Round Rock Wrongful Death Attorney
Round Rock Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one because someone else cut corners or acted carelessly is devastating—and the legal aftermath can feel just as overwhelming. Texas law gives surviving families the right to seek accountability and financial relief, but the process is technical and time-sensitive. Talk to a Round Rock wrongful death lawyer at Shaw Cowart today and let us shoulder the legal burden while you focus on healing—request your free consultation now.
Why Families in Round Rock Turn to Shaw Cowart
Our Round Rock wrongful death attorneys combine meticulous investigation with compassionate client service. We know you’re not just filing a claim—you’re telling your loved one’s story and demanding justice. When you hire us, you get:
- Immediate action to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and secure records
- Access to accident reconstructionists, medical experts, economists, and life-care planners
- Clear, consistent communication so you always know where your case stands
- Trial-ready representation—insurers know we will go to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered
- A contingency fee arrangement—no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you
From fatal truck crashes on I-35 to workplace incidents or defective products, we build cases that hold corporations, drivers, property owners, and other negligent parties accountable.
Texas Wrongful Death Law: The Basics You Need to Know
Texas defines wrongful death as a loss caused by a “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default.” The right to bring a claim—and the damages available—are set out in the Texas Wrongful Death Act. Understanding who can file, what must be proven, and how compensation is calculated is critical to a successful outcome.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
Under state law, only specific family members may bring a claim:
- Surviving spouse
- Children (including legally adopted children)
- Parents (including adoptive parents)
If none of these relatives file within three months of the date of death, the personal representative or executor of the estate may pursue the claim unless the eligible family members specifically request otherwise. Our Round Rock wrongful death attorneys help families coordinate these decisions to prevent delays or disputes.
What Must Be Proven to Win
Every wrongful death case must establish liability and damages. We focus on:
- The defendant owed a duty of care (for example, a driver must operate safely; a manufacturer must design a safe product)
- That duty was breached through negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct
- The breach caused the fatal incident
- Survivors suffered measurable damages because of the death
Proving these elements often requires technical evidence—black box data from a truck, safety logs from a jobsite, product design documents, or surveillance footage. We move quickly to secure and interpret this material before it’s lost or altered.
Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Case
Compensation can never replace a life, but it can protect your family’s future. Texas allows recovery for:
- Loss of the deceased’s earning capacity and benefits
- Loss of care, maintenance, services, support, advice, and counsel
- Mental anguish, emotional pain, and suffering of surviving family members
- Loss of companionship and society (love, comfort, and affection)
- Loss of inheritance the deceased would likely have left
In limited cases, exemplary (punitive) damages may be awarded to punish gross negligence or willful misconduct. As your Round Rock wrongful death lawyer, we document every category of loss and partner with financial experts to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Survival Actions vs. Wrongful Death Claims
Texas law also permits a “survival action,” which is different from a wrongful death claim. A survival action compensates the decedent’s estate for damages the deceased could have recovered had they lived—medical bills incurred before death, conscious pain and suffering, and property damage. Wrongful death damages compensate the surviving family members for their own losses. We often file both claims to fully capture the scope of harm.
Deadlines: The Statute of Limitations in Texas
Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. However, exceptions can shorten or extend that window (for example, claims involving government entities or delayed discovery of negligence). Missing a deadline can permanently bar recovery. Contacting a Round Rock wrongful death attorney promptly gives us time to investigate and file before critical cutoffs.
How We Build a Powerful Case
The strength of a wrongful death case lies in preparation. Our process includes:
- Sending preservation letters to prevent destruction of evidence
- Obtaining police reports, OSHA findings, NTSB data, or other official investigations
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and first responders while memories are fresh
- Retaining specialists to reconstruct crashes or analyze product failures
- Compiling medical records, employment history, and financial documentation to quantify damages
- Preparing settlement demands backed by expert analysis and real numbers—not guesswork
If the insurer refuses to be reasonable, we file suit and push toward trial, ready to present a compelling narrative to a Williamson County jury.
Common Wrongful Death Scenarios We Handle
- 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle collisions
- Motorcycle and pedestrian fatalities
- Construction and industrial accidents
- Defective products and dangerous consumer goods
- Premises liability incidents (unsafe property conditions)
- Medical negligence and nursing home abuse (in conjunction with trusted co-counsel as needed)
No matter the cause, our mission is the same: uncover the truth, hold the right parties accountable, and secure the resources your family needs to move forward.
Wrongful Death FAQs
How long will my case take? Some claims resolve in months; others require litigation and expert testimony that can extend beyond a year. We push for efficient resolution without sacrificing value.
What if my loved one was partly at fault? Texas follows proportionate responsibility. If the decedent is found partially at fault, damages may be reduced—but not eliminated—so long as responsibility is 50% or less.
Can multiple family members file separate suits? Eligible survivors typically join in a single action to avoid conflicting outcomes. We’ll coordinate to ensure everyone’s interests are represented.
Do criminal charges affect my civil case? A criminal prosecution (like manslaughter or DUI) is separate. We pursue civil damages regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or a conviction occurs.
What does it cost to hire your firm? We work on contingency. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation.
Speak with a Round Rock Wrongful Death Attorney Today
You don’t have to navigate Texas wrongful death law alone. Let a dedicated Round Rock wrongful death attorney at Shaw Cowart investigate your claim, protect critical evidence, and pursue the justice your family deserves. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation.