How-to Guide to Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Losing a loved one is devastating—especially when their death could have been prevented. In these situations, families may have the legal right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the responsible party accountable and recover compensation for financial and emotional losses. This guide walks you through each step—from eligibility and deadlines to evidence, filing, and resolution—so you know what to expect.

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim brought when someone dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. These cases can involve medical malpractice, vehicle crashes, unsafe workplaces, defective products, or criminal conduct. The goal is to secure compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional harm.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility to File

State laws define who can file. Typically, the deceased person’s spouse, children, or parents (and sometimes other legal heirs or estate representatives) have standing. If you’re unsure, consult a wrongful death attorney to confirm your eligibility.

Step 2: Know Your Deadline (Statute of Limitations)

Wrongful death claims must be filed within strict time limits—often 1–3 years from the date of death, depending on your state. Missing the deadline usually bars recovery, so act promptly.

➡️ How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Strong evidence is essential to proving liability and damages. Your legal team may collect:

  • Medical records, autopsy reports, and death certificate
  • Police/accident reports and witness statements
  • Photos, video, or surveillance footage
  • Employment and financial records to show lost income/benefits
  • Expert analyses (accident reconstruction, medical experts)

Step 4: Calculate Damages

Damages often include:

  • Economic: medical bills, funeral/burial costs, lost wages and benefits
  • Non-economic: pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship
  • Punitive (where allowed): to punish egregious misconduct

Step 5: File the Lawsuit

Your attorney drafts and files a civil complaint stating the facts, legal basis, and compensation sought. The defendant is served and must respond by a set deadline.

Step 6: Discovery, Negotiation & Settlement

Both sides exchange evidence and take depositions. Many cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation—saving time, cost, and stress. Your lawyer will advise whether offers are fair based on liability and damages.

Step 7: Trial (If Needed)

If settlement isn’t possible, the case proceeds to trial. A judge or jury decides liability and damages after hearing witness testimony and reviewing the evidence.

Step 8: Compensation & Next Steps

If you prevail or settle, compensation may be paid as a lump sum or via structured payments. Your attorney will help finalize liens, disburse funds, and close the matter.

Why Work with a Wrongful Death Attorney?

  • Handles deadlines, filings, and communications with insurers
  • Builds the evidence record with qualified experts
  • Values the full scope of your damages
  • Negotiates from a position of strength—and tries your case if needed

➡️ The Role of Expert Witnesses in Medical Malpractice Cases


🎧 Prefer to Listen?

EPISODE 5: What Families Should Know About Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit — Episode 5 walks through eligibility, deadlines, evidence, and what to expect at each stage.. We break down the process in plain language, share real examples, and answer common questions from families.

🎙️ Listen to Episode 5

Related Blog Posts


📞 Think You May Have a Wrongful Death Case?

Our team will review your situation, explain your options, and handle the legal heavy lifting—so your family can focus on healing. Get a Free, Confidential Case Review today.

Schedule Your Free Case Review

Search

OUR DALLAS LOCATION

2525 McKinnon Street #550 Dallas, Texas 75201

Note: The information that was utilized in this post was gathered from the use of secondary sources. This information used has not been confirmed or independently verified. If you locate any information that is not correct, please contact our firm as soon as possible so that we can make the appropriate corrections. If you find any information that is false, we will remove or correct the post immediately after it is brought to our attention.

Disclaimer: As a valued member of the Dallas community, Rasansky Law Firm’s goal is to improve the safety of all residents in the great state of Texas. These posts should not be viewed as a solicitation for business and the information included herein should not be taken as medical or legal advice. The photos used in this post are not representative of the actual crash scene.

Related Post

July 18, 2025
How to Maximize Compensation in a Texas Personal Injury Case | Dallas Attorney Tips

Texas law provides a path for victims to seek financial compensation when someone is injured due to another person's negligence. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, slipped and fell on someone’s […]

Read More
July 11, 2025
Umbilical Cord Complications: Legal Rights and Remedies

When a woman is pregnant, the umbilical cord acts as a lifeline between her and the fetus. The umbilical cord is a flexible tube-shaped structure that removes waste from the baby’s circulation and […]

Read More
July 2, 2025
Real Cases: Medical Misdiagnosis That Changed Lives

A correct diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death. Yet every year, thousands of patients are harmed by delayed or incorrect diagnoses—many of them preventable. A medical misdiagnosis isn’t just a […]

Read More

Why Choose
Rasansky Law Firm

Over 30+ Years Of Personal Injury Experience

Top-Rated and Award-Winning Personal Injury Lawyers

Attorneys Available to Discuss Your Case Now

No Fee Unless You Win

Free Confidential Consultation.

Request A Free Consultation

Fill out the form below to receive a free and confidential initial consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

chevron-down