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Losing a loved one is always difficult, but it’s even more devastating when their death was preventable. If your loved one died due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or company in Houston, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. The experienced wrongful death lawyers at Thompson Law are here to help.
If you lost a spouse, child, parent or other family member in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need legal help from a Houston wrongful death attorney. Wrongful death claims can be complex, with strict filing deadlines. You need an attorney with experience handling these sensitive cases.
The wrongful death lawyers at Thompson Law have been helping families in Houston and across Texas for more than 17 years. Founder Ryan Thompson and his team know this area of law inside and out. They have the resources and dedication to build the strongest case possible against negligent parties and help your family recover maximum compensation.
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed by family members of the deceased against a negligent person or company responsible for causing their death.
According to Texas statutes, you must prove the death was caused by this party’s wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness or default. At Thompson Law, our wrongful death lawyers know how to investigate accidents and build these cases to prove liability and negligence. We handle wrongful death claims resulting from:
Under the Texas Wrongful Death Act, the following family members may be able to bring a wrongful death claim: spouse, children, parents of the deceased, and siblings. If none of these immediate family members survive, more distant relatives like grandparents could potentially file a claim.
The law aims to identify the family members who were most financially dependent on the deceased and suffered the biggest loss. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help identify the right plaintiffs with the strongest claim in each case by evaluating factors like the nature of relationships, financial dependance, and losses suffered by potential claimants.
Minor children often have the strongest claims, especially if the deceased was their primary caretaker. Surviving spouses also commonly file claims. If multiple eligible family members exist, they may be able to file together or a court can appoint a single plaintiff to represent the claim on behalf of all beneficiaries.
Our attorneys have extensive experience determining the optimal plaintiffs under the Texas Wrongful Death Act. We help families pursue the maximum compensation available in their specific circumstances.
There are two main categories of damages available in a Texas wrongful death claim:
Compensatory damages – These account for the family members’ tangible losses, which can include:
Punitive damages – If gross negligence or intentional misconduct is proven, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant. This money goes to the claimants over and above compensatory damages.
Texas law allows for “survival claims” to be made in addition to a wrongful death claim after an accidental death. This allows the victim’s estate to recover compensation for:
The deceased’s own pain and suffering prior to death
Medical expenses incurred before death
Funeral costs
Loss of future income and benefits
An experienced Houston wrongful death lawyer can pursue survival damages for your loved one’s estate, while also recovering wrongful death compensation for family members. This allows for maximum recovery.
According to recent CDC data, the most common cause of accidental or non-natural death in Houston is drug overdose and poisoning. In 2020 there were over 550 such deaths in Harris County alone. Traffic accidents rank second, with around 275 traffic accident fatalities in Houston every year.
Other major causes of accidental death include falls, drownings, homicide/assault, suicide, and pedestrian accidents. Accidental firearm deaths also contribute over 120 homicides annually in Houston. Overall, the city has higher rates of accidental fatalities compared to national averages, especially for overdoses, vehicle crashes, and gun violence.
On a statewide level, the top causes of accidental death in Texas are consistent with the trends in Houston. According to CDC data, the leading causes of unintentional injury deaths in Texas are motor vehicle crashes, unintentional poisonings (overdoses), and falls.
Traffic fatalities far exceed other causes, with 4,675 motor vehicle deaths across Texas in 2021. Of those, 1,450 occurred in Harris County. Commercial trucks like 18-wheelers and dump trucks are involved in a disproportionate share of deadly crashes due to their size and weight compared to passenger vehicles.
Beyond traffic accidents, medical negligence is another major source of wrongful death, including surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, medication errors, and nursing home neglect or abuse cases.
Our injury law firm assists families who lose loved ones due to all types of preventable accidents and negligence in Houston and across Texas. By understanding the most common causes, we can build strong wrongful death claims and maximize compensation for grieving families.
