Where To Find Board-certified Wrongful Death Lawyers in Texas

If you’re looking for a board‑certified wrongful‑death lawyer in Texas, a good place to start is the directory maintained by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). Their online “Find a Lawyer” tool lets you search by specialty (like Personal Injury Trial Law) and narrow down attorneys by city, county, or zip code. This matters because TBLS certification isn’t granted lightly: a “Board Certified – Personal Injury Trial Law” attorney has demonstrated proven trial‑level experience, passed a rigorous exam, and maintains continuing education.

What “board‑certified” means in Texas (and why it matters)

Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS)

The TBLS is the official body in Texas that grants certification to attorneys in specialized areas of law.
Created in 1974, its role is to “advance the standards of the legal profession” and to help the public find attorneys who’ve demonstrated expertise in certain fields.

What it takes to get board certified (Personal Injury / Trial Law)

For an attorney to be “Board Certified – Personal Injury Trial Law,” they must meet several strict requirements. Typical criteria include:

Licensed to practice law in Texas for at least 5 years.
Spent at least 3 years substantially practicing personal injury trial law.
Devoted a meaningful portion of their practice to personal injury/trial work (commonly at least 25%).
Handled a variety of relevant civil‑trial cases (e.g. vehicle accidents, premises liability, products liability, wrongful death) with jury trials, when applicable.
Passed a comprehensive written exam in their specialty.
Maintain expertise via continuing legal education and periodic recertification (every 5 years).

Because of these requirements, only a small fraction of Texas’s lawyers are certified specialists.

Why it matters for wrongful‑death cases

Wrongful‑death cases are often complex: establishing negligence, proving causation, demonstrating damages (economic, emotional, loss of support) — all these elements benefit from a lawyer with deep experience in trials and civil litigation. A board‑certified attorney brings:

Verified trial‑level experience. Because they must have tried cases before juries.
Peer and judge review: their competence is vetted by other lawyers and judges when certifying.
Commitment to ongoing education and specialization, meaning they stay current with evolving laws and precedent that may affect wrongful‑death claims.

For families dealing with loss, these factors can make a real difference — especially when facing insurance companies or powerful defendants.

How to Find Board‑Certified Wrongful Death Lawyers in Texas

Official Search Tool

The TBLS offers a searchable directory of board‑certified attorneys. Using this directory is a reliable starting point.
Because only a small portion of all Texas‑licensed attorneys are board certified (~6,700 out of over 120,000).
Use the filter for “Personal Injury Trial Law” (or equivalent) — wrongful death typically falls under that certification.

Law firms with publicly advertised certifications and wrongful‑death practice

Many personal injury / wrongful death law firms explicitly advertise that they have board‑certified attorneys. Some firms to consider (as examples):

Firm / Lawyer	Notes / Strengths
Kuzmich Law Firm	Their website states the lead lawyer is “BOARD CERTIFIED – Personal Injury Trial Law,” and wrongful death is among their main practice areas.
Martin Walker P.C.	Has attorneys certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, with track record in wrongful death and major verdicts/settlements.
Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs	Their team includes multiple board‑certified lawyers and they handle wrongful‑death cases across Texas.
Brasher Law Firm, PLLC	States board certification and wrongful death among practice areas; publicly shares their certification status.

When using firm websites, make sure they explicitly mention TBLS certification (or another recognized certification) and wrongful‑death expertise.

Consulting referral services or bar‑association directories

If you’re not sure where to start — or prefer a broader search — you might consider using a lawyer referral service. These services match clients with lawyers based on area of practice (e.g. wrongful death) and other criteria.

Alternatively, you might also check with local or regional bar associations in the part of Texas where the case occurred for their referral directories.

What to Ask When You Contact a Potential Lawyer

Once you’ve identified a few board‑certified lawyers or firms, here are some crucial questions to ask before you commit:

Are you currently certified by the TBLS (or another recognized certification body)? — Confirm that certification is active and in the relevant specialty (personal injury / trial law).
How much of your practice is devoted to wrongful‑death or personal injury cases? — Ideally, a significant portion. Some firms may treat such cases rarely; you want someone experienced.
Have you handled wrongful‑death cases similar to mine (e.g. auto accident, workplace accident, medical negligence, etc.)? — Experience with cases like yours increases the chance they know how to navigate the particular challenges.
How many wrongful-death jury trials have you actually tried to verdict (rather than just settlements)? — Jury‑trial experience tends to matter if the case is complex or likely to go to court.
What’s your track record of verdicts/settlements, and what kind of compensation have your clients recovered? — This gives you a sense of how effective the lawyer is.
What’s your fee structure (contingency, hourly, expenses)? — Many wrongful-death lawyers work on contingency (no fees unless you win), but confirm what’s covered (filing costs, expert witnesses, etc.).
What’s your plan for investigating the case (evidence gathering, experts, timeline)? — A diligent lawyer will want to act quickly, especially since evidence can degrade or disappear over time.

