When a loved one is taken from you unexpectedly, the world stops. The routines that once felt normal become unbearable. The future you imagined begins to feel uncertain, unfamiliar, and overwhelming. But when the loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or wrongful conduct, the pain becomes even heavier—because it should not have happened at all.
Wrongful deaths in Harris County occur in countless ways: fatal car crashes on busy highways like I-45 or US-59, workplace explosions in industrial yards, negligent security incidents in apartment complexes, medical errors in hospitals, or reckless actions by commercial drivers. Families are left not only grieving but also searching for justice, answers, accountability, and financial stability.
At Basu Law Firm, we recognize the profound emotional and financial impact wrongful death causes. With over 18 years of experience representing grieving families throughout Harris County, we have built a reputation for delivering unwavering support, fierce legal representation, and outcomes that change lives. Our firm is known for handling the most emotionally complex, legally challenging, and aggressively defended wrongful death cases—and winning them.
Nothing can bring your loved one back. But justice can prevent further injustice. Accountability can bring closure. Compensation can secure your family’s future. And we are here to make that happen.
Why You Need a Harris County Wrongful Death Lawyer Who Truly Understands These Cases
Wrongful death cases are unlike any other legal matter. They involve a unique combination of legal complexity, emotional difficulty, extensive investigation, and high resistance from corporations and insurance companies. These cases require not only legal expertise but also compassion, patience, and a strategic understanding of how Harris County systems operate.
Here’s why specialized representation matters:
1. Harris County Courts Handle Thousands of Fatal Cases Every Year
Wrongful death cases move through:
- Harris County Civil Courts
- Harris County District Courts
- Corporate defense law firms
- Insurance carriers with powerful legal departments
Only an experienced wrongful death lawyer understands how to navigate these systems efficiently and strategically.
2. Insurance Companies Immediately Begin Working Against Families
Insurers and corporate defense teams quickly:
- Send investigators
- Collect evidence
- Prepare defense
- Attempt to shift blame
- Minimize or deny payouts
Families often don’t realize the tactics being used against them until it’s too late. We step in early to protect your rights, stop manipulation, and take control of the case.
3. Wrongful Death Law Is Complex
Texas wrongful death cases involve:
- Two separate types of claims
- Special rules about who can file
- A two-year statute of limitations
- Exceptions for government liability
- High evidentiary standards
- Expert testimony requirements
A general personal injury lawyer cannot navigate these nuances as effectively as a wrongful death specialist.
4. The Emotional Weight Requires a Compassionate, Patient Lawyer
Families need time, space, understanding, and clarity—not pressure or legal jargon. We make sure the process is as gentle and supportive as possible while still being aggressive in our pursuit of justice.
About Basu Law Firm — Meet Annie Shonai Basu

Annie Shonai Basu: A Fierce Advocate for Families Seeking Justice
Wrongful death cases are among the most challenging legal matters, requiring both legal power and emotional sensitivity. Annie Shonai Basu, the founding attorney of Basu Law Firm, brings both. Known widely as “Abogada Annie,” she has become a trusted name in communities across Harris County for her commitment to helping families during the most difficult moments of their lives.
A graduate of South Texas College of Law Houston, Annie has devoted more than 18 years to fighting for victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Her background includes:
- Personal injury litigation
- Criminal law
- Insurance disputes
- Family law
- Complex, multi-defendant cases
- High-stakes negotiations and trials
Her broad legal experience means she approaches wrongful death cases from multiple angles—anticipating every scenario, every defense tactic, and every opportunity to strengthen the family’s claim.
More importantly, Annie is known for her compassion. Clients remember her for sitting with them during moments of grief, helping them understand their rights, and walking with them step-by-step through the legal journey. She listens. She cares. She fights. And she never gives up on her clients.
Basu Law Firm — Leaders in Wrongful Death Law in Harris County
Located in the heart of Houston, Basu Law Firm has grown into one of the leading names for wrongful death litigation in Harris County. Families come to us not only for our legal expertise but also for our heart, humanity, and dedication to justice.
We have secured millions of dollars for families in cases involving:
- Fatal vehicle collisions
- Workplace negligence
- Apartment and hotel security failures
- Medical malpractice
- Industrial accidents
- Commercial vehicle crashes
- Product defects
- Dangerous property conditions
Our team includes:
- Trial-tested wrongful death attorneys
- Field investigators
- Medical and forensic experts
- Economic and life-care planners
- Client care coordinators
- Litigation strategists
Every member of our firm is committed to treating your family with dignity, compassion, and respect.
What Makes Us the Best Wrongful Death Firm in Harris County
1. Proven Track Record With Complex and High-Value Cases
We take on cases involving:
- Corporate defendants
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Oilfield and plant explosions
- Commercial trucking companies
- Negligent property owners
- Medical institutions
- Major insurance carriers
Even when other lawyers say the case is too difficult, too risky, or too complicated—we take it head-on.
