Wrongful death cases can result from accidental deaths, or from criminal acts such as manslaughter or homicide. In the latter case, law enforcement may issue criminal charges but the outcome of such a case provides little help for the surviving family. While a criminal conviction may bring a sense of closure, it won't replace the loss of income a father made for his wife and children; it won't compensate for the mental anguish felt from the loss of a mother. For these reasons, clients can pursue a civil action brought forth by a top rated wrongful death lawyer. In Texas wrongful death cases, the required proof of guilt is by a preponderance of evidence, meaning that a person can be found guilty and liable for a death if the overwhelming weight of evidence suggest such. In other words, the defendant has the burden of proof to prove that they were not the cause of death.