When you lose a loved one due to someone else's negligence in Dallas, you deserve justice and fair compensation. At Armstrong Law, PLLC, experienced wrongful death attorney Warren Armstrong provides compassionate legal representation for families facing unimaginable loss. We understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one, but holding responsible parties accountable can provide financial security and a sense of justice during this difficult time.

Texas wrongful death law allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for their devastating losses when a death is caused by another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Our Dallas-Fort Worth wrongful death lawyer has dedicated his entire legal career to fighting for families who have suffered tragedy, securing meaningful compensation while treating each client with the compassion and respect they deserve.

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Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Dallas

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another person or entity. In Dallas and throughout Texas, surviving family members have the legal right to seek compensation for their losses through a wrongful death lawsuit.

Unlike criminal cases where the state prosecutes someone for causing a death, wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits filed by family members seeking monetary compensation for their losses. The burden of proof is lower than in criminal cases - you must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant's actions more likely than not caused your loved one's death.

Texas wrongful death law recognizes that when someone dies due to another's negligence, the surviving family suffers both emotional and financial losses that deserve compensation. These cases can arise from various situations, from car accidents caused by tired drivers to medical errors at Dallas hospitals.

Understanding how to find a wrongful death lawyer in Dallas is crucial for protecting your family's rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve during this difficult time.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Dallas-Fort Worth

Our Dallas wrongful death law firm handles cases involving various types of fatal accidents and negligent conduct. We have extensive experience investigating complex wrongful death cases and holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Traffic accidents remain the leading cause of wrongful death in Dallas-Fort Worth. Our firm handles fatal accident cases involving:

  • Drunk driving accidents: When intoxicated drivers cause fatal collisions, families can pursue wrongful death claims for punitive damages
  • Truck accidents: 18-wheeler collisions often result in catastrophic injuries and death due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles
  • Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to fatal injuries when other drivers fail to share the road safely
  • Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities: Distracted or reckless drivers cause devastating injuries to pedestrians and cyclists
  • Hit-and-run accidents: When drivers flee the scene after causing fatal accidents, we work to identify and hold them accountable

Our experience with insurance companies in personal injury claims helps us navigate the complex issues that arise when dealing with fatal accident cases and multiple insurance policies.

Medical Malpractice and Hospital Negligencewrongful death

Dallas-area medical facilities and healthcare providers have a duty to provide competent care to their patients. When they fail to meet professional standards, the results can be fatal. We handle wrongful death cases involving:

  • Surgical errors: Wrong-site surgeries, anesthesia mistakes, and post-operative complications
  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Failing to diagnose cancer, heart conditions, or other serious illnesses
  • Medication errors: Wrong medications, incorrect dosages, or dangerous drug interactions
  • Birth injuries: Negligent prenatal care, delivery mistakes, or failure to monitor fetal distress
  • Emergency room errors: Inadequate treatment or discharge of patients with serious conditions

Medical malpractice wrongful death cases require thorough investigation and expert medical testimony to prove the healthcare provider's negligence directly caused the death.

Workplace Accidents and Industrial Deaths

Construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and industrial workplaces in Dallas present numerous hazards that can result in fatal accidents. We represent families who lost loved ones in workplace fatalities involving:

  • Construction accidents: Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, and electrocutions
  • Industrial accidents: Chemical exposures, explosions, and machinery accidents
  • Transportation accidents: Delivery drivers, truck drivers, and other transportation workers
  • Oil and gas industry accidents: Refinery explosions, pipeline accidents, and drilling incidents

Understanding how workplace injuries occur at major employers helps us identify all potentially liable parties, including employers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers.

Premises Liability and Dangerous Conditions

Property owners in Dallas have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Fatal accidents can occur due to:

  • Slip and fall accidents: Dangerous floors, inadequate lighting, or unmarked hazards
  • Security negligence: Inadequate security leading to violent crimes on the property
  • Swimming pool accidents: Drownings due to inadequate supervision or unsafe pool conditions
  • Fire and building code violations: Blocked exits, faulty wiring, or inadequate fire safety systems

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas

Texas law specifically defines who has the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Understanding these requirements is crucial for ensuring your family's rights are protected and that you file your claim within the proper timeframe.

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 71.004, the following people can file a wrongful death claim:

  • Surviving spouse: The deceased person's husband or wife at the time of death
  • Children: All biological and legally adopted children, including adult children
  • Parents: The biological or adoptive parents of the deceased
  • Estate representative: If no surviving spouse, children, or parents exist, the executor or administrator of the estate may file

It's important to note that unmarried partners, siblings, grandparents, and other family members typically cannot file wrongful death claims in Texas, regardless of their emotional or financial relationship with the deceased.

