Wrongful Death Attorney in Houston, TX
Losing a loved one is devastating, especially when their death was preventable. If someone’s negligence or wrongdoing caused this loss, your family deserves justice. At Universal Law Group, we help families hold responsible parties accountable and seek financial compensation for their loss. Our wrongful death attorneys in Houston, TX offer compassionate legal guidance and aggressive representation to ensure your family’s financial future is secure.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to pursue compensation when a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct. This legal action holds individuals, companies, or organizations accountable for preventable deaths.
What Is the Purpose of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
- Financial Support: Covers funeral expenses, medical bills, and lost income.
- Justice for Loved Ones: Ensures accountability and prevents future negligence.
- Emotional Closure: Provides families with a sense of justice and security.
When another party’s negligence causes harm, filing a wrongful death lawsuit can protect your family’s rights and financial stability.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
In Texas, specific family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Understanding who can pursue this legal action is essential.
Eligible Family Members Include:
- Spouse: Surviving husband or wife
- Children: Biological or legally adopted children
- Parents: Mother or father of the deceased
If the eligible family members do not file a claim within three months of the death, the executor or administrator of the estate may pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful deaths can happen in various situations where someone’s negligence or carelessness leads to fatal consequences. Families may file claims when a loved one dies due to:
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions
- Drunk driving or distracted driving
- Commercial vehicle crashes
Workplace and Industrial Accidents
- Construction site injuries
- Oil and gas industry accidents
- Equipment malfunctions
Medical Malpractice
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors or anesthesia mistakes
- Birth injuries or medication errors
Premises Liability Accidents
- Slips and falls due to unsafe conditions
- Swimming pool drownings
- Lack of proper security or maintenance
Defective Products
- Faulty machinery or equipment
- Dangerous household products
- Contaminated pharmaceuticals
In all these cases, Universal Law Group investigates thoroughly to determine fault and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
Types of Compensation Available for Families
When a wrongful death claim is successful, families may receive financial compensation for losses suffered. Compensation may include:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of future income and benefits
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering of the deceased before passing
- Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
- Emotional distress experienced by surviving family members
Punitive Damages (When Applicable)
In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions.
When Are Punitive Damages Awarded?
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving:
- Extreme negligence or reckless behavior
- Intentional misconduct or criminal actions
- Defective products that caused preventable deaths
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case?
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, your attorney must prove that another party’s negligence caused the death. This requires demonstrating the following:
Duty of Care
The defendant owed a legal duty to act responsibly or prevent harm.
Breach of Duty
The defendant failed to uphold that duty through negligence, recklessness, or misconduct.
Causation
The breach directly caused the death of your loved one.
Damages
The family suffered financial, emotional, or psychological harm as a result of the death.
Universal Law Group gathers critical evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and expert testimonies to build a strong case and prove these essential elements.
Why Choose Universal Law Group for Your Wrongful Death Case?
At Universal Law Group, we are more than just legal professionals. We are dedicated advocates who care deeply about the families we represent. We know how difficult it is to lose someone you love, and we are here to guide you through this challenging process.
Proven Track Record of Success
Our wrongful death attorneys have a history of securing high-value settlements and verdicts for families. We fight tirelessly to ensure families receive the compensation they need to move forward.
Personalized Legal Support
We believe that every case deserves individualized attention. Our attorneys listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and tailor legal strategies to meet your family’s unique needs.
Aggressive Advocacy
When insurance companies and corporations refuse to take responsibility, we fight aggressively to hold them accountable. We pursue maximum compensation to protect your family’s financial future.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of death. However, certain exceptions may extend this period, such as:
- Cases involving minors
- Discovery of negligence after the death
- Fraud or intentional concealment
Filing within this timeframe is critical to preserving your family’s right to seek compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
At Universal Law Group, we are more than just legal professionals. We are dedicated advocates who care deeply about the families we represent. We know how difficult it is to lose someone you love, and we are here to guide you through this challenging process.
Proven Track Record of Success
Our wrongful death attorneys have a history of securing high-value settlements and verdicts for families. We fight tirelessly to ensure families receive the compensation they need to move forward.
Personalized Legal Support
We believe that every case deserves individualized attention. Our attorneys listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and tailor legal strategies to meet your family’s unique needs.
Aggressive Advocacy
When insurance companies and corporations refuse to take responsibility, we fight aggressively to hold them accountable. We pursue maximum compensation to protect your family’s financial future.
Understanding the Wrongful Death Legal Process
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can seem overwhelming, especially during an emotional time. Families often have questions about how the process works and what to expect. At Universal Law Group, our wrongful death lawyers guide families through every step, ensuring they understand their rights and options.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
The first step involves meeting with an experienced wrongful death attorney to discuss the details of your loved one’s death. During this consultation:
- We listen to your story and gather key facts.
