Dallas Wrongful Death Lawyer
When Life Changes in an Instant, You Need Fierce Legal Advocacy
Nothing prepares you for the phone call that changes everything. One moment, your loved one is part of your daily routine—texting about dinner plans, complaining about traffic, sharing a funny meme. The next, they’re gone, taken by someone else’s negligence or recklessness. The world doesn’t stop spinning, but yours certainly does.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely facing the unthinkable. Someone you care about has died because another person or company failed to act responsibly. While nothing can bring them back, the law recognizes that certain deaths shouldn’t have happened—and that those responsible must be held accountable.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller, we understand that wrongful death cases aren’t just about legal theory or insurance claims. They’re about real people whose lives have been shattered. We’ve walked alongside hundreds of families through this devastating process, and we know how to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
To start the process, reach out to us 24/7 at (888) 485-8844.
Understanding Wrongful Death in Texas
Texas law defines wrongful death as a death caused by the wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default of another person or entity. Think of it as the legal system’s way of saying, “This didn’t have to happen.” You Need a Lawyer to help navigate this process, uncover the facts, and make sure those responsible are held accountable.
The situations that lead to wrongful death claims are as varied as life itself. A drunk driver runs a red light, killing a father on his way home from work. A manufacturing company cuts corners on safety, resulting in a workplace fatality. A bus driver was on his phone behind the wheel, and didn’t see the cyclist before it was too late.
What these cases share is a common thread: someone’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing caused a death that should never have occurred. The law doesn’t just recognize this tragedy—it provides a path forward for surviving family members to seek justice.
However, Texas wrongful death law comes with specific rules about who can file a claim and when. Only certain family members have the right to pursue these cases, and strict deadlines apply. Missing these deadlines doesn’t just mean losing your case—it means losing your only chance to hold the responsible party accountable.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Texas law is particular about who has the right to seek justice in wrongful death cases. The surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased person can file a claim. If none of these family members exist, the personal representative of the estate may step in.
This might sound straightforward, but family dynamics rarely are. What happens when there’s an estranged spouse? How do you handle situations where adult children disagree about pursuing a claim? What if the deceased person had children from multiple relationships?
These questions don’t have simple answers, and they require precision to handle. The law provides a framework, but every family situation is unique. Choosing the Right Lawyer for You is critical here, because experienced legal guidance becomes invaluable.
The Two-Year Rule
Here’s something that catches many families off guard: You have exactly two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. This deadline isn’t flexible, and courts don’t make exceptions for grief or confusion about the process.
Two years might seem like plenty of time when you’re dealing with funeral arrangements, estate issues, and overwhelming grief. But wrongful death cases require extensive investigation, expert consultation, and careful preparation. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and crucial documents get lost or destroyed.
Starting the legal process doesn’t mean you have to think about money immediately. It means preserving your family’s right to seek justice when you’re ready. Waiting too long removes that choice entirely.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Over the years, we’ve represented families in virtually every type of wrongful death case imaginable. Each one tells a story of a life cut short and a family left to pick up the pieces.
Auto Accident Fatalities
Dallas roads are dangerous, especially with distracted drivers, drunk drivers, and aggressive drivers behind the wheel. When someone’s reckless or negligent driving kills another person, they must be held accountable.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2024 Crash Contributing Factors report, some of the most common reasons for fatal crashes are speeding, driving in multiple lanes, and drinking while driving. The investigation process often includes accident reconstruction, review of police reports, and analysis of vehicle damage patterns. We examine everything from phone records to surveillance footage to build a complete picture of what happened.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Dallas streets weren’t designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind, and the results may be deadly. When drivers fail to yield, run red lights, or simply aren’t paying attention, innocent people walking or biking can pay with their lives. Fom 2018-2022, there was almost 5,000 total fatal pedestrian and bicycle crashes in Dallas county according to North Central Texas Council of Governments.
These cases often involve complex questions about traffic laws, visibility, and road design. We work with traffic engineers and accident reconstruction experts to understand exactly what happened and who was at fault. Whether it’s a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk or a cyclist hit by a distracted driver, we know how to investigate these cases thoroughly.
Premises Liability Deaths
Property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When dangerous conditions on their property cause a death, they can be held liable.
This might involve slip-and-fall accidents, inadequate security leading to violent crimes, structural collapses, or other hazardous conditions that property owners knew about or should have discovered.
Workplace Deaths
Some jobs carry inherent risks, but employers have a legal obligation to provide reasonably safe working conditions. When they fail to do so, workers can pay the ultimate price.
