Survival Actions in Houston Wrongful Death Cases

In Texas, “survival actions” let the estate of someone who has died seek compensation for the pain and suffering that person went through before they passed away. Houston survival accidents are different from wrongful death cases in Houston, which focus on the losses experienced by the deceased person’s family. Wondering how we can help with a wrongful death survival case in Houston, Texas? 

Why Choose Baumgartner Law Firm for Survival Actions in Houston

When your family faces the loss of a loved one, you need experienced legal guidance through the complexities of Texas survival actions. Since 1985, Baumgartner Law Firm has helped Houston families recover millions in survival action damages for estates.

40+ Years of Specialized Experience

Attorney Greg Baumgartner at Baumgartner Law Firm has over four decades of experience in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. We understand Texas survival statutes, Houston probate courts, and how to maximize recovery for your loved one’s estate.

Undefeated Track Record

We maintain an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a perfect 10.0 AVVO rating. Our proven results include recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages your loved one suffered before death. We have secured millions of dollars for the families of truck accident victims after an 18-wheeler crash.

We Navigate the Probate Process

Survival actions may require working through the Texas probate courts. Our team handles all aspects, from filing claims to managing estate distribution, so your family can focus on healing during this difficult time.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front, and we only collect our fee when we successfully recover compensation for the estate.

Dual Claims for Maximum Recovery

We have extensive experience filing both wrongful death claims and survival actions simultaneously. This comprehensive approach ensures your family receives compensation for their losses while the estate recovers damages for what the deceased endured.

Compassionate, Personalized Service

Unlike large firms, we provide personal attention to every client. We’ll explain your rights, keep you informed, and handle all dealings with insurance companies and opposing counsel.

Contact our Houston survival actions attorneys for a free consultation. Call (281) 587-1111 to discuss your case with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your legal options.

PERSONAL INJURY SURVIVAL CASES

About Texas Survival Cases

Both types of claims can be filed simultaneously in Texas to ensure that everyone affected receives fair compensation.
funeral-from-a-wrongful-death-accident

What is a Survival Action in Texas?

A survival action is a legal claim brought by the estate of someone who died as a result of another person’s actions. It seeks to recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had lived. This action focuses on the suffering experienced by the deceased from the time of injury until their death. The compensation is distributed to the estate and is handled according to the deceased’s will or, if there’s no will, according to Texas state laws. This ensures the estate is compensated for what the deceased endured.

Who Can File a Survival Case in Texas?

Only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a survival action. This person is typically named in the will, but the court can appoint someone to fill this role if no individual is named. In some instances, a family member files as the representative of the estate without court approval when filing a wrongful death lawsuit. The representative should hire legal counsel to gather evidence and file the claim promptly to ensure the estate receives the compensation it is entitled to.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Survival Action?

Survival actions cover various types of damages, including:

These are personal injury damages that aim to provide justice for the suffering experienced by the deceased.
types of Wrongful Death Cases in Houston

How Are Survival Action Proceeds Distributed?

The money awarded from a survival action is managed through the probate process. The probate process ensures that any debts of the deceased are paid off first. After settling debts, the remaining money is distributed according to the deceased’s will or Texas state laws.

If there is a will, the distribution follows its terms, but taxes and claims from creditors may also affect the proceeds. In wrongful death cases in Texas, compensation is generally awarded based on the personal relationship with the deceased.

Impact of Probate on Distribution

The probate process confirms the validity of a will and manages how the estate is divided. It can delay the distribution of funds, as any outstanding debts must be settled first. Beneficiaries might have to wait longer to receive their share if the estate is complex.

Role of the Personal Representative

The personal representative, or executor, is responsible for filing the survival action and managing the estate. They ensure that all legal requirements are met, debts are paid, and proceeds are distributed correctly in accordance with the estate plan.

Difference Between Survival Actions and Wrongful Death Claims

Survival actions focus on the pain and suffering and other personal injury damages of the deceased, while wrongful death claims address the emotional and financial impact on the family. In Texas, both types of claims can be filed together, providing a complete approach to seeking justice.

Our Houston wrongful death estate claims attorney offers a free case consultation- call (281) 587-1111.

Statute of Limitations for Survival Actions

In Texas, you must file a survival action or wrongful death claim within two years of the injury that led to the death. Failing to do this can mean losing the chance to recover compensation.

Need an Attorney for Your Personal Injury?

Why You Need an Experienced Wrongful Death Survival Attorney for Your Case

Navigating survival action claims can be complicated, so having a knowledgeable attorney is essential. They can help collect necessary documents, manage the legal process, and support families as they deal with their loss.

Call a survival action attorney Houston to go over your options for justice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Survival Action Questions

Our team at Baumgartner Law Firm often hears the same questions from people who have been in an accident and call our office for a consultation. In this section, we are going to address some of them:

What is a survival action?

It's a legal claim for damages the deceased could have claimed, if they lived, focusing on their personal injury damages and suffering before death.

Who can file a survival action claim?

Only the personal representative of the deceased's estate is authorized to file. Often a heir will file a claim together with a wrongful death lawsuit.

What damages can be recovered?

Compensation includes personal injury damages, such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.

How are proceeds distributed?

They can go through probate to settle debts, then distribute according to the will or state law. Or the proceeds distributed accounding to the law in Texas.

What is the statute of limitations?

You have two years from the date of the injury to file in Texas.

Speak with a Houston Survival Action Attorney Today

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, understanding your legal options can be overwhelming. At Baumgartner Law Firm, we have over 40 years of experience helping Houston families navigate both survival actions and wrongful death claims. We’ll explain your rights, handle the complex probate process, and fight to recover the compensation your loved one’s estate deserves.

 

Our Houston wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your family.

 

Call (281) 587-1111 for a free consultation, or contact us or complete our online form to get started today.

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Mayra T
Houston Personal Injury Victim
Mr. Greg is a great personal injury lawyer. Looking for the best help? Call Baumgartner Law Firm!
Brian Wilson
Houston Personal Injury Victim
I highly recommend this law office. Greg Baumgartner is knowledgeable, dependable, honest and truly has the client’s best interests at heart.
Callie M
Houston Personal Injury Victim
Greg, a personal Injury Lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case. I am very happy with the case result. Baumgartner is a GREAT law firm with GREAT people. They get RESULTS.
Cindy S
Houston Personal Injury Victim
My experience with Baumgartner law firm was excellent. They took the time to hear my concerns and kept me informed throughout the process. They fought for the best resolution for my case. Working with Greg and Lissa gave me peace of mind in a scary and stressful situation. I highly recommend their services.
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