Wrongful
Death Attorney
Losing someone you love is devastating. When that loss happens because someone else was careless or reckless, the pain cuts even deeper. Bills pile up. Questions go unanswered. Anger and grief mix together, and it can feel overwhelming fast.
If you’re facing this right now in Sunset Valley, you’re not alone. Families here turn to Djiba Law when they need clear answers, steady guidance, and a lawyer who actually listens.
What Counts as a Wrongful Death in Texas?
Here’s the simple version. A wrongful death happens when someone dies because another person or company acted carelessly, dangerously, or illegally.
This can come from many situations, including:
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Car or truck crashes caused by distracted or drunk driving
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Medical mistakes that should never have happened
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Unsafe work sites or fatal job accidents
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Dangerous property conditions
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Defective products that fail
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Abuse or neglect in nursing homes
People often assume a death has to involve extreme misconduct. That’s not true. Ordinary negligence can still lead to a valid wrongful death claim.
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, that’s normal. Most families are. A short conversation can clear that up.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Texas law limits who can bring a wrongful death case. This part trips people up.
Usually, the following family members can file:
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A surviving spouse
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Children, including adopted children
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Parents of the person who passed
If none of these family members file within a certain time, the estate’s representative may be able to step in.
Not sure where you fit? That’s okay. We’ll walk through it with you and explain your options in plain language.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Sunset Valley
Sunset Valley sits near busy roadways like US 290 and the Mopac corridor. Many wrongful death cases here involve traffic and work-related accidents, but they’re not limited to that.
We regularly see claims involving:
Fatal Car and Truck Accidents
Speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and commercial vehicle crashes often lead to fatal injuries.
Medical Malpractice Resulting in Death
Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or delayed treatment can turn treatable conditions into tragedies.
Workplace and Construction Fatalities
Falls, equipment failures, and safety violations put workers at risk every day.
Premises Liability Deaths
Property owners have a duty to keep people safe. When they don’t, fatal accidents can happen.
Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
No family expects this. Sadly, neglect, falls, and untreated medical issues can lead to preventable deaths.
Each situation is different. What matters is whether someone failed to act responsibly.
What a Wrongful Death Case Can Recover?
This part is about accountability and financial stability. It’s not about putting a price on someone’s life.
Texas law allows families to recover damages for both financial losses and personal losses.
These may include:
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Funeral and burial costs
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Lost income and future financial support
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Loss of companionship and guidance
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Mental anguish and emotional suffering
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Loss of inheritance
In some cases, punitive damages may apply when the conduct was especially reckless or intentional.
People often underestimate what a case is worth. Insurance companies count on that. We don’t.
How Djiba Law Helps Families After a Fatal Loss?
This process is emotional. It’s also technical. You shouldn’t have to handle both alone.
Here’s what we actually do for families:
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Investigate what happened and why
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Gather accident reports, medical records, and expert opinions
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Handle insurance companies so you don’t have to
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File all legal paperwork correctly and on time
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Fight for full compensation, not quick settlements
You’ll work directly with your attorney. Not an assistant. Not a call center.
And you won’t pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee. That means we only get paid if we recover money for you.
Why Local Experience Matters in Sunset Valley?
Wrongful death cases aren’t just about the law. They’re about people, courts, and local procedures.
Handling cases in Travis County means understanding:
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Local court rules and timelines
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Area accident patterns and roadways
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How local judges handle civil cases
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The insurance carriers that operate here
That local knowledge matters more than most people realize.
Common Mistakes Families Make
This part’s tricky, so let’s be honest.
Families often:
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Wait too long to talk to a lawyer
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Assume insurance companies will “do the right thing.”
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Accept early settlement offers that fall short
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Think they can’t file because they weren’t financially dependent
Texas has strict deadlines. Evidence fades. Witnesses disappear.
Talking to a lawyer early doesn’t mean you’re rushing into a lawsuit. It means you’re protecting your options.
The Texas Statute of Limitations
In most wrongful death cases, you have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit.
Miss that deadline, and the case is usually over. No matter how strong it was.
There are rare exceptions, but you should never rely on them. If you’re close to that deadline, don’t wait.
What to Expect During the Process?
People worry the process will be cold or overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be.
Most cases follow these steps:
- Free consultation
- Case investigation
- Insurance claim and negotiation
- Lawsuit filing if needed
- Settlement or trial
Many cases resolve without trial. If a trial is needed, we prepare from day one as if that’s where it’s headed.
Why Families Choose Djiba Law?
Families come to us during one of the hardest moments of their lives. We don’t take that lightly.
Here’s what matters to them:
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Licensed to practice law in Texas
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Experience with complex wrongful death cases
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Direct communication with your attorney
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No upfront legal fees
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A clear plan from day one
We focus on answers, accountability, and results.
Talk to a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Sunset Valley
If this page sounds like what you’re dealing with, it’s worth having a conversation. You don’t need to know all the answers. That’s our job.
A free consultation can help you understand your rights, your options, and what comes next.
Frequently Asked
Questions
How much is a wrongful death case worth?
It depends on income, age, family relationships, and how the death happened. There’s no one size fits all number.
Do I have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases settle. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which helps during negotiations.
What if the person who died was partly at fault?
Texas follows comparative fault rules. You may still recover compensation depending on the percentage of fault.
Can siblings file a wrongful death claim?
In Texas, siblings usually cannot file on their own. Parents, children, and spouses have priority.
How long does a wrongful death case take?
Some resolve in months. Others take longer, especially if litigation is required. We’ll give you realistic expectations.
What does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for your family.
