Losing a loved one because of another person’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. A wrongful death not only brings emotional pain, but also creates unexpected financial challenges, unanswered questions, and a deep need for justice. Under Texas law, when someone’s careless, reckless, or intentional conduct causes a preventable death, the surviving family members have the legal right to pursue a wrongful death claim. An experienced wrongful death lawyer in Texas can guide your family through this difficult process and help ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim that allows specific family members — the surviving spouse, children, and parents — to seek compensation for the emotional, financial, and personal losses caused by their loved one’s passing. These cases are often complex and emotionally overwhelming, which is why having a knowledgeable attorney is crucial for protecting your family’s rights.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Texas
In Texas, a wrongful death claim arises when a person’s life is taken due to another party’s negligent, careless, reckless, or intentional actions. Under the Texas Wrongful Death Act, if the victim would have had the right to file a personal injury claim had they survived, their eligible family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.
These claims serve two important purposes:
- To hold the at-fault party legally and financially accountable for the harm they caused
- To help surviving family members recover the emotional and financial support they lost
Texas law outlines strict rules regarding who may file a wrongful death action, what types of compensation can be recovered, and the deadlines that must be met. Because these cases involve detailed legal requirements and often complex investigations, working with an experienced Texas wrongful death lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and ensure your family receives the justice and compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Texas
Wrongful death in Texas can result from any situation where a person’s negligence, carelessness, or wrongful act leads to a fatal injury. Families often pursue these claims after sudden and preventable accidents that should never have happened. Below are some of the most frequent causes of wrongful death throughout the state.
1. Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in Texas. When another driver is distracted, speeding, intoxicated, or simply not paying attention, the consequences can be devastating.
These fatal accidents often involve:
- Car accident cases caused by drunk, distracted, or negligent drivers
- Motorcycle accident crashes, which frequently lead to severe or fatal injuries due to limited protection
- Truck accident collisions involving 18-wheelers, commercial vehicles, or overloaded trucks
- Deadly rideshare crashes involving Uber, Lyft, and other transportation services
Serious roadway incidents — including burn accident injuries caused by vehicle fires or explosions — can also lead to immediate or delayed fatalities.
When a loved one is lost in a preventable crash, families may pursue a wrongful death claim to hold the responsible party accountable.
2. Workplace & Industrial Accidents
Texas has a high number of industrial and construction-related fatalities. Work environments involving heavy equipment, hazardous materials, or unsafe conditions can quickly turn dangerous.
Common causes include:
- Falls from high structures or scaffolding
- Accidents involving cranes, forklifts, or other heavy machinery
- Oilfield explosions, refinery fires, or electrocution injuries
- Violations of OSHA safety regulations and improper supervision
Many workplace deaths occur in industries like construction, manufacturing, transportation, and oil & gas — where one unsafe act can result in a catastrophic loss.
3. Medical Malpractice
A medical error can be just as fatal as a highway crash. When a healthcare professional fails to meet the standard of care, families may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.
These cases may involve:
- Surgical mistakes or anesthesia errors
- Incorrect medication or dosage
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a life-threatening condition
- Fatal complications during pregnancy or birth
Medical negligence often goes unnoticed until it’s too late, which is why wrongful death claims are crucial for uncovering what truly happened.
4. Defective & Dangerous Products
Manufacturers and distributors are legally responsible for ensuring their products are safe. When a defective product causes a fatal injury, they may be held liable.
Examples include:
- Faulty vehicle components leading to car accident or truck accident fatalities
- Dangerous medical devices that malfunction
- Defective machinery or industrial equipment
- Consumer products that overheat, explode, or fail without warning
Families can seek justice through a wrongful death claim when companies prioritize profit over safety.
5. Premises Liability Accidents
Property owners must maintain safe conditions. When they fail to do so, dangerous hazards can lead to fatal injuries.
These incidents may include:
- Slip and fall accidents leading to traumatic head injuries
- Pool drownings caused by lack of supervision or improper fencing
- Structural failures, balcony collapses, or unsafe building conditions
- Fires and smoke inhalation due to poor maintenance or faulty wiring
Whether the death occurred at a home, business, hotel, or public area, negligence can make the property owner legally responsible.
