How Much is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Worth?

The value of a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas is determined by several specific categories of damages that aim to compensate surviving family members for their financial and emotional losses. While there is no fixed amount for every case, settlements and verdicts often include compensation for the following:

Economic Damages: This includes tangible financial burdens such as funeral and burial expenses, medical bills incurred prior to the deceased’s passing, and the loss of the deceased’s income and future earning potential. It also covers the loss of household services the loved one provided.

Non-Economic Damages: These address intangible losses, including emotional suffering, mental anguish, and the loss of companionship and parental guidance. The American Bar Association provides guidelines to help value these human costs.

Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, additional awards may be granted to punish the responsible party and deter future similar behavior.

While Texas law may impose caps on certain types of damages, experienced legal representation often secures multimillion-dollar recoveries. Most attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, typically receiving 33 to 40 percent of the final settlement or award.