Wrongful Death Attorneys in Houston

Wrongful Death Attorneys in Houston

Losing someone due to another’s negligence is devastating. It is something nobody should go through. At Mayday Law Office, our wrongful death attorneys help families pursue justice and compensation so they can focus on healing. We handle every case with professionalism and a deep understanding of Texas law.

Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer

Representing Families Who Have Lost a Loved One in Houston, TX

Mayday Law Office provides legal representation for clients seeking damages in wrongful death suits. Wrongful death litigation usually arises from an accident that ultimately leads to the premature death of the victim. We understand that while money alone cannot relieve your pain and suffering or restore your loss, the law provides a remedy.

Wrongful death cases often arise from motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, work place injuries, drunk driving accidents, medical malpractice, trucking accidents, rollovers, underrides, fires and explosions.

In wrongful death cases, it is usually the family who has suffered the loss, or the decedent’s estate who bring the case forward.

What Is Considered a “Wrongful Death” in Texas?

The loss of a loved one is always heartbreaking, especially when it happens because someone else failed to act responsibly.

In Texas, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence, carelessness, or intentional actions of another individual or entity. This means the death could have been prevented if the responsible party had acted with reasonable care.

Texas law recognizes wrongful death claims as a way for certain family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, to seek compensation for their loss. While no legal process can bring your loved one back, these claims can provide some relief by covering costs related to the loss and helping your family move forward.

During such a painful time, having a compassionate wrongful death lawyer in Texas by your side can make a difference. They can guide you through the legal journey, handle complex details, and fight to ensure your family’s voice is heard with care and respect.

Compassionate Legal Representation By Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Texas

Losing a loved one is painful. Losing a loved one due to wrongful death can be even more difficult. If someone’s wrongful actions caused injuries that resulted in your loved one’s death, that is a wrongful death. Under state law, you only have two years from the person’s death to file a claim.

Texas’s wrongful death statute allows only the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased to bring a claim for damages. After three months, if a lawsuit has not been filed, the executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate may bring a claim for the benefit of the surviving family members.

In the tragic event that you have lost a loved one due to an unexpected accident or injury, it is in your best interest to retain a wrongful death attorney. While we know that no amount of money can compensate you for your loss, we hope to ease your financial hardship and hold liable parties accountable for their wrongdoing.

Do I Need An Attorney To File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Houston?

Yes, hiring a lawyer for wrongful death can immensely help your case. Here are some ways a lawyer can help you seek compensation for your losses: 

  • Investigate the Cause of Death: A wrongful death lawyer can review accident reports, medical records, and other evidence to determine whether negligence or wrongdoing caused your loved one’s death.
  • Identify Who May Be Held Responsible: Liability may rest with an individual, a company, a property owner, or another party. An attorney helps identify all potentially responsible parties under Texas law.
  • Determine Who Can File a Claim: Texas law limits who may bring a wrongful death claim, typically spouses, children, and parents. Houston wrongful death attorneys ensure the claim is filed by the proper parties.
  • Handle Insurance Companies and Legal Filings: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. An attorney communicates with insurers, prepares legal documents, and manages deadlines on your behalf.
  • Pursue Fair Compensation for Your Family: Attorneys help seek compensation for losses such as funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship, based on the facts of the case.
  • Provide Compassionate Guidance During a Difficult Time: Beyond legal representation, a wrongful death lawyer in Houston offers support and clarity throughout the process so families can focus on healing.
  • Advocate for Your Family’s Rights: At Mayday Law Office, our accidental death lawyers work to hold negligent parties accountable while treating every family with care and respect.

How Do Courts Determine Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases?

The main method courts have for measuring loss in wrongful death lawsuits is pecuniary damages – that is, the court must determine the proper compensation for the financial loss that the death has caused. Though this may seem harsh or cold, money damages are the remedy that civil courts have at their disposal.

When the courts measure loss, the first thing most of them turn to is quantifiable data, such as:

  • How much money did the deceased earn?
  • How much money did the deceased save?
  • How financially dependent were the survivors on the deceased?