Timeline & Statute of Limitations: Why Acting Quickly Matters

When a wrongful death occurs, timing is critical. In Texas:

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally 2 years from the date of death.
In certain cases (e.g. if the defendant is a government entity), there are shorter deadlines to notify the government — sometimes as short as 6 months.
Meanwhile, evidence may degrade, witnesses may scatter, records may get lost — making early legal consultation important.

Because of this, many reputable wrongful-death firms offer free consultations, so clients can begin exploring their legal options without upfront costs.

Tips & Best Practices for Your Search

Keep deadlines in mind: with only two years to file (or less, in certain cases), it’s wise not to wait — grief and life disruptions are real, but the law has time limits.

Prefer certified attorneys when possible: Certification doesn’t guarantee a win, but it’s a strong signal of experience and professionalism.

Check certification status directly via the TBLS directory — don’t rely only on marketing claims.

Contact more than one firm — comparing approach, responsiveness, willingness to take your case.

Gather your documentation early: medical records, accident reports, witness info, photos, anything relevant. Have it ready for your first meeting.

Ask about contingency fees and out-of-pocket costs: many wrongful-death firms work on contingency, but there may still be case-related costs (experts, investigators, filing fees).

Finding a board‑certified wrongful‑death lawyer in Texas means working with someone who has been vetted for specialized experience in personal injury and trial cases — not a casual or occasional plaintiff’s attorney. The certification from TBLS (or comparable body) signals that the lawyer knows the procedural, evidentiary, and strategic challenges such cases bring, and likely has trial‑level experience.

Start with the TBLS directory, then look at firms that highlight wrongful death among their main practices. When you contact them, treat that initial meeting like a vetting process: ask about certification, past cases, success record, and how they plan to handle yours. And because of deadlines and evidence preservation, the sooner you reach out, the better.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) for finding board-certified wrongful death lawyers in Texas:

1. What is a board-certified wrongful death lawyer in Texas?

A board-certified wrongful death lawyer in Texas is an attorney who has met strict requirements set by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) in the area of Personal Injury Trial Law. These lawyers must have significant experience, pass a comprehensive exam, and maintain ongoing education to ensure their expertise in handling complex wrongful death cases.

2. Why should I hire a board-certified lawyer for a wrongful death case?

Board-certified lawyers have proven their competence in handling wrongful death and other personal injury cases. Their certification ensures that they have the necessary trial experience, knowledge of the law, and commitment to continued professional development to effectively represent you and your family.

3. How can I find a board-certified wrongful death lawyer in Texas?

You can find a board-certified wrongful death lawyer in Texas by using the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) directory, which allows you to search for lawyers based on specialty and location. Additionally, many personal injury law firms advertise their board certification status on their websites.

4. What types of wrongful death cases do board-certified lawyers handle?

Board-certified wrongful death lawyers handle a variety of cases, including those related to fatal accidents (car, truck, or motorcycle accidents), workplace incidents, medical malpractice, defective products, and more. They have the expertise to handle complex legal issues and represent families seeking justice.

5. How much do board-certified wrongful death lawyers charge?

Most wrongful death lawyers, including board-certified ones, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only pay if you win the case. Typically, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award. However, there may be additional costs for filing fees, expert witnesses, and other case-related expenses.

6. What should I look for when hiring a wrongful death lawyer?

When hiring a wrongful death lawyer, look for board certification, a track record of successful case outcomes, experience with similar cases, and a clear fee structure. It’s also important to choose a lawyer who communicates clearly, is responsive, and understands your specific needs.

7. How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of death. It’s important to act quickly, as evidence can fade, and the time window for filing a claim can close before you know it.

8. Can I afford a board-certified wrongful death lawyer?

Yes, many board-certified wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. This makes it accessible for families who may be facing financial challenges after a loved one’s death.

9. Do I need to meet with the lawyer before hiring them?

Yes, it’s a good idea to schedule an initial consultation with a potential lawyer. Many wrongful death lawyers offer free consultations. This meeting gives you the opportunity to discuss your case, ask about their experience, and determine if they are the right fit for your needs.

10. What happens if I win the wrongful death lawsuit?

If you win the wrongful death lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for damages, including funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. The amount will depend on the specifics of the case, the severity of the negligence, and the losses incurred.

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