Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer

Dinh Law Firm, P.C., recovered a $300,000 settlement for a pedestrian accident client in a wrongful death claim where the insurance company pushed back against paying the family what the case was worth. Our Houston wrongful death lawyer, Henry Trinh, helps families pursue accountability when a loved one’s life is taken because of someone else’s negligence.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

About Us

Dinh Law Firm, P.C. was founded in 2001 with a simple mission: to stand up for Houston’s working families and immigrant communities by offering dedicated representation on a contingency fee basis. Founder Tony Vu Dinh grew up in Houston and earned his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center.

We believe every person deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of the language they speak. Our attorneys and staff at Dinh Law Firm, P.C., proudly assist clients in English, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. so you don’t need to speak English to pursue your claim.

Throughout your case, Attorney Henry Trinh provides legal representation while case manager Chau Nguyen helps keep your claim moving forward and serves as a point of contact for questions and updates.

Our Approach

We work to make the recovery process easier by coordinating car repairs, helping clients connect with medical providers, arranging treatment when needed, communicating with insurance companies, and managing the details that can quickly become overwhelming after an accident.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases in Houston

In 2024, there were 197,449 deaths attributed to unintentional injuries across the United States. Fatal accidents can happen in many different settings, but they often share one common factor: they could have been prevented if another person or entity had acted with reasonable care. Whether the result of negligence, recklessness, or unsafe conditions, these accidents can leave surviving family members facing significant emotional and financial hardship.

Knowing the situations that commonly lead to wrongful death cases can help surviving loved ones better understand when they may have the right to pursue legal action. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death cases in Houston include:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle crashes
• Workplace accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Defective products
• Dangerous premises
• Industrial accidents
• Nursing home neglect
• Fatal pedestrian accidents

Our Houston wrongful death attorney, Henry Trinh, carefully examines the facts and available evidence to determine whether another party’s negligence contributed to the loss. By building a clear picture of how the fatal accident occurred, he helps surviving family members better understand their legal rights and the options available to them.

The Texas Wrongful Death Act

The Texas Wrongful Death Act, under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 71.001–71.012 give surviving family members the right to seek compensation when a loved one dies because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct.

It explains who can file a claim, the types of damages that could be available, and the legal requirements for bringing a claim. Having a basic understanding of the law can help families know what to expect as they explore their legal options. The Texas Wrongful Death Act addresses important issues like:

• Eligible family members
• Liability standards
• Available damages
• Filing requirements
• Legal deadlines
• Civil remedies
• Multiple beneficiaries
• Court procedures

The Texas Wrongful Death Act serves as the foundation for every wrongful death claim that’s filed in the state, and it’s important for families to understand how these legal protections might apply to their circumstances.

Not Everyone Can File a Wrongful Death Claim

Losing a loved one can leave families with a lot of unanswered questions, and one of those questions is who’s even allowed to file a wrongful death claim. In Texas, wrongful death laws limit this right to only certain family members. Knowing whether you can bring a claim is one of the first steps in seeking justice and financial support after a preventable loss, and those who might be eligible to file include:

• Surviving spouses
• Biological children
• Legally adopted children
• Parents of the deceased
• Personal representatives in certain situations

Understanding who can file a wrongful death claim can help families avoid confusion and confirm that the right people are taking steps to protect their legal rights. Knowing these requirements early on can also help prevent delays or complications as the case moves forward.

Understanding Wrongful Death Laws in Texas

Wrongful death cases are handled differently from state to state, and Texas has specific rules that guide families through the process of seeking compensation after the loss of a loved one. Understanding these laws can help families better understand their rights and the options available after a preventable death. Some important parts of Texas wrongful death laws include:

• Statute of limitations. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003(b), a wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years from the date of the person’s death. If a claim is not filed within the required timeframe, surviving family members can lose the ability to seek compensation.
• Burden of proof. Wrongful death cases are civil claims, meaning the family bringing the claim needs to prove its case with evidence. This means they must show that it’s more likely than not that the other party’s negligence caused the death.
• Negligence requirements. To establish liability, a family generally needs to prove that the responsible party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the death as a result. This could involve showing that a driver, employer, medical provider, property owner, or another party failed to act reasonably under the circumstances.
• Comparative fault rules. Texas adheres to the modified comparative negligence system under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.003 and § 33.001. If the deceased person is found partially responsible for the accident, the amount of compensation can be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
• Recoverable damages. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004, eligible family members can seek damages for losses caused by the death.

Knowing how wrongful death laws apply can help families understand their options so they can take the steps needed to protect their rights. These cases often involve important deadlines, detailed legal requirements, and complicated issues that can be difficult to handle while grieving.

