Houston Personal Injury Lawyer

As a resident of Houston, Texas, you understand the unfortunate reality of traffic and the increased risks of motor vehicle accidents. When an accident occurs due to the negligence of another driver, the results can be devastating—facing expensive medical bills, lost wages, and a painful recovery process. During this difficult time, you need an advocate fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Fletcher Law is a personal injury firm with a proven track record of success in recovering damages for clients in Houston, TX personal injury cases. Our team of attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping accident victims navigate the legal system and stand up to insurance companies trying to take advantage of them. By hiring Fletcher Law, you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery knowing your case is in capable hands. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, don’t delay in scheduling a free case evaluation to discuss your options for pursuing a personal injury claim. Justice and compensation are within your reach.

What Is a Personal Injury Case?

As an injured victim in Houston, it's important to understand what constitutes a personal injury case. A personal injury case is a legal dispute that arises when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and another person or entity is legally responsible for that harm.

Types of Personal Injury Cases

There are several types of personal injury cases, including:

  • Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, etc.
  • Premises liability: Slip and fall, inadequate security, etc.
  • Medical malpractice: Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, etc.
  • Product liability: Defective or dangerous products that cause harm.

Steps to Take After an Accident

If you've been injured in an accident that was not your fault, it's critical to take the following steps:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately. Your health and safety are top priorities.
  2. Report the accident to the appropriate parties. File a police report for any motor vehicle accident.
  3. Collect evidence from the scene. Take photos, get witness contact information, keep records of your injuries and treatment.
  4. Contact a Houston personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options for pursuing compensation.

By understanding what constitutes a personal injury case and taking the proper steps after an accident, you can work towards achieving justice and accountability. A reputable personal injury law firm will guide you through the legal process to pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Common Personal Injury Cases in Houston

Common personal injury cases in Houston include:

  • Motor vehicle accidents: According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were over 60,000 motor vehicle accidents in Houston last year. If you were injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
  • Slip and fall incidents: Business owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions on their property. If you slipped and fell due to unsafe conditions like wet floors, uneven sidewalks or debris, the property owner could be held liable.
  • Workplace injuries: Employers are required to provide a safe work environment and necessary safety equipment. If you were injured at work due to unsafe conditions, lack of proper safety equipment or training, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
  • Defective products: Manufacturers and distributors have a duty to ensure their products are safe for consumer use. If a defective product caused you harm, you could pursue compensation from the companies responsible.

When injured due to another’s negligence in Houston, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer regarding your legal rights and options for recovering damages. A lawyer can investigate your claim, determine who is at fault and fight to get you the maximum compensation allowed under the law.

How a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

A Houston personal injury lawyer can provide legal counsel and representation for injury victims. They can investigate your accident, determine liable parties, and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Personal injury attorneys can handle a wide range of cases, including:

  • Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, etc. An attorney can deal with insurance companies and determine fault.
  • Premises liability: Slip and fall accidents, inadequate security, etc. They can investigate unsafe conditions on someone else’s property that caused injury.
  • Product liability: Defective or dangerous products that caused harm. Lawyers can determine if proper warnings or instructions were provided and if negligence was involved.
  • Medical malpractice: Errors or negligence by healthcare professionals leading to injury or harm. Attorneys can review medical records to establish wrongdoing and damages.
  • Workplace injuries: Accidents, equipment failures or hazardous conditions in the workplace. Lawyers can pursue workers’ compensation claims or third-party lawsuits on employees’ behalf.

In summary, a reputable Houston personal injury lawyer can offer guidance on the legal process, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, investigate and build your case, and fight for maximum compensation so you can focus on recovery. Their experience and expertise significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Highly Rated Houston, TX Personal Injury Lawyers

To find qualified legal counsel for a personal injury case in Houston, look no further than Fletcher Law. Our team of highly rated personal injury lawyers has extensive experience helping victims and their families in Houston and throughout Texas.

At Fletcher Law, we focus exclusively on personal injury law. Our attorneys are dedicated advocates for victims of:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Slip and falls
  • Medical malpractice
  • Wrongful death

Record of Success

We have a proven track record of success in securing maximum compensation for our clients. We investigate your case thoroughly, build a persuasive argument for liability and damages, and are willing to go to trial to get you the outcome you deserve.

Free Consultations

We offer free initial consultations to review the details of your case and determine the merits and value of your claim. There are no upfront fees, and we work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.

