If you lost a loved one as a result of the reckless or careless actions of another party, you need professional representation. You and your family deserve justice and full financial protection.
A skilled Dallas wrongful death lawyer from the Francis Firm will fight aggressively to protect your rights. If you cannot come to our office, an experienced trial lawyer will accompany you.
Contact our law office immediately to set up a free, strictly confidential legal consultation. We are the Dallas wrongful death lawyers you can trust.
Why Choose the Wrongful Death Lawyers at the Francis Injury Firm?
The Francis Firm is a leading personal injury law firm in Dallas with many wrongful death cases under our belt. Our founder, Michael Francis is Board Certified in Personal Injury Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has more than 30 years of experience litigating cases throughout Texas, against many of the largest corporations and insurance companies.
Through the years, he has secured verdicts and settlements for clients totaling more than $50 million.
Regardless of the nature or severity of your injuries, a Texas personal injury lawyer from the Francis Firm will fight to protect your legal rights. Enlist the services of an experienced wrongful death attorney to handle all aspects of your wrongful death claim in Dallas.
No wrongful death attorney can guarantee a result, but we believe these results speak to our experience in this area of law:
$2,250,000 – Wrongful Death Trucking Accident
A young man’s tanker truck caught fire and exploded while working on a job site, causing serious burns that were ultimately fatal. Suit was brought against the site operator and trucking company, resulting in a settlement in the amount of $2,250,000. After fees and expenses, the victim’s family recovered $1,176,495.
Confidential – Wrongful Death Suit Against Automobile Manufacturer
Wrongful death suit was brought against an automobile manufacturer for defective design and performance of a seatbelt during a rollover accident after a motor vehicle collision resulted in a fatality.
Confidential – Wrongful Death Suit Against Property Owner
Wrongful death suit against a property owner in a fatal shooting in a workplace.
$600,000 – Wrongful Death Claim Against Municipality
A police officer responding to the scene of a motor vehicle collision came upon the accident too quickly. As a result, he struck and killed a good Samaritan in the roadway helping the other accident victims. Our firm brought claims against the city and the underinsured motorist carrier on behalf of the victim’s family. The case was resolved for the statutory limits for municipal claims and the insurance policy limits applicable to the claim. The total settlement was in the amount of $600,000 and reflected the maximum amount recoverable for this tragedy. After fees, legal expenses and funeral expenses, the family recovered $ 392,457.66.
Our clients' compensation depends on the circumstances; no two cases are alike.
However, as a matter of law, clients might receive wrongful death lawsuit damages for the following in a Dallas wrongful death case:
- Medical expenses before your loved one's death
- Funeral expenses
- The value of lost services, such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children
- The loss of an inheritance
- Loss of companionship, love, comfort, and society
- The pain and anguish experienced by grieving family members
- Punitive damages, where applicable
What are Wrongful Death Claims?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a type of personal injury claim filed against a defendant who is liable for a death. Immediate family members of the deceased person, such as a surviving parent, spouse, or child, may be able to bring a wrongful death claim in several different specific circumstances.
As these are complicated cases, you must consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after a fatal accident. At the Francis Firm, our Dallas wrongful death attorneys handle all types of wrongful death claims.
Some notable examples include:
- Car accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Aviation accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Explosions and fires
- Premises liability claims
- Dangerous and defective product claims
- Medical malpractice claims
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Civil Rights violations
Every wrongful death case is unique.
Seeking a wrongful death settlement through a claim can be a complex legal process. You should consult with a wrongful death lawyer at our Dallas, Texas office to discuss the circumstances surrounding your loved one's death to see if you have grounds to file a wrongful death claim.
Do I have a Dallas Wrongful Death Claim?
It is not always easy to know whether or not you have a viable wrongful death case. If a loved one suffered an untimely death in an accident, we encourage you to speak with one of our wrongful death attorneys in Dallas, TX, to discuss whether you have grounds to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Never assume that you do not have legal rights.
Michael Francis will be able to review the specific nature of the claim, explain your options, help you preserve your rights, and recover financial compensation.
Notably, wrongful death lawsuits are governed by the Texas wrongful death statute (Texas Statutes § 71.001).
