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Award-Winning Houston Wrongful Death Lawyers

If your loved one has been tragically killed in a work-related accident, contact our dedicated Houston wrongful death lawyer at Morrow & Sheppard LLP for a free, confidential consultation.

  • Millions of Dollars Recovered for Our Clients

  • Hundreds of Cases Won in Excess of $1 Billion

  • Help With All Types of Wrongful Death Cases

  • A Track Record of Success

  • Only Pay If You Win

Did You Lose a Loved One in an Accident or Due to Someone Else’s Negligence in Houston, TX?

The Houston wrongful death attorneys at Morrow & Sheppard, LLP specialize in dealing with families that have experienced such tragedy and have developed a unique ability to help those affected by the death. If you lost a loved one in an accident or due to someone else’s negligence, please call us at (800) 489-2216 for a free, confidential consultation.

What is a Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is when someone is killed due to the negligence, neglect, unlawful conduct, or misconduct of another person or entity. Very simply, negligence is a failure to exercise the level of care that an ordinary and reasonable person would under similar circumstances. All persons and entities have an obligation to exercise reasonable care in what they do. For answers to common questions about wrongful death lawsuits, please click here.

Wrongful Death Statistics

Wrongful death happens more often than you might realize. Acts of negligence, recklessness, and wanton disregard for the safety of others can result in fatal accidents in just a matter of seconds. Wrongful death law is about far more than just the numbers, but taking a look at the statistics can help you understand why and how most fatal injuries occur. Here’s some of the latest data from Texas and around the country:

In the U.S., 135,928 people died from fatal unintentional injuries over the span of a single year. Unintentional injuries are currently the fourth leading cause of death in America, behind heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disease.

Unintentional poisoning took the most lives in the U.S. in recent data, with 42,032 deaths in total. Traffic accidents and unintentional falls are the other most common causes of injury-related deaths, with 33,736 and 31,959 deaths, respectively.

In Texas, the leading cause of injury death in 2014 was motor vehicle accidents, accounting for 24% of deaths. Since the year 2000, injuries have been the number one cause of death in Texas for people ages one to 44.

In 2014, an average of 40 Texans died per day from accidental injuries and acts of violence. Car accidents, unintentional poisoning, and unintentional falls were the leading causes.

A Johns Hopkins study found that medical mistakes killed about 250,000 people per year, making it the third-leading cause of death in America. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn’t report it this way because it does not classify medical errors separately on death certificates.

Fatal car accidents, homicides, falls, overdoses, and injury-related deaths can all result in wrongful death lawsuits. If you recently lost your loved one in any accident or act of violence, there is a good chance you have grounds to bring a wrongful death claim. The Texas courts see hundreds of these types of claims each year. You could be one of many families receiving compensation for your tragic loss – especially with help from a Houston wrongful death lawyer at Morrow & Sheppard LLP.

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Actions

When you take the first steps toward financial recovery after the loss of a loved one in Texas, Louisiana, or New Mexico, you’ll hear two main terms describing the legal remedies available: wrongful death lawsuit and survival action. These are two separate processes for those left behind when a family member passes away unexpectedly. One family or plaintiff may be able to recover different types of damages under the provisions of both types of lawsuits.

The point of a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas is to reimburse family members of the deceased person for their damages, while a survival action serves to compensate the deceased person for his or her damages prior to death. In a wrongful death action, the claimant can seek recovery for damages the family suffered as a result of the untimely loss, such as:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Medical bills they paid for the decedent prior to death
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress
  • Loss of companionship, love, and support
  • Loss of the loved one’s income or inheritance
  • Loss of the decedent’s household duties

A survival action, on the other hand, results in much the same damages as a personal injury claim would have, had the deceased person been able to file one for the accident. Recovery in survival actions can include the decedent’s hospital bills, physical pain and emotional suffering, property damage, lost quality of life, and lost wages relating to the fatal accident. The compensation received in a wrongful death lawsuit goes to dependents that survived the loss, such as a spouse, children, or parents. Compensation for survival actions goes directly to the decedent’s estate. The representative of the estate may then distribute it accordingly.

On top of different damages available, there are also different filing and legal processes for wrongful death lawsuits vs. survival actions in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and beyond. To file a wrongful death claim, a claimant must be a child, spouse, or parent of the decedent. To have grounds for a wrongful death claim, the claimant must show that the defendant’s breach of duty caused the victim’s death and that the victim would have been able to file an injury claim had he/she survived. The claimant must also prove that the family suffered actual damages because of the death.

