Wrongful Death Law Firm in Dallas, TX: $25 Billion in Settlements & Verdicts
If you lost someone you love, thinking about the future can seem impossible. You may face countless challenges as you try to rebuild, and you shouldn’t have to face them alone. Our Dallas wrongful death attorneys can pursue the financial compensation you need to create a more stable future for your family. Your loved one can’t fight for answers from those who should have prevented this suffering. You must be their voice, and Arnold & Itkin can provide the counsel you need.
From the Video: What Families Need
“One of the things that we’ve seen that’s just the hardest for families is not knowing what happened or knowing that somebody got away with it and weren’t held responsible.”
Call (888) 493-1629 to speak with our wrongful death lawyers in Dallas. Your consultation is completely free, and you pay no attorney fees or litigation expenses unless we win.
In simplest terms, a wrongful death occurs when negligence or wrongdoing causes someone’s death. For example, a claim might be possible after a worker was killed because a company failed to follow basic safety standards. The family would need a skilled Dallas wrongful death attorney to show that the loss was preventable and caused by the employer’s negligence.
These claims often require evidence showing what the responsible party should have done, how its conduct caused the fatal injury, and which losses followed. Relevant evidence may include accident reports, safety logs, maintenance records, electronic data, photographs, medical records, and witness testimony. We examine the available evidence and identify the people and companies whose conduct played a role in the death.
Leading Causes of Wrongful Death in Dallas, TX
Preventable deaths can occur in many circumstances. Two of the most common causes our wrongful death law firm in Dallas handles are fatal workplace incidents and motor vehicle accidents.
Fatal Workplace Accidents
Texas reported 564 occupational fatalities in 2023. Fatal incidents can occur in construction, transportation, warehouses, oilfields, plants, refineries, and other industrial settings. Wherever an employee is assigned, a fatal incident may involve unsafe machinery, missing safety equipment, inadequate training, or another failure to follow required procedures. The evidence determines whether an employer, contractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner, or another party may bear responsibility.
Our attorneys handle claims involving any kind of deadly work accident. In these situations, the available legal options depend on the employer’s workers’ compensation status, the conduct involved, and whether a third party played a role. Texas is unique in that it doesn’t require every private employer to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Claims involving non-subscriber employers and alleged gross negligence require careful legal analysis to determine the best path toward accountability and fair compensation.
Oilfield & Industrial Fatalities
Our attorneys handle oilfield and industrial claims connected to operations in areas such as the Barnett Shale, Haynesville Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, and Permian Basin. Dallas also has longstanding ties to the energy sector, including figures such as H.L. Hunt and companies such as Energy Transfer. In any fatal incident, responsibility must be determined from the evidence specific to the event.
A significant number of Dallas wrongful death lawsuits involve industrial accidents and families seeking accountability from companies that put profits over safety.
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents
Fatal motor vehicle accidents on Dallas roads are a leading cause of accidental death. The city of Dallas averages about 15 traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents, one of the highest rates among large U.S. cities, which led the city to implement a program called Vision Zero, which is aimed at reducing severe injury accidents by 50% and eliminating traffic fatalities by 2030. In 2024, however, there were 227 traffic accident deaths in the city of Dallas, the second-highest in the state.
Many deadly accidents could have been prevented if a driver had paid attention or obeyed traffic laws. A manufacturer might also be liable when a defective vehicle or component played a role in the death. Even negligently maintained roadways may play a role in a wrongful death on a Dallas highway or city street. Depending on the evidence, families may bring claims against negligent drivers, manufacturers, trucking companies, employers, and other responsible parties.
Other Accidental Fatalities
Wrongful death claims may also arise from falls, dangerous property conditions, drownings and water-related incidents, defective products, medical malpractice, or unsafe drugs and medical devices. Although the circumstances vary, each case turns on whether wrongful conduct caused a preventable death.
Filing Wrongful Death Claims in Dallas & Nationwide
A wrongful death claim may begin with an investigation into the fatal incident, the available evidence, and every potentially responsible party. The next stages may include filing suit in the proper court, exchanging documents and testimony through discovery, evaluating settlement options, and proceeding to trial when a resolution isn’t reached.
From the outset, we build each case to withstand trial.
A lawsuit generally may be filed in a Texas county where all or a substantial part of the events occurred or where the defendant is located. Claims involving a governmental unit may also require formal notice, and some local notice deadlines can be as short as six months after the incident. We carry the financial risks of litigation under our contingency fee arrangement, so clients don’t pay attorney fees or litigation expenses unless we win a verdict or settlement.
Every investigation is shaped by the incident. Workplace cases may require safety policies and equipment records, while vehicle cases may involve electronic data, driver records, inspection documents, and evidence from the crash scene. Acting promptly can help preserve evidence before it is lost, altered, or destroyed.
Our Dallas wrongful death attorneys represent families after incidents involving:
Wrongful death cases are not limited to physical accidents; they can also stem from systemic issues such as a lack of regulatory compliance or inadequate safety measures. Our firm meticulously analyzes each claim, identifying all liable parties, including direct perpetrators and companies or individuals who failed to act responsibly.