The experienced wrongful death lawyers at Thompson Law are dedicated advocates for grieving families. We know that no amount of money can bring back your loved one, but holding the negligent party accountable can provide some sense of justice. Our attorneys help clients:
The wrongful death attorneys at Thompson Law advocate aggressively for families who lost loved ones due to negligence in Houston and across Texas. Our experienced trial lawyers have the litigation skills to take on large insurance companies and corporations and fight for full and fair compensation after a tragic accidental death. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover damages for your family. For a FREE CONSULTATION with an accomplished Houston wrongful death lawyer, contact Thompson Law today.
At Thompson Law, our attorneys have handled hundreds of wrongful death claims and have recovered substantial verdicts and settlements for families, including:
Losing someone you love is devastating enough without having to fight with insurance companies. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing. For a FREE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION with an accomplished wrongful death attorney, contact our Houston law offices today at (844) 308-8180.
If your loved one was killed in an accident in Houston that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you probably have many questions about wrongful death claims and how our attorneys can help. Here are answers to some key questions asked by families after a tragic loss:
How are wrongful death settlement amounts determined?
There are many factors involved, but ultimately juries or insurance companies determine fair compensation based on evidence of damages, liability, lost future income and other losses your family suffered.
How much does it cost to hire a Houston wrongful death attorney?
At Thompson Law, we handle wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. We only collect legal fees if we recover compensation for your family.
What is the time limit to file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
Most wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years from the date of death, but this may be extended in some cases. Act quickly to preserve your right to recover damages.
What if a family member was partially responsible for the accident?
Even if your loved one was partially at fault, you may still recover reduced damages through comparative negligence laws in Texas. Our lawyers determine liability issues.
What types of evidence will be needed to prove a wrongful death case?
Our attorneys thoroughly investigate accidents to gather police reports, photos, physical evidence, video footage, eyewitness statements, expert testimony and other evidence needed to prove negligence and liability.
For dedicated representation from an experienced Houston wrongful death attorney, contact Thompson Law today at (844) 308-8180 or through our online form. We offer FREE CASE EVALUATION and handle cases on a contingency fee basis. Let us fight on your family’s behalf for full and fair compensation.
In Texas, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death suit. This differs from the statute of limitations for typical personal injury claims not involving death, which allows two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Our skilled wrongful death attorneys can help ensure you meet all the legal requirements and deadlines necessary. If a wrongful death lawsuit is not filed by the proper person within the time allowed by law, you will lose your right to recover monetary damages.
Knowing the applicable statutes of limitations, understanding the elements of negligence and proximate cause, and gathering evidence to establish liability are all crucial factors that can influence the outcome of a wrongful death case.
Wrongful death cases can be highly emotional and complex, making it crucial to determine who is at fault. In these cases, liability is determined by analyzing the evidence to identify who acted negligently or intentionally caused the death. This often involves investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident, such as whether the victim was in a safe environment and whether there were any contributing factors to the death. Additionally, insurance policies and state laws may also come into play when determining fault. It’s important to have a skilled attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you receive the compensation you deserve. While nothing can bring back a loved one, accountability can bring some closure and justice for the family.
The loss of a loved one can be a devastating experience, especially when the death was caused by another person’s negligence or intentional harm. In such situations, the surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible individual or entity. The process for filing a wrongful death lawsuit typically involves gathering evidence, hiring an attorney, filing the complaint, and going through the discovery process which involves exchanging information and evidence with the opposing party. The case may then proceed to trial or settle outside of court. It is important to remember that each state has its own laws and procedures for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, so it’s recommended to consult with an experienced attorney to help guide you through the process.
While many wrongful death cases settle out of court, anyone filing a lawsuit should prepare for the possibility of having to go to trial. A skilled wrongful death attorney can litigate on your behalf to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
In Texas, damages for wrongful death can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of possible inheritance, pain and suffering, and loss of society, companionship, support, and care. In some instances, punitive damages might be sought. These are damages intended to punish the guilty party and deter other parties from engaging in the same conduct.
In Texas, the surviving spouse, children, or parents can file a wrongful death claim. If no family members file, an executor of the deceased person’s estate may file. Here is a complete guide to wrongful death claims in Texas.
Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.
