Wrongful Death Legal Services in Dallas

Understanding Fatal Accidents & Wrongful Deaths in the DFW Metro

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex experiences a significant number of fatal accidents each year that stem from a variety of causes, including motor vehicle collisions, truck accidents, pedestrian incidents, and premises liability issues.

Beyond traffic incidents, other causes of wrongful death, while less frequently reported in aggregate public data, also impact families in the DFW area. These can include:

• Workplace fatalities: While specific numbers for the DFW Metro are not disaggregated, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports thousands of fatal occupational injuries nationwide each year, with construction, transportation, and agriculture often being high-risk industries. The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) also tracks workplace fatalities in Texas.
• Medical malpractice: Fatalities due to medical negligence, although more challenging to track through public, localized statistics without patient privacy violations, remain a significant concern, often involving failures in diagnosis, treatment errors, or surgical complications.
• Dangerous premises: Deaths resulting from unsafe property conditions, such as falls due to negligent maintenance or inadequate security, also constitute wrongful death cases.

For many families, the first question is whether a loss meets the legal definition of wrongful death under Texas law. Generally, the law focuses on whether a death resulted from a wrongful act, neglect, or carelessness of another party. Determining this often requires careful review of records, witness statements, and expert analysis before clear answers are available.

Texas wrongful death claims are governed by Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which defines who may file, what damages may be recovered, and the applicable statute of limitations—typically two years from the date of death. Early legal guidance helps ensure evidence is preserved and filing deadlines are not missed.

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Texas?

After a sudden loss, many families are unsure who is legally allowed to bring a claim in Texas and how that process works. The law does not permit every relative or friend to file, so it is important to understand where you fit within the framework before taking the next step. Knowing who has standing to file a lawsuit can help prevent internal conflict and ensure that deadlines are met in the proper name or names. Clear information at the beginning often makes the remainder of the process more orderly and less stressful for everyone involved.

Under Texas law, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the person who died are typically the individuals who may bring a wrongful death action. These family members may file individually or together, and in some situations an estate representative may also be appointed to pursue a related survival claim on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. Each of these roles carries different rights and responsibilities, including how any recovery is distributed and who is involved in important decisions about litigation or settlement. When there are multiple eligible family members, a coordinated approach from the outset can help avoid disputes later in the case.

In the Dallas area, wrongful death cases are usually filed in a district court or county court at law located in the county where the death occurred or where a responsible party resides, such as the civil courts in downtown Dallas. Before a case is filed, it is often useful for the family to identify one primary point of contact who can communicate with the legal team and relay information to others. This does not take away anyone’s legal rights, but it streamlines communication and helps the case move forward efficiently. An experienced wrongful death attorney in Dallas can walk you through how the law applies to your family structure and help you decide on the most appropriate filing strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have To File A Wrongful Death Claim In Texas?

In most situations, a wrongful death claim in Texas must be filed within two years of the date of death. There can be limited exceptions, but courts apply these narrowly, so it is risky to assume that extra time will be available. Because gathering medical records, investigating the incident, and consulting with experts all take time, it is wise to speak with a lawyer well before the deadline rather than waiting until the end of the two-year period.

What Types Of Compensation May Be Available In A Wrongful Death Case?

Compensation in a wrongful death case can include financial losses such as lost income and benefits that the deceased would have provided, as well as the value of household services they performed. Families may also seek damages for loss of companionship, mental anguish, and loss of care and support. The exact categories and amounts depend on the facts of the case, the relationships involved, and how the death has affected the surviving family members’ daily lives and future plans.

Is A Wrongful Death Case The Same As A Criminal Case?

A wrongful death claim is a civil case, which is separate from any criminal charges that may be filed by the state. Criminal cases focus on punishment, such as jail time or fines, and are brought by prosecutors, not families. A civil wrongful death case focuses on financial accountability and is brought by eligible family members or an estate representative. The two types of cases can proceed at the same time, and the outcome of one does not automatically control the outcome of the other.

Trust Marchand Law for Your Legal Representation in Dallas

Choosing the right legal representation after a wrongful death is an important decision. Marchand Law brings more than 60 years of combined experience handling complex, high-stakes litigation for families in Dallas and across North Texas. Our husband-and-wife legal team provides direct attorney involvement, careful preparation, and clear communication at every stage.

Our backgrounds in nursing and engineering allow us to evaluate both the medical impact of a fatal incident and the technical factors that may have contributed to it, including cases involving severe injuries similar to those seen in catastrophic injury cases. We explain how wrongful death claims move through Texas courts and what to expect so the process feels more manageable during an already difficult time.

Contact Marchand Law Today

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one due to negligence, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Marchand Law is prepared to help you pursue accountability while treating your loss with the care and respect it deserves.

We respect and treat your loss with the care and determination it deserves. Contact us online or call (903) 345-1807 today.