Wrongful Death Attorney in Erath County

Compassionate Legal Help After A Preventable Loss

Losing a loved one suddenly because of someone else’s choices is unlike any other kind of pain. If your family is facing a death tied to a crash, unsafe property, or another preventable event in Erath County, you may be wondering whether there is anything you can do under Texas law. Our wrongful death attorneys in Erath County can help you with that.

At Law Offices of Landon Northcutt, we help surviving families pursue accountability through civil wrongful death claims and related personal injury cases. For more than 25 years, we have represented Texans in serious matters and guided them through unfamiliar legal territory with steady, practical advice.

You may not want a long legal battle or aggressive promises. You likely want clear information, a respectful listener, and a path that protects your family’s future. Our firm offers free initial consultations so you can talk with a wrongful death lawyer in Erath County, ask your questions, and understand your options before deciding what comes next.

To speak with our team of wrongful death attorneys in Erath County about a potential case, you can call us at (254) 355-4654 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Why Families Choose Our Firm

When a family looks for a wrongful death attorney in Erath County, they are usually seeking more than a title. They want someone who has handled high stakes cases, understands Texas juries, and will stand beside them when the outcome truly matters. That is the role we work to fill for every client who trusts us with a case.

Our attorney has been practicing in Texas since 1999 and focuses on criminal defense and personal injury law. Over those decades, we have taken more than 200 jury trials to verdict and handled cases in over 100 counties across the state. This level of courtroom experience means we are prepared to present complex facts and tell a family’s story to a judge and jury when a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation alone.

Our personal injury work includes settlements that exceed one million dollars, which reflects our ability to pursue significant financial recoveries in serious cases. Every situation is different, and no result can be guaranteed, but this history shows that we are comfortable handling complicated, high-value matters.

Beyond numbers, families choose us because of how we practice. We take the time to understand how the loss has affected each person, not only in terms of income, but also in daily life and relationships. We prioritize direct attorney-client communication so you know what is happening with your case, why certain decisions are being made, and what to expect at each step.

Our office has also developed technical experience with alcohol related evidence, including recognition as an operator and instructor with CMI Inc. Intoxilyzer equipment. This background can be important in fatal crash cases that involve suspected drunk driving on roads that serve Erath County and the surrounding areas.

Wrongful Death Claims In Texas

It can be difficult to know whether a tragedy is considered a wrongful death under Texas law. In general terms, a wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death results from another party’s careless, reckless, or intentional conduct. Examples include fatal motor vehicle crashes, unsafe property conditions, dangerous products, or negligence in other settings.

Texas law gives certain surviving family members the right to bring a wrongful death claim. This group typically includes a spouse, children, and parents of the person who died. In many situations, one or more of these relatives may file on behalf of the others. The specific structure of a claim, and who should be named, depends on the family’s circumstances.

There is a related type of claim in Texas often called a survival claim. While a wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the harm suffered by surviving family members, a survival claim focuses on the losses and injuries the person experienced between the event and their passing. Together, these claims can help address different parts of the overall harm.

Wrongful death cases connected to incidents in Erath County are generally brought under Texas statutes and heard in district courts that serve the county. The law allows families to pursue damages for things such as the loss of financial support, loss of household services, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. In some cases, claims may also seek funeral expenses and certain medical costs.

No two losses are alike, and the law applies differently depending on how the incident occurred, who was involved, and what insurance coverage may exist. Talking with a wrongful death lawyer Erath County during a free consultation can help you understand whether your family has a viable claim and what that might involve.

What To Do After A Fatal Loss

In the days and weeks after a sudden death, most families are focused on funeral arrangements, supporting each other, and taking care of immediate practical tasks. Legal questions often come later, once the first shock begins to fade. Still, there are certain steps that can help protect your family’s rights without taking over your life.

If the death involved a crash or another incident where law enforcement responded in Erath County, accident or incident reports from agencies such as the Erath County Sheriff’s Office or a city police department will likely play a role in any civil claim. It is usually helpful to obtain copies of these records if you can, or we can help you with that process after you contact us.

Insurance companies representing the other party may reach out quickly and ask you to give a recorded statement or sign forms. These conversations can feel informal, but the information gathered may affect how your claim is evaluated later. Before giving detailed statements or signing broad releases, it is wise to talk with a wrongful death attorney in Erath County who represents only your interests.