Recent Cases & Filings
Our Dallas wrongful death lawyers have filed suit on behalf of the family of an elderly man who lost his life in an apartment fire in Dallas County. We are working to find answers and hold responsible parties accountable.
Some of our other recent wrongful death cases include:
Wrongful death cases filed in Dallas are governed by Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code. These claims proceed in civil court. Separate criminal charges may be filed if the conduct was illegal, but civil and criminal proceedings have different purposes and separate judgments.
In Dallas and statewide, the right to file a wrongful death action is limited to:
The surviving spouse of the decedent
The minor or adult children of the decedent
The parents of the decedent
Legally adopted children of the decedent
Adoptive parents of the decedent
A spouse, child, or parent may bring the action for the benefit of all eligible beneficiaries. Siblings, grandparents, and more distant relatives typically don’t have statutory standing to file. If no eligible family member acts within three calendar months after the death, the executor or administrator of the estate generally must bring the action unless all eligible beneficiaries request otherwise.
A wrongful death action generally requires evidence that the death resulted from another party’s wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default and that the deceased person could have pursued a personal injury claim had they survived. The case commonly examines duty, breach, causation, and the legally recognized losses suffered by eligible family members.
Proportionate responsibility rules can reduce a recovery by the percentage of responsibility assigned to the deceased person. Recovery is barred if that percentage exceeds 50%. Because multiple parties may share responsibility, identifying every contributing person and company is an important part of the investigation and pursuit of full compensation.
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Dallas with Proven Results
Causing someone’s death is the worst, most unthinkable thing a company can do. In cases like these, we take it upon ourselves to ensure negligent companies pay as much as possible for their wrongdoing. That’s why many of our victories set state and national records. It's how we can hold them accountable for what they've done.
$860 Million Wrongful Death Verdict After Fatal Dallas Crane Accident
One of our most notable wrongful death cases involved a fatal crane accident in Dallas. We represented the mother of a young woman who lost her life after a crane collapsed on her apartment, where she and her fiancé were making dinner. We pursued claims against the real estate developer regarding the crane’s presence in her Downtown Dallas neighborhood, and we took the case to court. They tried to shift the blame entirely to the crane operator and owner, but we persisted. The jury awarded our client a record $860 million.
Our other wrongful death case results in Dallas and beyond include:
$125 million settlement for the widow of a dredge worker killed in an offshore explosion.
$81 million settlement for two adult children who lost their mother in an accident.
$32 million settlement for the family of a man who was killed in an accident near a construction site.
“I always knew they had our best interests at heart, that they cared about us…Now we can finally get over grieving and get a little happier in life, so we don’t have to relive it every day.”
No verdict or settlement can undo tragedy, but we know how to pursue answers, seek justice from those at fault, and fight for the compensation our clients need to move forward. We prepare every case for trial so we’re ready to present the evidence when responsible parties refuse a fair resolution. We can’t promise specific results, but we commit to fighting tirelessly for every client we represent. No matter what.
Compensation in a wrongful death claim can include economic and non-economic damages, which address different aspects of a family’s loss. Punitive damages may also be available when the evidence and applicable law support them.
Economic damages may address financial losses associated with the death, including:
Medical costs
Funeral and burial costs
Lost income and benefits
Non-economic damages may address emotional and intangible losses suffered by the family:
Every claim is different, and its value depends on the evidence and several individual factors. Our goal as Dallas wrongful death attorneys is to pursue compensation that addresses the family’s proven losses while holding at-fault parties accountable.
The following factors may influence the value of a wrongful death claim:
The age and overall health of the deceased
The deceased’s earning potential and future career prospects
The specifics of how the death occurred, including the degree of negligence involved
The number and needs of the deceased’s dependents, such as children and a spouse
Medical bills and other costs incurred leading up to the victim’s death
Statute of Limitations on Dallas Wrongful Death Actions
In Texas, a wrongful death lawsuit generally must be filed no later than two years after the deceased person’s death. Missing the applicable deadline can prevent eligible family members from pursuing the claim.
The filing deadline isn’t the only time-sensitive issue. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and governmental claims may involve separate notice requirements. Families should speak with our wrongful death attorneys in Dallas as soon as they’re ready so we can identify the deadlines that apply to their circumstances.
Wrongful Death Claims & Loss of Consortium
Wrongful death claims are among the few civil claims that can recover social or emotional losses. No financial support can replace a loved one’s intimacy and care, but spouses may seek justice for losses that aren’t readily quantifiable. Chief among these is the loss of consortium.
Under Texas law, the elements of a loss of consortium claim require that:
The plaintiff be married to the decedent when the injury occurred
The injury to one spouse led to the loss of consortium of the surviving spouse
The defendant’s actions were the proximate cause of injury
Loss of consortium allows a spouse to claim the loss of an intimate romantic partner. Consortium benefits include the physical, emotional, and psychological benefits that person received from the relationship. Although difficult to measure, these benefits have a concrete effect on quality of life. Children and parents may pursue parallel claims. Loss of filial consortium concerns the affection a parent loses after the death of a child, while loss of parental guidance concerns surviving minors affected by a parent’s death.