The court will also take into consideration funeral expenses and medical expenses

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fatal car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents are among the most common causes of wrongful death in Texas. These cases often involve speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or failure to follow traffic laws.
  • Workplace and Construction Accidents: Texas sees a high number of fatal workplace incidents, especially in construction, oilfields, and industrial settings. Employers, contractors, or third parties may be held responsible for unsafe working conditions or safety violations.
  • Medical Malpractice: Wrongful death may occur due to medical errors such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, delayed treatment, or medication errors.
  • Defective Products: Dangerous or defective products, including vehicles, machinery, medical devices, or consumer goods, can lead to fatal injuries. Manufacturers or distributors may be liable under Texas product liability laws.
  • Premises Liability Accidents: Property owners may be responsible when unsafe conditions lead to fatal slip and falls, fires, drownings, or other deadly incidents on their premises.
  • Violent Acts or Negligent Security: Some wrongful death claims involve assaults or criminal acts where a business or property owner failed to provide reasonable security, especially in apartment complexes, parking lots, or commercial properties.
  • Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect: Elderly residents may suffer fatal injuries due to neglect, malnutrition, falls, or lack of proper medical care. These cases often involve violations of care standards.

Essential Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death in Houston

  1. Understand Your Legal Rights: After the loss of a loved one, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Texas law allows certain family members to seek justice when a death is caused by negligence or wrongdoing. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting your family’s future. If you need guidance, a Houston wrongful death attorney can help explain your options.
  2. Prepare the Necessary Information: You may be asked to gather basic documents such as medical records, accident reports, or information about your loved one’s employment. This process can feel overwhelming, but it helps ensure your claim is handled properly.
  3. Begin the Legal Claim: Once the required information is in place, a wrongful death claim can be formally filed. This step allows the legal process to begin while your attorney manages deadlines and filings on your behalf. Consulting a wrongful death lawyer from Texas early can make a critical difference.
  4. Allow the Case to Move Forward: As the case progresses, your lawyer will handle communications, negotiations, and any legal proceedings. You are kept informed, but much of the legal burden is lifted so you can focus on healing.
  5. Reach a Resolution: Some cases are resolved through settlement, while others may proceed to court. The goal is to seek accountability and financial support for the losses your family has suffered, always with care and respect for what you are going through. Trust an experienced wrongful death law firm in Houston to advocate for your family throughout the process.

Call the Mayday Law Office Today to Find the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Houston

If you have lost a loved one as a result of another person’s wrongful act, carelessness, or neglect, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact the Mayday Law Office for a free, confidential consultation.

FAQs – Wrongful Death Attorneys in Houston, Texas

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Houston?

In Texas, a wrongful death claim can be filed by certain family members of the deceased, including the spouse, children, and parents. If none of these relatives exist, other heirs at law may have the right to bring a claim. Extended family members cannot file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas unless they are legally recognized heirs. If you need help understanding who qualifies, a trusted Houston wrongful death attorney can guide you through the process.

What is a wrongful death lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action brought by surviving family members when someone dies due to another person’s negligence, misconduct, or intentional harm. The goal is to seek compensation for financial and emotional loss. Experienced Texas wrongful death lawyers work to hold responsible parties accountable and obtain justice for grieving families.

What is the deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the deceased’s death. Missing this deadline means losing the right to pursue a claim. It is important to consult a wrongful death attorney in Houston, TX as soon as possible to protect your family’s legal rights.

What is a survival claim, and how is it different than a wrongful death claim?

A survival claim allows the deceased person’s estate to recover damages for pain and suffering or medical expenses the deceased incurred before passing away. In contrast, a wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the surviving family’s losses after the death, such as loss of financial support and companionship. Both claims can sometimes be pursued together under Texas law, often with the help of a knowledgeable Texas wrongful death attorney.

Can I recover punitive damages in a wrongful death lawsuit?

Punitive damages, which are intended to punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct, may be awarded in Texas wrongful death cases but are not common. They are only granted if the defendant’s actions were especially egregious. Discussing your case with a qualified wrongful death lawyer in Texas can help determine if punitive damages might apply.

Can the extended family file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas?

Extended family members such as siblings, cousins, or grandparents cannot file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas unless they are legal heirs recognized by the court. The law limits wrongful death claims to the closest family members, like spouses, children, and parents. If you are unsure, a wrongful death law firm in Houston can review your situation and explain your options.

What factors impact damages awards in a Texas wrongful death lawsuit?

Damages awards depend on factors such as the deceased’s age, earning capacity, relationship with surviving family members, and the severity of the losses. Courts also consider funeral expenses, medical costs, and emotional impact. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can help accurately calculate damages and present a strong case.

How can I start the process of claiming compensation for a wrongful death?

The first step is to consult a qualified wrongful death attorney who can review your case and explain your rights. You will need to gather documents like medical records, death certificates, and financial information. Your attorney will then file the claim within the legal deadline and guide you through each stage of the process.