Don’t delay—contact Fletcher Law today to discuss your personal injury case with our compassionate legal team. We’re here to guide you through this difficult time and pursue justice on your behalf. Together, we will hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions.

What Is My Houston Personal Injury Settlement Worth?

To determine the potential value of your Houston personal injury settlement, several factors are considered, including:

Type of Injury

The severity and permanence of your injuries significantly impact your settlement amount. Permanent or long-term injuries, such as brain damage, amputations or severe burns typically result in higher settlements than temporary injuries.

Liability and Negligence

The clarity of the liable party's negligence and responsibility for your injuries is important. If liability is disputed, your settlement may be lower. However, if the defendant is clearly at fault due to reckless behavior or policy violations, the settlement value increases.

Cost of Medical Expenses

The total costs of medical care you have received and will likely receive in the future for your injuries are considered. The higher your medical bills, the higher your potential settlement. It is important to keep records of all medical expenses related to your injury.

Loss of Income

If your injuries prevent you from working and earning an income, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages and loss of future earning capacity. Provide pay stubs, tax returns and other evidence to establish your income prior to the injury.

Pain and Suffering

You may receive additional compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life caused by your injuries. Your lawyer can help determine a reasonable settlement amount for your pain and suffering based on the severity and impact of your injuries.

Negotiating a fair and just settlement for your Houston personal injury case requires experience and skill. Work closely with your attorney to determine and pursue the maximum settlement you rightfully deserve.

What Makes Our Houston Personal Injury Lawyers Successful?

Our Houston personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of success in obtaining compensation for clients. This success stems from several key factors:

  • Extensive experience. While years of experience are not the only measure of a lawyer’s skill, our attorneys have handled hundreds of personal injury cases in Houston. They are thoroughly familiar with the complex laws and procedures surrounding these claims.
  • Resources and expertise. Our firm has the resources to fully investigate personal injury cases, including consulting with medical experts to determine the full extent of injuries and long term impacts. We also have experience with a wide range of personal injury claims, from car accidents to medical malpractice to workplace injuries.
  • Commitment to clients. Our attorneys provide personal attention and care for each client. We understand how difficult the aftermath of an injury can be, and we are fully committed to advocating for our clients’ best interests at every step of the legal process in a compassionate manner. Clients can expect transparent communication and support from their attorney.
  • Proven negotiation and trial skills. While many personal injury cases settle out of court, our attorneys are also experienced trial lawyers, skilled in persuading judges and juries. Defendants and insurance companies know we are fully prepared to take a case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. This willingness and ability to litigate complex cases leads to better settlements for our clients.

In summary, if you have suffered an injury in Houston, our dedicated personal injury lawyers have the experience, skills, and commitment to clients necessary to obtain fair compensation and justice. We invite you to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

How To Know If You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer For Your Case?

You Suffered Significant Injuries

If you have suffered injuries that resulted in high medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care, you likely need a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can help determine fault and liability, gather evidence to support your claim, and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.

The Accident Was Caused by Negligence

Accidents caused by negligence, recklessness or wrongdoing entitle victims to compensation. If another party failed to exercise reasonable care and caution, leading to your injuries, a lawyer can build a strong case to prove liability. Examples include car accidents caused by distracted or drunk drivers, slip and falls due to unsafe premises, or medical malpractice.

Insurance Companies Are Reluctant to Pay

Insurance companies aim to pay as little as possible on claims. They may dispute fault or the severity of your injuries to avoid paying what you deserve. A lawyer has the leverage and experience to negotiate a fair settlement and pursue litigation if necessary. They can stand up to insurance companies on your behalf.

The legal system can be complicated. A personal injury lawyer knows the rules of procedure and evidence to properly file a lawsuit, collect statements and records, comply with deadlines, and represent you in court if required. They can handle all legal matters so you can focus on recovery.

Whether the accident was minor or catastrophic, if another party is at fault, you should not have to bear the costs. A Houston personal injury lawyer will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve under Texas law.

How Is Fault Determine In My Personal Injury Claim?

To determine fault in a personal injury claim, several factors are considered.

Liability

Liability refers to the responsibility of parties involved in the incident that caused injury. Questions of liability aim to identify whether the other party owed you a duty of care, failed to uphold that duty, and directly caused your damages as a result. For example, commercial property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises. If they fail to fix a hazard that injures you, they may be liable.

