Dallas Wrongful Death Attorney

The loss of a family member is an undeniably painful experience. But when that person is taken from you because of someone else’s mistake, the grief can feel even heavier. 

At Freese & Goss, we know that no legal case can fill the void your loved one’s passing has left. However, a Dallas wrongful death lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable and ensure your family has the financial security needed to move forward.

We step in to investigate what went wrong, identify who is responsible, and build a case that speaks clearly and powerfully about your loss. We prepare every case as if it may go to trial, because that level of preparation shows the other side that we are serious.

If you are ready to talk, even if you are not sure whether you have a case, call Freese & Goss at (214) 761-6623 or fill out our online form today. There is no pressure and no cost to get answers.

“I have been working with Freese & Goss & my experience working with them has been nothing but exceptional. They have taken the time to explain to me what’s going on with my case, very knowledgeable, & understanding. They also have taken the time to make sure I am aware & informed of every step that is taken, thank you for your knowledge.”

– Vanessa R. | Client

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims

In Dallas, tragic accidents change families forever, far too often. A wrongful death happens when someone loses their life because another person or company acted carelessly, recklessly, or on purpose. For the families left behind, the legal side of things can feel confusing and frustrating at a time when you are already carrying so much.

If you have lost someone because of another party’s actions, speaking with a Dallas wrongful death lawyer can help you understand what your options look like under Texas law. The right legal team will not drown you in technical language. Instead, they will walk you through what happened, explain what the law allows, and take steps to protect your family’s rights. 

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Dallas

Under Texas law, a wrongful death claim may be filed when a person’s death is caused by another’s wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, lack of skill, or failure to act. These cases grow out of real-life events that happen every day across Dallas, including: 

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Traffic crashes remain one of the leading causes of fatal injuries in Dallas County. With heavy congestion on I-35E, I-30, US-75, and the Dallas North Tollway, it only takes one careless decision to change lives forever.

We handle fatal accident cases involving:

• Drunk driving crashes 
• 18-wheeler and commercial truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities
• Hit-and-run crashes

These cases often involve multiple insurance policies and aggressive defense teams. A thorough investigation is critical to uncover what really happened and who should be held responsible.

Medical Malpractice and Hospital Negligence

Hospitals, doctors, and nurses across Dallas have a duty to provide safe and competent care. When that duty is not met, families can lose someone they trusted the medical system to protect.

Wrongful death cases in healthcare settings may involve:

• Surgical mistakes: Operating on the wrong site, anesthesia errors, or preventable complications.
• Missed or delayed diagnoses: Failing to catch cancer, heart disease, infections, or strokes in time.
• Medication errors: Wrong prescriptions, incorrect dosages, or harmful drug interactions.
• Birth injuries: Mistakes during pregnancy monitoring or delivery that lead to fatal outcomes.
• Emergency room errors: Sending a patient home too soon or failing to properly evaluate serious symptoms.

Dangerous and Defective Drugs

Prescription and over-the-counter medications are meant to help people heal. But when a pharmaceutical company releases a drug that is unsafe, or fails to properly warn about serious side effects, the results can be deadly.

We handle cases involving:

• Dangerous prescription drugs linked to heart failure, internal bleeding, cancer, or organ damage
• Undisclosed side effects that were not properly communicated to doctors or patients
• Contaminated medications or manufacturing defects
• Improper marketing of drugs for off-label uses

Workplace Accidents and Industrial Deaths

Dallas is home to major construction projects, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and transportation hubs.

We represent families in fatal workplace accidents involving:

• Construction site falls and equipment failures
• Electrocutions and trench collapses
• Industrial explosions and chemical exposure
• Delivery driver and transportation-related crashes
• Oil, gas, and refinery incidents across North Texas

In some cases, more than one company may share responsibility, including contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or third-party vendors. Identifying every liable party can make a significant difference in the outcome of a Dallas wrongful death lawsuit.

Dangerous Property Conditions (Premises Liability)

Property owners in Dallas have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for guests and visitors. When they ignore hazards or fail to provide proper security, deadly accidents can occur.

These cases may involve:

• Serious slip and fall hazards that lead to fatal head injuries
• Negligent security resulting in violent assaults or shootings
• Swimming pool drownings due to lack of supervision or safety barriers
• Fire code violations or unsafe buildings with blocked exits or faulty wiring

Apartment complexes, shopping centers, hotels, and event venues all have responsibilities under Texas law. When those responsibilities are ignored, families have the right to seek answers.  

At Freese & Goss, we don’t offer generic promises; we offer a team that has sat across the table from hundreds of Dallas families in your exact shoes. We know that a lawsuit can’t fix what is broken, but it can provide the financial stability your family needs and ensure that the same mistake doesn’t happen to someone else.

Deciding what to do next is hard when you’re still processing why this happened in the first place. You might not be sure if you want to go to court, and that’s okay. Whether you are ready to file a claim today or you just need a straightforward answer about a medical bill or an insurance letter, we are here to talk. Call (214) 761-6623 or fill out our online form to speak with a member of our team who will give you the truth.

