Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer
When a family member dies because of someone else’s negligence, Texas law gives surviving family members the right to pursue a wrongful death claim for accountability and full compensation.
The Buzbee Law Firm represents families in Houston and across Texas in wrongful death claims, focusing on holding responsible parties accountable and pursuing full compensation under state law. If you want to pursue adequate recovery following the death of a loved one, reach out to our Houston wrongful death team at (713) 223-5393 or online for a free consultation.
Why Work With Our Wrongful Death Attorneys?
Wrongful death cases demand aggressive evidence gathering, expert coordination, and a legal team built to go up against major insurers and corporate defendants.
Here is what sets us apart:
- More than $10 billion recovered for clients: A record of securing substantial outcomes across a wide range of injury and wrongful death matters, reflecting the scope of cases handled and the results achieved for Texas families.
- Deep community investment: The Buzbee Law Firm has contributed time and resources across Houston, including a $2.8 million donation to Houston Children’s Charity in October 2021.
- Litigation-first case building: Every case is prepared for the courtroom from the start, combining investigative work and legal analysis in a way that typically leads to stronger outcomes, whether at trial or at the table.
When you hire us, you get a team that is loud, proud, and does not lose. We limit nothing in pursuit of the best possible outcome for your family.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims in Houston
Wrongful death claims arise when a person dies because someone else acted negligently or intentionally. These cases often involve preventable events that leave families dealing with unexpected loss and unanswered questions. The underlying cause can vary, but most claims trace back to situations where safety obligations were ignored or violated.
Common causes of wrongful death claims include:
- Motor vehicle collisions: Distracted driving, impaired driving, and failure to follow traffic laws can cause fatal crashes on Houston roads. These cases often involve multiple parties, including commercial drivers and rideshare operators.
- Commercial truck accidents: Collisions involving large trucks frequently result in severe or fatal outcomes due to the size and weight of the vehicle. Liability may extend to trucking companies, maintenance contractors, or cargo loaders, depending on safety and compliance records.
- Workplace incidents: Fatal workplace accidents can occur in construction sites, industrial facilities, and energy sector environments. These claims may involve safety violations, lack of proper training, or defective equipment, and may implicate both employers and third-party contractors.
- Medical negligence: Errors in diagnosis, surgical procedures, medication administration, or post-treatment care can produce fatal outcomes. These cases require detailed medical review to determine whether accepted standards of care were breached, and who is liable for that failure.
- Defective products: Dangerous or poorly designed products, including machinery, vehicle components, or consumer goods, can cause fatal injuries when they fail during normal use. Liability may extend to manufacturers, distributors, or retailers involved in the product’s supply chain.
Many preventable fatalities in Houston lead to valid wrongful death claims. If your loved one died in any of these situations, you may have a legal right to hold the responsible party accountable. Our Houston wrongful death attorneys are committed to helping determine how the accident happened and who is responsible.
What Is Your Houston Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
Wrongful death claim values depend on the specific losses suffered and the circumstances that led to the death. Courts and juries weigh both financial and personal harm. Factors that commonly influence the evaluation include:
- Lost earnings and future income: Wages, salary growth, benefits, and retirement contributions the deceased would likely have earned, which is often the largest component of a financial claim.
- Medical expenses before death: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, or ongoing care between the incident and the time of passing, when directly tied to the event.
- Loss of household contributions: The value of childcare, transportation, home maintenance, and daily support that surviving family members must now absorb or pay for.
- Age and life expectancy: Juries may consider the projected length of a person’s working life when estimating the financial impact of the loss.
- Degree of fault: The clarity and severity of the responsible party’s conduct can affect both settlement discussions and what a jury ultimately awards, particularly in cases involving reckless or intentional behavior.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.010, a jury may award damages proportionate to the injury resulting from the death. There is no cap on most wrongful death damages in Texas, except in medical malpractice cases. Our team will evaluate every detail of your family’s situation early so you have a realistic picture of what recovery may look like, and we will fight to include every allowable loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Legally Initiate a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004, a wrongful death claim may be filed by the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. If none of those family members have filed within three calendar months of the death, the personal representative of the estate is required to bring the action, unless the family members ask the court to hold off.
Can I Still File If the Death Happened Outside of Houston?
Yes. The Buzbee Law Firm handles wrongful death cases throughout Texas, not just in the Houston area. If the death occurred anywhere in the state and involved a negligent party, our team can evaluate whether you have a viable claim regardless of where the incident happened.
Is There a Distinction Between a Wrongful Death Claim and a Survival Action?
A wrongful death claim is brought by surviving family members for their own losses. A survival action is brought by the deceased person’s estate for the pain, suffering, and medical expenses the deceased experienced between the injury and death. In Texas, both claims can be filed together.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
In most cases, Texas law gives surviving family members two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Missing this deadline can bar recovery entirely, which is why contacting an attorney as early as possible matters.
Our Houston Wrongful Death Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for Your Family
A wrongful death claim should not add pressure to an already devastating time. Our team takes on the legal burden, so your family can focus on what matters. The Buzbee Law Firm fights hard for every family we represent. Contact us today at (713) 223-5393 or online to schedule a free consultation.