Losing a loved one because of someone else's mistake leaves a mark that never fades. The grief is heavy, and the questions pile up. Bills arrive, plans change, and the future feels uncertain. Texas law gives certain family members the right to take legal action, but the rules are strict and the process can be confusing. Knowing who can file, what needs to be shown, and how much time you have is not just helpful. It's necessary, especially for families dealing with wrongful death cases in Houston.
Our compassionate wrongful death attorneys help families seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable while providing caring, dedicated support throughout the legal process. Whether the loss happened in a car wreck, at work, or because of a medical mistake, the legal side can feel like too much to handle when you're already dealing with loss. That's where we come in. We take care of the legal work so you can focus on what matters most. Your family.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to another's negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. Our experienced attorneys handle wrongful death cases resulting from:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Dangerous products
- Construction accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Premises liability incidents
- Nursing home neglect
- Criminal acts
- Aviation accidents
- Maritime accidents
Who We Help File Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Texas
Texas law is clear about who can file a wrongful death claim, and the order matters. Not everyone who cared about the person who died has the right to bring a case. If you're unsure about your rights, it's smart to ask before time runs out.
- Surviving Spouse: The person's husband or wife has the first right to file a claim.
- Children of the Deceased: Both biological and adopted children can file, even if the spouse does not.
- Parents of the Deceased: If there's no spouse or children, parents can bring the claim.
- Estate Representative: If no family member files within three months, the estate's executor can file for the eligible survivors.
Siblings, grandparents, and other relatives are not allowed to file under Texas law, no matter how close they were. The rules are strict, and missing the window means losing the chance to recover damages. If you're not sure if you qualify, don't wait to find out.
What We Recover for Families After a Wrongful Death
Texas law allows families to recover several types of damages. These go beyond lost paychecks. They cover the full impact of losing someone important.
- Loss of Financial Support: The money and benefits your loved one would have earned and provided.
- Loss of Companionship and Care: The support, love, and guidance that’s now missing.
- Mental Anguish and Grief: The pain and suffering that comes with sudden loss.
- Loss of Inheritance: The value your loved one would have built and left behind.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: The immediate expenses for final arrangements.
Every case is different. The amount depends on things like age, earning history, and the relationship between the person who died and those left behind. Insurance companies often try to downplay these losses, especially the ones that can’t be measured with a calculator. We push back and fight for the full amount allowed by law.
Why Our Approach to Wrongful Death Claims Stands Apart from Injury Lawsuits
Wrongful death claims are not the same as personal injury cases. The main difference is who brings the case and what they’re asking for. In injury cases, the person hurt files for their own losses. In wrongful death, the family files because the person didn’t survive. The focus shifts to what the family lost, not what the person would have claimed if they had lived. This changes how we build the case and what we need to prove.
There’s also a strict deadline. Both types of cases usually have a two-year limit in Texas, but for wrongful death, the clock starts on the date of death. If your loved one lived for a while after the accident, that changes when the deadline falls. Missing it means the case can’t be filed, no matter how strong the facts are.
How We Build Strong Cases with Investigators and Experts
Solid evidence is the backbone of a wrongful death claim. We don’t just rely on what’s in the police report. Our team brings in investigators and experts who know how to find the details that matter.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts: They look at crash scenes, vehicle damage, and road conditions to show how the event happened.
- Medical Experts: They review records and reports to confirm the cause of death and connect it to the other party’s actions.
- Workplace Safety Specialists: For job site deaths, they check if safety rules were followed and who failed to protect workers.
- Surveillance and Digital Evidence: We gather camera footage, phone records, and black box data to build a clear timeline.
Insurance companies have their own teams looking for ways to deny or reduce claims. We make sure our evidence stands up to their challenges. The Law Office of Sean Bostic-Sealy PLLC works with trusted professionals who know how to document what really happened, especially in complex Houston cases.
Why Choose Our Firm
Our wrongful death attorneys offer:
- Years of combined experience
- Proven track record of substantial settlements and verdicts
- Resources to take on powerful defendants
- Compassionate, personalized representation
- No fees unless we win your case
Why Acting Fast Matters for Wrongful Death Claims in Texas
Each State’s law limits the time you have to file a wrongful death claim. While legal action may be the last thing on your mind, protecting your rights early is crucial for preserving evidence and building a strong case. Grief and paperwork both take time, and waiting too long can mean losing the right to file. Insurance companies know the deadline and may stall, hoping you’ll run out the clock. Filing early gives you more options and a stronger case.
There are rare exceptions that can extend the deadline, such as cases involving minors or when the person at fault leaves the state. For most families, though, the time-frame is firm. The sooner you start, the better your chances of building a strong case. Evidence fades, and memories change. Acting quickly protects your rights.
Let's Talk About Your Case
You don’t have to face this alone. If someone else’s carelessness took your loved one, you deserve answers and fair compensation. Call the Law Office of Sean Bostic-Sealy PLLC at 832-519-0054 or schedule an appointment to talk about your case and what comes next.
Licensed to Practice Law in Alabama, Connecticut & Texas
Site by.png){kind=logo}