The Emotional Toll of Wrongful Death Cases in Texas

Losing a loved one is painful, but when that loss is caused by a third party’s negligence or wrongdoing, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. If you are facing the wrongful death of a family member in Texas, you are likely struggling with grief, anger and uncertainty about what comes next. These effects can last for years, influencing mental health, daily functioning and your overall well-being.

You don’t have to go through this alone. This guide will help you understand the emotional and the psychological effects of wrongful death, provide you with coping strategies and outline your legal rights under Texas law.

Coping With Wrongful Death

Coping with wrongful death takes time, and while there is no right way to grieve, there are steps you can take to navigate this painful journey. Allow yourself to grieve. It’s all right to feel overwhelmed — expressing your emotions is part of the healing process. Lean on friends and family, who can be a crucial source of support, and engage in self-care. Exercise, proper nutrition and mindfulness techniques can help you manage stress.

The Emotional Impact

Grief after wrongful death is complex because it’s often mixed with feelings of anger, a deep sense of injustice and even guilt. It feels like the passing was avoidable, which can make it harder to process. The weight of loss can also lead to ongoing mental health struggles, including sleep disturbances, appetite loss or feelings of hopelessness. Common emotional responses include:

• Disbelief: The shocking, sudden and unexpected nature of wrongful death can have you feeling like you need to take time off for the reality of this loss to fully sink in.
• Resentment: Many families feel intense resentment toward the person or entity responsible for their loved one’s death, whether it’s a medical professional, negligent driver or careless employer who failed in their duty of care.
• Self-blame: Survivors often struggle with thoughts like, “Could I have prevented this?” This self-blame is common, even when the loss was entirely out of their control.
• Depression: Some survivors experience clinical depression, which may require professional treatment.
• Anxiety: Wrongful death can shake one’s sense of security. Some people develop anxiety about their own safety or other family struggles resulting from wrongful death.
• Loneliness: Losing someone close to you can create a void that feels impossible to fill. Many survivors withdraw from friends and social activities.

The Psychological Impact

Beyond emotions, wrongful death can have long-term psychological effects on surviving family members. Studies show losing a loved one in a traumatic way increases the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which includes flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened or persistent anxiety. It often develops if you witness the accident or hear disturbing details about the case. Then, there is complicated grief. Unlike normal grief, complicated grief lingers and interferes with daily life, making it difficult to function. Finally, you may deal with emotional numbness. Some survivors shut down emotionally to cope with the pain.

The Physical Impact

Grief affects more than emotions. Many of those left behind experience immense financial strain from the loss of income, covering medical expenses that may be associated with the person’s passing and job loss as they struggle to reintegrate with work after their mourning period. A wrongful death claim can help alleviate this strain.

Moving Forward After Wrongful Death

While it may feel impossible, life does continue. Moving forward does not mean forgetting your loved one — it means learning how to live with their absence while honoring their memory. Here are some ways to find meaning:

• Create a memorial: Planting a tree, setting up a scholarship or organizing a charity event in their honor can keep their memory alive.
• Pursue justice: Holding responsible parties accountable can provide a sense of closure.
• Focus on healing: It’s all right to take life one day at a time. Healing is a journey, not a destination.

Resources for Support

If you are struggling with where to turn, the Lone Star State has several resources that can help. Many local groups, such as Grief Share in various Texan cities, offer counseling and support. The Texas Health and Human Services Department offers grief counseling and therapy, while victim advocacy groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) support families affected by wrongful deaths related to driving under the influence (DUI) accidents. If you are considering legal action, speak with a Texas wrongful death lawyer who can help you understand your options.

Statute of Limitation in Texas

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.003, families have two years from the death date before they can no longer file a wrongful death lawsuit. While there are some exemptions, such as in cases involving minors or criminal investigations, it’s essential to act quickly to protect your rights.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code 71.002, wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligent, careless or intentional act causes another person’s death. If your loved one’s passing was preventable, you have the right to seek justice. The state allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim:

• The surviving spouse
• Biological or legally adopted children
• The deceased’s parents

If no eligible family member files a claim within three months of the death, the executor of the deceased’s estate may pursue legal action. A wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burden caused by your loved one’s passing. This compensation can cover funeral costs, medical expenses, loss of financial support or income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, or emotional suffering. In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, courts may also award exemplary or punitive damages to punish the responsible party.

Why Trust Us

Thomas J. Henry Law is ready to assist you when you need a personal injury attorney. We consistently secure substantial results for clients and have achieved nationwide recognition. Our name is backed by various legal awards and accolades, including:

• Top 50 Personal Injury Jury Verdicts in Texas 2023, TopVerdict
• Best of Texas, American Academy of Attorneys
• Law Firm of the Year 2021, American Institute of Legal Professionals
• Best Attorneys of America, Rue Ratings
• Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Thomas J. Henry Law Is Here to Help

If you or someone in your family is struggling with the emotional or psychological impact of wrongful death, consider getting help from a licensed therapist, grief counselor or wrongful death support group. These professionals can provide tools to help you process things in a healthy way. If you believe your family member’s death was caused by negligence, you don’t have to face this battle alone. Turn to a wrongful death lawyer for compassion and legal expertise as you consider filing a wrongful death claim.

At Thomas J. Henry Law, we have helped thousands of families like yours seek justice and hold negligent parties accountable. We also have over 250 personal injury attorneys, and our knowledgeable professionals are available to discuss your case 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our offices are located in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and Houston. We offer free case reviews, and you only pay fees if you win your case.

Contact us today to speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer about filing your claim.