Houston Wrongful Death Attorneys
Wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. These cases arise from situations where the deceased would have had a valid personal injury claim had they survived.
Common examples of wrongful death cases include:
- Fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
- Workplace and construction accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective or dangerous products
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Premises liability incidents, such as fatal falls or unsafe property conditions
- Acts of violence or gross misconduct
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or misconduct is devastating. Beyond the emotional pain, families are often left facing sudden financial burdens, unanswered questions, and a deep sense that the loss should never have happened. At Matthews & Associates, our Houston wrongful death lawyers help families across the country pursue justice, accountability, and financial security after a tragic loss.
We are a national trial firm of more than 20 attorneys, with our principal office in Houston and additional locations in New York and Salinas, California. For decades, our attorneys have represented families across the country in cases involving catastrophic injury, defective products, dangerous drugs, and wrongful death.
Contact our team today at (888) 923-7001 to schedule a free case evaluation.
We may file or settle a claim individually or as part of a group on a case-by-case basis.
Whether your claim is filed individually or as part of a group fighting the same defendant, our goal is always to provide each of our clients with individual attention. This boutique-level service, combined with our national litigation powerhouse capabilities, ensures you receive both personalized care and the resources necessary to take on the largest corporations and manufacturers.
A Track Record Built on Results
Throughout our firm's history, our attorneys have secured substantial verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured clients and grieving families nationwide, including:
- $73 million for a client injured by a defective vaginal mesh implant
- $34 million for a client harmed by a defectively designed blood clot filter
- $17 million for a client burned in an explosion caused by a utility company's negligence
- $3.4 million jury verdict for a victim of a violent crime
These results reflect the same preparation, investigation, and courtroom readiness our attorneys bring to every wrongful death claim we accept. Past results don't guarantee a specific outcome in any new case, but they reflect the caliber of advocacy your family can expect from our team.
Our attorneys have also been recognized by some of the legal profession's most respected organizations, including Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News & World Report's Best Law Firms, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and the National Trial Lawyers.
Wrongful Death Laws
Wrongful death laws are governed by state statutes, which determine who can file a claim, what damages are recoverable, and how long families have to take legal action. While specific rules vary, most states share common legal principles.
Key elements typically required in a wrongful death case include:
- A death occurred
- The death was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful act
- Surviving family members suffered damages as a result of the death
Statutes of limitations also apply. In many states, families have a limited time—often one to three years from the date of death—to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery. Speaking with a Houston wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure your rights are protected, even if the incident occurred outside Texas.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Who may file a wrongful death claim depends on state law, but eligible parties often include:
- The surviving spouse
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
- The personal representative or executor of the estate
Some states allow extended family members or dependents to file claims under certain circumstances, while others restrict recovery to immediate family only. In many cases, the estate may also bring a related survival action to recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had lived, such as pain and suffering before death.
A Houston wrongful death lawyer can determine who has standing to file and ensure that claims are brought correctly to avoid delays or dismissal.
Compensation for Families
Wrongful death compensation is intended to ease the financial impact of a tragic loss and acknowledge the harm suffered by surviving family members. Depending on state law and the facts of the case, compensation may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
- Loss of the deceased’s income and future earning capacity
- Loss of benefits, such as health insurance or retirement contributions
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
- Pain and suffering of surviving family members
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Our Houston wrongful death attorneys work with financial experts, economists, and medical professionals to accurately calculate the full value of your claim—both now and in the years to come.
Unwavering Integrity, Total Accessibility, and No Upfront Costs
At Matthews & Associates, ethics and transparency form the foundation of our client relationships. We understand that sudden, tragic losses bring immense financial strain alongside emotional grief. To ensure that high-caliber legal protection is accessible to everyone when it matters most, our firm operates strictly on a contingency fee basis.
This means there are absolutely no upfront legal fees, retainer costs, or out-of-pocket expenses for your family. We absorb the complete financial risk of investigating, building, and litigating your wrongful death claim—we only collect our legal fees if we successfully win or settle your case. Furthermore, to accommodate mourning families across the United States, we offer fully bilingual support (English and Spanish) and seamless virtual consultations, eliminating any geographic or communication barriers to justice.
Wrongful Death FAQs
How long does a wrongful death case take?
Timelines vary based on the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months, while others take longer.
Do I have to go to court?
Many wrongful death cases settle out of court. However, filing a lawsuit is often necessary to preserve your claim and push insurers toward fair compensation.
What if the death is still under investigation?
You may still be able to begin the legal process. A wrongful death lawyer can work alongside ongoing investigations and ensure evidence is preserved.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
Most wrongful death lawyers, including Matthews & Associates, work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and legal fees are only paid if compensation is recovered.
Can I file a claim if the death happened outside Houston?
Yes. Although we are Houston wrongful death lawyers, we handle cases nationwide and apply the appropriate state laws to your claim.
We're Ready to Fight For You!
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“Very informative and professional.”
- Lydia C.Very informative and professional. Answer thoroughly all my questions and concerns.
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“Very professional from the beginning”
- Jeffrey E.Very professional from the beginning. always answered questions and had amazing follow through on insuring data submitted was accurate
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“They are so helpful, kind, and knowledgeable.”
I love these guys! They are so helpful, kind, knowledgeable, smart, and good with people. They answer all your questions and if they don't know the answer, it doesn't take them long to get you the answer! I wouldn't want anyone else to handle my suit. They are AWESOME!- Genie S. -
“Matthews & Associates is one of a kind.”
Matthews & Associates is one of a kind. They treat you with respect. They support you when needed. Plus they have locations in Texas and California with wonderful customer service. Bilingual service is always available.- Sorangel T. -
“Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case.”
- Ron S.Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case. They were always polite when they were talking to me. Very professional and polite.
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“Always available & answers questions promptly.”
I've been working with Matthews & Associates for 2 years. I am impressed that the firm is always available and answers questions promptly. I am very satisfied with the services they provide and would recommend them.- Kweli Y.
How a Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
Wrongful death cases are emotionally and legally complex. Insurance companies and corporate defendants often move quickly to limit their liability, sometimes before families fully understand their rights.
At Matthews & Associates, our approach includes:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the death
- Preserving and analyzing critical evidence
- Identifying all liable parties, including third parties
- Handling all communication with insurers and defense attorneys
- Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement
- Taking the case to trial if necessary
We handle wrongful death claims nationwide and provide compassionate, clear guidance at every stage of the process.
Call (888) 923-7001 or contact us online to let our firm help your family during this difficult time.