Each eligible family member can pursue their own separate damages, and they don't need to file a single lawsuit together. However, coordination between family members often leads to better outcomes and reduced legal costs.

Compensation Available in Dallas Wrongful Death Cases

Texas wrongful death law allows surviving family members to recover both economic and non-economic damages for their losses. The specific compensation available depends on the relationship to the deceased, the circumstances of death, and the impact on the surviving family.

Economic Damages

  • Lost lifetime earnings: The income the deceased would have earned over their working lifetime
  • Lost benefits: Health insurance, retirement contributions, and other employment benefits
  • Medical expenses: Hospital bills and medical costs related to the final illness or injury
  • Funeral and burial costs: Reasonable expenses for funeral services and burial or cremation
  • Lost inheritance: The value of what the deceased likely would have left to their heirs

Non-Economic Damages

  • Mental anguish: The emotional pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
  • Loss of companionship: The value of the personal relationship and emotional support provided by the deceased
  • Loss of consortium: For surviving spouses, the loss of the marital relationship
  • Loss of guidance and counsel: For children, the loss of parental guidance and support
  • Grief and sorrow: The emotional trauma and psychological impact of the loss

Understanding economic vs. non-economic damages in Texas personal injury cases helps families understand the full scope of compensation available in wrongful death claims.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or malice, Texas law allows for punitive damages in addition to actual damages. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit involves several critical steps that must be completed within specific timeframes. Having an experienced Dallas wrongful death attorney guide you through this process is essential for protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.

Step 1: Initial Investigation and Consultation

Contact a wrongful death lawyer immediately after your loved one's death. We will:

  • Review the circumstances surrounding the death
  • Determine who has the legal right to file a claim
  • Identify all potentially liable parties
  • Advise you on the statute of limitations
  • Begin preserving crucial evidence

Step 2: Comprehensive Case Investigation

Building a strong wrongful death case requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering. Our legal team will:

  • Review medical records, autopsy reports, and death certificates
  • Investigate the accident scene and gather physical evidence
  • Interview witnesses and consult with expert witnesses
  • Review insurance policies and coverage limits
  • Calculate the full extent of your family's losses

Step 3: Filing the Wrongful Death Lawsuit

We will prepare and file your wrongful death lawsuit within the statute of limitations. The lawsuit will detail:

  • How the defendant's negligence caused your loved one's death
  • The specific damages your family has suffered
  • The legal basis for holding the defendant responsible
  • The compensation your family deserves

Step 4: Discovery and Settlement Negotiations

Most wrongful death cases are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than trial. We will:

  • Engage in the discovery process to gather additional evidence
  • Present a comprehensive demand package to the defendant
  • Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
  • Advise you on settlement offers and trial alternatives

Building a Strong Wrongful Death Case

Successfully proving a wrongful death claim requires compelling evidence that demonstrates the defendant's negligence directly caused your loved one's death. Our Dallas wrongful death law firm has the resources and experience to build the strongest possible case for your family.

Critical Evidence in Wrongful Death Cases

  • Medical records and autopsy reports: Complete documentation of the cause of death and contributing factors
  • Accident reconstruction: Expert analysis of how the fatal accident occurred
  • Witness testimony: Statements from people who witnessed the incident or can speak to the deceased's life
  • Financial documentation: Employment records, tax returns, and benefit statements to calculate lost earnings
  • Expert witness testimony: Medical experts, economists, and industry specialists who can explain complex issues to a jury

Learning about how expert witnesses strengthen wrongful death claims demonstrates the importance of professional testimony in these complex cases.

Preserving Evidence Immediately

Time is critical in wrongful death cases because evidence can be lost, destroyed, or degraded. We immediately send preservation notices to:

  • Employers to preserve employment and safety records
  • Hospitals and healthcare providers to maintain medical records
  • Government agencies to preserve accident reports and investigations
  • Insurance companies to obtain policy information and coverage limits

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Wrongful Death Claimsgravestone

When would I need a wrongful death lawyer in Dallas?

You need a wrongful death lawyer when a loved one dies due to someone else's negligence, such as in car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, or defective products. A Dallas wrongful death attorney can help investigate the cause of death, identify all liable parties, and pursue compensation for your family's losses. Early legal intervention is crucial for preserving evidence and protecting your rights under Texas law.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Texas?

