The DJF Law Firm, PLLC

Houston Wrongful Death Attorneys

If you lost your loved one in an accident someone else’s negligence caused, contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC to learn about your legal options. You might be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death claim.

You deserve the chance to hold the negligent person or company liable for causing your loved one’s death. The monetary award you receive should compensate you for your financial costs.

At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how devastating it is to lose a family member in an unexpected accident. We are ready to represent you in your case and fight by your side for justice.

Call The DJF Law Firm, PLLC at 832-529-3476 for a free consultation with one of our experienced Houston wrongful death attorneys.

Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases

Texas law defines wrongful death as the death of a person caused by someone else’s neglect, wrongful act, default, unskillfulness, or carelessness. Anyone could die in an accident or sustain a fatal injury. When that happens because of someone else, a surviving relative can file a wrongful death lawsuit for compensation.

The DJF Law Firm, PLLC has experience handling a range of wrongful death cases involving:

  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Bus and truck accidents
  • Nursing home abuse and neglect
  • Bike accidents
  • Car crashes
  • Premises liability accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Boating accidents
  • Sports injuries
  • Toxic exposure
  • Electrocution accidents

Do not hesitate to contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC if your loved one’s death occurred under any of these circumstances. We can investigate and determine who should be held liable. We know how to locate crucial evidence and prove what happened. When you hire us, we will tirelessly work to try to reach a favorable outcome. You can count on us to be the advocate you need to get through this traumatic experience.

Causes of Wrongful Death

Multiple factors can cause a deadly accident. The most common causes of wrongful death are listed below.

Car Accidents

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 38,824 people died in fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2020. Of those fatalities, 3,874 occurred in Texas.

Car accidents are often the result of driver error. A driver might run a red light or become distracted at the wheel. Any mistake a motorist makes can endanger the lives of those around them.

The most common causes of car crashes include:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Speeding
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Tailgating
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence

Premises Liability

Homeowners and business owners must keep their properties in a safe condition for guests. If they notice hazards, they should remove them promptly. They should address any damage they discover immediately. Warning signs should be posted to notify visitors of the potential dangers.

A property owner’s negligence or disregard for others’ safety could lead to a fatal accident on their property. The most common causes of premises liability accidents include:

  • Slippery or wet floors
  • Lack of security personnel
  • Inadequate lighting in dark areas of the property
  • Faulty escalator or elevator
  • Collapsing roof or balcony from structural damage
  • Failing to meet safety and building codes

Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists can sustain fatal injuries in accidents with motor vehicles. Unlike the occupants of cars, cyclists don’t have an airbag to soften the blow of an impact or a seatbelt to keep them restrained to their seats. A bicyclist could get ejected from their bike, impaled by flying debris, or run over by a car.

The most common causes of bicycle accidents include drivers:

  • Making a left-hand turn without looking for approaching bikers
  • Passing too closely to a biker in the bicycle lane
  • Failing to yield the right of way at an intersection
  • Opening a car door in the path of an oncoming bicyclist

Pedestrian Accidents

Sometimes, drivers don’t notice pedestrians in their path. Some might ignore right-of-way laws and proceed ahead of a person already in a crosswalk. Pedestrian deaths are common in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,516 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2020.

Factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents can include drivers:

  • Turning at an intersection without checking for a pedestrian crossing the street
  • Speeding through a parking lot
  • Proceeding through a crosswalk without slowing down or stopping first
  • Drifting or swerving onto a nearby sidewalk
  • Backing out of a parking spot without checking for passing pedestrians

Boating Accidents

Boating is enjoyable for residents and tourists during the warm summer months. However, boaters can encounter dangers that lead to injuries and fatalities. The most common causes of deadly boat accidents include:

  • Operation inattention or distraction
  • Running aground
  • Malfunctioning equipment or parts on the boat
  • Speeding around swimmers
  • Inadequate fire protection equipment
  • Crashing into a dock or land
  • Vessel collisions
  • Lack of life jackets

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Abuse and neglect commonly occur in community settings, such as nursing homes. Staff might target a vulnerable resident for numerous reasons. Fatal injuries can occur since many older adults can’t defend themselves against an attack.