2. Mastery of Texas Wrongful Death Statutes
We know how to pursue both:
- Wrongful Death Claims (for surviving family members)
- Survival Claims (for the estate)
This ensures families maximize compensation and hold all negligent parties fully accountable.
3. Human-Centered Legal Representation
We treat every client as if they are part of our own family. That means:
- Deep listening
- Clear, patient communication
- Emotional understanding
- Regular updates
- Respect for your grief and healing process
You never go through this alone.
4. Aggressive Legal Pressure from Day One
Insurance companies respond quickly when they see the Basu Law Firm name—they know we don’t back down. Our preparation is exhaustive, and our reputation for fearless litigation often results in higher settlements.
5. End-to-End Case Handling
We manage every detail so you can focus on grieving and rebuilding. From paperwork and evidence collection to expert testimony and courtroom representation—we handle it all.
No Upfront Fees — You Only Pay If We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis.
That means:
- No upfront fees
- No hourly billing
- No financial risk
- No payment unless we win your case
This ensures every family—regardless of income—can afford powerful legal representation.
Free, Compassionate Consultation
Your first consultation is always free, private, and pressure-free. You’ll receive:
- Honest, clear answers
- A full case assessment
- Legal options explained
- An understanding of what to expect
- Immediate guidance on next steps
We are here to lift the burden from your shoulders.
Immediate Steps Families Should Take After a Wrongful Death
The period right after a wrongful death is overwhelming, but certain actions can significantly strengthen your case.
1. Preserve Evidence
Keep:
- Photos
- Videos
- Documents
- Messages
- Hospital records
- Police reports
- Employment information
- Receipts and bills
Any small detail may become a crucial piece of evidence.
2. Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance adjusters often take advantage of grief-stricken families, pressuring them for:
- Recorded statements
- Quick settlements
- Signed releases
You should never communicate with them without legal representation.
3. Document the Impact on Your Family
This includes:
- Financial losses
- Emotional trauma
- Household changes
- Dependents affected
- Counseling or therapy
Every aspect contributes to your full compensation.
4. Contact Us Immediately
The sooner we begin, the more evidence we can secure—before it’s lost or destroyed.
How We Build and Win Wrongful Death Cases
Our approach is thorough, strategic, and designed to reveal the full truth.
1. Complete and Independent Investigation
We analyze:
- Police reports
- Medical examiner findings
- Traffic camera footage
- Surveillance videos
- Accident reconstructions
- Corporate safety records
- Workplace documentation
- Phone and vehicle data
- Product defect patterns
- Property safety logs
We never rely solely on official reports—we dig deeper.
2. Working with Hand-Selected Industry Experts
We engage:
- Accident reconstructionists
- Forensic experts
- Medical professionals
- OSHA and workplace safety specialists
- Mechanical engineers
- Security and crime prevention experts
- Economists and future-loss planners
Their testimony strengthens every part of your case.
3. Calculating Maximum Compensation
We pursue damages for:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of income and benefits
- Emotional pain and anguish
- Loss of parental support
- Loss of household services
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical care before death
- Future financial impact
- Loss of guidance for children
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Nothing is overlooked.
4. Aggressive Negotiations and Trial Readiness
We negotiate with power, backed by:
- Expert reports
- Visual presentations
- Medical documentation
- Compelling narratives
- Strong legal argument
If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we take the case to court—fully prepared.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
We represent families in nearly every type of fatal incident, including:
Motor Vehicle Fatalities
- Car crashes
- Truck and commercial vehicle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) incidents
- Drunk or reckless driving
Workplace & Industrial Fatalities
- Oil refineries
- Construction sites
- Chemical plants
- Manufacturing facilities
- Heavy machinery incidents
Medical Malpractice
- Surgical mistakes
- Misdiagnosis
- Medication errors
- Birth injuries
Premises Liability
- Fatal shootings
- Apartment complex negligence
- Hotel and parking lot attacks
- Dangerous property conditions
Product Liability
- Defective machinery
- Faulty vehicles
- Unsafe consumer products
Child Wrongful Death Cases
- School negligence
- Daycare failures
- Drownings
- Unsafe playgrounds
No matter the cause—if negligence played a role, we will pursue justice relentlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do we have to file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
Most families have two years from the date of death.
Government cases have shorter deadlines.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
If they don’t file within three months, the estate representative may file.
What is the difference between Wrongful Death and Survival Claims?
Wrongful Death: For the surviving family
Survival: For the estate, covering pain and expenses before death
We typically pursue both.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial—this increases settlement value.
How much compensation can we expect?
It varies based on:
- The deceased’s age and income
- Dependents
- Future financial impact
- Circumstances of the incident
- Emotional damages
We will evaluate your case during your consultation.