Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
We handle a wide range of wrongful death cases, including:
Car Accidents
Wrongful deaths arising from negligent driving or vehicle defects, often involving collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or fixed objects.
Truck Accidents
Wrongful deaths caused by commercial truck accidents, whether due to driver negligence, equipment failure, or inadequate truck maintenance.
Motorcycle Accidents
Wrongful deaths resulting from negligent driving, motorcycle malfunctions, or unsafe road conditions.
Slip & Fall Accidents
Wrongful deaths caused by unsafe property conditions, such as uneven surfaces, slippery floors, or inadequate lighting.
Medical Malpractice
Wrongful deaths caused by medical negligence, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication errors.
Product Liability
Wrongful deaths resulting from defective products, such as malfunctioning medical devices, hazardous consumer goods, or unsafe machinery.
Pedestrian Accidents
Wrongful deaths involving a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, often due to driver negligence or inadequate pedestrian safety measures.
Construction Accidents
Wrongful deaths caused by unsafe working conditions on construction sites, such as falls from heights, exposure to hazardous materials, or inadequate safety training.
Our Approach to Wrongful Death Cases: Guiding Families Through the Legal Process
Wrongful death cases involve a complex legal process. At Turnbull Legal Group, we are committed to providing clear guidance and personalized support throughout your entire case. Here’s how we work for you:
- Initial Consultation
We start with a free, confidential consultation to understand the details of your case, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options. - Investigation
We will meticulously gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other documentation. - Negotiations
Our experienced legal team will work tirelessly to negotiate a fair settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to advocate for your rights and present a compelling case in court.
Texas Wrongful Death Law
In Texas, family members of a deceased person can seek compensation from at-fault parties by filing a wrongful death suit. This provides a way for families to hold individuals or entities accountable if the death was caused by negligence, reckless behavior, or intentional wrongdoing.
Wrongful death compensation is typically awarded to the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. Texas law outlines specific guidelines for how compensation is shared among eligible family members:
- Surviving Spouse
The surviving spouse typically receives a significant share of the compensation, as they often have the strongest legal claim to the deceased's estate. - Children
The share of the decedent’s children is often based on factors such as age, financial dependence on the deceased, and any special needs they may have. - Parents
Parents of the deceased person are eligible for compensation only if the deceased person did not have a surviving spouse or children. Their share is typically smaller than that of a spouse or children.
Wrongful death lawsuits seek compensation for various types of damages, including:
- Loss of Financial Support
Compensation for lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided to their family - Loss of Companionship
Compensation for the loss of love, care, and emotional support from the deceased - Funeral Expenses
Reimbursement for the cost of funeral and burial arrangements - Medical Expenses
Reimbursement for medical expenses incurred by the deceased person before their death - Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased person experienced before their death
The specific damages that can be recovered will depend on the unique circumstances of each case. An experienced attorney can help determine the potential compensation available in your specific situation.
Important Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death
Following a wrongful death, it is essential to take these steps to protect your rights and pursue compensation:
Report the Death to Authorities
First, contact the police or coroner to report the death and begin an investigation. This is crucial for ensuring that the proper authorities are aware of the situation and that any potential criminal charges are pursued.
Gather Evidence
Collect any relevant documents, such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any other information that can help establish the cause of death and identify responsible parties.
Preserve the Scene (If Possible)
It may be helpful to take photographs or videos of the scene of the incident to document any contributing conditions.
Contact a Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer
Speak with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and ensure that your rights are protected. A lawyer can help you understand the legal process, gather the necessary evidence, and guide you through the complex steps involved in seeking compensation.
What Happens If My Loved One Was Partially at Fault for Their Death?
Your family may still be able to pursue compensation if your loved one was at fault for the incident that caused their death. This is thanks to a concept known as modified comparative negligence, which means that as long as the decedent was less than 51% responsible for the incident, you can still pursue compensation — it would be reduced, however, according to your loved one’s percentage of fault. So if a jury finds that the decedent was 20% at fault for their death and the other party was 80% at fault, your family’s compensation would be reduced by 20%.
Determining liability often involves complex evidence and expert testimony, including medical records, accident reconstruction reports, and witness statements. Because establishing fault is so complicated, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced attorney to understand how comparative negligence may apply to your specific case.
Deadlines for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Texas
Texas law requires you to file a wrongful death suit within two years from the date of death. However, specific exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances, so consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the proper time frame.
We Only Get Paid When You Do
We understand the financial burden that wrongful death cases place on families. That’s why we offer a contingency fee arrangement, so you only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation for you.