Compensation You Could Be Entitled to for Emotional and Financial Losses

Losing a family member because of someone else’s actions can have a profound impact on your life. Along with the emotional pain of losing someone you love, families often face new financial pressures. Even though a wrongful death claim can’t bring someone back, it can help families recover compensation for both the emotional and financial hardships that they’re going through.

The types of compensation that could be available depend on the details of each case, including the relationship between the deceased and the surviving family members, the financial impact of the loss, and the circumstances that led to the death. Under wrongful death laws, and depending on the facts of the situation, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses before death. If your loved one received medical care before passing away, compensation could be available for hospital bills, treatment costs, and other medical expenses related to the accident or injury.
• Funeral and burial expenses. Families might be able to recover the costs associated with funeral services, burial, cremation, and other expenses that develop after an unexpected death.
• Lost income and future earnings. When a family member passes away, their future wages, benefits, and financial contributions could be lost. Compensation can help address the income the deceased person would have provided over the course of their working years.
• Loss of financial support. Many families depend on their loved one’s income to cover everyday expenses and plan for the future. A wrongful death claim can include compensation for the financial support that the family no longer receives.
• Loss of household services. A person’s value to their family isn’t limited to their paycheck. Compensation can also account for the loss of services they provided, like childcare, household tasks, transportation, and other responsibilities.
• Loss of companionship and support. Losing a spouse, parent, or child means losing the relationship, guidance, care, and emotional support provided by that person. Texas law allows families to seek compensation for these personal losses.
• Mental anguish. The grief and emotional suffering that follow a wrongful death can be overwhelming. Because of this, compensation could be available for the mental anguish and emotional distress caused by losing a loved one.
• Loss of inheritance. In some cases, families can seek damages for the loss of property, savings, or other financial benefits the deceased person would likely have left behind if they’d had the chance to live a full life.
• Exemplary damages. When a death is caused by especially reckless or intentional behavior, Texas law could allow for additional damages that are intended to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

Every family’s loss is different, and the compensation available depends on the specific circumstances of the case. Our Houston wrongful death attorney, Henry Trinh, helps families understand their options so they can pursue the compensation they could be entitled to after a preventable loss.

FAQs

Q: How Much Would It Cost to Hire Dinh Law Firm, P.C. for a Wrongful Death Case?

A: Dinh Law Firm, P.C. handles wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you aren’t liable for any attorney fees unless compensation is recovered through a settlement or a verdict. The exact fee arrangement depends on the details of your case and can be explained to you before you decide to move forward. This allows families to explore their legal options without worrying about upfront legal costs.

Q: How Much Has Dinh Law Firm, P.C. Recovered in Wrongful Death Cases?

A: Dinh Law Firm, P.C. has recovered over $14 million for accident victims in Houston and secured a $300,000 settlement in a pedestrian accident case. Past results, however, don’t guarantee a similar outcome in future cases. Every wrongful death claim has its own unique circumstances, so the amount recovered depends on factors like the cause of death, available insurance coverage, liability, and the damages involved.

Q: Does Dinh Law Firm, P.C. Have Spanish-Speaking Attorneys?

A: Yes, Dinh Law Firm, P.C. has Spanish-speaking attorneys. We serve clients in English, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. so you don’t have to speak English in order to pursue a wrongful death claim. Our team understands that language shouldn’t prevent families from seeking legal guidance, and we work to confirm that our clients clearly understand their rights and options throughout the legal process.

Q: What Happens if My Loved One Was Partially at Fault for the Accident That Caused Their Death?

A: If your loved one was partially at fault for the accident that caused their death, Texas’ modified comparative fault rule comes into play. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001 and § 33.003, responsibility can be divided between multiple parties. If your loved one is found partially responsible, the amount of compensation awarded is then reduced based on their percentage of fault.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer: Local Representation Matters

When you need to hire a wrongful death lawyer, choosing a firm that knows your community can give you an important advantage. At Dinh Law Firm, P.C., we’ve spent decades serving families throughout Houston and the surrounding areas.

Working with a local attorney like Henry Trinh means working with a legal team that’s familiar with the procedures, expectations, and practical considerations of courts like the Harris County Civil District Courts and the Montgomery County District Courts. We know that behind every wrongful death case is a family trying to navigate an incredibly difficult situation.

That’s why Henry Trinh takes the time to understand what happened, answer your questions, and handle the legal details so you can focus on grieving. From investigating the cause of the death to dealing with insurance companies and pursuing compensation, we work to make the legal process as clear and manageable as possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, or call (281) 879-0447.

Content reviewed by Henry Trinh, Personal Injury Attorney at Dinh Law Firm, P.C. | Last updated: July 2026.