WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEY IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

Life’s unexpected moments can cause great distress especially the tragic and wrongful death of a loved one. If their death was the result of an act of negligence or carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for expenses such as funeral costs, medical bills, and general pain and suffering for your loss.

An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you seek the compensation your loved one — and you — deserve. My law firm in Houston, Texas has served people throughout the surrounding communities through wrongful death cases including filing a claim or lawsuit and establishing fault. If you live in South Houston, Pasadena, Clear Lake, Friendswood, League City, or any of the surrounding communities, call me today to schedule a free consultation.

WHAT CLASSIFIES AS A WRONGFUL DEATH IN TEXAS?

According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 71, wrongful death claims can be made if the death is caused by a “wrongful act, carelessness, unskillfulness, neglect, or default” of another person or corporation. Under this definition, actions such as drunk or distracted driving, medical malpractice, missed medical diagnoses, maritime accidents, nursing home neglect, a defective product, or a misstep by a company employee, may be considered a wrongful death. 

WHO CAN FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM?

Under Texas law, there are several parties related to the deceased that can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the person at fault including a spouse, children, and parents of the decedent. If an adoptive family is involved, the adopted parents or adopted child may file a claim only if the adoption was completed before the death. Parties may file individually or as a group.

Unfortunately, siblings, whether they’re biological or adopted, cannot file a wrongful death claim.  

TYPES OF DAMAGES

Damages awarded in wrongful death cases depend on the circumstances of the situation There are two types of damages that may be sought: economic and non-economic. 

Economic damages involve tangible expenses directly related to the death such as:

• Funeral expenses

• Loss of future inheritance

• Loss of the decedent’s future income and employee benefits

• Medical bills

Non-economic damages, cannot be proved with receipts or pay stubs, but they help surviving loved ones with the loss they have and will endure including:

• Loss of love, companionship, affection, protection, or moral support

• Loss of parental guidance if children of the decedent are minors

• Pain and suffering of the decedent if there was an injury before their death

• Pain and suffering of loved ones

• Punitive damages if the person found at fault was deliberate or hateful

Everyone’s situation is unique, so damages that may be recovered will vary according to the circumstances.