Construction accidents, industrial incidents, and exposure to toxic substances are common sources of workplace wrongful death claims. These cases often involve complex regulations and safety standards that employers should have followed.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, Texas law recognizes that surviving family members suffer real financial and emotional harm. The damages available in wrongful death cases attempt to address these losses. Call a Lawyer to understand what your family may be entitled to and how to protect your rights during this difficult time.
Economic Damages
These represent the financial support your loved one would have provided if they had lived. This includes not just their salary, but also benefits, retirement contributions, and other financial contributions to the family.
Calculating these damages requires careful analysis of the deceased person’s earning capacity, career trajectory, and work-life expectancy. We work with economists and other experts so the calculations are accurate and complete.
Loss of Companionship and Society
Texas law recognizes that family relationships have value beyond financial support. The loss of a spouse’s companionship, a parent’s guidance, or a child’s love represents a real and compensable loss.
These damages are more difficult to quantify than economic losses, but they’re equally important. They acknowledge that families lose more than just financial support when someone dies—they lose the intangible benefits of the relationship itself.
Mental Anguish
The emotional impact of losing a loved one to someone else’s negligence can be devastating. Texas law allows recovery for the mental anguish experienced by surviving family members.
This isn’t just about the grief of loss—it’s about the additional pain caused by knowing the death was preventable. The anger, frustration, and emotional trauma that come with this knowledge are real and compensable damages.
The Investigation Process
Building a strong wrongful death case requires a thorough investigation, and time is often of the essence. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and memories fade. That’s why we begin investigating immediately after being hired.
Our investigation process typically includes reviewing all available documents, interviewing witnesses, consulting with experts, and reconstructing the events that led to the death. We leave no stone unturned in building the strongest possible case. For example, In car accident cases we might work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what happened.
The goal isn’t just to prove that someone was negligent—it’s to build a compelling case that demonstrates the full impact of that negligence on your family.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a wrongful death, you’ll likely find yourself dealing with insurance companies. This can be overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving and trying to handle funeral arrangements and estate matters.
Insurance companies aren’t necessarily your enemy, but they’re not your friend either. Their job is to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. They have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to limit their liability, which is exactly why Lawyers Can Help Maximize Your Compensation by pushing back and demanding a fair outcome for your family.
You need someone on your side who understands how insurance companies operate and can negotiate effectively on your behalf. We handle all communications with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your family and your grief.
What Should I Expect?
Every wrongful death case is different, but most follow a similar general process. Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and uncertainty during an already difficult time.
The process typically begins with an initial consultation where we learn about your situation and explain your legal options. If you decide to move forward, we’ll begin our investigation and start building your case.
Most wrongful death cases settle before trial, but that doesn’t mean the process is simple or quick. Negotiations can take months or even years, depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the other side to negotiate fairly.
If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. We’ve been fighting for our clients for over 40 years and aren’t afraid to fight for your family in court.
Why Choose Ferrer Poirot as Your Advocate
When you’re facing one of the worst moments of your life, you need lawyers who understand both the legal nuances and the emotional challenges you’re facing. We’ve been helping Dallas families through wrongful death cases for years, and we know how to fight for justice while treating you with the compassion you deserve.
We don’t take every case that walks through our door. We only accept cases where we believe we can make a real difference for our clients. When we do take a case, we commit fully to achieving the best possible outcome.
Our approach is thorough, aggressive, and personal. We investigate every angle, consult with the best experts, and never settle for less than what your family deserves. But we also understand that you’re not just another case file—you’re a family dealing with unimaginable loss. Contact Us for a Free Consultation so we can help you take the next step forward.
The Path Forward
Losing someone you love is never easy, but losing them to someone else’s negligence adds another layer of emotions. While we can’t bring your loved one back, we can help see that those responsible are held accountable and that your family receives the compensation you deserve.
The legal system isn’t perfect, but it’s one of the tools we have to seek justice and prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families. Every wrongful death case we win sends a message that negligence has consequences and that human life has value.
If you’re reading this because you’ve lost someone you love, we’re sorry for your loss. We know that nothing can truly make this right, but we’re here to help you through the legal process and fight for the justice your family deserves. You May Still Be Eligible for Compensation in Texas, even if time has passed or you’re unsure who’s at fault—speak with our team to learn your options.
Contact Us Today
Time is crucial in wrongful death cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and legal deadlines approach quickly. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your family’s rights and build a strong case.
We offer free consultations for wrongful death cases, and we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Don’t face this difficult time alone. Contact Ferrer Poirot Feller today to learn how we can help your family seek justice and move forward. We’re here to fight for you, support you, and help you through this challenging process.
Your loved one’s life mattered, and their death shouldn’t be forgotten or ignored. Let us help your family receive the compensation and closure you deserve.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Call (888) 485-8844 today.