Dallas Wrongful Death Attorneys

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Dallas

Dallas Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims are civil actions brought by close family members when a loved one’s death results from another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Losing a loved one unexpectedly is devastating – especially when their death could have been prevented.

At The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, our Dallas wrongful death attorneys understand how difficult this time is for your family. While nothing can undo the pain of your loss, we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the justice and financial security your family deserves.

Texas Wrongful Death Law

Texas’ wrongful death statute is found in Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code (§§ 71.001 – 71.012). These laws outline who can file, what qualifies as wrongful death, and what damages may be recovered. If your loved one passed away in Dallas or anywhere in North Texas, it’s important to speak with a local wrongful death lawyer familiar with Dallas County courts and Texas procedure.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Dallas?

Under Texas law, only certain family members are allowed to bring a wrongful death action:

• Surviving spouse – including legally recognized common-law spouses

• Children – biological or legally adopted (including adult children)

• Parents – biological or adoptive

These family members may file jointly or one may file on behalf of all beneficiaries. If no eligible family member files within three months of the death, the executor or personal representative of the estate may file – unless all beneficiaries object.

Note: Romantic partners, siblings, grandparents, or other relatives are not eligible to file a wrongful death claim under Texas law.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Dallas

A wrongful death claim can arise from many types of accidents or negligent acts. In Dallas, our attorneys frequently handle cases involving:

• Car and truck accidents on I-35E, I-30, and U.S. 75

• Motorcycle crashes on city streets or rural highways

• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents in downtown Dallas or Deep Ellum

• Workplace and construction accidents

• Dangerous and defective products

• Nursing home neglect

• Criminal acts such as drunk or reckless driving

Types of Wrongful Death Accidents

Vehicle Accidents in Dallas

Fatal car crashes are among the most common causes of wrongful death in Dallas. Major highways and heavy traffic contribute to frequent and often deadly collisions. Common accident locations include:

• I-35E through Downtown Dallas – frequent high-speed and multi-vehicle collisions

• LBJ Freeway (I-635) – congested lanes and aggressive driving leading to fatal wrecks

• U.S. Highway 75 (Central Expressway) – dangerous merging zones and rush-hour pileups

• I-30 and I-20 – deadly truck and commuter crashes across Dallas County

• Drunk driving accidents – particularly involving drivers leaving nightlife areas like Deep Ellum, Uptown, or Lower Greenville

Other Common Causes in Dallas

• Construction Accidents: Fatal workplace injuries at Dallas construction sites and major infrastructure projects.

• Defective Products: Deaths caused by dangerous vehicles, household items, or industrial equipment.

• Premises Liability: Fatal incidents in Dallas businesses, apartment complexes, or public spaces due to unsafe conditions.

• Truck Accidents: Deadly collisions with 18-wheelers and delivery vehicles on I-20, I-30, and I-45.

• Nursing Home Neglect: Fatal injuries or medical complications due to neglect or abuse in Dallas elder care facilities.

• Recreational Accidents: Drownings and boating accidents on White Rock Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard, and Joe Pool Lake.

• Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Fatalities in high-traffic zones like Downtown Dallas, Oak Lawn, and Bishop Arts.

Wrongful Death Compensation in Dallas

Determining compensation for a wrongful death in Dallas can be complex, especially when multiple surviving family members are involved. Texas law recognizes that each relationship with the deceased is unique, and compensation should reflect those differences.

Types of Compensation Available

Eligible family members may seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses (if paid by survivors)

• Loss of the decedent’s current and future earnings

• Loss of inheritance

• Loss of household services, guidance, and companionship

• Emotional distress and mental anguish of surviving family members

• Therapy or mental health treatment related to the loss

Important: Wrongful death settlements or jury awards are not subject to the decedent’s debts. Creditors cannot claim your family’s compensation.

How Wrongful Death Compensation Is Distributed

If your case goes to trial in Dallas County, the jury decides how compensation is distributed among eligible survivors.
If your case settles outside of court (as most do), the family may decide on division with the help of their attorney.

When disagreements arise among adult beneficiaries, separate legal representation may be needed to reach a resolution.
If the deceased left minor children, a guardian ad litem may be appointed by the court to ensure their interests are protected.

Time Limits for Dallas Wrongful Death Cases

Texas law gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003). While some exceptions may apply, it’s best to act quickly to:

• Preserve crucial evidence

• Locate and interview witnesses

• Protect your family’s right to compensation

The Wrongful Death Legal Process in Dallas

Talk to a Dallas Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

When evidence shows that another person, business, or even a local government entity may be responsible for your loved one’s death, it’s critical to speak with a Dallas wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. At The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, our attorneys can immediately begin investigating the incident to determine what happened and who should be held accountable.

Some insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements. In those cases, it may be necessary to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Dallas County to recover the compensation your family deserves. Our trial-tested attorneys are skilled both in courtroom litigation and insurance negotiations – and we won’t back down until justice is served.

We handle every step of the legal process, including:

• Filing your claim

• Conducting discovery and depositions

• Preparing motions and evidence

• Representing you at hearings and trial in Dallas County courts

Why Choose Our Dallas Wrongful Death Attorneys

At The Law Giant, we understand that no legal outcome can undo your loss. But our mission is to help you find justice and financial security for the future.

Here’s why families across North Texas trust us:

• Local Dallas Experience: In-depth knowledge of Dallas County courts and regional legal procedures

• Proven Results: Over $750 million recovered for injury victims and their families statewide

• Trial-Ready Lawyers: Insurance companies know we’re fully prepared to go to court

• Compassionate Representation: We support your family through every emotional and legal challenge

• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win

Dallas Resources for Families After a Wrongful Death

During this difficult time, you may need access to medical, legal, and administrative resources in the Dallas area.

Dallas Medical Facilities:

• Baylor University Medical Center

• UT Southwestern Medical Center

• Parkland Memorial Hospital

• Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas

Legal and Administrative Resources:

• Dallas County Clerk’s Office

• Dallas County Probate Court

• Dallas Police Department

• Texas Department of Public Safety – Dallas Regional Office

Contact Our Dallas Wrongful Death Lawyers

If your family has lost a loved one in Dallas or anywhere in North Texas due to negligence, recklessness, or misconduct, you don’t have to face this alone. Our Dallas wrongful death attorneys will explain your rights and fight for full and fair compensation.

We serve clients throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, including Plano, Garland, Irving, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, and Arlington.

Call The Law Giant today at 469-759-1323 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Available 24/7 for Dallas wrongful death cases – because your family deserves answers and justice when it matters most.