What to Expect When You File a Wrongful Death Claim

Right now, you may feel like no one truly understands what your family is going through. Friends and relatives try to help, but when the house gets quiet, the weight of it all can feel very isolating. On top of that, you may be wondering whether taking legal action is even the right thing to do or if it will just make everything harder.

When you work with our Dallas wrongful death attorneys, you are not signing up to fight alone. Here is what the process typically looks like, so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: A Private, Honest Conversation

It starts with a phone call or meeting. Nothing formal. No legal jargon. You tell us what happened in your own words.

We will explain:

• Whether Texas law allows your family to file a claim
• Who has the legal right to bring the case (such as a spouse, child, or parent)
• How long you have to act under the statute of limitations
• What the next steps would look like

You will not be asked to make big decisions on the spot. This first conversation is about clarity, not pressure.

Step 2: Immediate Investigation and Evidence Protection

Evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage gets erased. Vehicles are repaired. Records get misplaced.

Our team moves fast to:

• Secure police and incident reports
• Preserve black box data in vehicle crashes
• Obtain medical records and autopsy findings
• Interview witnesses
• Inspect accident scenes
• Send legal notices to prevent destruction of key evidence

In some cases, we work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, or engineers to understand exactly what went wrong. You should not have to chase down answers while planning a funeral. That is our job.

Step 3: Filing the Claim or Lawsuit

Once we understand the facts, we formally notify the responsible party and their insurance carrier. 

The lawsuit explains:

• What happened
• How the defendant’s actions caused the death
• The impact this loss has had on your family

Filing a lawsuit is not as dramatic as it sounds. In many cases, it simply starts a structured legal process that requires the other side to respond.

Step 4: Discovery and Getting the Full Story

This phase is called “discovery,” but it really means information sharing. Both sides exchange documents and take sworn testimony.

We may:

• Question company representatives under oath
• Review internal safety records
• Examine training manuals or maintenance logs
• Analyze insurance coverage details

Many families are surprised at what comes out during this stage. Emails, prior complaints, ignored safety warnings, this is often where the truth surfaces.

Throughout this phase, your involvement is limited. We prepare you carefully for any statement or deposition so you feel confident and supported.

Step 5: Settlement Talks

Most wrongful death cases resolve before trial. Insurance companies often prefer to settle rather than face a jury.

When negotiations begin, we present a detailed demand that outlines the full impact of your loss, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
• Lost income and financial contributions
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and care

We will explain every offer clearly. You decide whether to accept a settlement. We give guidance, but the choice is always yours.

Step 6: Trial (If Necessary)

If the other side refuses to take responsibility, we are prepared to take the case to court.

Freese & Goss is a nationally recognized trial firm. We prepare every case as if it will be presented to a jury. That preparation matters. It shows the defense that we are serious and ready.

Trial can sound intimidating, but you will never walk into a courtroom unprepared. We guide you through every step so there are no surprises.

When you call Freese & Goss, you won’t be walking into this blind or unsure of your footing. Our Dallas wrongful death lawyers will explain every step in plain language, answer your questions honestly, and prepare your case with the care it deserves. 

You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover money for your family. Most of all, you will be treated with real respect, because this is not just a case; it is your loved one’s story. Call (214) 761-6623 or fill out our online form for a confidential conversation today.

The Difference Between a Wrongful Death Claim and Survival Actions

In Texas, there are actually two different ways the law looks at a fatal accident. While they often happen at the same time, they serve different purposes for the family.

• Wrongful Death Claim: This part of the law is for the living. It focuses on the loss felt by the spouse, parents, and children. It helps cover the loss of the loved one’s future income, their guidance, and the deep emotional pain of losing a family member.
• Survival Action: This part of the law is for the person who passed away. It “survives” them, meaning it is the claim they would have filed themselves if they had lived. It usually covers the medical bills they had before they passed, the pain they felt in their final moments, and their funeral costs. These funds typically go to the person’s estate and are distributed according to their will or Texas law.

Dallas Wrongful Death Statistics

The loss of a loved one in Dallas is far too common, and the numbers show how dangerous our city’s streets and workplaces can be:

• Traffic Fatalities: Dallas has one of the highest fatal car crash rates among large U.S. cities. Between 2014 and 2023, there were an average of nearly 14 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents annually, higher than Phoenix, San Antonio, and Houston. In 2025 alone, Dallas recorded 165 fatal crashes, despite overall crashes dropping from over 200 in previous years. Pedestrians remain at high risk, with fatal pedestrian crashes occurring at a rate 57% higher than other Texas cities like Austin, El Paso, and Fort Worth.
• Motorcycle Deaths: Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable. Dallas consistently ranks among the top Texas cities for motorcycle fatalities, with over 200 crashes resulting in death or serious injury in 2025. Speed, distracted driving, and drivers failing to yield are common causes.
• Workplace Accidents: Texas leads the nation in workplace fatalities, and North Texas is no exception. In 2024, 58 deaths were reported on the job in Texas, many in construction, transportation, and industrial settings. These numbers underscore the real risks workers face every day in our city.
• Dangerous Driving Trends: Dallas drivers are 46% more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers in other parts of the country, according to national data. Aggressive driving, heavy traffic, and complex roadways all contribute to these dangerous conditions.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Texas, the law stipulates that only specific individuals have the legal standing to file a Texas wrongful death lawsuit. These include:

1. Surviving Spouse: The spouse of the deceased can file a claim to seek compensation for the loss of companionship and financial support.
2. Children: Both minor and adult children of the deceased can pursue a claim. This includes biological and legally adopted children.
3. Parents: The parents of the deceased can also file a wrongful death case.