Survivorship Claims & Survival Actions
Survivorship claims, also known as survival actions, allow a deceased person’s estate to pursue compensation for injuries and damages the person could have claimed if they had survived. These claims may cover damages incurred from the time of injury until death, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. A survival action is distinct from a wrongful death action, which addresses eligible family members’ losses resulting from the death.
Start Getting Answers. Contact Our Dallas Wrongful Death Attorneys Today.
Your family is facing a future far different from the one you imagined. We pursue justice from at-fault parties while providing the personal attention and care you need during this traumatic time. We know this moment is difficult, and we’re ready to fight for the answers and accountability your family deserves.
Arnold & Itkin has earned a reputation as an advocate for families during the most difficult moments of their lives. Our founding partners, Kurt Arnold and Jason Itkin, have been consistently recognized by respected legal organizations across the country. Both attorneys are featured in The Best Lawyers in America, an honor earned through rigorous peer review and a history of outstanding results.
We’re also named to Best Law Firms, and Kurt and Jason have each been selected for inclusion in Texas Super Lawyers, an honor reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in the state. They are also members of The Inner Circle of Advocates, an exclusive, invitation-only group limited to the 100 best plaintiff trial lawyers in the U.S. Our record-setting victories reflect our refusal to back down from a fight. While we can’t change what happened to your loved one, our Dallas wrongful death lawyers are ready to pursue answers from those responsible.
A wrongful death law firm in Dallas should work towards making sure your financial future is secure after losing a loved one. This often means recovering compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, and other monetary losses caused by a person’s passing. Additionally, an attorney can work to recover non-monetary losses associated with emotional suffering, loss of companionship, loss of guidance, and more. In some cases, punitive damages are possible. This form of compensation is meant purely as a punishment for parties that were particularly negligent and caused the early death of a person.
When Should I Contact a Wrongful Death Law Firm in Dallas?
Contacting a wrongful death firm should be one of the first things you do after your loved one has passed away. While it might feel hard to examine your legal options, doing so quickly means that your lawyer will have as much time as possible to prepare your claim—giving your case the best chance possible for success. Importantly, you should still contact an attorney, even if it’s been a while since the passing of your loved one. Doing so will help you understand your options and make up for any lost time.
How Much Does Help from a Dallas Wrongful Death Attorney Cost?
Getting help from our wrongful death lawyers costs nothing up front. Our firm works on something called a contingency fee—an agreement that means we cover all costs associated with a case. If we don’t secure results on your behalf, you won’t have to pay us anything. We do this to make our services attainable for anyone and to make sure our clients aren’t going through more economic stress than they’re already experiencing. For us, your recovery is the most important part of any case—working with contingency fees helps us prove this to you.
How Do You File a Wrongful Death Claim in Dallas?
Filing a wrongful death claim in Dallas starts with a free consultation with our law firm. Speaking to a member of our team comes with no obligations and will help you discover what your options are. We’re ready to listen to your story and inform you on what steps to take next to secure justice for your family.
Are Wrongful Death Settlements Taxed?
Compensatory damages for a wrongful death are generally not taxable as income under federal law, and Texas has no state income tax. That's true whether the money is paid in a lump sum or over time, and the same rule applies to personal injury settlements for physical injuries. Punitive damages and interest are generally taxable, so it's worth talking to a tax professional before you settle.
What Are Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Dallas?
Wrongful deaths in Dallas often occur due to vehicular accidents and workplace incidents. Vehicular accidents are particularly prevalent, exacerbated by the city's bustling roadways and significant traffic congestion. The rise in commercial vehicle activity on interstates like I-35 and I-635 contributes to the frequency of serious accidents. Workplace accidents, especially in industries prevalent in Dallas, such as construction and oil and gas, also significantly contribute to wrongful deaths stemming from unsafe working conditions or equipment failures.
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Claim Typically Take?
The duration of a wrongful death claim in Dallas can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the claim, the willingness of parties to negotiate, and the court’s schedule. On average, such claims may take several months to a few years to resolve. Simple claims with clear evidence might conclude in a timely manner through settlement negotiations, while more complex claims requiring extensive investigation or going to trial will typically take longer. At Arnold & Itkin, we aim to move your claim forward as efficiently as possible without compromising thoroughness and your entitlement to maximum compensation.
What Compensation Can You Expect from a Wrongful Death Claim?
Compensation from a wrongful death claim in Dallas typically includes both economic and non-economic damages. Economic compensation covers quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future earnings, and benefits. Non-economic damages address less tangible impacts such as emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. In some claims, punitive damages may be awarded to punish negligent parties and deter similar behavior in the future. Arnold & Itkin is committed to seeking comprehensive compensation that acknowledges both the financial and emotional toll your loss has taken.