To have a wrongful death case in Dallas Texas, you must:
- Be the surviving spouse, the child, the parent of the victim, or otherwise eligible to bring a claim under Texas law;
- File your claim before the statute of limitations expires (generally two years from the date of the death); and
- Prove that the defendant is legally responsible for the death.
Many times, however, not all of the responsible parties are clear. This is why a prompt and thorough investigation is so crucial. Furthermore, the longer you wait to hire a wrongful death lawyer to begin your family's investigation, the harder it will be to make a claim, and oftentimes, critical evidence is lost.
This investigation can consist of:
- Interviewing witnesses who might have seen the accident that killed your loved one. Witnesses are often crucial to wrongful death cases.
- Visiting the scene of the crash to understand how the incident occurred.
- Hiring accident reconstruction and damage experts to prove your family's claim.
- Examining your loved one's medical records to understand the cause of death.
- Helping family members document their losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or lost income, can increase the amount of compensation available in a settlement or jury award.
A wrongful death attorney can aggressively negotiate a favorable settlement for surviving family members. And if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court within the Texas statute of limitations.
Wrongful Death FAQ
How does a wrongful death claim work?
A wrongful death claim is a legal action filed when the negligence or misconduct of another person or entity has caused someone's death. In the context of Texas law, these claims allow the victim's family to seek compensation for their loss, including financial support for the deceased's future earnings, funeral costs, and non-economic damages such as mental anguish.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Dallas?
Under state law, the immediate family members of the deceased, including spouses, children, and parents, are typically eligible to file a wrongful death claim. The Texas Trial Lawyer Association can provide resources and further guidance on specific eligibility and how to proceed with a claim.
What types of damages can be recovered in a wrongful death claim?
There are generally two types of damages recoverable in a wrongful death claim: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover quantifiable losses such as lost wages, medical expenses, and funeral costs. Non-economic damages address more subjective losses, including mental anguish suffered by the victim's family, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Dallas?
The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Texas is typically two years from the date of the individual's death. However, there can be exceptions to this rule depending on specific circumstances. It's crucial to consult with a legal team experienced in wrongful death claims early to ensure that your rights are protected.
How can a legal team help with my wrongful death claim?
A skilled legal team can provide comprehensive support throughout the wrongful death claim process, from investigating the circumstances of the death and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing the family in court. They can help accurately value the claim, including both economic losses and non-economic damages, to ensure the family receives fair compensation.
Are there caps on non-economic damages in wrongful death cases in Texas?
Yes, Texas law imposes caps on non-economic damages in certain types of wrongful death cases, particularly those involving medical malpractice. However, these caps do not apply to all wrongful death claims. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can provide guidance on how these caps might affect your case and help maximize the compensation for the victim's family.
How is fault determined in a wrongful death case?
Determining fault in a wrongful death case involves proving that another party's negligence or intentional harm caused the death of your loved one. This requires a thorough investigation, collection of evidence, and often expert testimony. A legal team with experience in wrongful death cases can effectively manage this process, demonstrating how the defendant's actions or inactions led to the wrongful death.
Can I afford to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
Most wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. This arrangement allows the victim's family to pursue justice and compensation without upfront legal fees, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent access to quality legal representation.
For any specific questions or to discuss your case details, please contact our legal team. We're committed to providing compassionate and effective representation for families affected by wrongful deaths.
Focus on Your Family and Let a Wrongful Death Attorney Handle the Rest
Wrongful death claims are complicated legal cases. Insurance companies are notoriously aggressive when defending wrongful death lawsuits in Dallas. We proudly represent wrongful death clients in Dallas.
At the Francis Injury Firm, our Dallas personal Injury lawyers are compassionate advocates for our clients. If you lost a family member in a preventable accident, we are here to take care of all your legal needs so that you can focus on yourself and your loved ones. Your family deserves justice and maximum financial compensation.
To set up a free, fully confidential consultation, call our Dallas law office today at (817) 329-9001.
Dallas Office
4131 N Central Expy
Unit #965
Dallas, TX 75204
(817) 329-9001