Wrongful Death Law Firm in Dallas, TX: $20 Billion in Settlements & Verdicts
If you lost someone you love, thinking about the future can seem impossible. You may face countless challenges trying to rebuild without them, and you shouldn’t have to do this alone. Our Dallas wrongful death attorneys are here to help you seek the financial support and compensation you need to build a stable life for yourself and your family. Your loved one cannot fight back. You must fight for answers from those who could (and should) have prevented your suffering. You must be their voice, and Arnold & Itkin is here to provide the guidance and legal representation you need.
Understanding the process of filing a wrongful death claim can be daunting, especially during such a difficult time. Our compassionate team in Dallas can walk you through each step, ensuring you know your rights and options every step of the way. We aim to secure the maximum compensation possible to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and the emotional distress caused by your loss. By working with us, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities of your wrongful death claim.
Give us a call at (888) 493-1629 to see how our wrongful death lawyers in Dallas can help. Your consultation is completely free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Dallas with Proven Results
Causing someone’s death is the worst, most unthinkable thing a company can do. In cases like these, we take it upon ourselves to ensure negligent companies pay as much as possible for their wrongdoing. That’s why many of our victories set state and national records. It's the only way to hold them accountable for what they've done.
Pursuing accountability is not just about financial restitution—it's about justice. It involves conducting thorough investigations to uncover the truth, gathering essential evidence to prove negligence, and building a compelling case to present in court. Our team employs a meticulous approach, leaving no stone unturned so perpetrators are held accountable, ensuring similar tragedies are prevented in the future. Our commitment extends beyond the courtroom; we are dedicated to supporting our clients throughout the entire process, providing the emotional and logistical support they need during these challenging times.
Our notable wrongful death case results in Dallas and beyond include:
$860 million verdict won for the family of a fatal crane accident victim in Dallas.
$209 million verdict won for a family who lost their husband and father to a fatal virus.
$165 million settlement for the family of a worker fatally burned at an oil and gas facility.
$125 million settlement for the widow of a dredge worker killed in an offshore explosion.
$81 million settlement for two adult children who lost their mother in an accident.
$9 million settlement for the parents of a man who lost his life at a Dallas nightclub.
No verdict or settlement can undo tragedy, but our firm knows how to help our clients get answers, secure justice against those at fault, and get the compensation they need to move forward without uncertainty. Our legal team can’t promise specific results, but we do commit to fighting tirelessly for every client we help. No matter what.
Filing Wrongful Death Claims in Dallas & Nationwide
According to the CDC, there are roughly 225,000 deaths per year caused by unintentional injury. As a whole, unintentional injury is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. A significant portion of these deaths is ultimately the result of negligence, typically on the part of an employer, manufacturer, or other entity.
In Dallas, these statistics reflect the larger national trend, with many wrongful deaths arising from preventable circumstances. Families affected by such losses often struggle to understand their options while adjusting to a new reality without their loved ones. Navigating the legal landscape can add additional stress, which is why having experienced Dallas wrongful death attorneys by your side is invaluable. Our team not only handles the legal complexities but also offers guidance and support during this trying time, helping families seek the justice and closure they need.
These are just a few of our recent wrongful death investigations:
In simplest terms, a wrongful death occurs when negligence or wrongdoing causes someone's death. For example, a wrongful death claim might be possible after a worker was killed on the job because a company failed to follow basic safety standards. In this situation, a family would need the help of a skilled Dallas wrongful death attorney to prove their loss was preventable and caused by the employer’s negligence.
The criteria for proving wrongful death can be complex, often involving numerous factors such as the degree of negligence, adherence to safety protocols, and the impact of the deceased’s loss on surviving family members. To build a strong claim, compiling comprehensive evidence, which may include accident reports, safety logs, and witness testimonies is essential. Our legal team is adept at assembling the necessary documentation to establish liability, ensuring responsible parties are legally accountable for their actions.
While a wrongful death can happen in many different types of situations, there are a handful that our wrongful death law firm in Dallas often handles. Two of the most common causes of wrongful death include:
Work Accidents: If a person was killed while working, their employer could likely have prevented their death. Failure to maintain equipment, provide safety equipment, or hire qualified workers can trigger a deadly accident. It’s employers' legal and ethical responsibility to ensure these things don’t happen. Common fatal work accidents in Dallas include incidents in oilfields as well as construction accidents.
Truck Accidents & Other Vehicle Accidents: As one of the most populated metro areas in the state, Dallas is no stranger to serious truck, car, motorcycle, and other motor vehicle accidents. Often, deadly accidents could have been prevented if a driver had been paying attention or had obeyed traffic laws. Additionally, manufacturers might be liable for the death of a person in a vehicle collision because of faulty parts, like airbags that failed to deploy.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
In addition to work accidents and trucking collisions, our Dallas wrongful death attorneys have helped families recover after all types of accidents—from serious offshore disasters to instances of accidental drownings.
We help families with wrongful death lawsuits involving:
Wrongful death cases are not limited to physical accidents; they can also stem from systemic issues such as lack of regulatory compliance or inadequate safety measures. Our firm meticulously analyzes each claim, identifying all liable parties, including direct perpetrators and companies or individuals who failed to act responsibly. This comprehensive approach ensures that every possible dimension of accountability is explored, offering our clients a complete legal strategy that maximizes the chances of a favorable outcome.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Action?
Wrongful death claims are filed in civil court. Separate criminal charges may be filed against the at-fault party if what they did was illegal, but the two cases will not influence one another, and the judgments will be separate.
You can typically only file a wrongful death action on behalf of a loved one if you are one of the following:
Surviving spouse of the decedent (the person who has died)
Minor or adult child of the decedent
Parent of the decedent
Adopted child or children of the decedent
Adoptive parents of the decedent
Personal representatives of the decedent’s estate
Understanding who is eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit is crucial for ensuring the legal process begins correctly. Our attorneys explain eligibility in detail during consultations, providing clarity and direction. Moving forward with a claim promptly is vital, especially considering the statute of limitations, which can affect your ability to seek justice. Providing personalized guidance, we ensure that all procedural details are followed meticulously, allowing families to focus on healing and remembering their loved ones.
In addition to handling wrongful death actions for families across the U.S., our Dallas trial lawyers also handle Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) and Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) claims for workers who have lost their lives in the course of their employment. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your loss, we have the experience and resources to provide the level of legal counsel you require.
Wrongful Death Compensation in Dallas, TX
The types of compensation available in a wrongful death claim include economic and non-economic damages, each addressing different aspects of the family’s loss. Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing. These are intended to punish the defendant and discourage repeat conduct.
Economic damages are intended to cover the financial impact of the death, including:
Medical costs
Funeral and burial costs
Lost income and benefits
Non-economic damages address the emotional and intangible losses suffered by the family:
Pain and suffering
Loss of companionship
Mental anguish
Factors Influencing the Value of a Claim
Every claim is different, and its value will vary depending on several factors. With every client we represent, our goal as Dallas wrongful death attorneys is to pursue the amount of compensation that brings financial stability and peace of mind while showing at-fault parties that their actions will not be tolerated.
The following factors may influence the value of a wrongful death claim:
The age and overall health of the deceased
The deceased’s earning potential and future career prospects
The specifics of how the death occurred, including the degree of negligence involved
The number and needs of the deceased’s dependents, such as children and a spouse
Medical bills and other costs incurred leading up to the victim’s death
Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death Actions
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the deceased’s death. It is crucial to file the claim within this timeframe, as failing to do so may result in losing the right to pursue compensation. However, certain exceptions may apply, and consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Dallas can help ensure that all legal deadlines are met.
Understanding the statute of limitations and any exceptions is pivotal when considering a wrongful death claim. Delaying action can have significant consequences, potentially barring families from seeking compensation altogether. Our attorneys are proficient in identifying any circumstances that may extend the filing deadline, such as delayed discovery of the wrongful act or the plaintiff’s minor status. This ensures that every valid opportunity for justice is explored and affected families are not denied the legal recourse they deserve.
Wrongful Death Claims & Loss of Consortium
Wrongful death claims are among the few civil claims that can recover losses due to social or emotional damages. While no level of financial support can replace the intimacy and care of a loved one, Texas law allows surviving spouses to get justice for losses that aren’t readily quantifiable. Chief among these is the loss of consortium.
Under Texas law, the elements of a loss of consortium claim require that:
The plaintiff be married to the decedent when the injury occurred
The injury to one spouse led to the loss of consortium of the surviving spouse
The defendant’s actions were the proximate cause of injury
Loss of consortium is a claim that allows a surviving spouse to claim the loss of an intimate romantic partner. Consortium benefits refer to the physical, emotional, and psychological benefits enjoyed by the surviving spouse. While difficult to measure, these benefits have a concrete impact on the surviving spouse’s quality of life. There are parallel claims to the loss of consortium for children and parents. Loss of filial consortium refers to the loss of affection a surviving parent suffers after the loss of a child; loss of parental guidance is for surviving minors affected by the death of a parent.
Survivorship Claims & Survival Actions
Survivorship claims, also known as survival actions, allow the estate of a deceased person to pursue compensation for injuries and damages that the deceased could have claimed if they had survived. These claims cover damages incurred by the deceased from the time of injury until death, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Survivorship claims are distinct from wrongful death claims, which compensate family members for their own losses due to the death. In Dallas, a survivorship claim may apply when the deceased’s injuries were the result of another party’s negligence or wrongful act, allowing the estate to recover damages on behalf of the deceased.
Local Insights: Dallas Traffic Patterns & Wrongful Deaths
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is home to a vast network of highways and roads that facilitate daily commutes for millions. Major highways such as I-35, I-45, and I-20 are part of a web that makes Dallas a transportation hub and a site of frequent road traffic accidents. These highways are integral to local commerce and transportation but have become areas where high-speed collisions often occur, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. Understanding the specific traffic patterns and associated risks can provide vital context for wrongful death claims arising from vehicular incidents in Dallas.
Heavy congestion during rush hours and the prevalence of commercial trucks make these highways particularly dangerous. Dallas's rapid growth over the years has increased traffic volume, contributing to the risk of accidents. Our legal team at Arnold & Itkin uses this localized knowledge to support wrongful death claims resulting from traffic accidents, ensuring that claims reflect the unique hazards associated with Dallas's traffic conditions. By combining this insight with thorough investigations, we are equipped to demonstrate how systemic issues such as inadequate road maintenance or local traffic policies may have contributed to the circumstances leading to an untimely death.
About Dallas, TX
Dallas has a strong economy, thanks to the varied industries that operate within the city limits and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Widely recognized as the epicenter of the nation’s oil and gas industry, Dallas is also a key transportation hub, complete with major railways, the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, an inland port, and interstate highways. Until the 1930s, the Dallas economy relied primarily on cotton, cattle, and the major railways that intersected the region. That shifted when petroleum was discovered just east of Dallas in nearby Kilgore.
Discoveries in the Barnett Shale, Haynesville Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, and Permian Basin further solidified Dallas as a leading player in oil and gas. Oil tycoon H.L. Hunt lived and worked in Dallas, which also contributed to the region’s standing as a leader in oil production. Today, Dallas has thriving telecommunications, defense, financial services, manufacturing, and transportation industries. AT&T, Energy Transfer Equity, Tenet Healthcare, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments are five of the top publicly traded companies that have headquarters in Dallas. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is home to 22 Fortune 500 companies in all.
Start Getting Answers. Contact Our Dallas Wrongful Death Attorneys Today.
Your family is facing a future far different than the one you had imagined. Our firm is here to help make that future more secure. In addition to offering experienced, aggressive representation against at-fault parties to help you see justice served, we provide the personal attention and caring support that you need during this traumatic time. We know this moment is difficult and we’re ready to be the team that fights for the justice you deserve.
Over the years, Arnold & Itkin has earned a reputation for being the advocate that families need during the most difficult moments of their lives. We’ve recovered billions of dollars for clients by never backing down from a fight and refusing to let negligent parties get away with harming others. While we can’t change what happened to your loved one, our Dallas wrongful death lawyers are ready to help you find answers from those who could have.
A wrongful death law firm in Dallas should work towards making sure your financial future is secure after losing a loved one. This often means recovering compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, and other monetary losses caused by a person’s passing. Additionally, an attorney can work to recover non-monetary losses associated with emotional suffering, loss of companionship, loss of guidance, and more. In some cases, punitive damages are possible. This form of compensation is meant purely as a punishment for parties that were particularly negligent and caused the early death of a person.
When Should I Contact a Wrongful Death Law Firm in Dallas?
Contacting a wrongful death firm should be one of the first things you do after your loved one has passed away. While it might feel hard to examine your legal options, doing so quickly means that your lawyer will have as much time as possible to prepare your claim—giving your case the best chance possible for success. Importantly, you should still contact an attorney, even if it’s been a while since the passing of your loved one. Doing so will help you understand your options and make up for any lost time.
How Much Does Help from a Dallas Wrongful Death Attorney Cost?
Getting help from our wrongful death lawyers costs nothing up front. Our firm works on something called a contingency fee—an agreement that means we cover all costs associated with a case. If we don’t secure results on your behalf, you won’t have to pay us anything. We do this to make our services attainable for anyone and to make sure our clients aren’t going through more economic stress than they’re already experiencing. For us, your recovery is the most important part of any case—working with contingency fees helps us prove this to you.
How Do You File a Wrongful Death Claim in Dallas?
Filing a wrongful death claim in Dallas starts with a free consultation with our law firm. Speaking to a member of our team comes with no obligations and will help you discover what your options are. We’re ready to listen to your story and inform you on what steps to take next to secure justice for your family.
Are Wrongful Death Settlements Taxed?
As compensatory damages, wrongful death settlements and awards are generally not taxable in Texas, in accordance with Section 1.104-1 of the Income Tax Regulations. Even if the family of a victim is paid in a lump sum, for example, they will not be taxed on the wrongful death payment. The same applies to personal injury settlements.
What Are Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Dallas?
Wrongful deaths in Dallas often occur due to vehicular accidents and workplace incidents. Vehicular accidents are particularly prevalent, exacerbated by the city's bustling roadways and significant traffic congestion. The rise in commercial vehicle activity on interstates like I-35 and I-635 contributes to the frequency of serious accidents. Workplace accidents, especially in industries prevalent in Dallas, such as construction and oil and gas, also significantly contribute to wrongful deaths stemming from unsafe working conditions or equipment failures.
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Claim Typically Take?
The duration of a wrongful death claim in Dallas can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the claim, the willingness of parties to negotiate, and the court’s schedule. On average, such claims may take several months to a few years to resolve. Simple claims with clear evidence might conclude in a timely manner through settlement negotiations, while more complex claims requiring extensive investigation or going to trial will typically take longer. At Arnold & Itkin, we aim to move your claim forward as efficiently as possible without compromising thoroughness and your entitlement to maximum compensation.
What Compensation Can You Expect from a Wrongful Death Claim?
Compensation from a wrongful death claim in Dallas typically includes both economic and non-economic damages. Economic compensation covers quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future earnings, and benefits. Non-economic damages address less tangible impacts such as emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. In some claims, punitive damages may be awarded to punish negligent parties and deter similar behavior in the future. Arnold & Itkin is committed to seeking comprehensive compensation that acknowledges both the financial and emotional toll your loss has taken.
