Houston Wrongful Death Accident Attorneys

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of wrongful death, often resulting from careless or reckless behavior on the part of drivers. These accidents span multiple categories:

Car Crashes

Distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are frequent causes of fatal car accidents. High-speed collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, and rollovers caused by negligent driving can lead to instant fatalities.

Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks pose significant dangers on the road due to their size and weight. Fatal truck accidents are commonly caused by driver fatigue, improper maintenance, overloading, or violations of federal safety regulations. Trucking companies may also be held liable for negligent hiring, poor training practices, or enforcing unrealistic delivery schedules that push drivers to unsafe limits.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists face increased risks of fatal injuries due to their lack of physical protection. Many motorcycle fatalities occur when drivers fail to yield, make unsafe lane changes, or are distracted while driving. The vulnerability of motorcyclists makes even minor collisions deadly.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable due to the absence of protective barriers. Fatal accidents often result from drivers failing to yield, running stop signs, or engaging in distracted driving, such as texting. These accidents disproportionately affect children and elderly individuals in crosswalks or residential areas.

Workplace Accidents

Workplace fatalities can happen in any industry but are especially prevalent in high-risk occupations such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Employers who fail to enforce safety regulations, provide proper training, or maintain a safe environment may be held accountable. In some cases, third-party contractors or equipment manufacturers may share liability.

Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but fatalities often result from preventable incidents like falls from scaffolding, crane collapses, or being struck by falling objects. Employers may be liable if they fail to supply workers with proper safety equipment or training.

Industrial Accidents

Workers in industrial settings face exposure to hazardous chemicals, explosions, or faulty machinery. Fatalities often occur due to inadequate safety protocols or equipment maintenance.

Transportation-Related Incidents

Workers involved in driving, delivery, or operating heavy equipment face high risks. Fatal accidents may stem from vehicle malfunctions, improper training, or negligent scheduling practices that lead to driver fatigue.

Medical Malpractice

Fatalities caused by medical errors or negligence are a common source of wrongful death claims. These cases can involve liability for hospitals, doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals who fail to provide an acceptable standard of care.

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

Failing to diagnose conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or severe infections can have fatal consequences. When early detection and treatment could have saved a life, healthcare providers may be held accountable.

Surgical Errors

Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site, leaving surgical instruments inside the body, or causing unintended damage to organs, can lead to fatal outcomes.

Medication Errors

Administering the wrong medication, prescribing incorrect dosages, or failing to account for drug interactions can result in death, especially for vulnerable patients.

Failure to Monitor Patients

Post-operative care is critical, and neglecting to detect complications like internal bleeding or infections can result in preventable fatalities.

Defective Products

Defective or dangerous products can cause fatal injuries, leading to product liability claims. These cases often involve manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who fail to ensure the safety of their products.

Faulty Vehicle Components

Defects in essential parts such as brakes, airbags, or tires can lead to deadly accidents. Manufacturers may be held liable for releasing unsafe vehicles.

Unsafe Household Products

Appliances, tools, or children’s toys that malfunction or lack proper safety warnings can cause fatal injuries in the home.

Dangerous Drugs or Medical Devices

Medications with undisclosed side effects or malfunctioning medical devices like pacemakers can lead to unexpected fatalities. Pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers may be held responsible.

Common Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases and How We Overcome Them

Wrongful death cases are emotionally, legally, and procedurally complex. Families grieving their loss often face numerous challenges in seeking justice and fair compensation. At the Lassiter Law Firm, we recognize these hurdles and have the experience, resources, and dedication to help you overcome them. Below are some of the most common challenges in wrongful death cases and how we address them.

Establishing Liability

One of the most significant challenges in wrongful death cases is proving who is legally responsible for the death. Liability may involve multiple parties, such as employers, manufacturers, or medical professionals, depending on the circumstances of the case. To overcome this, we conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties. Our process includes collecting key evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements. We also collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction, forensic medicine, and engineering to build a strong and compelling case. By leaving no stone unturned, we ensure every responsible party is held accountable for their actions or negligence.

Gathering and Preserving Evidence

Crucial evidence can be lost, destroyed, or even concealed, especially when dealing with large corporations, insurance companies, or negligent parties. To counteract this, we act swiftly to preserve and secure critical evidence. Depending on the specifics of your case, our attorneys can issue preservation letters to prevent tampering with electronic logs, maintenance records, and video footage. We also use subpoenas to obtain important documents and work with forensic experts to analyze data such as black box recordings, safety logs, and surveillance footage. This proactive approach ensures that essential evidence is protected and presented effectively to strengthen your case.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize or deny wrongful death claims, such as shifting blame, disputing medical costs, or offering lowball settlements. Our experienced attorneys handle all communication and negotiation with insurers on your behalf. We aggressively push back against unfair blame-shifting and compile comprehensive evidence to counter inadequate settlement offers. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly, we are fully prepared to take the case to court, signaling our readiness to fight for justice. This ensures that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Valuing the Claim Accurately

Determining the full value of a wrongful death claim is challenging, as it involves both economic and non-economic damages. These may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. To overcome this, we work with economists, medical professionals, and vocational experts to calculate the total impact of the loss. We estimate future earnings based on the deceased’s age, occupation, and career trajectory, while documenting non-economic damages such as emotional distress and loss of guidance or support. Our comprehensive valuation ensures that no aspect of your loss is overlooked, allowing us to pursue the full extent of compensation you deserve.

Navigating Legal and Procedural Complexities

Wrongful death laws vary by state, and adhering to legal deadlines and procedural requirements can be overwhelming for grieving families. Missing a statute of limitations or failing to meet procedural obligations can jeopardize a claim. At the Lassiter Law Firm, we take full responsibility for managing the legal process. This includes filing your claim within the applicable statute of limitations (two years in Texas) and handling all paperwork, filings, and court deadlines. By managing every detail, we ensure your case progresses smoothly, allowing you to focus on healing.