- We assess the viability of your claim.
- We explain your legal options and the potential outcomes.
Our Houston wrongful death lawyers evaluate evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements to determine if the case qualifies for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Step 2: Investigation and Evidence Collection
A thorough investigation is essential to build a strong case. Our legal team works diligently to gather evidence that proves liability and demonstrates how the wrongful act caused your loved one’s death.
Key evidence may include:
- Police or accident reports
- Medical records detailing the deceased person’s treatment
- Expert witness testimonies (medical, accident reconstruction, etc.)
- Surveillance footage or photographs
- Statements from witnesses and family members
This evidence helps establish negligence and supports your claim for economic damages and pain and suffering.
Step 3: Filing the Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Once sufficient evidence is gathered, we proceed with filing a wrongful death lawsuit. This involves:
- Drafting and filing legal documents with the court
- Identifying the parties responsible for your loved one’s death
- Notifying insurance companies and initiating settlement negotiations
Texas law limits the timeframe for filing a wrongful death claim to two years after the date of death, so it’s crucial to act quickly.
Step 4: Negotiation and Settlement Discussions
Most wrongful death cases are resolved through settlement negotiations with insurance companies. Our attorneys use their negotiation skills and experience to pursue a fair settlement that compensates the surviving family members for:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of future income and financial support
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we are prepared to take the case to court to fight for maximum compensation.
Step 5: Trial and Court Proceedings (If Necessary)
If a settlement cannot be reached, your wrongful death attorney will take the case to trial. During the trial:
- We present evidence proving the defendant’s negligence.
- We demonstrate the full extent of the damages suffered by the family.
- We seek a verdict that includes economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to securing justice for families and ensuring that wrongdoers are held accountable.
How Wrongful Death Cases Arise from Car and Truck Accidents
Many wrongful death lawsuits in Texas stem from car accidents and truck accidents caused by negligent drivers or companies. Fatal accidents often result from:
Distracted or Reckless Driving
Drivers using their phones, speeding, or ignoring traffic laws put everyone at risk. These actions frequently lead to fatal collisions, leaving families to cope with the loss of a loved one.
Drunk or Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. Deaths in Texas caused by drunk driving often lead to wrongful death cases where the responsible parties are held accountable.
Commercial Truck Collisions
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. When trucking companies fail to maintain their vehicles or enforce safety protocols, they may be liable for the loved one’s death.
Dangerous Road Conditions or Defective Vehicles
Poorly maintained roads and defective products like faulty brakes or airbags can contribute to fatal accidents. In these cases, multiple parties may be responsible, including government agencies or product manufacturers.
Holding Negligent Companies Accountable for Workplace Deaths
Workplace fatalities often result from unsafe environments, lack of proper training, or failure to follow safety regulations. Wrongful death lawyers help families pursue justice when companies fail to protect their employees.
Construction Site Accidents
Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, and lack of proper safety protocols often lead to fatalities. Employers and third-party contractors may be held liable for failing to ensure a safe work environment.
Industrial and Oilfield Accidents
The oil and gas industry poses high risks due to hazardous conditions and heavy machinery. Families can file wrongful death lawsuits when companies fail to follow industry safety standards.
Exposure to Hazardous Substances
Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace can lead to fatal illnesses. Employers who do not provide proper protective equipment or fail to warn employees of the dangers may be held accountable.
Our Results: Securing Justice for Families
Universal Law Group has helped many families recover compensation in wrongful death cases. Our legal team has handled cases involving motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries, securing settlements that provide financial stability and justice for grieving families.
$180,000
Rear-Ended By a Commercial Vehicle
$190,000
Auto Accident Involving a Child
$250,000
commercial truck accident
How Insurance Companies Handle Wrongful Death Claims
Dealing with insurance companies after losing a loved one can be stressful and confusing. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, offering settlements that do not reflect the true value of your claim.
- Low Initial Settlement Offers: They may offer a quick, low settlement to avoid paying the full amount.
- Disputing Liability: Insurance companies may argue that their policyholder was not at fault.
- Delaying Tactics: Prolonging the process in hopes that families will settle for less.
Our wrongful death attorneys negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure families receive fair compensation for their losses.
Free Consultation: Let Us Help You Seek Justice
Losing a loved one is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Universal Law Group is ready to help your family pursue justice and secure financial compensation.
- Free Consultation: No cost to discuss your case.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win.
- Call Now: 832-767-0339
- Online Inquiry: Fill out our secure online form to get started.
Let us help you seek justice for your loved one. Universal Law Group is your gateway to legal solutions.