As an injured victim in Brownsville, you deserve compensation for the negligence that caused your suffering. The experienced attorneys at Fletcher Law understand the challenges you now face and are committed to helping you recover damages. For over 20 years, our firm has fought for the rights of Brownsville residents harmed by the reckless actions of others. Whether in a car accident, workplace injury, or medical malpractice, our team has a proven track record of success in personal injury law.
We know how difficult this time is for you and your loved ones. That is why we offer compassionate counsel and aggressive representation to hold the responsible parties accountable. Put your trust in Fletcher Law and allow our expertise to guide you towards justice and financial security. With offices located in Brownsville, we are proud to serve our community and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Brownsville
As a personal injury law firm in Brownsville, we handle a variety of cases where our clients have suffered harm due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases we see include:
Motor vehicle accidents: Car, truck and motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of serious injury and death in Texas. If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle collision due to another driver's negligence, we can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Premises liability: Property owners and managers in Brownsville have a responsibility to reasonably maintain safe conditions on their premises. If you have been injured on another's property due to unsafe conditions like potholes, uneven pavement, lack of security, or poor lighting, the property owner may be liable. We can investigate the accident and determine who is at fault.
Workplace injuries: As an employee, you have the right to a safe work environment. If you have been hurt on the job due to unsafe working conditions, improper safety equipment, lack of proper training, or other workplace hazards, your employer may be responsible. Workplace injury claims can include workers' compensation as well as third-party lawsuits.
Defective products: Manufacturers and distributors have a duty to ensure their products are safe for consumer use. If a defective product has caused you harm, you may have grounds for a products liability claim. We can review the product in question and determine if negligence or design flaws were contributing factors to your injury.
Medical malpractice: Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals must uphold a reasonable standard of care. If improper diagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes or other medical negligence caused you injury, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. We work with medical experts to review your case and determine if malpractice occurred.
Why You Need an Experienced Brownsville Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in an accident in Brownsville, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial to obtaining the compensation you deserve. Personal injury cases can be complex, and insurance companies are primarily concerned with their own bottom line, not what is fair for you.
Why You Need a Lawyer
An experienced attorney knows how to properly investigate your claim, determine who is at fault, and negotiate the highest possible settlement for your injuries. They are familiar with Texas personal injury laws and procedures, and can handle all communications with insurance companies and the legal system on your behalf so you can focus on recovering.
Without legal representation, insurance companies may take advantage of you or deny your claim altogether. A lawyer can determine the full extent of your damages and losses, including pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and future expenses. They know how to calculate the true value of even severe, life-changing injuries.
Don't Delay
It is in your best interest to consult with a Brownsville personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Evidence needs to be gathered before it disappears, and there are strict time limits for filing a personal injury claim. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the stronger your case can be.
If you or a loved one has been injured in Brownsville due to the negligence of another party, contact the experienced attorneys at Fletcher Law today for a free consultation. We will fight to get you the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law. Justice and fair treatment for our clients is our top priority.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
Determining how much your personal injury case is worth depends on several factors. As an injured victim in Brownsville, it’s important to understand how these factors may impact your potential settlement amount.
The severity of your injuries is one of the most significant factors. More serious injuries that cause ongoing medical issues, disability, or diminished quality of life typically warrant higher settlement amounts. Your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses also directly impact your case value. The higher these costs, the greater the settlement is likely to be.
The liability and negligence of the other parties involved play a role as well. If the other party was clearly at fault for the accident due to reckless or irresponsible behavior, the settlement amount may be higher. On the other hand, if liability is difficult to prove or is shared between parties, the settlement value may decrease.
The experience and reputation of your Brownsville personal injury lawyer is another key factor. An experienced lawyer who has a proven track record of obtaining high settlement amounts for clients will have more leverage to negotiate the maximum compensation in your case. They will also know how to accurately calculate your total losses and determine a settlement figure that fully and fairly compensates you.
The location of the accident and specific laws of the jurisdiction can also affect your settlement amount. For example, settlements and verdicts tend to be higher in regions where insurance companies and juries are known to be more generous. Local laws may also limit damage amounts in some types of cases.
Of course, every personal injury case is unique, so there is no precise formula to determine an exact settlement amount. But understanding these significant factors that commonly impact case value will help ensure you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries in Brownsville. Speaking to a reputable Brownsville personal injury lawyer is the best way to get an accurate assessment of your specific case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Brownsville?
According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are a few exceptions to this statute of limitations that could extend or limit the time you have to take legal action.
To avoid missing important deadlines, it is critical that you contact a Brownsville personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. They can review the details of your specific case and determine exactly how much time remains to file your claim.
Date of Discovery
Sometimes injuries are not immediately apparent after an accident. If your injuries were not discovered until a later date, the two-year countdown may begin from the date of discovery instead of the actual date of injury. For example, if a defective medical device was implanted during surgery but problems did not arise for six months, you would have two years from the date issues were detected to pursue a case.
Minors
If the injured victim was under 18 years of age at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations is suspended until they turn 18. Their parents or legal guardians can file a lawsuit on their behalf, but the victim has until age 20 to take over the case themselves.
Government Defendants
Lawsuits naming government agencies, entities or employees as defendants must be filed within six months of the incident. This includes claims against cities, counties, school districts, police departments, public hospitals, etc.
The statute of limitations in personal injury cases can be complex. For the best chance at obtaining fair compensation, discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced Brownsville personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can determine applicable deadlines and ensure your claim is filed on time.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Brownsville Personal Injury Case?
In a Brownsville personal injury case, you may be entitled to recover damages for the harm caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. The types of damages available typically include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to losses that can be quantified financially, such as:
- Medical bills: The costs of emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and other medical expenses.
- Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work during recovery and treatment. This includes both wages you have already lost as well as estimated future lost earnings.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries will prevent or limit you from working in the future, you may recover compensation for your diminished earning potential.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are losses that cannot be measured in precise monetary terms, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injuries. This includes chronic pain, disability, disfigurement, and reduced quality of life.
- Mental anguish: Damages for psychological harm like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia resulting from the incident.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact your injuries have on your relationship with your spouse, such as loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy.
The damages awarded in your case will depend on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and other factors. An experienced Brownsville personal injury lawyer can evaluate your claim and fight to obtain full compensation for your economic losses, pain and suffering, and other damages. They can handle negotiations with insurance companies and take your case to court if needed to pursue the maximum settlement or award on your behalf.
How Much Does a Brownsville Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a Brownsville personal injury lawyer typically depends on the specifics of your case and the amount of time required. Most personal injury firms offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and determine if they can help you pursue compensation.
If the firm takes on your case, they will usually charge a contingency fee of around 33-40% of your final settlement amount. This means you pay nothing upfront, and the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. They will deduct their fee from the total settlement before distributing the remaining amount to you. This ensures that the lawyer has an incentive to maximize your settlement.
Some factors that can affect the total cost include:
- The severity and complexity of your injuries. More serious injuries that require extensive treatment and rehabilitation will take more time for the lawyer to evaluate and pursue maximum compensation.
- How much insurance is available. Cases with high policy limits have the potential for higher settlements, so the lawyer may charge a higher percentage.
- How much responsibility is disputed. If liability and fault are clear, the case typically settles faster. If there are disputes over who is responsible, the lawyer will have to spend more time building your case, negotiating, and possibly going to trial. This increases their workload and fees.
- Additional expenses. Expenses like filing fees, deposition fees, expert witness fees, and other costs of litigation are charged separately from the lawyer’s contingency fee. However, many lawyers will front some or all of these expenses with the expectation they will be reimbursed from your settlement.
While the cost of a Brownsville personal injury lawyer may seem high, hiring an experienced attorney is typically the only way to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries. Their knowledge and skill can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. For many injury victims, the lawyer's fee ends up paying for itself several times over.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Brownsville Personal Injury Lawyer
When seeking legal counsel for a personal injury case, it is important to find an attorney you trust and who will fight diligently for you. Asking the right questions will help determine if a Brownsville personal injury lawyer is the right fit for your needs.
What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
An experienced attorney will have handled many comparable cases and understand how to build a strong claim. Ask about their success rate for obtaining settlements or winning verdicts for clients.
Who will be directly handling my case?
Some law firms use less experienced associates and paralegals to handle routine tasks. Make sure the attorney you meet with will actively oversee your case and be involved in all strategic decisions.
What is your approach to settlement versus litigation?
Discuss whether the attorney generally prefers to settle cases out of court through negotiation or mediation, or if they are willing to go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. An aggressive attorney may be more likely to get a higher settlement, but also consider your own preferences for avoiding a lengthy litigation process.
What are your fees and billing policies?
Personal injury attorneys typically charge contingency fees, taking a percentage (usually around 33 percent) of any settlement or court award. However, you will still be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses like filing fees, expert witnesses, depositions, etc. Make sure you understand all potential costs before signing a contract.
Can you provide references from former clients?
Speaking with references is the best way to get honest reviews about the attorney’s skills, experience, communication style and dedication. Ask if they would hire the same attorney again if needed.
By asking targeted questions about experience, case handling, litigation philosophy and fees, you can determine if a prospective Brownsville personal injury lawyer is the advocate you need on your side. Choose a lawyer you connect with, who will fight for fair compensation, and help you get the justice you deserve.
What to Do After a Personal Injury Accident in Brownsville
After being involved in an accident resulting in personal injury, it is important to take certain steps to protect your rights.
First, seek medical attention immediately. Your health and safety should be your top priority. Visit your doctor or an emergency room to get examined for any injuries, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Getting checked out creates records of your condition following the accident.
Next, report the accident to the police. File an official police report detailing the time, location, vehicles, drivers, passengers, witnesses, and events leading up to and following the collision. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records and to provide to your insurance company.
