Wrongful Death Claims in Houston & What Texas Families Need to Know | Free Case Review

If you’ve lost a loved one in Houston, Texas, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation through a wrongful death claim. Speaking with an experienced lawyer can help families understand their legal options during a difficult time. Our law firm’s client reviews page may help you gain insight into how we’ve helped other people. Contact us online or call toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 to schedule your FREE case review today!

Texas law allows specific family members to seek compensation when a person’s death is caused by negligence, recklessness, or wrongful conduct. Spouses, children, and parents have the right to pursue wrongful death lawsuits in Houston. An attorney can evaluate the facts of a case and explain what legal remedies may be available.

Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code states that the following family members may legally file a Texas wrongful death lawsuit:

• Surviving spouse
• Children, including legally adopted children
• Parents, including both biological and adoptive parents

In general, family members have two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a wrongful death claim in Texas. The following damages may be awarded to compensate for both emotional and financial losses:

• Lost financial support and earning capacity
• Lost care, services, and maintenance that the deceased could and would have provided
• Mental anguish, including emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship and consortium
• Lost inheritance

The Texas Wrongful Death Statute’s purpose is to provide clear direction for surviving families to pursue compensation for their loved one’s death. A survival action is a legal option available to the deceased person’s estate. This allows the estate to pursue a claim for damages suffered by the deceased and caused by another’s neglect, recklessness, or wrongful action.

A wrongful death claim addresses losses experienced by the surviving family members, while a survival action addresses the losses experienced by the deceased. However, both claims are usually filed together in the same lawsuit, which is why talking to an attorney is paramount when it comes to a Houston wrongful death claim.

A lawyer can investigate whether another party’s actions (or lack thereof) contributed to the fatal event. Evidence gathered early and documented well may help strengthen a claim. Negligent behavior can lead to a multitude of fatal incidents, including:

• Car accidents, including collisions with 18-wheelers
• Workplace incidents
• Defective products
• Dangerous property conditions

Financial compensation will not replace the deceased, but it may help reduce some burdens that the families may experience afterward. Depending on the circumstances, damages may cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost earnings, and loss of household support.

A wrongful death attorney in Houston TX can evaluate any potential damages and explain how Texas law applies to your claim. In some cases, workers’ compensation claims and wrongful death claims may be filed together. If a workplace safety standard was violated and resulted in someone’s death, a lawyer can help determine the best course of action.

The Houston wrongful death lawyers at Carabin Shaw understand the challenges involved with pursuing a wrongful death claim after a devastating, emotional loss. When you need guidance about your specific situation, our team is prepared to help.

You pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us online or call toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 to schedule your FREE case review today! Both English- and Spanish-speaking staff are available to provide support and answer any questions you may have. Don’t wait to seek guidance; the statute of limitations severely affects how long you have to pursue compensation.

For more information:

• Texas Statutes 71
• Texas State Law Library Catalog
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration