Court Rejects Wrongful Death Action by Worker's Alleged Common-Law Wife

A Texas appellate court ruled that a worker’s alleged common-law wife could not proceed with a wrongful death and survival action against the man’s former employer. Case: In re estate of Howard, No. 14-16-00676-CV, 02/01/2018, published. Facts and procedural history: Bruce Howard worked for CES Environmental Services as an industrial tank cleaner. CES owned and operated a chemical plant in Houston. A tank exploded while Howard was at work in July 2009. He suffered extensive third-degree burns, and he later died at a nearby hospital. After Howard’s death, Nelly Sosa filed ...