Then, notify your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Provide details about the incident along with a copy of the official police report. Your insurance company may handle communications with the at-fault party’s insurer on your behalf.
Collect evidence from the scene of the accident. Take photos of vehicle damage, your injuries, the location where the accident happened, and anything else relevant to your case. Get witness contact information, including names, phone numbers, and statements. All evidence should be preserved to build your claim.
Consider contacting a Brownsville personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. An attorney can advise you of your rights, help determine who is at fault, and fight to get you the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In some cases, a lawyer may be able to negotiate a settlement with the insurance companies involved. If necessary, an attorney can take your case to court on your behalf.
Following these critical steps after a personal injury accident in Brownsville can help ensure you get the care, compensation and justice you deserve. Protecting your rights begins immediately following an incident, so take action right away.
Brownsville Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs: Answers to Your Questions
As a victim of an accident or injury in Brownsville, you likely have many questions about the legal process and your options for pursuing compensation. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions our personal injury lawyers address:
What type of cases do you handle?
Our firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Car accidents: Including collisions with passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
- Slip and fall accidents: Occurring on commercial or residential properties due to unsafe conditions.
- Medical malpractice: Resulting in injuries or harm due to a healthcare professional's negligence.
- Wrongful death: Resulting from the negligent or intentional acts of another person or entity.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to hire our firm. We only collect attorney fees if we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Our fees are a percentage of the total compensation awarded, typically 33% to 40%. All costs are deducted from the settlement or verdict as well.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
In Texas, most personal injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. This means you have two years from the date of your accident or injury to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions for cases involving minors, medical malpractice, or government entities. It is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible about the deadline for your specific claim.
Will my case go to court?
Not necessarily. A majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance companies and attorneys involved. Litigation and a full trial are always an option if a fair settlement cannot be reached, however. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and are fully prepared to advocate for your interests in court if needed.
We hope this helps address some of your initial questions. Please do not hesitate to contact our Brownsville personal injury lawyers to discuss the details of your case.
Where To Look For Evidence To Support Your Personal Injury Case
As a victim of personal injury in Brownsville, it is critical to gather and preserve any evidence that could support your claim. Here are some of the key places you should look for evidence:
Medical Records
Medical records are a key form of evidence in a personal injury case. Obtain copies of records from any doctor, hospital or clinic that provided treatment for your injuries. These records will document the severity of your injuries, course of treatment, and prognosis.
Police Report
If your accident involved a vehicle or was reported to the police, obtain a copy of the official police report. Police reports contain important details about how the accident occurred and often assign fault to one or more parties.
Photos and Videos
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Visual evidence like this can be very compelling. Be sure to document your injuries at their worst to demonstrate the full extent of harm.
Witness Statements
Statements from any witnesses to your accident can help support your version of events. Get the names and contact information for any witnesses, and ask them to provide a written statement about what they saw and heard.
Receipts and Bills
Keep records of any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries like medical bills, prescription costs, transportation to doctor visits, and other related costs. These provide evidence of the financial losses and impacts of your injuries.
Preserving the right evidence after a personal injury is critical to building a strong case. By gathering medical records, police reports, photos, witness statements, and financial records, you put yourself in the best position to recover full compensation for your damages. An experienced Brownsville personal injury lawyer can also help guide you through the evidence collection process and determine what may be needed to support your unique claim.
Call Fletcher Law For Help
If you have been injured in an accident in Brownsville, Texas, call the personal injury attorneys at Fletcher Law for help. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first step after any accident should be to seek medical care right away. Not only will this allow doctors to properly assess and treat any injuries, but medical records from the incident will serve as important evidence for your potential case. Be sure to follow all doctor recommendations for treatment and recovery.
Do Not Admit Fault
Do not admit fault or sign any statements accepting liability for the accident. Anything you say or sign can potentially be used against you later. Politely decline requests for recorded statements and refer inquiries to your attorney.
Contact Fletcher Law
Call Fletcher Law as soon as possible so we can start investigating your case. The sooner we get involved, the more effectively we can gather evidence from the accident scene, interview witnesses, and build your case. We will walk you through each step of the legal process and aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your injuries which may include damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Stay Off Social Media
Resist the urge to post about your accident or injuries on social media. Anything you share publicly can be used as evidence by insurance companies to deny or reduce the value of your claim. Wait until your case has been resolved before sharing details online.
If you've been injured in Brownsville, call Fletcher Law today for a free case review. We will evaluate what happened, determine who is at fault, and provide guidance for how best to pursue fair compensation under Texas law. The call is confidential, and there are no upfront legal fees. We collect payment only if we win your case.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligence of another in Brownsville, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. Contact Fletcher Law today for a free consultation regarding your personal injury case. Their experienced attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling all types of accident and injury claims. With decades of combined legal experience, they know how to investigate your claim, determine who is at fault, and fight to get you the maximum compensation allowed under Texas law. Don't delay - call Fletcher Law now to get started on your road to recovery. Justice and fair compensation are within your reach.