Please accept our condolences for your loss. Losing a loved one in a construction accident is a devastating experience that leaves families facing both emotional and financial challenges. A Houston construction accident death lawyer will provide strong legal support during this difficult time.
The legal team at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys has decades of combined experience serving accident victims and their families. Our construction accident lawyers in Houston will make your voice heard. Your first consultation is free.
Our Houston Construction Accident Attorneys Prioritize You
At our firm, we put families first during the most difficult times. Our Houston personal injury lawyers provide personalized attention, ensuring that you understand your legal options and feel supported every step of the way.
We handle the investigation, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue all available compensation so you can focus on your family and healing. By prioritizing your needs, we work to protect your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Navigating the Workers’ Compensation System in Texas
When a worker dies in a construction accident, their surviving family members may be eligible for death benefits, which can help cover funeral expenses and provide ongoing financial support for dependents. The workers’ compensation system offers financial and medical support to employees who are injured or killed on the job, including construction workers.
While workers’ compensation offers important assistance, it has limits and does not cover all losses, such as emotional suffering or damages caused by a third party’s negligence. An experienced Houston construction accident death lawyer can guide families through the workers’ compensation process.
Who Receives the Death Benefits?
Eligible beneficiaries can begin receiving death benefits the day after the employee’s death, and payments continue as long as the beneficiary meets the eligibility requirements.
These benefits can be paid to eligible family members, including:
- Surviving spouse
- Minor children
- Children under 25 who are enrolled in an accredited college or university
- Dependent grandchildren
- Other dependent relatives
- If no other eligible family members exist, non-dependent parents
To apply, a beneficiary must submit DWC Form-042, Claim for Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits, to the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) or the insurance carrier within one year of the employee’s death. Our experienced construction accident death attorneys in Houston can assist you in filing the claim correctly.
The Wrongful Death Lawsuit Process in Texas
If another individual or company played a role in the construction accident that led to your loved one’s death, your family may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against that party to seek compensation for your losses.
While the legal rules can be complicated, the principle is straightforward. When someone dies due to another person’s negligent or wrongful actions, their surviving family members have the right to seek compensation for the losses and hardships caused by that death.
In Texas, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents, and if they do not act within three months, the personal representative of the estate must file the claim unless the family opts out.
After reviewing your claim, we can explain in more detail how Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 71.004 applies to your situation.
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, most wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the person’s death. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced, and missing it can prevent the family from pursuing any legal claim.
Act promptly and consult an experienced construction accident death lawyer to ensure the lawsuit is filed on time and that all legal rights are protected.
Common Causes of Fatal Construction Accidents in Houston
As experienced Houston construction accident death lawyers, we have seen the many ways negligence can cause tragedies at work. We will investigate the accident scene to determine what happened.
Common causes of fatal construction accidents include:
- Falls from heights: One of the leading causes of construction fatalities, often involving scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops.
- Electrocution: Contact with live electrical wires or faulty equipment can result in sudden death.
- Equipment malfunctions: Heavy machinery or tools that fail due to defects or poor maintenance can cause fatal injuries.
- Struck–by or caught–between incidents: Workers can be fatally injured when struck by falling objects, vehicles, or trapped between equipment or structures.
- Unsafe working conditions or lack of safety training: Inadequate safety measures, missing protective gear, or insufficient training can significantly increase the risk of deadly accidents.
These are only a few examples of fatal construction accidents. If your loved one was fatally injured under different circumstances, please still reach out to us. We can help. Every construction accident death case is unique, and we offer personalized legal advice.
Call Our Experienced Houston Construction Accident Death Attorneys Today
Construction site accidents can be devastating, especially when they result in the loss of a loved one. At our firm, we provide compassionate and experienced legal support to help families navigate the challenges that follow a construction accident death.
Whether you need guidance with workers’ compensation, a third-party wrongful death claim, or understanding your legal options, our team is here to protect your rights and pursue the compensation your family deserves.
Contact Omega Law Group today for a free consultation and let us help you through this difficult time.