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Wrongful Death · California · Texas · Florida
When negligence takes someone you love, your family can hold them accountable.
Wrongful death claims for families in California, Texas, and Florida, handled with care and attention.
Who can bring a claim
| State | Who may file | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| California | Spouse, domestic partner, children, and others who depended on the person CCP § 377.60 | 2 years CCP § 335.1 |
| Texas | Spouse, children, and parents CPRC § 71.004 | 2 years CPRC § 16.003 |
| Florida | The personal representative of the estate, for the family Fla. Stat. § 768.20 | 2 years Fla. Stat. § 95.11 |
What the family can recover
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support and services
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
- Medical bills before death
Common questions
How soon should we call a lawyer?
As soon as you are able. Evidence fades, and the two-year deadline runs from the date of death in most cases.
Does a criminal case affect a wrongful death claim?
No. A civil claim is separate and can proceed whether or not criminal charges are filed.
What does it cost?
Wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency fee: no attorney’s fee unless we recover for the family.
Time limits
Deadlines in California, Texas & Florida
| State | Deadline to sue for most injuries | Claims against a government agency | If you were partly at fault |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2 years CCP § 335.1 | Written claim usually within 6 months Gov. Code § 911.2 | You can recover, reduced by your share of fault |
| Texas | 2 years CPRC § 16.003 | Written notice usually within 6 months CPRC § 101.101 | Barred if you are more than 50% at fault CPRC ch. 33 |
| Florida | 2 years for negligence (injuries on or after March 24, 2023) Fla. Stat. § 95.11 | Written notice to the agency before suing Fla. Stat. § 768.28 | Barred if you are more than 50% at fault Fla. Stat. § 768.81 |
Deadlines can be shorter or longer depending on the facts. Call early so evidence and deadlines are protected.
Hurt in an accident?
Free consultation. No attorney’s fee unless we recover.