A representative of the estate is the party that brings a survival action on behalf of the decedent, not a family member. To have grounds for a survival action, the claimant must show that the deceased person would have been able to bring a personal injury action before he or she died, as well as show that the defendant’s wrongful act caused the death. The claimant does not, however, have to prove that he or she personally suffered damages. The damages of the decedent are enough to prove this element. There are some cases where surviving family members can recover through both types of claims in Texas. Talk to our Houston wrongful death attorneys about your options.

Why Wrongful Death Lawsuits Are Necessary?

Our Houston wrongful death attorneys at Morrow & Sheppard LLP understand that the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death is one of the most tragic experiences that can occur in anyone’s life. When a family member is lost, the family needs to begin healing, and the last thing they want to worry about is the legal process.

Although nobody wants to file a lawsuit, it is important to ensure the guilty party is held responsible for several reasons. First, to make sure future incidents are prevented so that nobody else is injured. Second, to ensure the lost person’s family does not have to carry the heavy financial burden that comes with premature death. Finally, in many cases, a lawsuit must be filed to figure out what really happened.

Examples of Misconduct Leading to Wrongful Death

Misconduct that causes wrongful death might be a trucker’s failure to slow down in wet road conditions. Or it could be an airline’s failure to properly inspect and maintain its planes. Or it could be an oil refinery’s failure to properly train employees in charge of hazardous and explosive materials. Or it could be a product manufacturer’s failure to manufacture a safe product. There are many other examples so it is best to consult an experienced Houston wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to discuss the specifics of your case.

Corporations and entities are often liable for the wrongful acts of their employees or agents that result in the wrongful death of others.

How to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

If you believe you have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit, start the process by requesting a free consultation with a wrongful death lawyer. A Houston worngful death attorney will make the filing process significantly easier on you and your family, taking care of the paperwork and meeting deadlines on your behalf. The first step of a wrongful death action is for the qualified party (a surviving spouse, child, or parent) to identify the party that caused the loved one’s death. This will typically require an investigation into the accident.

There might be more than one party liable, such as a distracted driver and a product manufacturer. You or a professional will then need to serve all defendants with a notice of your intent to file prior to bringing an actual lawsuit. The defendant(s) will have about 45 to 60 days to respond to your notice. You may receive a settlement offer in response, at which point you can accept the settlement or negotiate for a higher amount. If the defendant denies your claim, you can then take your case to court.

Your civil claim will need to include your name and contact information, an explanation of why you’re filing, and a description of damages you wish to recover. Submit this claim to the correct civil court in your county – for example, the small claims court of Harris County for cases asking less than $10,000. From there, the courts will let you know the time and place of your suit. The defendant can change his mind and offer a settlement at any time during pre-trial meetings. An attorney can take care of all documents and evidence gathering, claims filing, pretrial motions, settlement negotiations, and more.

Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Texas

Bring your potential wrongful death lawsuit to the attention of our attorneys as soon as possible after the passing of a loved one. Time is of the essence as if you miss the state’s deadline, you will almost certainly lose your right to file. In Texas, you have two years from the date of the decedent’s death to file your claim. Claims against government entities typically have shorter deadlines – sometimes as short as just six months for your initial notice. The courts might “toll,” or extend, a deadline in certain circumstances. Talk to our Houston wrongful death lawyers right away to discuss the time limits for filing your specific claim.

Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Damages for wrongful death and/or survival actions are designed to fully compensate the victim and their loved ones for the harm caused. These damages can include:

  • Loss of future income and earnings as a result of death
  • Medical damages sustained prior to death
  • Physical pain and suffering sustained prior to death
  • Loss of care, maintenance, support, services, advice, and counsel that would have been provided by the deceased
  • Loss of love, comfort, companionship, and society that would have been provided by the deceased
  • Mental anguish, including emotional pain, torment, and suffering suffered by the survivors of the deceased

Sometimes, if it is shown that the wrongful conduct was committed willfully, knowingly, or as a result of gross negligence, punitive and exemplary damages can be awarded.