Wrongful Death Attorneys in Houston

Losing someone due to another’s negligence is devastating. It is something nobody should go through. At Mayday Law Office, our wrongful death attorneys help families pursue justice and compensation so they can focus on healing. We handle every case with professionalism and a deep understanding of Texas law.

Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer

Representing Families Who Have Lost a Loved One in Houston, TX

Mayday Law Office provides legal representation for clients seeking damages in wrongful death suits. Wrongful death litigation usually arises from an accident that ultimately leads to the premature death of the victim. We understand that while money alone cannot relieve your pain and suffering or restore your loss, the law provides a remedy.

Wrongful death cases often arise from motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, work place injuries, drunk driving accidents, medical malpractice, trucking accidents, rollovers, underrides, fires and explosions.

In wrongful death cases, it is usually the family who has suffered the loss, or the decedent’s estate who bring the case forward.

What Is Considered a “Wrongful Death” in Texas?

The loss of a loved one is always heartbreaking, especially when it happens because someone else failed to act responsibly.

In Texas, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence, carelessness, or intentional actions of another individual or entity. This means the death could have been prevented if the responsible party had acted with reasonable care.

Texas law recognizes wrongful death claims as a way for certain family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, to seek compensation for their loss. While no legal process can bring your loved one back, these claims can provide some relief by covering costs related to the loss and helping your family move forward.

During such a painful time, having a compassionate wrongful death lawyer in Texas by your side can make a difference. They can guide you through the legal journey, handle complex details, and fight to ensure your family’s voice is heard with care and respect.

Compassionate Legal Representation By Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Texas

Losing a loved one is painful. Losing a loved one due to wrongful death can be even more difficult. If someone’s wrongful actions caused injuries that resulted in your loved one’s death, that is a wrongful death. Under state law, you only have two years from the person’s death to file a claim.

Texas’s wrongful death statute allows only the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased to bring a claim for damages. After three months, if a lawsuit has not been filed, the executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate may bring a claim for the benefit of the surviving family members.

In the tragic event that you have lost a loved one due to an unexpected accident or injury, it is in your best interest to retain a wrongful death attorney. While we know that no amount of money can compensate you for your loss, we hope to ease your financial hardship and hold liable parties accountable for their wrongdoing.

Do I Need An Attorney To File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Houston?

Yes, hiring a lawyer for wrongful death can immensely help your case. Here are some ways a lawyer can help you seek compensation for your losses: 

  • Investigate the Cause of Death: A wrongful death lawyer can review accident reports, medical records, and other evidence to determine whether negligence or wrongdoing caused your loved one’s death.
  • Identify Who May Be Held Responsible: Liability may rest with an individual, a company, a property owner, or another party. An attorney helps identify all potentially responsible parties under Texas law.
  • Determine Who Can File a Claim: Texas law limits who may bring a wrongful death claim, typically spouses, children, and parents. Houston wrongful death attorneys ensure the claim is filed by the proper parties.
  • Handle Insurance Companies and Legal Filings: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. An attorney communicates with insurers, prepares legal documents, and manages deadlines on your behalf.
  • Pursue Fair Compensation for Your Family: Attorneys help seek compensation for losses such as funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship, based on the facts of the case.
  • Provide Compassionate Guidance During a Difficult Time: Beyond legal representation, a wrongful death lawyer in Houston offers support and clarity throughout the process so families can focus on healing.
  • Advocate for Your Family’s Rights: At Mayday Law Office, our accidental death lawyers work to hold negligent parties accountable while treating every family with care and respect.

How Do Courts Determine Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases?

The main method courts have for measuring loss in wrongful death lawsuits is pecuniary damages – that is, the court must determine the proper compensation for the financial loss that the death has caused. Though this may seem harsh or cold, money damages are the remedy that civil courts have at their disposal.

When the courts measure loss, the first thing most of them turn to is quantifiable data, such as:

  • How much money did the deceased earn?
  • How much money did the deceased save?
  • How financially dependent were the survivors on the deceased?

