Wrongful Death Attorney in Houston

Restoring Justice for Mourning Families

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, we understand that no amount of money can make up for the loss of companionship, friendship, and family. However, we also know how difficult it can be to pay funeral expenses and keep up with the bills.

The team at McDowell Law Group LLP can help you seek justice through a wrongful death claim to pursue the compensation you need to move forward after a fatal accident, whether from a car accident, nursing home abuse, or medical malpractice. Your family deserves the support of our Houston wrongful death attorneys, who prioritize your well-being every step of the way.

Losing a loved one unexpectedly places sudden financial and emotional strain on families. Funeral and burial costs in Houston can amount to thousands of dollars, while the loss of regular income can make planning for the future feel overwhelming. Our attorneys know the impact on families in Harris County and the greater Houston community because we have supported clients from many neighborhoods across the city. We guide you through Texas law and help you understand which damages you may claim after wrongful death, so you can focus on your family.

Contact us online or call (713) 496-0504 to request a free consultation. 

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Houston

Many types of accidents can lead to wrongful death claims, and understanding these causes can help families recognize when they may pursue compensation. In Houston, traffic fatalities involving cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles occur frequently on busy highways such as I-610 and I-45. Workplace accidents, especially in construction and energy sectors, result in fatalities each year. Medical malpractice, dangerous property conditions, and fatal acts in nursing homes also make up a significant portion of cases for grieving families.

Urban growth and heavy industrial activity in Houston contribute to hazards unique to the area. Our legal team has handled wrongful death lawsuits arising from refinery explosions, defective products, and exposure to toxic substances. We evaluate every case on the facts to make sure families have the information they need to determine if someone’s negligence caused the loss of their loved one. For guidance, be sure to speak with a seasoned wrongful death lawyer in Houston as soon as possible.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Texas?

Texas law limits who can bring a wrongful death action. The deceased person's spouse, children, and parents may file a claim. If these individuals do not take legal action within three months of death, the executor of the estate may file unless a family member requests otherwise. This process ensures that the people most affected by the loss have the right to seek justice and financial recovery.

For families in Houston, understanding eligibility under state law helps avoid missed opportunities and delays. Stepparents, siblings, or grandparents typically cannot file unless the court makes an exception. Our attorneys can advise on who may bring a wrongful death lawsuit, offering procedural guidance so you know what steps to take in this process. Connect with a wrongful attorney in Houston right away.

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim

If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have two years from the person’s death to file a wrongful death claim.

In Texas, you may file a wrongful death lawsuit if you are the parent, child, or spouse of the deceased. Any compensation received in a claim is generally distributed to all family members who were impacted by the loss. Our lawyers can demonstrate how each member of your family experienced financial and personal losses so that the judge can assign compensation properly to each person.

The process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Houston begins with a thorough review of your case to determine eligibility under Texas law. We help you gather documentation such as medical records, accident reports, and proof of financial dependency. We walk you through important deadlines and steps required by the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code. Throughout the process, we share what to expect at every phase, from initial investigation to settlement negotiations or trial, addressing questions your family may have along the way.

Potential Damages

By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you have the opportunity to obtain compensation for your financial and personal losses.

We may be able to recover damages for:

• Mental anguish
• Lost earning capacity
• Lost inheritance
• Lost care and support
• Medical bills incurred before the deceased passed away
• Funeral expenses

Families in Houston often face numerous financial obligations while mourning the loss of a loved one. Texas law allows certain surviving relatives to seek recovery for both monetary and non-monetary damages. These can include not just lost wages, but also compensation for lost parental guidance, emotional pain, and future income that would have supported the household. The unique facts of every wrongful death case in the Houston area—including the age, occupation, and future plans of the deceased—affect how damages are determined in court.

While you focus on your family and the healing process, let us handle the legal work for you.

How a Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help

Choosing the right legal team after a wrongful death brings peace of mind and helps ensure you navigate the process with clarity. A wrongful death lawyer in Houston can investigate the circumstances closely, gathers evidence, answers questions about your case, and communicates with insurance companies or opposing parties. Many grieving families benefit from a lawyer who guides them away from common mistakes that can decrease potential compensation.

At McDowell Law Group LLP, we follow a client-centered approach, taking on a limited number of cases so we can offer tailored strategies and direct communication. We represent families exclusively, not insurance companies or other entities, which allows us to stay focused on your needs. Our team explains legal timelines, reviews important deadlines, and keeps families updated on progress. When a case goes to trial, our familiarity with Harris County courts helps us present your case with confidence and care.

Get the help you need from an experienced wrongful death lawsuit in Houston. Fill out our online form without delay.

FAQs

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

You generally have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. Failing to file within this window can result in losing the right to recover damages.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?

Court awards may cover financial losses such as lost earning capacity, funeral costs, and medical bills. Non-economic damages for emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and lost support can also be part of a wrongful death case, depending on the facts.

Do I Need to Go to Court for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Many wrongful death claims resolve through negotiation or settlement outside court. If the parties cannot reach a settlement, the case may go to trial. Your lawyer can outline the steps most likely for your situation.

Who Decides How Damages Are Distributed Among Eligible Family Members?

If a wrongful death lawsuit results in an award, the court generally determines how to distribute damages among eligible family members unless everyone agrees on their own.

Call McDowell Law Group LLP Now

With care and compassion, we can represent you in your wrongful death suit. Our wrongful death lawyers in Houston have helped numerous families navigate the emotional complexities of a lawsuit after losing a loved one to negligence. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Texas wrongful death claims carry important deadlines, and waiting too long to take action can limit your ability to recover damages. Houston area courts, including the Harris County Civil Courthouse, regularly handle wrongful death filings, and local rules can impact the process and timing. Our team’s knowledge of these rules helps us assist families efficiently, so you can move forward with confidence during a difficult time.

Call (713) 496-0504 to get started with a free consultation with our Houston personal injury attorneys.