Factors that often contribute to nursing home abuse and neglect include:

  • Understaffed facility
  • Poorly trained staff members
  • Negligent hiring of applicants with a history of violence or abuse
  • An employee’s mental health issue or psychological problem

Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks can cause massive destruction and catastrophic injuries in accidents with other vehicles. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 5,296 deaths in large truck crashes in 2020.

Common reasons for fatalities in collisions involving commercial trucks include:

  • Turning too quickly
  • Inadequate vehicle maintenance and inspections
  • Speeding
  • Poorly trained truck drivers
  • Overloading or improperly loading a trailer
  • Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
  • Tailgating

Toxic Exposure

Toxic exposure can affect anyone. Workers that regularly come into contact with hazardous substances, such as lead and asbestos, can suffer serious medical problems. Residents near a factory or construction site might inhale particles in the air or drink contaminated water.

Exposure to toxic substances can lead to fatal medical conditions, such as:

  • Lymphoma
  • Chemical burns
  • Kidney failure
  • Lead poisoning
  • Brain damage
  • Mesothelioma
  • Leukemia
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Lung cancer

Sport-Related Accidents

Many people spend their free time participating in organized sports. When an accident happens, anyone involved could suffer fatal injuries.

The most common causes of sports-related accidents include:

  • Lack of protective gear
  • Improperly maintained facility or equipment
  • Inexperienced or unqualified medical personnel
  • Poor safety training or supervision

Workplace Accidents

Occupational accidents are common. While many result in minor injuries, some can cause an employee’s death. The most common causes of fatal workplace accidents include:

  • Being pinned underneath heavy equipment
  • Falling from heights
  • Contacting exposed electrical components
  • Malfunctioning machinery
  • Faulty wiring in an appliance

If your family member died because of someone else’s negligent actions, reach out to The DJF Law Firm, PLLC immediately. We will investigate the circumstances and advise whether you have a case to pursue.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Only specific family members can pursue a wrongful death case. A surviving spouse, child, or parent can file a lawsuit against the negligent party.

However, if no surviving family members file within three months of the death, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate could initiate a lawsuit unless the family requests them not to file.

Compensation for Wrongful Death

As a surviving relative of the deceased, you might be entitled to financial compensation from the at-fault person or company. When you file a lawsuit, you could recover money to compensate for:

  • Lost earning capacity
  • Mental pain and anguish experienced by the family
  • Lost inheritance, including what the deceased likely could have earned and left to their family if they survived
  • Lost care, services, support, counsel, maintenance, and advice
  • Lost society, comfort, companionship, and love

You might also be able to pursue exemplary damages. This type of financial award punishes the defendant and deters similar future actions. To be granted this award, you must show clear and convincing evidence that your injury resulted from the defendant’s gross negligence, fraud, or malice.

Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Case

If you want to sue someone for causing your loved one’s death, you must comply with state law. In Texas, the statute of limitations for wrongful death allows a two-year timeframe to file suit. That means you must file your lawsuit within two years of your family member’s death. Once the timeframe passes, you could lose your right to pursue compensation through the court system.

Contact Us

The Houston wrongful death attorneys of The DJF Law Firm, PLLC will provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time in your life. We understand how difficult it is to cope with the death of someone you love. You can count on us to remain in your corner and help you through this devastating experience.

You won’t have to worry about obtaining evidence or handling any steps of the legal process. We will take care of everything for you so you can grieve your loss and move forward with your life.

If your family member died in an accident due to someone’s negligent conduct, contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC right now to discuss your case with us. We will be happy to talk with you during a free consultation so you understand your rights and what we can do for you. Let us help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Call us at 832-529-3476 today.