Wrongful Death in Preston, Texas

No family should face financial hardship after a preventable tragedy. At David K. Wilson & Associates, our firm helps Preston families find justice and closure when negligence takes the life of a loved one. For more than forty years, founding attorney David K. Wilson has stood beside North Texas families during the most heartbreaking moments of their lives. His long career has shown him both the senseless harm caused by careless choices and the extraordinary strength families show in the aftermath of loss. Those experiences have shaped him into an empathetic, committed advocate who understands that wrongful death claims are not only legal matters but are deeply personal journeys toward accountability, stability, and healing. 

Preston, Texas, and the Lake Texoma region are close-knit communities where people know their neighbors, support local families, and value shared traditions. When tragedy strikes in a community like this, the impact reaches far beyond the immediate household. Friends, coworkers, schools, churches, and entire neighborhoods feel the loss. Being a part of these communities means that attorney David K. Wilson understands exactly what these families endure. He approaches every wrongful death case with sensitivity, respect, and a determination to ensure that the whole truth of what happened is uncovered and that those responsible are held legally accountable. 

If you have lost a loved one due to somebody else's negligence, we want you to know we are deeply sorry for your loss, and we are here to stand beside you as you seek justice for your loved one. 

What Is Wrongful Death and What Qualifies in Texas

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person or entity. In Texas, the law recognizes that these deaths are preventable and that surviving family members should have the right to seek justice and compensation. Wrongful death is not simply an unfortunate event; it is a death that could have been avoided if the responsible party had acted with reasonable care or followed legal obligations. 

Under Texas law, certain conditions must be met for a case to qualify as wrongful death. The deceased must have died as a direct result of the defendant’s negligent, reckless, or intentionally harmful conduct. The death must be legally linked to the actions or failures of the responsible party, meaning there must be clear evidence that their conduct contributed to or caused the fatal incident. 

Wrongful death claims are intended to hold negligent parties accountable while helping families cope with the emotional and financial consequences of losing someone they depended on. Successfully filing a claim requires a careful understanding of the law, meticulous investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death, and skillful advocacy, qualities that David K. Wilson & Associates brings to every case. 

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Preston, Texas

Wrongful death cases in Preston arise from a wide range of preventable incidents. One of the most frequent causes involves fatal motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle collisions. Rural highways and high-speed roads throughout Grayson County, such as FM 120, FM 1417, US-75, and the winding routes near Lake Texoma, can quickly become deadly when drivers are distracted, impaired, or careless. A single moment of inattention behind the wheel can permanently alter a family’s future. 

Other tragedies occur in workplaces or industrial settings. Preston and the surrounding North Texas region include construction zones, agricultural operations, transportation hubs, and manufacturing facilities. Workplace fatalities often result from inadequate safety procedures, malfunctioning equipment, insufficient training, or employers placing productivity above proper caution. When a worker loses their life because safety standards were ignored, families have the right to pursue justice and demand accountability from those responsible. 

Defective products also serve as a significant cause of preventable deaths. Faulty machinery, unsafe consumer goods, defective vehicle components, malfunctioning medical devices, and hazardous household products can all lead to fatal injuries when manufacturers fail to design, test, or warn consumers about the dangers associated with their products. Similarly, dangerous premises, such as poorly maintained properties, unsafe stairways, inadequate security, or hidden hazards, can result in fatal slip-and-fall incidents, fires, drownings, or other deadly circumstances that could have been avoided with proper care. 

The region’s proximity to Lake Texoma also means that aviation and boating accidents play a tragic role in some wrongful death claims. Plane malfunctions, pilot error, unsafe charter operations, boating collisions, and watercraft negligence can turn recreational outings into devastating tragedies. Every one of these incidents shares the same underlying truth: a loved one would still be here today if another person, company, or entity had acted responsibly. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

Texas law outlines particular rules regarding who has the right to file a wrongful death claim. The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code allows only certain family members to bring a lawsuit, which includes the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the victim. These individuals may file a claim individually or as a group. If they choose not to file within a designated time period, the executor or personal representative of the estate may file on their behalf. 

