If you lose a loved one to a preventable accident caused by the negligence of others, you may have a wrongful death claim. Seeking damages for the unjust passing of your loved one may be a means of holding negligent parties accountable for their misconduct and getting compensation for your losses.
Getting the advice of a wrongful death lawyer in Dallas may be the most effective way of determining whether you have a valid wrongful death case. The Texas Law Dog, founded in 2018, is here to help you discuss your family’s options and pursue compensation and justice.
If your family has gone through the devastating experience of losing a loved one, you likely have many questions about your rights. A Dallas personal injury lawyer can be vital to your ability to pursue a personal injury claim following the death of your loved one, so give our experienced team a call today.
What Compensation Is Available For Wrongful Death Claims in Dallas, TX?
Damages in unjust death claims are designed to compensate surviving family members for losing their loved ones. The types and extent of the damages can vary considerably depending on the relationship of the surviving family members to the deceased. Potential damages in a wrongful death claim could include:
- Emotional distress and loss of companionship
- Loss of financial support and earning capacity
- Loss of care, support, and guidance
- Final medical expenses/medical bills
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
Damages such as lost wages, funeral and burial costs, and medical bills are easy to quantify. More intangible or non-economic damages in a wrongful death claim can be more challenging to put into dollars and cents, but they are still legitimate forms of compensation.
A Dallas wrongful death lawyer can further explain the damages that could be filed for in a wrongful death claim. You can contact our law firm today for a 100% free, confidential case review if you’ve lost a loved one. We will help you through the entire legal process.
Are Punitive Damages Awarded?
Tex. Civ. Prac. and Rem. Code § 71.009 permits parties to a wrongful death claim to seek exemplary or punitive damages in some cases. These damages are meant to punish or penalize the responsible parties for their behavior.
Punitive damages are generally only available when egregious intentional or grossly negligent conduct led to the fatal incident. Contact our fatal injury lawyers in Dallas to learn more.
Because punitive damages are rarely awarded, having an experienced attorney is crucial to determine if your case qualifies. Acting quickly ensures all evidence is preserved to support a potential claim for these damages.
Who Is Eligible to File a Fatal Accident Claim in Dallas?
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies. Code § 71.003 allows specific surviving family members to file claims on behalf of their deceased loved ones, either individually or jointly. The eligible parties include the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased.
If none of these parties takes the initiative to file a personal injury claim, the executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased may move forward with the claim unless all family members oppose it.
Whoever files the wrongful death claim is responsible for seeking damages on behalf of all eligible surviving family members. Other family members, such as siblings, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, are ineligible to file. A wrongful death attorney in Dallas can assist eligible family members in seeking damages.
Dallas Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Why Choose The Texas Law Dog After a Dallas Car Wreck?
When you are injured in a car accident, choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At The Texas Law Dog, we combine aggressive legal representation with compassionate support to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights, guiding you through the legal process, and standing by your side every step of the way. Here’s what sets us apart from other law firms.
We Don’t Just Bark, We Bite
We take a proactive and aggressive approach to every case, holding negligent drivers accountable and fighting for the maximum compensation for our clients.
Open 24/7
Accidents don’t happen on a schedule, and neither do we. Our team is available around the clock to answer your questions, provide guidance, and start building your case immediately.
Helping Clients Since 2018
Since our founding in 2018, we have successfully represented countless clients in Dallas and across Texas, helping them face the challenges of car accident claims.
Compassionate Legal Support
We understand that a car accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. We provide personalized support and clear communication to ensure you never feel alone during the legal process.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Understand Fatal Injury Claims
Wrongful death claims are civil claims against people or companies that caused the death of someone. The death typically must have occurred through the carelessness, recklessness, neglect, or other acts of the responsible parties.
Some surviving family members may file fatal accident claims against these parties for causing the death of their loved one, even if they are not criminally liable for the death. Some common examples of situations that might give rise to wrongful death claims may include:
- Fatal drunk driving or drugged driving auto accidents
- Defective products/faulty products that lead to the death of consumers
- Acts of medical malpractice by a doctor or hospital
- Motor vehicle accidents resulting from speeding, failing to yield, or driving while distracted
- Workplace accidents
To prove a wrongful death case, the parties and Dallas wrongful death lawyers pursuing the claim must provide evidence showing that it was more likely than not that the irresponsible conduct of the responsible parties caused the death.
They must prove that the parties are responsible for the death by a preponderance of the evidence. A fatal injury attorney in Dallas from our personal injury law firm may evaluate an incident that led to a death and determine whether a valid fatal injury claim exists.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death in Dallas, Texas?
In Texas, the law sets strict deadlines for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your loved one’s death.
Here are some important things to keep in mind about your wrongful death case:
- Time limit: In Texas, a wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years from the date of the person’s death.
- Who can file: Only certain family members can bring a wrongful death lawsuit, typically the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased.
- Why timing matters: Evidence can be lost, witnesses may become unavailable, and legal rights can expire if you wait too long. Acting promptly helps preserve the strongest possible case.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact the attorneys at The Texas Law Dog as soon as possible. Our wrongful death lawyers in Dallas can guide you through the process, help you understand your rights, and fight to secure the compensation your family deserves.
Evidence Used to Prove Wrongful Death
Proving a wrongful death claim in Texas requires gathering clear and convincing evidence that shows the death was caused by another party’s negligence or intentional actions. The more thorough the documentation, the stronger the case will be.
Common types of evidence include:
- Medical records and autopsy reports: These show the cause of death and link it to the negligent act.
- Accident reports: Police reports, crash investigations, or workplace incident records help establish what happened.
- Eyewitness statements: Testimony from people who saw the accident or the events leading up to the death can be critical.
- Expert testimony: Specialists such as medical experts, accident reconstructionists, or safety professionals can provide analysis supporting your claim.
- Photographs and video evidence: Images or footage from the scene can demonstrate the circumstances and severity of the incident.
- Financial records: Documentation of lost income, medical bills, and funeral expenses helps calculate damages.
- Communication records: Texts, emails, or other messages that show negligence or unsafe conditions can also be relevant.
Collecting and preserving this evidence quickly is essential, as it can degrade or become unavailable over time. Contact The Texas Law Dog to ensure all relevant evidence is properly documented and used to support your wrongful death claim.
Consult a Dallas Wrongful Death Attorney at Our Law Firm for Free Today
While any loss of a loved one is painful, an unexpected and premature death can be particularly challenging for a family to bear. If you want to hold negligent parties responsible for fatally harming your loved one, a wrongful death lawyer in Dallas can help.
Although monetary damages cannot bring back your loved one, they can compensate your family for your losses and provide you with some financial security. Get a free case review with our Dallas wrongful death attorneys today, then visit our FAQ page to learn more.