Negligence

Negligence refers to a party's failure to act with reasonable care. To prove negligence, you must show the other party owed you a duty, breached that duty by acting unreasonably or failing to act, and directly caused your injury. For example, a driver has a duty to obey traffic laws and drive safely. If they speed, run a red light and hit your vehicle, causing injury, they were likely negligent.

Recklessness

Reckless behavior refers to actions that display a willful disregard for the safety of others. Recklessness may justify punitive damages to punish the at-fault party. For example, if a commercial truck driver intentionally ignores vehicle weight limits or drives while extremely fatigued, causing a crash that injures you, they may be found reckless.

By reviewing the details of your incident, a personal injury attorney can determine which parties may be at fault and the degree of fault that applies to each. They can then take appropriate action to hold all negligent and reckless parties fully accountable for your losses.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Seek For A Houston Personal Injury?

As a victim of a personal injury in Houston, Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. The attorneys at Fletcher Law can help you pursue the following types of compensation:

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to financial losses that can be quantified, such as medical bills, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Our attorneys can help you calculate all past and future economic damages you have incurred due to your injury.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective losses, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Although difficult to assign a precise monetary value, non-economic damages can still be pursued to help compensate you for intangible losses. Our legal team has extensive experience securing fair compensation for clients' non-economic damages.

Punitive Damages

If the at-fault party's actions were especially reckless or egregious, you may be able to recover punitive damages, which are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are more difficult to obtain but can result in higher compensation. The attorneys at Fletcher Law will evaluate the details of your case to determine if the pursuit of punitive damages may be warranted.

In summary, with the help of a skilled Houston personal injury lawyer, you may be able to recover compensation for the full scope of losses and damages resulting from your injury. The team at Fletcher Law has a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for victims of personal injury in Houston and the surrounding areas.

What Documents Are Needed For My Personal Injury Case?

To successfully pursue a personal injury claim, certain documents will be required to support your case.

Medical records

Medical records from emergency responders, doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers pertaining to your injury are essential. These records establish the severity of your injuries, the course of treatment, and prognosis.

Police reports

If your injury occurred in an auto accident or other incident where authorities responded, obtain copies of any police reports filed. Police reports contain important details about the circumstances surrounding the incident that caused your harm.

Witness statements

Written or recorded statements from any witnesses to the incident can help substantiate how the events unfolded. Witness accounts of the incident provide valuable corroboration of the facts.

Expenses

Keep records of all out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost wages, property damage and other costs resulting from your injury. Receipts, pay stubs, estimates, and invoices will help demonstrate the full extent of your damages.

Photographs

Pictures of the accident scene, vehicles involved, your injuries, and other relevant subjects help paint a clearer picture of the incident. Photographs provide visual evidence to accompany the other records and documents in your case.

Compiling these documents as early as possible after your injury will put you in the best position to build a strong claim for compensation. Be sure to also consult with a licensed attorney about the details of your case.

How Are Damages Calculated in a Personal Injury Claim?

When pursuing a personal injury claim, the damages sought typically include both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages refer to tangible, quantifiable losses like medical bills, lost wages, damaged property, and future health care costs. Non-economic damages encompass intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.

To determine appropriate compensation, an attorney will review records like medical bills, pay stubs, tax returns, and insurance statements to calculate economic losses. For non-economic damages, the severity and duration of injuries are considered. Permanent disabilities or disfigurements warrant higher damages. Your lawyer can also look at jury verdicts and settlements for comparable cases to help evaluate what amount may be reasonable for your specific claim.

Negotiating a fair settlement often requires patience and perseverance. Insurance companies frequently make initial offers that are far too low. Your attorney has a duty to fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf. Be prepared for a process that can take 6-18 months in some cases. While no amount of money can undo the harm caused, a successful personal injury claim can provide financial security and help pay for medical care during recovery and beyond.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

When negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of clients, our attorneys aim to secure fair and just compensation. We have experience dealing with insurance adjusters and understand their tactics. Some tips for negotiating with insurance companies:

Do not accept the first offer. Insurance companies typically offer less than the claim is worth, hoping the claimant will accept a low settlement. Reject the first offer and provide evidence to support a higher counteroffer.

Gather evidence of damages and costs. Provide concrete evidence of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses to strengthen your position. Photographs, medical records, pay stubs, repair estimates, and other documents help substantiate your claim.

Consider the settlement value of the claim. Research the typical settlement value of claims similar to yours to determine an appropriate counteroffer range. Settlement calculators and jury verdicts for comparable cases can provide guidance.