Understanding these statutes is essential because wrongful death cases involve not only legal interpretation but also the emotional complexity of family relationships. David K. Wilson takes the time to explain these rights clearly and compassionately, ensuring that families understand who can participate in the claim, how the process works, and what legal remedies are available to them. His guidance helps families feel confident that the legal system recognizes their loss, respects their role, and offers them a path toward accountability. 

The purpose of wrongful death legislation in Texas is to provide families with financial and emotional relief when negligence has taken someone’s life. It recognizes that the deceased contributed not only financially but also emotionally and morally to their family’s well-being. Through a wrongful death action, those contributions can be honored and compensated in a meaningful way. 

Damages Recoverable in a Preston, Texas Wrongful Death Claim

When a loved one is taken due to negligence, the financial and emotional consequences can be overwhelming. A wrongful death claim seeks to address these losses by allowing families to recover damages that reflect the actual impact of the tragedy. Funeral and burial expenses often represent the first unexpected financial burden, and these costs can be recovered through a successful claim. Additionally, families may receive compensation for the loss of financial support, particularly when the deceased was a primary wage earner or provided essential contributions to the household’s stability. 

The law also recognizes the profound emotional toll caused by a wrongful death. Families may recover damages for the loss of companionship, love, care, and guidance that the deceased provided throughout their lifetime. Emotional distress, mental anguish, and grief suffered by surviving family members are also compensable and often represent some of the most significant damages awarded in these cases. 

In situations where a company or individual acted with gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing, families may also seek punitive damages. The purpose of punitive damages is not only to compensate the family but also to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future. These damages send a clear message that careless, dangerous behavior will not be tolerated in Texas, particularly when a life has been lost. 

How David K. Wilson & Associates Supports Grieving Families 

The loss of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure, and navigating the legal process during such a difficult time can feel overwhelming. David K. Wilson & Associates is committed to offering compassionate communication, transparent legal guidance, and steady support throughout every stage of the case. Families often express that Mr. Wilson brings both professional clarity and emotional understanding to the process, helping them make informed decisions while giving them the space to grieve. 

To build a strong wrongful death claim, our firm conducts a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. This includes gathering evidence, reviewing accident reports, working with experts, interviewing witnesses, examining company records, and analyzing every detail that could reveal how and why the death occurred. Determining liability is essential, and Mr. Wilson's decades of experience give him the insight needed to uncover negligence even in complex situations involving multiple parties, corporate entities, or contested facts. 

Once the evidence is assembled, our firm engages in strategic negotiations with insurance companies, corporations, or negligent individuals. Many insurance providers attempt to minimize their financial exposure by offering low settlements or disputing liability, and grieving families should never face these tactics alone. If negotiations do not result in a fair outcome, our firm is prepared to pursue litigation and present a compelling case before a judge and jury. Mr. Wilson's extensive trial experience in North Texas ensures that families have a strong, confident advocate fighting on their behalf. 

Local Representation for Preston, Texas Families

As a North Texas law firm with longstanding community ties, David K. Wilson & Associates brings invaluable local insight to wrongful death claims. Mr. Wilson has represented families in Grayson County courts for more than forty years, giving him a deep familiarity with local procedures, judicial tendencies, and jury expectations. His understanding of Preston, Denison, Pottsboro, and the surrounding Texoma region allows him to relate genuine experiences, explain local traffic patterns, discuss regional industries, and connect with jurors who share those same community realities. 

This local context matters. When presenting a wrongful death case, understanding the community's values and expectations ensures the story resonates in a meaningful and authentic way. Families benefit from having an attorney who not only understands the legal system but also understands the place they call home. 

Contact David K. Wilson & Associates Today

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, contact our team today. Justice and accountability start here. Our firm is ready to listen to your story, guide you through your options, and stand by your side as you seek the closure and compensation your family deserves. At David K. Wilson & Associates, we honor your loss with the full measure of our experience, compassion, and dedication.