Dallas Wrongful Death Attorney
Have you lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident? The pain and shock of losing someone due to another’s negligence is overwhelming, and while no legal action can bring them back, a wrongful death claim can help you seek justice, hold responsible parties accountable, and secure financial support during a difficult time. At Goff Law we are here to help guide you through every step of this emotionally and legally complex process.
What is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence, misconduct, or intentional act. These cases are civil lawsuits filed by the deceased’s surviving family members or estate, seeking compensation for the losses caused by the death. However, wrongful death lawsuits are not only about financial recovery – they are also about justice and preventing future harm to others.
Leading Causes of Wrongful Death Claims:
- Car and Truck Accidents: Often caused by distracted, impaired, or reckless driving.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors by doctors, nurses, or hospitals that result in fatal injury or illness.
- Workplace Accidents: Particularly in construction, industrial, and transportation jobs.
- Defective Products: Faulty equipment, dangerous pharmaceuticals, or unsafe consumer goods.
- Premises Liability: Fatal injuries from unsafe property conditions, including slips, falls, or inadequate security.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
In Texas, only specific family members are legally permitted to file a wrongful death claim, as outlined in the Texas Wrongful Death Act (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.001–71.012). These laws are designed to ensure that the closest surviving relatives have the right to seek justice and compensation when a loved one’s death was caused by another party’s negligence or misconduct.
Eligible individuals who can file a wrongful death claim include:
The Surviving Spouse: A husband or wife of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim and seek damages for loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and lost financial support. This applies to both legally married and, in some cases, common-law spouses.
Children of the Deceased: Both biological and legally adopted children are eligible to file a claim. Minor children and adult children alike may pursue compensation for the emotional and financial impact of losing a parent, including lost inheritance and parental guidance.
Parents of the Deceased: If a child (minor or adult) dies as a result of a wrongful act, the biological or adoptive parents have the right to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for mental anguish, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.
Understanding who has the right to file – and how best to proceed – can be complex, especially during such a painful time. An experienced Dallas wrongful death attorney can help ensure the correct parties are represented and that the claim is filed within the appropriate legal timeframes.
Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney
You should contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible following your loss. These cases are time-sensitive, with Texas law imposing a two-year statute of limitations in most cases. More importantly, evidence can disappear, witnesses may become harder to reach, and insurance companies may try to settle quickly, often for much less than you deserve.
If you’re grieving the wrongful death of a loved one, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Let our experienced Dallas wrongful death attorneys help you fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Contact us NOW for a free consultation!