Call a Qualified Wrongful Death Attorney

If you have lost a loved one due to the wrongful conduct of another person or entity, our Houston wrongful death lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP can help. Act now to protect your legal rights. Contact our office at (800) 489-2216 for a free, confidential consultation today.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Excellent
4.9
Rod A.
Rod A.
Thank you so much Griselda for great service and helping me..through of the case..
Dray H.
Dray H.
From the very first consultation, I was struck by their professionalism and commitment. Chris and Daniel took the time to listen to my concerns, understand our situation, and outline a clear path forward. It was apparent that they all were not just going through the motions; they were genuinely invested in achieving the best outcome for my son as he suffered a lot from being hit by a car. Throughout the process, their hard work was evident. Your choice of legal representation can make a world of difference, and I am fortunate to have found a lawyer and Firm who embodies these qualities. Thank you once again for everything; your efforts will not be forgotten. If you need an honest law firm that's going to be transparent and help get the best results, call Morrow and Sheppard.
FRANK H.
FRANK H.
They went through highs and lows to help me with my case. At the end we won thanks morrow & Sheppard so much…
Elena H.
Elena H.
They were professional and very helpful with everything. If had any questions they would be quick to respond and was able to help me understand it better on things during the whole case. Thank you so much and keep up the excellent work.
Pavan L.
Pavan L.
I must recommend MS LLP for their superb services. Their team is very attentive and responsive in assisting at all times.
Cynthia D.
Cynthia D.
Griselda was so helpful and knowledgeable! She made the entire experience seamless and went the extra mile on our case. We are so happy we chose Morrow & Sheppard to represent us!
Michael J.
Michael J.
John Sheppard and Chris West did an outstanding job in representing me following a rear-end collision. Highly recommended!
Jeff S.
Jeff S.
Nick and Laura are the best..They helped every step of the way.Can’t recommend them highly enough.Not only do they get results but they care and make you feel like family.
Cassandra M.
Cassandra M.
They were very professional and understanding. The have patience and do their job well. If I had to return I would with no hesitation
Juber M.
Juber M.
4 months agoI am Extremely Happy with Morrow & Sheppard Lawfirm. I worked closely with Nick Morrow end Laura on my case With the rest of his staff. They were diligent in handling my law case matter to resolution. Laura end Nick would keep me up to date with the status of my case … More , They fought for me to get the best settlement possible.. I am happy with the outcome Thank you Nick and the staff Of MORROW END SHEPPARD LLP
Candace M.
Candace M.
Chris West is an excellent addition to the Morrow & Sheppard team. His skill set, dedication, and overall reliability he brings to the firm and clients are uncanny. You will not be disappointed.
Melis R.
Melis R.
I highly recommend the Morrow & Sheppard to anyone. They are an incredible group that did an outstanding job to make sure I got the highest settlement for my case. Attorney Daniel and his staff are all outstanding professionals with some serious case law knowledge and skill. His group went the extra mile for me and because of that, my life has forever changed. Thank you Attorney Daniel and everyone that’s a part of his firm that worked so hard. I really appreciate you!
D P.
D P.
I am Extremely Happy with Morrow & Sheppard Lawfirm. I worked closely with Daniel Sheppard and Chris on my case. They were diligent in handling my law case matter to resolution. Daniel would keep me up to date with the status of my case and Chris would also ensure all my paper work was submitted in a timely manner. I am Very Happy with the Outcome! Thank you Daniel and Chris. I highly recommend their services and would not hesitate to use them again.
Nikki L.
Nikki L.
Very strong and courageous law firm I recommend to anyone who has suffered a injury from companies who need to be held responsible for lack of safety and security, my family is set for life and with these lawyers never backing down and fighting for truth behind every case and seeking the best future for our family has given our family a second chance at being able to make it in life and holding companies accountable lifting burdens off our lives, very proud and beyond blessed to have had them fight the fight and have a tremendous outcome for our future. Along with a great and kind staff we HIGHLY recommend this law firm.
Marceline A.
Marceline A.
I was a client for 2.5 years after a car accident in 2019 and represented by Patrick McGinnis. He was knowledgable, compassionate, and level headed.His assisting paralegal, Ramona Anaya, was reliable, knowledgable, and kind in all our interactions.They went above and beyond to help me navigate everything that unfolded after my car accident. They were able to secure a favorable settlement before trial.I’m very happy to have had Morrow&Sheppard Firm represent me.
angel martinez J.
angel martinez J.
Professional and knowledgeable with years of experience.
Richard L.
Richard L.
I had a accident and I chose morrow&sheppard they was great from the start to the finish Chris was real informative and helpful was the whole process and got me a fair settlement they really care about there Clients if you in a car accident call them
