Seeking Justice After A Wrongful Death? Our Beaumont Attorneys Can Help.
The sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one is an unimaginable tragedy. It can leave you with overwhelming grief and significant financial burdens. It can be even more unbearable when the accident that caused their death was due to another person’s or company’s negligence.
At Reaud, Morgan & Quinn, L.L.P., our wrongful death attorneys stand ready to help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice your family deserves. Since our founding in 1976, we have represented families such as yours, taking on some of the largest cases in Texas. Defending the rights of hardworking individuals and their families is our priority, and we make sure negligent parties are held responsible for the harm they caused.
Types Of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Texas law considers a death wrongful if it was the result of a party’s negligent or reckless act, or if they acted with intentional harm. Our law firm has represented surviving spouses and other family members in a large number of wrongful death cases, including deaths caused by:
- Exposure to harmful chemicals such as asbestos or benzene, which can cause leukemia and other cancers such as mesothelioma
- Injuries in the workplace, such as oil and gas refineries, where, unfortunately, workers are too often seriously injured or killed on the job
- Automobile accidents and 18-wheeler accidents
- Defective drugs or other medical products
- Medical malpractice
When you work with us, know that we will fight for your family to recover all damages available under the law. These damages can include pecuniary damages, or the financial losses your family has suffered due to the loss of your loved one. Additional damages include damages for the loss of support, lost prospects of inheritance, medical expenses and funeral expenses.
We know no amount of financial compensation will come close to making up for your loss. However, it may be able to help you with some of the financial difficulties that arose after your loved one’s passing.
Potential Compensation In A Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Every wrongful death case is unique, and our team will work closely with you to determine exactly what legal options you have and what types of compensation you deserve. This can be an emotional time for family members, but we can provide professional and compassionate guidance during these critical moments. To that end, here are some of the potential areas of compensation you may be entitled to after a tragic loss.
Short-Term Medical Bills
Even if someone passed away from an injury or medical malpractice, they may have received emergency medical care prior to their passing. You can often seek compensation for this care, transportation to the hospital and other related medical costs.
Lost Wages
If the person who passed away was employed, family members can often pursue compensation for lost wages, including the lost future income they were projected to have earned. This is especially important in cases where the person who passed was the family’s main breadwinner. The compensation can differ based on their earning level and how long they were expected to work. Age can play a major role here, as a young person may have been expected to work for decades in a lucrative career.
Loss Of Consortium
This refers to the loss of a close marital relationship or domestic partnership and the companionship that goes along with it. Typically, it can involve the loss of affection or intimacy, along with the loss of care and support. This can be important for a parent who has lost the support of a co-parent in raising children, as well as for children who have lost a relationship with a parent who passed.
Pain And Suffering
Depending on the nature of the person’s passing, they may have experienced pain and suffering, along with related issues like emotional trauma. Compensation may be owed in these situations, as it would be in a personal injury lawsuit.
Funeral Expenses
Funeral and burial expenses can be costly, often creating a need for financial compensation. This is especially true due to the unexpected nature of the person’s passing, meaning that these are sudden expenses that may have to be covered by the family with little to no warning. These damages may also cover some of the costs related to administering the person’s estate and taking care of their affairs.
These are just a few types of financial damages to keep in mind. Our experienced Texas wrongful death attorneys can help you determine what you may be eligible to receive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Wrongful Death
Families facing an abrupt death often feel confused and uncertain about their rights and the legal steps that may follow in the wake of their loss. The information below offers guidance on how Texas wrongful death claims work and what to expect.
Who has the right to file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
Under the Texas Wrongful Death Act, only the surviving spouse, children and parents of the deceased may file a claim. Adult children are included, and each eligible family member may file individually or together.
If none of these relatives file within three months of the death, the estate’s executor or administrator may pursue the claim unless the family specifically objects. This structure ensures that someone with legal authority can act to protect the family’s interests. Siblings are generally ineligible to file a claim.
What is the statute of limitations for a Beaumont wrongful death claim?
Texas law generally provides two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to most cases, but certain circumstances can shorten the timeline.
Claims involving government entities in Beaumont may require formal notice within a matter of months. Fatal medical errors at Beaumont facilities such as CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth may also trigger separate deadlines under medical liability laws. Missing deadlines can permanently remove the right to seek compensation, so early legal guidance is essential.
How do Texas wrongful death claims work for industrial or refinery accidents in the Golden Triangle?
Beaumont’s industrial corridor includes major sites such as the ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery, the Port of Beaumont and installations along the I‑10 energy and shipping route. When a fatal incident occurs in these environments, the legal process is often more complex than standard cases.
Investigations may involve the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), federal maritime rules (e.g., the Jones Act) or liability questions tied to third‑party contractors working on site. These cases require an understanding of the safety standards and operational practices that govern Jefferson County’s industrial sector.
A local attorney familiar with the Golden Triangle’s regulatory landscape can explain overlapping laws and help determine who may be held responsible.
Contact Our Beaumont Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
Wrongful death claims in Texas have a two-year statute of limitations. The sooner you get in touch with our law firm, the sooner we can begin preparing for your case. Contact Reaud, Morgan & Quinn, L.L.P., today to discuss your options with one of our seasoned attorneys. Call (409) 838-1000 or send us a message through our website.