Photographs, messages, emails, and other documents related to the event or to the loved one’s injuries can be valuable pieces of evidence. If you are able, keeping these materials in one place and avoiding deletions can help later investigation. At the same time, you should not feel that you must conduct your own inquiry while you are grieving. That is part of the work we take on for clients.

Simple steps that can help protect your family’s rights include:

• Preserving accident reports, medical records, and any letters from insurance companies in a safe place.
• Saving photographs or videos related to the incident, vehicles, property conditions, or visible injuries.
• Keeping a written list of any witnesses or people who have information about what happened.
• Avoid detailed conversations about fault with insurers before speaking with a lawyer.
• Reaching out for a free consultation to learn whether you should involve a wrongful death attorney in Erath County.

Our role is to shoulder the legal and investigative burden so you can devote your energy to your family. When you contact us, we can review what is already known, explain the potential next steps, and give you a clear picture of what we can handle on your behalf if you choose to move forward.

How Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Erath County Handle Wrongful Death Cases

Families often tell us they are worried that starting a wrongful death claim will mean years in court or constant meetings. We work to make the process as manageable as possible while still preparing every case with the care it deserves. During your free consultation, we begin by listening to your account of what happened, answering initial questions, and gathering basic information.

If our firm and your family decide to work together, we typically begin a detailed investigation. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve obtaining law enforcement and medical records, reviewing photographs or video, consulting with appropriate experts, and identifying potentially responsible parties. For incidents that occurred in Erath County or nearby, we consider how road design, traffic patterns, or local conditions may have contributed.

As the evidence develops, we evaluate the damages that may be available under Texas law. These can include lost income and benefits the deceased would likely have provided, loss of household services, loss of companionship and guidance, and mental anguish experienced by surviving family members. In certain situations, related claims may also address medical bills and funeral expenses connected to the event.

We understand that many families prefer to resolve claims without a trial if a fair agreement can be reached. Our experience negotiating with insurers and defense counsel, informed by more than 200 jury trials across Texas, helps us assess whether a proposed settlement reasonably reflects the strength of the case and the full scope of the loss. When offers are not fair, we are prepared to present the case in the district courts that hear matters from Erath County.

Most personal injury and wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which generally means attorney’s fees are collected as a percentage of any recovery rather than being paid upfront. Our wrongful death attorneys in Erath County discuss fee arrangements clearly at the beginning of the relationship so you can make an informed decision, and you can ask any questions you have about costs before signing an agreement.

In cases that involve suspected drunk driving, our background as a recognized operator and instructor with CMI Inc. Intoxilyzer equipment allows us to better understand how alcohol testing was conducted and what those results may mean. This technical understanding supports our broader work as a wrongful death attorney in Erath County when alcohol related crashes lead to fatal injuries.

Call (254) 355-4654 to schedule your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case in Texas?

In Texas, the spouse, children, and parents of the person who died are generally the ones who may file a wrongful death claim. One or more of them may bring the case on behalf of all eligible family members. We can review your family’s situation and explain who may have standing.

How Long Do I Have to Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?

Texas law usually gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit, although some exceptions may apply. Because deadlines can be complicated, it is wise to speak with a wrongful death attorney in Erath County as soon as possible. We can evaluate timing and help you avoid missing important cutoffs.

Will My Family Have to Go to Court for This?

Many wrongful death claims are resolved through negotiation without a trial, but some do go before a jury. Whether court appearances are needed depends on how the case develops and how insurers respond. Our trial history means we are prepared for court when necessary, and we explain each step in advance.

How Do Your Fees Work in a Wrongful Death Case?

Wrongful death cases are commonly handled on a contingency fee basis, so attorney’s fees are paid out of any recovery instead of upfront. During your free consultation, we explain our specific fee structure and any case-related costs. You will know how fees are handled before deciding whether to hire our firm.

What Will Your Firm Handle for My Family?

We work to manage the legal burden so you can focus on grieving and supporting each other. Our firm gathers records, investigates the incident, deals with insurance companies, and prepares settlement demands or court filings. We also keep you updated and answer questions so you are not left wondering about the status of your case.

If you are unsure whether you have a claim, talking with us costs nothing and may give you the clarity you need to decide on your next step.