When a family loses a loved one, the grief can be overwhelming. Many people question why their loved one had to die. When the death is unexpected and preventable, the questions become more urgent. The need for answers can be consuming.
The Houston wrongful death lawyers at The Alfred Firm understand. Our lawyers have significant experience handling wrongful death claims in the greater Houston area. Our legal team works with family members to get the answers they need. When those answers reveal negligence, fault, and wrongdoing, our attorneys help family members seek justice for their loved ones.
We are passionate about helping those who have suffered a tragic loss. That passion comes through in our relationships with our clients and the results we obtain for our clients.
Contact The Alfred Firm today by calling (713) 489-1875 for a free consultation with an experienced Houston wrongful death attorney.
What Is Considered Wrongful Death?
The accidental or intentional taking of another person’s life can be considered a wrongful death. Wrongful death arises from accidents and mistakes that people make. They also arise from negligence and intentional acts. The common element is that a person died an untimely death as a result of another person or party’s actions.
Common incidents that can lead to a wrongful death claim in Houston include, but are not limited to:
- Car Accidents
- Slip and Falls
- Motorcycle Crashes
- Defective Products
- Truck Accidents
- Industrial Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Electric Scooter Accidents
- Premises Liability Claims
- Construction Accidents
- Refinery Accidents
- Uber & Lyft Accidents
- Railroad Accidents
- Maritime Accidents
We Are Here For You In Your Time Of Need. Call Today To Speak With One Of Our Houston Wrongful Death Attorneys.
We Accept Wrongful Death Cases on a Contingency Fee
We don’t charge you for your first consultation. Our lawyers want to ensure that families have access to sound legal advice during a traumatic time in their lives without worrying about paying for that advice.
With that same purpose, our law firm accepts wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. That means that we are not paid until you are paid. Once we recover compensation for your claim, then we receive payment for our attorneys’ fees.
Our wrongful death lawyers in Houston focus on helping families who have been injured and harmed because of another party’s wrongdoing and negligence. We are so passionate about our work that we focus our entire legal practice on personal injury claims.
The Houston personal injury lawyers of The Alfred Firm understand Texas wrongful injury laws. They understand how to investigate these cases, but more importantly, they know how to get results for their clients.
How Do You Prove Fault for a Wrongful Death Claim?
To recover compensation for a wrongful death claim in Texas, you must prove the required legal elements for a wrongful death action under the Texas Wrongful Death Statute. In most cases, those legal elements are:
Duty Of Care
The party who caused your loved one’s death owed a duty of care to your loved one. For instance, doctors owe a duty of care to their patients, and property owners owe a duty of care to avoid injuries on their property.
All drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road to operate their vehicles safely to avoid accidents. Manufacturers owe a duty of care to consumers to provide safe products.
Breach Of Care
You must prove that the party breached the duty of care owed to your loved one. For instance, a driver’s failure to obey traffic laws caused a deadly crash, or property owner failed to warn a person of dangerous conditions on the property that led to a death.
Another example would be a manufacturer that failed to provide adequate warnings about a product or cut corners during the manufacturing process, which led to a deadly product defect.
The Breach Caused The Death
There must be evidence of causation. Causation means that the breach of duty directly led to the death of a person. For example, a driver failed to yield the right of way, causing a motorcyclist to collide with the driver’s vehicle. The motorcyclist suffered injuries because of the crash that led to the rider’s death.
What Compensation is Available in a Texas Wrongful Death Case?
Texas wrongful death laws allow family members to seek compensation for a variety of damages. Money will not bring back a deceased loved one. However, a monetary judgment is the only way the judicial system has to give some measure of justice to a family.
Damages that may be included in a wrongful death claim include:
- Reasonable Burial and Funeral Expenses
- Future Lost Income
- Lost Benefits and Contributions, such as pensions, retirement, health insurance coverage, and help with household chores and raising children
- Medical Expenses Incurred Before Death
- Emotional Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Care, Support, Companionship, Guidance, and Love
Family Members With the Right to File Wrongful Death Claims
In most cases, surviving spouses and children have priority in filing wrongful death claims. However, other family members may have a wrongful death claim. Parents and other dependents may also receive compensation under the wrongful death laws in Texas.
Why Do I Need a Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Wrongful death claims are complicated personal injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling these types of cases, so we have a deep understanding of the legal requirements to prove a wrongful death claim. Our lawyers also understand who can file wrongful death lawsuits in Texas and what damages are included in wrongful death claims.
As you seek justice for your loved one and your family, you need a lawyer who has the skills, resources, and expertise needed to get results. You need an attorney with a proven track record and knowledge of the courts in Houston.
The Houston wrongful death lawyers of The Alfred Firm check all those boxes and more. In addition to our skills, resources, experience, and knowledge, we are compassionate and driven. We never stop fighting for the best interests of our clients.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Texas?
In most cases, family members have just two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, certain circumstances could change the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If a government entity is involved in the case, you could have just a few months to file a claim.
Do not wait! Talk to our Houston wrongful death lawyers today. However, do not limit your legal options by waiting too long to talk with an attorney.
Contact a Houston Wrongful Death Attorney for a Free Case Review
Compassionate, Caring & Experienced Legal Services
Contact The Alfred Firm by calling (713) 489-1875 to schedule a free consultation with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Houston.