When tragedy strikes and you lose someone you love due to another person’s negligence or wrongful actions, you and your family deserve justice. In Texas, wrongful death claims help surviving family members seek accountability and financial recovery when their loved one dies and someone else is to blame.
Dow Law Firm understands the delicate balance between honoring your loved one’s memory and securing the compensation your family needs to move forward. Our Round Rock personal injury lawyers can guide you through this difficult process with compassion and unwavering advocacy.
Schedule a free consultation today and let our experienced Round Rock wrongful death attorneys fight for you.
What Is a Wrongful Death in Texas?
Texas defines wrongful death as one that occurs when someone’s injury leads to their death, and that injury stems from another person’s or entity’s wrongful conduct, negligence, carelessness, lack of skill, or failure to act appropriately. The key requirement is that the deceased person would have had grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit if they had survived their injuries.
Wrongful death cases can arise from numerous situations, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Workplace accidents
- Intentional acts of violence
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Round Rock?
Only certain people may file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased person in Texas. Only the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased person have the legal standing to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. These family members can file individually or work together, with one person filing on behalf of all eligible survivors.
If the surviving spouse, children, or parents do not file a wrongful death lawsuit within three months of the death, the responsibility shifts to the personal representative or administrator of the deceased person’s estate. However, this transfer will not occur if the surviving family members specifically request that no wrongful death claim be filed.
This legal structure verifies that the most affected people control decisions about pursuing legal action. It also prevents distant relatives or other parties from making choices that might not align with the immediate family’s wishes during their time of grief.
If you are unsure whether you qualify to pursue a wrongful death claim, speak to a Round Rock wrongful death lawyer at Dow Law Firm right away to learn more about your options.
Damages Available in Round Rock Wrongful Death Cases
Surviving family members suffer multiple types of losses when their loved one dies due to another’s wrongful actions. The damages available in wrongful death cases attempt to address both the financial and emotional impact of the loss.
Financial damages typically include compensation for the income and financial support the deceased would have provided throughout their expected lifetime. Round Rock courts consider factors like the deceased person’s age, health, earning capacity, and work-life expectancy when calculating these amounts. The value of household services the deceased provided, such as childcare, home maintenance, or other domestic contributions, can also be claimed in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Beyond financial losses, losing a family member can have a profound emotional impact. Survivors can seek compensation for their mental pain and anguish, as well as the loss of love, companionship, comfort, and society they experienced when their loved one died. They can also recover lost inheritance or savings that the deceased would have accumulated and passed on to their family.
In certain cases, courts may award exemplary damages, also known as punitive damages. This additional form of compensation is awarded when the death resulted from willful acts or gross negligence. Unlike the damages discussed above, exemplary damages serve to punish the wrongdoer while deterring similar future conduct.
The Legal Process for Wrongful Death Claims in Round Rock
Beginning a wrongful death claim can feel daunting when you’re already dealing with grief and loss, but Dow Law Firm will stand by your side every step of the way. We will handle all of the complex paperwork and statutory requirements, providing clear guidance so you can navigate your claim with confidence.
Here is what to expect when filing a Round Rock wrongful death lawsuit:
- The process starts with a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. Your attorney will gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence to build a strong foundation for your case.
- Once we have sufficient evidence, we will file the wrongful death lawsuit in the appropriate Texas court. The defendants will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations, and the discovery process begins. During discovery, both sides exchange information, take depositions from witnesses, and gather additional evidence to support their positions.
- Many wrongful death cases reach settlement agreements without going to trial. Your Round Rock wrongful death attorney will negotiate with the defendants’ insurance companies or legal representatives to secure fair compensation for your family’s losses. These negotiations can take time, but they often result in faster resolution than proceeding to trial.
- If settlement negotiations fail to produce an acceptable outcome, your case will proceed to trial. Your attorney will present evidence to a jury, which will determine whether the defendant’s actions caused your loved one’s death and, if so, what damages your family should receive.
How a Round Rock Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Support Your Family
After losing a loved one, you should never face the legal system alone. A wrongful death attorney brings essential knowledge of Texas law, procedural requirements, and insurance company tactics, providing the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
At Dow Law Firm, we handle every aspect of your wrongful death claim. We investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death, identify all potentially liable parties, and calculate the full extent of your family’s losses. Our firm has the resources to hire expert witnesses, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists who can strengthen your case and maximize your recovery.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts to grieving families. We protect you from these tactics by handling all communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel. Our experience in wrongful death litigation means we recognize when settlement offers fail to reflect your family’s true losses, and we’re prepared to take your case to trial when necessary.
Honor Your Loved One’s Memory—Seek Justice with Dow Law Firm
When someone’s negligence has torn your family apart, you have the right to hold them accountable. At Dow Law Firm, we understand the weight of your loss and will pursue every dollar your family is entitled to receive.
Contact us at (512) 240-9951 to speak with our Round Rock wrongful death attorneys and begin your journey to justice.