
Wrongful Death Attorney in Cedar Park, TX
The grief that comes with the death of a loved one can be unending. When their passing was caused by the actions of another party, it’s normal to feel anger. Reaching out to an experienced Cedar Park wrongful death lawyer can help you understand what legal options are available in your specific situation.
Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer to Represent Your Case
When it comes to the difficulties involved with a wrongful death case, The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC has years of experience helping other Texas families in similar situations. Our three attorneys have helped thousands of clients secure the compensation they deserve.
Our founder has a background in defense law and understands the common tactics used by the other side. As Texas residents, we’re dedicated to protecting the rights of our neighbors and community members through resolute legal services. We offer free consultations to those living in Cedar Park and the surrounding Texas areas.
Texas Laws Surrounding Wrongful Deaths
A wrongful death happens when someone passes away due to the actions or inaction of another party. When that happens, the family members left behind can open a legal case against the responsible party. They can do this if the person who passed could have filed a case themselves if they had lived. Common wrongful death incidents include:
- Car accidents. Cedar Park has direct access to the Central Texas corridor through IH-35, SH-45, and US-183. Because of this, these roads see thousands of daily commuters, making accidents on the road likely. In 2022, there were five fatalities in Cedar Park because of a car crash.
- Workplace incidents. Major employers in Austin include Flame Tech, American Constructors, and Texas Materials Group. There were 564 deaths throughout Texas in 2023 due to a workplace injury or incident. These include slips and falls, violent acts, and exposure to harmful substances.
- Premises liability. This type of incident happens when the owner or occupiers of a property fail to uphold reasonable safety measures, which leads to visitors suffering injuries. This type of death is unfortunately common in the United States. In 2023, there were 222,698 deaths linked to accidental injuries.
A wrongful death claim can still be filed even if the death was caused by a crime or while criminal charges are pending.
Types of Damages That Can Be Pursued in a Wrongful Death Case
While it may seem hopeless to pursue a legal case after your loved one has already passed, a wrongful death case helps hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. You and your family deserve to seek compensation for the monetary and emotional losses you’ve suffered as a result of your loved one’s passing.
The compensation available in a wrongful death case is called damages. Economic damages cover measurable losses, such as:
- The deceased person’s lost income
- The value of the household services they provided
- Costs related to therapy or counseling for surviving family members
Non-economic damages address more subjective losses, but are equally important as any monetary losses. They include compensation for:
- Emotional suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Loss of the love, comfort, and guidance that the deceased would have continued to provide
Families may also recover the value of lost inheritance, representing what the deceased likely would have saved and left behind had they lived a full life.
It’s critical to hire a wrongful death lawyer to fight on your behalf. They’ll understand the complex state laws surrounding these types of cases, and can help ensure your rights are protected throughout legal proceedings. They’ll be able to help calculate the maximum amount of damages that can be requested in your family’s unique case.
FAQs
Texas law has a two-year deadline for filing a wrongful death claim. For wrongful death cases, the right to file a case begins on the date of the deceased person’s death. While this timeline may seem long, it’s important to file as soon as possible. Evidence tends to fade with time, such as witness memories or surveillance footage of the incident. Working quickly to file and preserve evidence can help ensure justice is met in your case.
If the death was caused by intentional wrongdoing or extreme negligence, the family may recover additional damages meant to punish the responsible party, called exemplary damages. For example, if a driver was extremely drunk and crashed into a pedestrian who then passed away, they may be charged exemplary damages. The jury decides how much money to award based on the harm caused and divides it among the family members who are entitled to recover.
Having as much diverse evidence as possible is key to a successful wrongful death case in Texas. Courts rely on evidence provided during the case to make their final decision. The type of evidence can vary depending on the incident, but can include eyewitness and professional testimony, your loved one’s medical records before they passed, and copies of the initial incident report. It can also include surveillance footage, photos, and videos taken after the accident.
Choose a Trusted Law Firm in Texas
Reach out to The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC to get the empathetic legal help you deserve by scheduling your free consultation with one of our attorneys. Our team is available around the clock for any questions you may have about your case.
We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t request payment until we secure compensation for your case. Let our skilled team be the ones to fight on your behalf.
Cedar Park, TX Wrongful Death Resources