Dax Cowart (1947-2019) was a prominent Texas trial attorney, patients’ rights advocate, and beloved partner at Hilliard Law. He grew up in Henderson, TX and earned his J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1986. In addition to his reputation as a nationally acclaimed trial attorney, he was known for his selfless commitment to patient autonomy.
After losing his father and sustaining life-threatening burns in a propane gas explosion in 1973, Attorney Cowart went on to become a steadfast advocate for patients’ rights after his own bodily autonomy was stripped away by the physicians who denied his wishes. He was forcibly treated for 14 months despite repeated efforts to decline treatment. He lost his eyes and fingers in the accident, leaving severely disfigured and disabled.
A former football player, bull and bronc rider, and Air Force pilot, Attorney Cowart found himself on a long and excruciating road to recovery that he did not consent to. After medical personnel violated his individual rights, his passion and advocacy for patient autonomy propelled him to tremendous heights in law and medicine, where he impacted countless lives in the pursuit of justice and dignity for patients.
The Right to Die with Dignity: Honoring Attorney Dax Cowart
Attorney Cowart’s journey led him to speak at graduate schools, bioethics conferences, and hospitals, where he advocated for the personal autonomy of competent adults to make their own medical decisions while educating medical and legal communities. His selfless efforts and articulate advocacy led to sweeping legislative changes across the U.S. To this day, Dax’s incredible work is one of the most impactful and prominent cases in the “right-to-die” movement.
Attorney Cowart’s tireless commitment to patient advocacy continues to have far-reaching impacts today. Despite leading an accomplished life, his perspective never wavered. In the 1985 film Dax’s Case, he states, “If the same thing were to occur tomorrow, and knowing that I could reach this point, I would still not want to be forced to undergo the pain and agony that I had to undergo to be alive now. I would want that choice to lie entirely with myself and no others.”
After 33 years protecting patients’ rights as a Texas trial lawyer, Attorney Cowart passed away in his home on April 28, 2019. He is survived by his wife, sister, adopted brother, and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Texas Attorneys Advocating for Patient Autonomy
At Hilliard Law, we’re honored to continue Attorney Cowart’s mission by advocating for patients’ rights in Corpus Christi and throughout Texas. Like Dax, we’re dedicated to amplifying the voices of patients and fighting for the justice they deserve. Our determined advocates are committed to standing up for those whose lives were forever changed by egregious acts of medical negligence and malpractice. If you were wrongfully injured, our seasoned litigators can fight tirelessly to hold providers accountable for the harm they've caused and recover the compensation you rightfully deserve.
