D. Miller & Associates handles wrongful death claims for grieving families throughout Texas. If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another, we are here to help you understand your rights under Texas law and explore all of the options available to you.
We never lose sight of the profound personal loss that lies at the heart of every wrongful death case we handle. When you work with us, you will gain the services of an experienced Texas wrongful death attorney who will stand by your side through this journey and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Families Turn to Us for Wrongful Death Advocacy
Your choice of a law firm is especially important when it concerns the pursuit of justice for a loved one who has passed away. Here are some of the reasons individuals and families throughout Texas entrust us with these sensitive cases:
We Listen
This case is about you, your family, and the legacy of the person you have lost. We will carefully listen to your needs, goals, and concerns as we create a legal strategy tailored to your unique wishes.
We Communicate
It’s frustrating to work with a law firm that doesn’t keep you updated or even return your calls. Our Texas wrongful death lawyers will keep you informed and always get back to you when you need to talk about your case.
We Get Results
When justice must be served, we come through. Our track record of success in personal injury and wrongful death law includes more than $650 million in verdicts and settlements and more than 36,000 cases won.
How We Prevail in Wrongful Death Cases
While every case is unique, we know what it takes to build a strong wrongful death claim and pursue the compensation your family deserves. Here are some of the attributes of our firm that help us achieve successful outcomes for our clients in wrongful death claims:
Rapid Investigative Response
We will move quickly to preserve critical evidence and investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. Our statewide reach allows us to respond promptly, coordinate with local resources, and build a strong case no matter where the fatal accident occurred.
Thorough Preparation
We leave no stone unturned when building a strong case. Our Texas wrongful death lawyers investigate the accident, consult with accident reconstruction specialists and other expert witnesses when necessary, analyze medical and financial evidence, and identify every party that may be held responsible.
Trial Readiness
The threat of courtroom litigation rings hollow when you haven’t prepared a case for trial. We prepare every wrongful death claim as if it will end up in court, letting insurance companies know they must negotiate fairly or be in for a tough legal battle.
The Basics of Texas Wrongful Death Law
The more you know about wrongful death laws in Texas, the better prepared you will be to take on this momentous legal action. We hope you find this information helpful as you continue to explore your options.
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death?
Under Texas law, a wrongful death is a fatality caused by the “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default” of another person. Wrongful deaths can arise from many causes and types of negligence, including careless drivers, faulty truck maintenance, and negligent property management.
Who Can File
Texas law generally allows the following surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim:
- Surviving spouse
- Children
- Parents
If none of these family members brings a claim within the required time, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may be able to pursue a claim. Our lawyers can answer any questions you may have about who is allowed to file a wrongful death claim in Texas and other legal matters that may affect your claim.
What Compensation Is Available
A wrongful death claim can seek compensation for the financial and personal losses your family has suffered. Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:
- Lost income and benefits
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship and support
- The emotional pain caused by losing your loved one
The value of your wrongful death settlement or jury award will depend upon factors like the strength of the evidence, the severity of the damages, and the degree of negligence by the at-fault party.
Statute of Limitations
In most wrongful death claims in Texas, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to take legal action. In general, the sooner you act the better, as evidence tends to fade over time and your attorney can build a stronger case with a prompt investigation.
The Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Texas
Our attorneys can handle any wrongful death case in Texas, no matter the cause or how powerful the opposing party. The scope of our practice includes wrongful death cases arising from:
- Car accidents: A serious car crash can cause catastrophic injuries or death, particularly in high-speed collisions or crashes involving distracted or impaired drivers.
- Truck accidents: The size and weight of commercial trucks can make collisions especially devastating, often causing severe injuries or fatalities to people in smaller vehicles.
- Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists have little protection in a crash, and even a collision that seems minor can result in fatal injuries.
- Slip and fall accidents: Falls can be deadly, particularly for older adults or when a person suffers a traumatic brain injury or other serious trauma.
- Dog bites: A vicious dog attack can cause fatal injuries through severe blood loss, infection, or other complications.
- Medical malpractice: A medical error, misdiagnosis, surgical mistake, or medication error can have devastating consequences and, in some cases, result in a patient’s death.
- Defective products: A dangerous or defective product can cause catastrophic injuries or death when it fails unexpectedly and exposes consumers to an unsafe condition.
A skilled wrongful death attorney in Texas understands what is involved in proving wrongful death and can gather the evidence needed to establish liability and pursue the compensation your family deserves.
What to Expect After Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim involves much more than filing paperwork and negotiating with an insurance company. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death, gather evidence, identify the parties responsible, and calculate the full extent of your family’s losses. The at-fault party and its insurer may dispute liability or argue that your family is seeking too much compensation. Your attorney can handle these challenges while keeping you informed throughout the process.
Many wrongful death claims are resolved through settlement negotiations, but some cases must be taken to trial to obtain fair compensation. Having an attorney prepared to litigate can strengthen your position during negotiations and ensure your family is ready if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Trusted Wrongful Death Representation Throughout Texas
We handle wrongful death claims throughout Texas, including Houston-area locations like:
Our coverage extends across the state, including major metro areas such as:
From small towns in rural Texas to the largest population hubs, our Texas wrongful death attorneys can provide you with the skilled and compassionate legal services you need at this time.
Turn to a Leader in Texas Wrongful Death Law
As difficult as it can be to pursue a wrongful death claim, you don’t have to face the process alone. We are here to serve as your trusted legal allies during this trying time. Contact us to arrange a free and confidential consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Texas.