Amanda W.
Amanda W.
After a car accident last year I went to Morrow & Sheppard for assistance. Jose and Chris were exceptionally accommodating and handled my case with professionalism. They're primary concern was my well being and they went above and beyond to ensure I would receive the best settlement possible. A very efficient and dedicated team!
Susan L.
Susan L.
I've been in the legal field for a while now and not only do I know John Sheppard & Nick Morrow, I have attorney friends that have worked with them throughout the years. This is a great firm and great people that work at Morrow & Sheppard. I have been reading the reviews on here and it makes me happy to see that their clients think as highly of them as I do.
Dale S.
Dale S.
I was injured and my business closed down due to an accident in 2016. Daniel Sheppard became my greatest asset. He hired professional experts for their views and opinions as well as conducting numerous depositions. Daniel is hard working and no nonsense when handling your case. Daniel keeps you informed on what's going on and what to expect. I'm from Louisiana and my case was in Texas. Daniel Sheppard worked alone side my other attorney Yuri Beck, and the both of them did a fantastic job representing me and settling my case. Daniel Sheppard of Morrow & Sheppard in Texas and Yuri Beck of Hunter & Beck in Louisiana are my lawyers for LIFE.
Rosie E.
Rosie E.
Nick Morrow and John Sheppard were the lead attorneys on my case to hold an apartment complex with inadequate security responsible for the death of my son. The two of them were focused and determined to represent me and my son's children with tenacity. As the case continued over time, it became apparent that we were not merely clients that were a means to a financial end to them but people who had experienced a life changing and devastating loss. They realized that as a result of our loss, there needed to be accountability that could only be obtained through legal actions. Throughout the legal process, Nick Morrow and John Sheppard were not only professional and transparent but also compassionate and empathetic as they lead us through the difficult and sometimes confusing legal maze. Every person in their office that was involved with our case exemplified an extension of the genuine concern that began with attorneys Morrow and Sheppard. I have and will continue to recommend this firm to individuals who find themselves in need of legal representation.
Don D.
Don D.
The legal team at Morrow and Shepherd worked hard to help me win my case where a motorist who caused the accident changed her story and lied about the accident. A previous attorney kept telling me that I would probably have to pay some of the medical costs out of my own pocket.Daniel, my attorney, assured me that he would it is best to make sure this did not happen and that he would fight to get me the best compensation possible. He was true to his word.I'm happy with their work, happy with the compensation and would definitely use them again.The Legal Assistant, Chris, was always professional, friendly and polite and a pleasure to work with.A big thanks to the team!Don
Jeff N.
Jeff N.
Nick and his group have helped where they can and are working hard to get a resolution to my injuries. I spoke with 4 different law firms prior to choosing Morrow & Sheppard LLP.ThanksJeff
Elizabeth Swanson V.
Elizabeth Swanson V.
I was referred to Daniel Sheppard because of a car accident I had been in. I was very impressed with how he told me about the process of how things worked and the things to expect. He was very forth coming and always supportive. The experience was a positive one and ended on a great note! I highly recommend him.Elizabeth Varon
Christine E.
Christine E.
Before I engaged John Sheppard, I was concerned that I might lose my case. However, John came onboard, turned things around, and set me on a good course to win. He got up to speed quickly on the facts and determined exactly what we needed to do. He is great at strategy, filing discovery and other motions, and arguing before the court. I was extremely pleased with the outcome of my case. If you need legal help in a personal injury action, commercial law or whatever, hire him immediately! He is a pleasure to work with, will thoroughly explain all to you in a manner you can understand, and will get you the best possible outcome. A+++
BB C.
BB C.
I was seriously injured and they represented me and I was so happy with the outcome and would recommend them to any others seeking professional lawyers. They also set me up with the best doctors. My son and I have now put this lawsuit behind us thanks to Morrow & Sheppard.
Stephen T.
Stephen T.
Phenomenal lawyer. I can not heap enough praise on these guys,.
III 4.
III 4.
Nick Morrow is a GREAT lawyer that really knows his job. He made me feel comfortable about hiring him to handle my case. He’s trustworthy and very compassionate about his work. His staff is awesome also, everyone was nice and friendly to me when I visited the office. The settlement I received exceeded my expectations, it was four times what I expected. I would highly recommend Morrow and Sheppard to anyone needing legal representation. Thanks again Nick!!
tim C.
tim C.
I was injured working offshore. Morrow & Sheppard handled my maritime case and won a great settlement for me. If you have been injured at work, Morrow & Sheppard are great offshore injury lawyers.
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