If you or a loved one has suffered permanent disability or serious harm due to the negligence of another person or entity in Texas, you have legal rights and options for pursuing compensation. As difficult as this time may be, it is important to understand your rights and take appropriate action. Personal injury law firms in Texas with experienced attorneys can evaluate the details of your unique situation, determine who is liable, and fight to recover damages on your behalf so you can focus on recovery and moving forward. Contact an Austin Personal Injury Lawyer for help on your case. While money cannot undo the harm, it can help pay for costly medical bills, rehabilitation, and provide financial security for the future. Know that the law is on your side, and there are dedicated advocates ready to help you navigate the legal process every step of the way. Justice and accountability can be served.
Types of Serious Personal Injuries in Texas
In Texas, there are several types of catastrophic injuries that can lead to serious harm.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car crashes are a leading cause of debilitating injuries in Texas. Collisions can cause severe trauma like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage. Seek immediate medical care following any vehicle accident.
Workplace Accidents
Dangerous equipment and hazardous materials can cause life-altering injuries for workers. Construction sites and industrial workplaces see high rates of crushing injuries, amputations, burns, and exposure to toxic substances. Employers are required to maintain a safe work environment and may be liable for employee injuries.
Defective Products
Faulty or improperly designed products can pose risks of injury for consumers. Everything from medical devices to children's toys to automotive parts have been subject to recalls due to risks of laceration, poisoning, fractures, and other harm. Manufacturers may face liability for injuries caused by their defective products.
Premises Liability
Public and private property owners must properly maintain their premises to prevent injuries. Slip and falls, inadequate security, swimming pool accidents, and other incidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and broken bones. Property owners may be held responsible if their negligence caused the injury. If you have never experienced a slip and fall, or have experience with the claims that follow consider talking with a lawyer to better understand what to expect with your slip and fall case.
In summary, the most common types of catastrophic personal injuries in Texas include those from vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, defective products, and unsafe premises. Victims of such injuries may be entitled to compensation for their harm. You should consult a personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Texas
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident or injury. This means you have two years to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit in civil court. If you fail to take action within two years, you forfeit your right to recover damages.
There are exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations, however. For injuries to minors, the clock typically does not start running until the minor turns 18 years old. The statute of limitations can also be extended if the injury was not discovered right away or was misdiagnosed.
To preserve your right to file a claim, it is critical to take action as soon as possible. Speak to a personal injury attorney regarding the details of your specific case. They can properly investigate, gather evidence, and build a case on your behalf. Waiting too long could severely damage your chances of recovering fair compensation.
If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit to pursue damages through the court system. A judge or jury will determine liability and award damages to account for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability or disfigurement, loss of consortium, and other injury-related expenses.
Seeking counsel from a qualified personal injury law firm is the best way to understand your legal rights and options after suffering harm due to another's negligence or wrongdoing. Do not delay - contact an attorney today to discuss the merits of your potential claim. Justice and compensation may still be within your reach.
How to Find the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas
To find the best personal injury lawyer in Texas to represent you, here are some key steps to take:
Conduct thorough research on lawyers in your area that specialize in personal injury law. Check their credentials, experience, reviews from former clients, and disciplinary record. Look for lawyers that have experience handling cases similar to yours.
Schedule consultations with the top candidates. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations. Ask about their experience, caseload, and strategy for your case. Discuss fees and billing in detail. Specialized cases will require lawyers with particular knowledge, such as with truck accident cases and the depositions they may require.
Check with your state bar association to ensure the lawyers you’re considering are properly licensed and in good standing. The bar association can also tell you if the lawyers have been subject to any disciplinary action.
Discuss fees and costs upfront before hiring a lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, taking a percentage of your settlement or award. However, you may still be responsible for certain costs like filing fees, expert witnesses, depositions, and medical records. Make sure you understand all potential fees and get them in writing.
Once you’ve selected a lawyer, get a written retainer agreement that outlines the scope of representation, fees, and responsibilities. The agreement should specify that the lawyer will work on contingency and list all associated costs you may be responsible for.
With the right personal injury lawyer advocating for you, you have the best chance of recovering damages and compensation. Do your due diligence to find a skilled lawyer you trust to handle your serious personal injury claim in Texas.