When a Death Is Preventable, Your Family Has Rights
Regardless of the cause — whether it’s a motorcycle accident, truck accident, burn accident, car accident, workplace disaster, or medical error — losing a loved one due to negligence is something no family should have to endure.
If the fatal injury could have been prevented, you may be legally entitled to pursue justice, accountability, and financial compensation through a Texas wrongful death lawsuit.
Why Your Family Needs the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Texas
Navigating a wrongful death case in Texas can feel overwhelming for grieving families. These cases involve complex laws, insurance challenges, and a tremendous emotional burden. An experienced wrongful death lawyer in Texas can guide your family through every step and ensure your legal rights are fully protected.
A skilled attorney begins by conducting a thorough investigation—reviewing accident reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs, and any available video evidence. Depending on the circumstances, they may also work with expert professionals such as accident reconstructionists or medical specialists to understand what truly caused the death, especially in cases involving severe trauma or brain injury.
Wrongful death claims often involve multiple responsible parties. Your attorney will identify each at-fault party—whether it’s a negligent driver, employer, medical provider, manufacturer, or property owner—and build a strong case to hold them accountable. This step is crucial because insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame or minimize their financial responsibility.
Another key role of your lawyer is handling all communication and negotiation with insurance companies. Insurers are known for delaying claims, asking confusing questions, or pressuring families to accept unfair settlements. With a dedicated attorney on your side, you won’t have to deal with these tactics alone.
Your attorney will also calculate the full value of your losses, including lost income, medical expenses, funeral costs, emotional suffering, and the long-term financial impact on your family. Most families underestimate these damages, which is why working with an experienced legal team—such as our Personal Injury Lawyers—is essential.
Ultimately, your Texas wrongful death attorney will fight for the maximum compensation available, whether through a strong insurance negotiation or by taking the case to trial if necessary. During this difficult time, having the right legal support ensures your family receives justice while allowing you to focus on healing.
Compensation Available in a Texas Wrongful Death Case
When a family loses a loved one due to negligence, Texas law allows certain surviving relatives to pursue compensation for both the financial and emotional impact of the loss. The compensation available in a wrongful death case generally includes:
Economic Damages
These address the direct financial losses caused by the death, such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the decedent’s income and future earning capacity
- Loss of financial support, benefits, and expected inheritance
Non-Economic Damages
These compensate surviving family members for the emotional and personal impact of losing a loved one, including:
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Loss of companionship, guidance, comfort, and love
- Loss of household services and support
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, Texas courts may award punitive damages to hold the wrongdoer accountable and discourage similar conduct in the future.
Why Choose a Skilled Wrongful Death Lawyer in Texas?
Losing a loved one changes everything—your routine, your future, and your sense of security. In such a difficult time, your family deserves a legal team that not only understands your grief but also has the experience to guide you through every step of the process. At a firm that handles complex cases like personal injury, dog bite claims, burn injuries, and even rideshare accident cases, you can trust that your wrongful death case will be managed with the highest level of care and professionalism.
A dedicated Texas wrongful death attorney will:
- Provide compassionate support while treating your family with dignity and respect
- Handle every legal detail so you can focus on healing
- Conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the truth
- Communicate clearly and consistently so you always feel informed
- Fight for the full financial recovery your family deserves
When you choose a lawyer experienced across multiple areas of personal injury law, you benefit from a deeper understanding of liability, negligence, insurance tactics, and long-term damages. Your family deserves answers, accountability, and justice—and with the right attorney by your side, you can move forward knowing your loved one’s case is in truly capable hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Who can file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
+Can punitive damages be awarded in a Texas wrongful death case?
+How is liability determined in a wrongful death case in Texas?
+Can I file a wrongful death claim if my loved one died in a car accident?
+How is compensation distributed among family members in a Texas wrongful death claim?
+Do I need a lawyer to file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
Speak With the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Texas
Michael Francis — Texas Wrongful Death Lawyer
No family should have to navigate a tragedy alone. If your loved one’s life was lost due to negligence, our compassionate wrongful death lawyer in Texas are here to support you. Backed by a highly experienced personal injury legal team, we handle every detail with care while fighting for the justice and financial security your family deserves.
Call (817) 329-9001 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. From our Southlake office, we proudly assist families across Fort Worth, Dallas, and the greater North Texas region.
