Beaumont Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing someone you love is devastating. When a wrongful death could have been prevented, families are left with grief, questions, and financial pressure. Dugas Law Firm helps families in Beaumont and Southeast Texas pursue accountability and compensation through personal injury litigation.
If a loved one’s death may have been caused by negligence, a conversation with a Beaumont wrongful death lawyer can help clarify your options. Contact Dugas Law Firm at (409) 509-7203 to schedule a no-cost case evaluation.
Dugas Law Firm represents families in wrongful death cases involving:
- Motor vehicle and trucking collisions, including drunk driving, a distracted driver, or fatigued driver
- Bus accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Construction accidents
- Industrial and refinery incidents
- Admiralty and maritime incidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products, including auto defects
- Fires, explosions, and severe burns
- Birth injuries
- Serious harm resulting in catastrophic injuries, including severe brain injuries
What Is a Wrongful Death in Texas?
Under Texas law, a wrongful death may occur when a person’s death (or a fetus’s failure to be born alive) is caused by another party’s negligence, carelessness, recklessness, unskillfulness, or intentional wrongdoing.
A wrongful death claim is a civil case. Its purpose is to help eligible family members recover damages tied to the loss.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
Texas law limits wrongful death claims to the deceased person’s:
- Surviving spouse
- Children
- Parents
One or more eligible family members may file the claim for the benefit of all eligible beneficiaries. If no eligible family member files within a short period, the estate’s personal representative may be able to file in certain situations.
Damages Available in a Beaumont Wrongful Death Case
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost earning capacity and financial support
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Loss of household services and support
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Wrongful Death vs. Survival Action in Texas
Texas also recognizes survival actions.
- A wrongful death claim focuses on the losses suffered by eligible family members.
- A survival action continues the personal injury claim the person could have brought if they had lived, and the recovery generally belongs to the estate.
How Long Do Families Have to File?
Beaumont Workplace Deaths, Workers’ Comp, and Third-Party Claims
What to Do After a Wrongful Death
- Preserve incident reports, medical records, and related documentation
- Save photos, videos, and communications connected to the event
- Identify and record witness contact information
- Avoid signing releases or giving recorded statements prematurely
- Speak with legal counsel early to confirm deadlines and preserve evidence
Further Information & Resources on Truck Accidents
- How Forensic Evidence Can Aid Truck Accident Investigations
- The Dangers of Certain Roadways for Big Rig Trucks
- What to Do After Being Forced Off the Road by an 18-Wheeler
- Understanding Trucking & Legal Terms During Your Case
- Vehicle Factors That Influence Survival in Big Rig Accidents
- Determining Liability in Trucking Accidents
Frequently Asked Questions
How is fault proven in a wrongful death case?
Fault is proven by investigating the incident and showing that the death resulted from negligence or wrongful conduct. Evidence may include reports, witness testimony, medical documentation, and legal analysis.
How is the value of a wrongful death case determined?
Case value depends on lost income and support, the emotional and relational loss to survivors, funeral and medical expenses, and whether punitive damages apply. Every case is fact-specific.
How long do families have to file in Texas?
In most cases, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death.
Contact a Beaumont Wrongful Death Attorney
Dugas Law Firm represents families in Beaumont and across Southeast Texas in wrongful death claims and related actions. To discuss options and next steps, contact the firm at (409) 509-7203 to schedule a no-cost case evaluation.