What to Expect During a Personal Injury Lawsuit
During a personal injury lawsuit, there are several steps to expect as your case proceeds through the legal process.
Initial Consultation
Schedule a meeting with a personal injury attorney to discuss the details of your accident and injuries. Bring any evidence you have, including medical records, photographs, and police or accident reports. Your attorney will review the merits of your case and determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit. If you proceed, your attorney will handle filing the initial paperwork to initiate the lawsuit.
Investigation
Your attorney and their team will thoroughly investigate the accident by interviewing any witnesses, acquiring additional records, and in some cases recreating the accident scene. They aim to determine who or what caused your injuries so they can build the strongest case possible. This is particularly critical in instances when there may be an issue of who is at fault for the wreck. You will need to provide information and cooperate fully with their investigation.
Settlement Negotiations
Many personal injury cases settle out of court through negotiations between the attorneys. Your attorney will calculate an estimated value of your claim based on factors like severity of injuries, length of recovery, and costs incurred. They will submit a demand letter to the other parties, who may then make an initial settlement offer. Several rounds of offers and counteroffers may be needed before a settlement is reached. There may be a mediation proposed with cases of more exposure, such as with truck accident cases. Accepting a settlement means you agree not to pursue further legal action in exchange for compensation.
Litigation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to litigation in civil court. Lawsuits can take months to years to resolve, as they involve motions, discovery, depositions, pre-trial preparation, and ultimately a trial. You will have to commit substantial time to working with your attorney and testifying in depositions and at trial. However, litigation also provides the opportunity for a jury to award you higher compensation than settlement negotiations.
The personal injury lawsuit process can be lengthy and complex. Have patience and communicate regularly with your attorney to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. While no outcome can undo the harm done, fair compensation can at least provide some security for you and your family during recovery.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to for Your Personal Injuries
If you have suffered serious personal injuries in Texas due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. Some of the damages you can potentially recover include:
Medical Expenses
You are entitled to compensation for all past and future medical bills related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and more. Keep records of all expenses incurred due to your injuries.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for any lost wages or loss of earning capacity. This includes any time missed from work for medical treatment or recovery. Provide pay stubs, tax returns, and other records to demonstrate your typical earnings.
Pain and Suffering
You can seek compensation for any physical pain, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident. While difficult to quantify, pain and suffering damages aim to provide restitution for traumatic injuries and challenging recoveries. Your pain and suffering claim should also consider issues with loss of consortium, which actually may include entirely different evidence.
Property Damage
If any personal property such as a vehicle, medical device, or other belongings were damaged in the accident, you can claim the costs of repair or replacement. Provide photographs, repair or replacement estimates, and receipts to validate the property damage.
Wrongful Death
In the event of a death due to negligence or wrongful act, the surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. This includes compensation for loss of companionship, loss of financial support, funeral expenses, and other damages. Wrongful death claims are complex, so consulting an attorney is strongly advised.
By understanding the types of damages that may apply to your specific situation, you can pursue fair compensation for the harm you have suffered. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise you on the merits of your potential claim and help you recover full and fair compensation under Texas law.
Call Fletcher Law For Your Texas Injury Case
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury in Texas, you need an experienced injury attorney advocating for you. At Fletcher Law, we have decades of combined experience helping Texas injury victims get the compensation they deserve.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
Don’t delay—the sooner you contact us after an accident, the sooner we can start working to protect your rights. During your free consultation, we will review the details of your case, determine the viability of a personal injury claim, and discuss your legal options for pursuing damages related to medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront and owe us no fees unless we secure compensation for you.
Our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio has a proven track record of success in cases involving:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents, motorcycle accidents
- Premises liability: Slip and falls, trip and falls, negligent security
- Workplace injuries: Construction accidents, equipment malfunctions, repetitive stress injuries
- Truck accidents: impacts with trucks and issues of speeding, dangerous driving.
- Medical malpractice: Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors
- Product liability: Defective products, insufficient safety mechanisms
Don't gamble with your future. At Fletcher Law, we have the skill and resources to go up against major corporations and insurance companies. Call us today.