In Texas, wrongful death claims can be filed by the deceased person's spouse, children, or parents. If none of these family members exist, the executor or administrator of the estate may file the claim. Texas law specifically prioritizes these family relationships, and unmarried partners, siblings, or other relatives typically cannot file wrongful death claims regardless of their emotional connection to the deceased.

What damages can be recovered in a Dallas wrongful death case?

Texas wrongful death damages include mental anguish, loss of companionship, loss of consortium, lost lifetime earnings, medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of inheritance. Surviving family members can also recover for their grief, sorrow, and loss of society with the deceased. Each eligible family member can pursue their own separate damages, and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Texas?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, starting from the date of death. However, there are exceptions that can extend or shorten this deadline depending on the circumstances. It's crucial to contact a Dallas wrongful death lawyer immediately to ensure your claim is filed on time, as missing this deadline typically results in losing your right to compensation forever.

Can I afford a wrongful death lawyer in Dallas?

Most wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. At Armstrong Law, we advance all case expenses and only recover our fees from the settlement or judgment we obtain for your family. This arrangement allows grieving families to pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs during an already difficult time.

How much is my Dallas wrongful death case worth?

The value of your wrongful death case depends on factors like your loved one's age, earnings, health, life expectancy, and the circumstances of death. Cases can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the situation. Our experienced wrongful death attorney will carefully calculate your family's economic and non-economic losses to pursue maximum compensation for your specific circumstances.

Why Choose Armstrong Law for Your Wrongful Death Case

Compassionate Client-Focused Representation

At Armstrong Law, we understand that losing a loved one is the most devastating experience a family can endure. Attorney Warren Armstrong treats every client with compassion, dignity, and respect while aggressively fighting for the justice your family deserves. We take time to understand your unique situation and provide personalized attention throughout the legal process.

Extensive Wrongful Death Experience

Warren Armstrong has dedicated his entire 18+ year legal career exclusively to representing families affected by wrongful death and serious injuries. He has never worked for insurance companies or corporations - he has always stood firmly on the side of those seeking justice. This exclusive focus gives us deep insight into the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payments to grieving families.

Proven Track Record of Success

Our case results demonstrate our ability to secure substantial recoveries for wrongful death clients. Warren has obtained successful jury verdicts and settlements across multiple states, with his tenacity as lead attorney resulting in over $100 million in settlements and verdicts for injured people and grieving families.

Comprehensive Case Investigation

We conduct thorough investigations of every wrongful death case, utilizing accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, economists, and other specialists. Our comprehensive approach ensures we identify all sources of liability and build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for your family.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs and ensures our interests are aligned with yours. We advance all case expenses and only recover our fees from the settlement or judgment we obtain.

Local Dallas Knowledge and Experience

Our deep knowledge of Dallas-Fort Worth courts, local laws, and the legal community provides significant advantages for our clients. We understand how local juries respond to different types of cases and have established relationships with the expert witnesses and professionals needed to build compelling wrongful death cases in the Dallas area.

Contact Our Dallas Wrongful Death Attorney

If your family has lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence in Dallas, don't face this difficult time alone. The sooner you contact our compassionate wrongful death law firm, the better we can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and pursue the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Armstrong Law, PLLC serves wrongful death clients throughout Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, Denton County, and surrounding North Texas communities. We're committed to fighting for the rights of grieving families and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Schedule a Free Consultation

For immediate assistance with your wrongful death case, call our Dallas office at (214) 932-1288. We're available to discuss your case and explain your legal options at no cost to you.

During your free consultation, we will:

  • Listen with compassion to your family's story
  • Review the circumstances surrounding your loved one's death
  • Explain your legal rights under Texas wrongful death law
  • Identify all potentially liable parties
  • Assess the potential value of your wrongful death claim
  • Provide guidance on next steps and timeline considerations
  • Answer all your questions about the legal process

Remember: You have limited time to file your wrongful death claim under Texas law, and early action can significantly impact the outcome of your case. The evidence needed to prove your case may be lost or destroyed if you wait too long.

At Armstrong Law, we understand that this is one of the most difficult times in your life. We're here to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on grieving and healing with your family. Our commitment is to treat you with compassion while fighting tirelessly for the justice your loved one deserves.

Contact Armstrong Law, PLLC today to get started on your path to justice and financial recovery. Your family's future depends on the actions you take now.

We also invite you to read more about our firm and our commitment to clients by visiting our About Us page to learn about our founder and our values.