The court will also take into consideration funeral expenses and medical expenses

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fatal car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents are among the most common causes of wrongful death in Texas. These cases often involve speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or failure to follow traffic laws.
  • Workplace and Construction Accidents: Texas sees a high number of fatal workplace incidents, especially in construction, oilfields, and industrial settings. Employers, contractors, or third parties may be held responsible for unsafe working conditions or safety violations.
  • Medical Malpractice: Wrongful death may occur due to medical errors such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, delayed treatment, or medication errors.
  • Defective Products: Dangerous or defective products, including vehicles, machinery, medical devices, or consumer goods, can lead to fatal injuries. Manufacturers or distributors may be liable under Texas product liability laws.
  • Premises Liability Accidents: Property owners may be responsible when unsafe conditions lead to fatal slip and falls, fires, drownings, or other deadly incidents on their premises.
  • Violent Acts or Negligent Security: Some wrongful death claims involve assaults or criminal acts where a business or property owner failed to provide reasonable security, especially in apartment complexes, parking lots, or commercial properties.
  • Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect: Elderly residents may suffer fatal injuries due to neglect, malnutrition, falls, or lack of proper medical care. These cases often involve violations of care standards.

Essential Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death in Houston

  1. Understand Your Legal Rights: After the loss of a loved one, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Texas law allows certain family members to seek justice when a death is caused by negligence or wrongdoing. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting your family’s future. If you need guidance, a Houston wrongful death attorney can help explain your options.
  2. Prepare the Necessary Information: You may be asked to gather basic documents such as medical records, accident reports, or information about your loved one’s employment. This process can feel overwhelming, but it helps ensure your claim is handled properly.
  3. Begin the Legal Claim: Once the required information is in place, a wrongful death claim can be formally filed. This step allows the legal process to begin while your attorney manages deadlines and filings on your behalf. Consulting a wrongful death lawyer from Texas early can make a critical difference.
  4. Allow the Case to Move Forward: As the case progresses, your lawyer will handle communications, negotiations, and any legal proceedings. You are kept informed, but much of the legal burden is lifted so you can focus on healing.
  5. Reach a Resolution: Some cases are resolved through settlement, while others may proceed to court. The goal is to seek accountability and financial support for the losses your family has suffered, always with care and respect for what you are going through. Trust an experienced wrongful death law firm in Houston to advocate for your family throughout the process.

Call the Mayday Law Office Today to Find the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Houston

If you have lost a loved one as a result of another person’s wrongful act, carelessness, or neglect, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact the Mayday Law Office for a free, confidential consultation.

FAQs – Wrongful Death Attorneys in Houston, Texas

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Houston?

In Texas, a wrongful death claim can be filed by certain family members of the deceased, including the spouse, children, and parents. If none of these relatives exist, other heirs at law may have the right to bring a claim. Extended family members cannot file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas unless they are legally recognized heirs. If you need help understanding who qualifies, a trusted Houston wrongful death attorney can guide you through the process.

What is a wrongful death lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action brought by surviving family members when someone dies due to another person’s negligence, misconduct, or intentional harm. The goal is to seek compensation for financial and emotional loss. Experienced Texas wrongful death lawyers work to hold responsible parties accountable and obtain justice for grieving families.

What is the deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the deceased’s death. Missing this deadline means losing the right to pursue a claim. It is important to consult a wrongful death attorney in Houston, TX as soon as possible to protect your family’s legal rights.

What is a survival claim, and how is it different than a wrongful death claim?

A survival claim allows the deceased person’s estate to recover damages for pain and suffering or medical expenses the deceased incurred before passing away. In contrast, a wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the surviving family’s losses after the death, such as loss of financial support and companionship. Both claims can sometimes be pursued together under Texas law, often with the help of a knowledgeable Texas wrongful death attorney.

Can I recover punitive damages in a wrongful death lawsuit?

Punitive damages, which are intended to punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct, may be awarded in Texas wrongful death cases but are not common. They are only granted if the defendant’s actions were especially egregious. Discussing your case with a qualified wrongful death lawyer in Texas can help determine if punitive damages might apply.

Can the extended family file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas?

Extended family members such as siblings, cousins, or grandparents cannot file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas unless they are legal heirs recognized by the court. The law limits wrongful death claims to the closest family members, like spouses, children, and parents. If you are unsure, a wrongful death law firm in Houston can review your situation and explain your options.

What factors impact damages awards in a Texas wrongful death lawsuit?

Damages awards depend on factors such as the deceased’s age, earning capacity, relationship with surviving family members, and the severity of the losses. Courts also consider funeral expenses, medical costs, and emotional impact. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can help accurately calculate damages and present a strong case.

How can I start the process of claiming compensation for a wrongful death?

The first step is to consult a qualified wrongful death attorney who can review your case and explain your rights. You will need to gather documents like medical records, death certificates, and financial information. Your attorney will then file the claim within the legal deadline and guide you through each stage of the process.

Get Started Today

If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve to have an experienced injury lawyer on your side. Reach out to Mayday Law Office today to discuss your legal options in a free consultation.