If none of these parties files a claim within three months of the death, the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate can pursue the claim unless explicitly requested not to by the surviving family members.

Key Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim

To successfully pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in Dallas, several key elements must be proven:

1. Duty of Care: It must be established that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. For instance, in a car accident, every driver owes a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely.
2. Breach of Duty: It must be demonstrated that the defendant breached this duty of care. This could involve actions such as speeding, driving under the influence, or medical negligence.
3. Causation: There must be a direct link between the breach of duty and the death of the individual. The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions directly caused the fatality.
4. Damages: The plaintiff must show that the death resulted in specific damages, such as funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

Building a Strong Dallas Wrongful Death Case: Evidence That Matters

To win a case, we have to prove that someone else was at fault. We use several types of proof to build a strong foundation for your claim:

• Official Reports: Police reports from the Dallas Police Department, crash reports, OSHA findings, and other incident documentation often provide an initial outline of what happened. 
• Medical Records and Autopsy Findings: These documents establish the official cause of death and the medical timeline. They can reveal whether proper care was given, whether warning signs were missed, and the extent of suffering before your loved one passed.
• Electronic and Digital Evidence: Modern vehicles often contain black box recorders that capture speed, braking, and steering input seconds before a crash. Commercial trucks may store GPS data and driver logs. Cell phone records can reveal texting or app use at the time of impact. 
• Company Internal Records: In cases involving businesses, maintenance logs, safety inspection reports, employee training records, prior complaints, and internal emails may show that a danger was known but ignored. 
• Video and Photographs: Doorbell cameras, nearby businesses, apartment complexes, and traffic cameras throughout Dallas may have captured critical moments. 
• Expert Analysis: Accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, medical experts, toxicologists, and financial professionals help explain not just that something went wrong, but how and why it happened. 
• Financial and Life Impact Evidence: Pay stubs and tax returns help calculate lost income, but the impact goes beyond wages. We may also examine retirement benefits, lost health insurance coverage, and the economic value of the services your loved one provided at home. 

Statute of Limitations To File A Wrongful Death Claim in Texas

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the deceased’s death. This means that the lawsuit must be filed within this timeframe, or the right to pursue compensation may be forfeited. 

There are certain exceptions to this rule, such as cases involving minors or instances where the defendant is a government entity, which may have different limitations and procedural requirements. A Dallas wrongful death lawyer can help you understand these rules. Reach out to Freese & Goss to protect your rights and file your claim on time.

How Much Can I Get in A Wrongful Death Settlement?

When a loved one dies because of someone else’s actions, the law recognizes both the practical and personal impacts of that loss. Here’s what compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses: Costs for laying your loved one to rest.
• Medical expenses: Bills related to their final illness or injury.
• Lost income: The money your loved one would have contributed to your household over time.
• Lost inheritance or financial support: Future contributions your family expected to receive.
• Loss of companionship: The absence of your loved one in daily life — the guidance, care, and shared moments you can never get back.
• Emotional pain and suffering: The grief, heartache, and life changes you experience as a result of the loss.
• Punitive damages (in rare cases): If the person responsible acted recklessly or maliciously, the court may award additional damages to hold them accountable and discourage similar behavior.

It’s also important to share a fact many families don’t know: having an experienced lawyer can make a real difference. A study by Martindale-Nolo found that 9 out of 10 people who hired an attorney received a settlement or award, while only about half of those who tried to handle their case alone received any recovery. This doesn’t guarantee a result, but it highlights how challenging it can be to go up against hospitals or insurance companies without legal guidance.

Freese & Goss: Standing With Your Family When the Unthinkable Happens

Right now, “justice” might feel like a distant concept while you are trying to navigate a life that looks completely different than it did a week ago. You are likely facing a mountain of paperwork and phone calls from insurance adjusters at the exact moment you need quiet and time to breathe. 

At Freese & Goss, we don’t just see another case to add to our docket; we see a family that has been stripped of a future they worked hard to build. 

We have spent decades in courtrooms across Texas because we believe that when someone’s carelessness breaks a family, they should be the ones to carry the financial burden. Our Dallas wrongful death lawyers have secured over $1 billion for our clients by treating every case as if it were going to trial tomorrow. 

We put our own resources on the line to investigate the truth, and because we work on a contingency basis, you won’t see a bill from us unless we successfully put money back into your family’s hands.

Call us at (214) 761-6623 or fill out our online form to talk with our team, who will treat your family with the dignity you deserve. We are here to make sure your loved one’s untimely passing does not go unanswered.