Empathetic Consultation: We listen to your story with compassion and offer clear, honest legal advice regarding your options.
• Thorough Investigation: We meticulously gather all relevant evidence, including accident reports, medical records, employment history, and expert testimony, to build a compelling case proving negligence and damages.
• Expert Collaboration: We work with financial experts, economists, and other specialists to accurately calculate the full scope of your family's losses.
• Aggressive Negotiation: We deal directly with insurance companies and opposing counsel, relentlessly pursuing a fair settlement that reflects the true value of your claim.
• Zealous Litigation: If a just settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial attorneys are fully prepared to present your case powerfully in court, advocating fiercely for your family's rights.

If your family has suffered the tragic loss of a loved one due to another's negligence in Canyon, Amarillo, or anywhere in the Texas Panhandle, you don't have to face this difficult journey alone. Smith Wilson Law Firm, P.C. is here to provide the dedicated legal support and unwavering advocacy you need.

We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your unique situation and explain how we can help. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your family.

Let us help you seek the justice and financial security your family deserves during this incredibly difficult time.

Contact Smith Wilson Law Firm, P.C. today at 806-372-4120 or visit our website to schedule your free and confidential consultation.

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. When a fatal accident is caused by another person’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct, surviving family members may be left facing emotional grief, financial hardship, and unanswered questions about what happened.

Smith Wilson Law Firm, P.C. represents families pursuing wrongful death claims after preventable tragedies. Our attorneys understand the profound impact these losses have on spouses, children, parents, and surviving relatives, and we are committed to helping families seek accountability and financial stability during difficult times.

A wrongful death claim is a civil legal action brought when an individual dies because of another party’s negligent, careless, or intentional actions. These claims are intended to provide surviving family members with compensation for the losses associated with the death of their loved one.

Wrongful death cases may arise from many types of accidents and incidents, including:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Drunk driving crashes
• Workplace accidents
• Construction accidents
• Defective products
• Medical negligence
• Offshore and industrial accidents
• Dangerous property conditions

While no legal action can undo the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death claim can help families pursue justice and financial support after a tragic event.

The laws governing wrongful death claims vary by state, but eligible parties often include:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents
• Estate representatives
• Certain dependent family members

Determining who has the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit can sometimes become complicated, particularly in blended family situations or cases involving multiple surviving relatives.

Smith Wilson Law Firm, P.C. helps families understand their legal rights and guides them through the wrongful death claims process with compassion and care.

Fatal accidents frequently occur because individuals or companies fail to act responsibly or follow safety regulations. Common factors involved in wrongful death cases include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Unsafe workplace conditions
• Defective machinery or products
• Failure to maintain property
• Negligent hiring or supervision
• Violations of safety regulations

In many cases, wrongful deaths could have been prevented if proper precautions had been taken.

A wrongful death lawsuit may allow surviving family members to recover compensation for both financial and emotional losses associated with the death of their loved one.

Compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of parental guidance
• Emotional suffering
• Loss of household services



In certain cases involving especially reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may also be available.

Wrongful death claims often require detailed investigations to determine how the fatal incident occurred and who should be held responsible. Important evidence may include:

• Accident reports
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage
• Medical records
• Expert testimony
• Safety inspection reports
• Employment and maintenance records

Prompt investigation can be critical because evidence may disappear or become more difficult to obtain over time.

Smith Wilson Law Firm, P.C. works closely with investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and industry experts to build strong wrongful death claims on behalf of grieving families.

Wrongful death lawsuits serve an important purpose beyond financial compensation. They can also help hold negligent individuals, corporations, and institutions accountable for dangerous behavior and encourage safer practices in the future.

Whether a wrongful death resulted from a fatal traffic accident, workplace incident, defective product, or other act of negligence, pursuing legal action may help provide families with answers, closure, and a sense of justice.

At Smith Wilson Law Firm, P.C., we understand that families coping with the loss of a loved one are often overwhelmed emotionally and financially. Our attorneys provide compassionate guidance while aggressively pursuing accountability from responsible parties.

We help families with every aspect of the wrongful death claims process, including:

• Investigating the fatal accident
• Identifying liable parties
• Communicating with insurance companies
• Calculating damages
• Negotiating settlements
• Preparing cases for trial when necessary

If you have lost a loved one because of another party’s negligence or misconduct, consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney