Dallas Wrongful Death Lawyer

Compassionate Legal Support When You Need It Most

Losing a loved one in a preventable tragedy feels like the ground’s been ripped out from under you. When someone else’s careless or reckless actions cause that loss, grief is often joined by frustration and a deep sense of injustice. A wrongful death claim in Texas provides a legal path for families to seek accountability and recover damages that can ease the financial burden.

A Dallas wrongful death lawyer from Tyson Law Firm understands that no amount of money will replace who you’ve lost. But holding the responsible party accountable may offer a sense of closure and help provide for your family’s future. With more than 18 years of experience in wrongful death cases across Dallas neighborhoods like Oak Cliff, Pleasant Grove, and Uptown, we know how to take on tough cases and pursue real results.

We’re here to listen to your story and explain your options during a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact us today to get started.

What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Case in Texas?

Not every untimely death results in a wrongful death claim. Texas law outlines specific circumstances that qualify.

Under the Texas Wrongful Death Act, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to another party’s “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default.” That includes deaths caused by negligence (like car accidents), intentional misconduct (such as assault), and failure to act when there was a legal duty to do so.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Dallas

Certain types of accidents account for a significant number of wrongful death cases in Dallas. Whether on busy highways, in residential neighborhoods, or within care facilities, lives are too often lost because someone failed to act responsibly. Below are some of the most common situations that give rise to wrongful death claims across the city.

Truck Accidents

Dallas serves as a major transportation hub, with semi-trucks regularly moving through I-35, I-45, and the I-20 corridor. These massive vehicles pose a serious risk when truck drivers or trucking companies disregard safety. Fatigued driving, speeding, improperly loaded cargo, and neglected maintenance can all lead to deadly collisions. Victims in smaller passenger vehicles rarely survive crashes involving 18-wheelers. Families often find themselves left without answers while trucking companies and insurers scramble to minimize their responsibility.

Car Accidents

Auto collisions remain one of the leading causes of wrongful death in Dallas. Whether in Lake Highlands, Oak Cliff, or on the North Central Expressway, careless or reckless drivers create real danger. Speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, and driving under the influence are just some of the behaviors that cause devastating fatalities. Many of these crashes could have been avoided if drivers simply followed the rules and stayed alert.

Slip & Fall Accidents / Premises Liability

Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they ignore hazards—like wet floors, uneven sidewalks, poor lighting, or missing handrails—they put visitors at risk. Fatal falls often occur in grocery stores, apartment complexes, hotels, and public venues throughout Dallas. Elderly victims are especially vulnerable, and families may be entitled to file wrongful death claims when a fall proves fatal due to the property owner’s negligence.

Motorcycle Accidents

Dallas motorcyclists face constant threats from inattentive or aggressive drivers. Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection during a crash. Intersections in Deep Ellum, highway merges, or sudden lane changes on the Tollway can turn deadly in seconds. Many fatal motorcycle crashes result from a driver failing to yield, not checking blind spots, or following too closely.

Rideshare Accidents

As Uber and Lyft rides become a daily convenience in Dallas, the risk of fatal rideshare crashes grows. Rideshare drivers often juggle navigation, phone notifications, and passenger conversations, increasing the odds of distraction. Whether the deceased was a rideshare passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, these incidents raise complicated questions about liability—especially when companies try to shift the blame.

Pedestrian Accidents

Busy streets like Greenville Avenue, Lemmon Avenue, and areas near Klyde Warren Park see a high volume of foot traffic. Unfortunately, many Dallas drivers don’t watch for pedestrians in crosswalks or school zones. Speeding, failing to yield, and distracted driving cause tragic pedestrian deaths every year. Children, seniors, and joggers are often the ones who pay the price for careless driving.

Dog Bites

While not always the first incident people associate with wrongful death, fatal dog attacks do happen in Dallas—especially in residential neighborhoods like Pleasant Grove or West Dallas. Some victims die from the immediate injuries, while others succumb to infections or complications. When a dog owner fails to restrain a dangerous animal or has a history of aggressive behavior that’s ignored, the owner may be held liable for the death.

Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Families entrust nursing homes with the care of their most vulnerable loved ones. When that trust is betrayed—through neglect, abuse, or medical inattention—the results can be fatal. Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated infections, falls due to lack of supervision, and even physical abuse have led to wrongful death claims against Dallas-area facilities. These tragedies often go unnoticed until it’s too late, and families deserve answers and justice.

Each of these scenarios involves more than just tragic circumstances—they often stem from preventable decisions or actions. Tyson Law Firm works to uncover the truth behind these losses and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Texas?

Texas allows the deceased person’s surviving spouse, children, or parents to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. If none of them file within three months, the personal representative (executor) of the estate can file the claim unless all eligible family members request otherwise.

Time Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

Texas law sets a strict two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. In most cases, the countdown starts on the date of death. Missing this deadline often means losing the right to pursue damages, so acting quickly matters.

Types of Compensation Available in Dallas Wrongful Death Cases

While no settlement or award can undo what’s happened, financial compensation helps cover the real losses a family faces after a sudden death.

Economic Damages

These cover measurable losses such as:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical bills incurred before death
• Lost earning capacity of the deceased
• Loss of benefits (pensions, insurance)
• Household services the deceased used to provide

Non-Economic Damages

These focus on the emotional and relational losses survivors suffer:

• Mental anguish and emotional pain
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
• Loss of consortium for spouses
• Impact on children who’ve lost a parent

Punitive Damages in Texas Wrongful Death Claims

Punitive damages may apply when the defendant’s behavior shows gross negligence or willful misconduct. These aren’t about repayment—they’re about punishment and deterrence. Texas law allows them in specific situations, such as deaths caused by drunk driving or extreme recklessness.

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Wrongful Death Case?

Not every unexpected death justifies legal action. But if the loss stems from carelessness, neglect, or deliberate wrongdoing, a wrongful death claim may be appropriate.

Key Elements Required to Prove Wrongful Death

To hold someone accountable, a wrongful death case must show:

1. A duty existed (e.g., a driver’s duty to follow traffic laws)
2. The duty was breached (through action or inaction)
3. That breach caused the death
4. Surviving family members suffered measurable losses

Evidence Needed to Support Your Claim

Building a strong case often involves:

• Police or accident reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Medical records and autopsy reports
• Surveillance footage
• Expert opinions (e.g., accident reconstruction)
• Employment and financial documents

Common Defendants in Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death cases may name:

• Drivers in auto crashes
• Doctors or hospitals in malpractice cases
• Property owners in unsafe premises incidents
• Employers in workplace fatalities
• Manufacturers of defective products
• Individuals committing violent acts

What is the Process of Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Dallas?

From start to finish, wrongful death cases follow a structured process to seek accountability and compensation.

Initial Case Evaluation

You’ll meet with a Tyson Law Firm attorney to share the details of your loved one’s death. We’ll assess the facts and help determine if the law supports a wrongful death claim.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Once we take the case, our legal team works to collect supporting evidence. That may involve contacting witnesses, hiring expert consultants, and reviewing all related documents.

Filing the Lawsuit and Legal Proceedings

If informal resolution attempts don’t lead to fair compensation, we file the lawsuit with the appropriate Dallas County court. Legal proceedings may include discovery, depositions, and court hearings.

Settlement Negotiations vs. Trial

Most cases settle outside of court, but not all. If the insurance company or responsible party refuses to offer appropriate compensation, we prepare to take the case to trial and present it to a jury.

How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Take?

The length of a case varies. Some resolve in months; others take longer. Timelines can shift based on:

• Complexity of the facts
• Number of parties involved
• Availability of evidence and witnesses
• Court scheduling
• Whether the other side negotiates fairly or delays

Faster outcomes happen when liability is clear and the insurance company acts in good faith. More contentious cases, especially those headed for trial, take longer.

Statute of Limitations Considerations

Don’t wait to get legal advice. The two-year limit might sound far away, but preparing a strong claim takes time. Early action gives your attorney the best chance to gather evidence while it’s still fresh.

How Can a Dallas Wrongful Death Attorney Help Your Family?

After a loss, handling legal matters adds more weight to an already heavy burden. That’s where Tyson Law Firm steps in.

• In-depth knowledge of wrongful death laws gives us the ability to identify key legal claims and develop sound strategies.
• Access to investigators and consultants helps uncover truth and build compelling cases.
• Valuing claims properly ensures you don’t settle for less than what the law allows.
• Handling insurers directly takes pressure off your family and keeps bad faith tactics in check.
• Trial readiness ensures we can move forward with courtroom action when negotiation doesn’t lead to justice.
• Allowing you to grieve without the stress of legal wrangling helps your family focus on healing.

Common Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases

These cases come with hurdles. Knowing what to expect helps avoid surprises.

Proving Negligence or Intent

Sometimes the responsible party denies doing anything wrong. Even with clear harm, they may argue the death wasn’t their fault. Strong evidence and clear arguments can counter that narrative.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurers often try to settle for the lowest possible amount. They may delay, deflect, or deny. Our firm pushes back with facts and persistence.

Determining Proper Compensation

Valuing a life in dollar terms is emotionally painful and legally complex. Tyson Law Firm uses economic and psychological experts to help quantify losses in a way that respects your grief and meets legal standards.

Navigating Complex Legal Procedures

From paperwork to courtroom rules, wrongful death litigation involves a lot of moving parts. Our team manages those details for you.

Why Choose Tyson Law Firm?

Dallas families have trusted us with wrongful death claims for nearly two decades. Here’s why:

• More than 18 years of experience handling wrongful death cases in Dallas County
• Proven history of favorable outcomes, both in and out of court
• Genuine compassion for clients and their stories
• No legal fees upfront, and we only collect if there’s a recovery
• Familiarity with local courts, judges, and procedures helps us move efficiently

Whether the loss happened on a construction site in West Dallas, during a car crash on the LBJ Freeway, or in a hospital in East Dallas, we know how to build a case that gets attention.

Let Us Help with Your Dallas Wrongful Death Claim

You don’t have to carry this burden alone. Tyson Law Firm stands ready to support your family and pursue the justice your loved one deserves. Every consultation is free, and there’s no pressure to commit. We’ll listen, explain your options, and help you decide what’s right for your situation.

We work on a contingency fee basis—if there’s no recovery, you don’t owe us anything. But don’t wait too long. The statute of limitations can cut your claim short before you even get a chance to fight.

Call us today at (214) 942-9000 or fill out our online form to schedule your free case evaluation. Let’s talk about what comes next.