Be professional and courteous. Remain polite but firm, focusing the discussion on the facts and evidence. Do not get emotional or attack the insurance adjuster personally. Take a reasonable, principled approach to the negotiations.

Consult an attorney if needed. If negotiations reach an impasse or the insurance company engages in questionable tactics, consult with a Houston personal injury attorney. Legal counsel can deal with the insurance company on your behalf and pursue litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Our attorneys have the experience and skills to negotiate the maximum settlement for your claim. We do not hesitate to take a case to court to fight for our clients if insurance companies refuse to provide fair compensation through good faith negotiations.

Tips for Choosing the Right Houston Personal Injury Lawyer

When seeking legal representation for a personal injury case in Houston, it is important to choose an attorney carefully. Here are a few tips to help you select the right Houston personal injury lawyer for your situation:

Do Your Research

Search online for lawyers in your area who focus specifically on personal injury law. Review their websites and profiles on sites like Avvo or FindLaw to learn about their experience, credentials, and reputation. Check if they are rated by professional organizations like Super Lawyers.

Schedule Consultations

Many personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations. Meet with a few attorneys to discuss your case, ask questions about their experience with similar cases, and get a feel for their communication style. See who you feel most comfortable with and confident in.

Consider Their Experience

An experienced lawyer who handles personal injury cases regularly will be up to date with the relevant laws and procedures. They will also have a track record of success in obtaining fair settlements or winning verdicts for clients.

Discuss Fees

While many personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your settlement, you should still understand exactly what that percentage will be and get it in writing. Make sure you are comfortable with the fees before signing a contract to hire an attorney.

Trust Your Instincts

Go with the lawyer you feel will fight hardest for you while also being realistic about the value of your claim. Personal injury cases can take months or even years, so you want an attorney you connect with and believe in.

With the right legal team in your corner, you have the best chance of recovering damages for your injuries. Do your part to find an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer you trust, and they can do their part to build a strong case on your behalf.

Houston Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

As an injured victim in Houston, you likely have many questions about the legal process. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you better understand your case:

What is a personal injury claim?

A personal injury claim allows you to seek compensation for injuries and damages caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. Injured victims can recover damages to pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. However, some claims have shorter deadlines, such as medical malpractice. It is best to contact a Houston personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to evaluate your claim.

What damages can I recover?

You may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury claim, including:

-Medical expenses: Doctor and hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, medication, medical devices, etc.

-Lost wages: Income lost due to inability to work.

-Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life.

-Property damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged property.

-Loss of consortium: Damage to family relationships and loss of companionship.

Consulting with a reputable Houston personal injury attorney at Fletcher Law will help determine what damages apply to your unique situation. We have a proven track record of delivering maximum compensation for clients.

How Do I Prove Negligence In A Houston, TX Personal Injury Case?

To prove negligence in a Houston personal injury case, you must show that:

Duty of Care

The defendant (person or entity that caused the injury) owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road, property owners owe a duty of care to those on their premises, and doctors owe a duty of care to patients.

Breach of Duty

The defendant breached that duty of care through actions or inactions. For instance, a driver breaches their duty by texting while driving, a property owner fails to repair a hazard, or a doctor misdiagnoses an illness.

Causation

The defendant's breach of duty directly caused your injuries. You must show that "but for" the defendant's negligence, your injuries would not have occurred. For example, had the driver not been texting, they would not have hit you; had the hazard been repaired, you would not have tripped and fallen; had the illness been properly diagnosed, treatment could have prevented harm.

Damages

You suffered actual injuries and losses as a result of the defendant's negligence. This could include costs like medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

To prove a prima facie case of negligence in Houston, you must demonstrate all four elements: duty, breach, causation and damages. An experienced Houston personal injury lawyer can help investigate your claim, gather evidence to establish negligence, and fight for maximum compensation.

What If I Am Too Busy To Meet With A Houston Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you have been injured in an accident in Houston, contacting a personal injury lawyer should be a top priority, even if you have a busy schedule. Personal injury cases have strict statutes of limitations, meaning there are deadlines to file a claim. Failure to act in a timely manner could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

While meeting with a lawyer in person is ideal, many reputable Houston personal injury law firms offer flexible options for initial consultations if an in-person meeting is not feasible. Video conferencing via services like Zoom or FaceTime are commonly used, allowing you to speak to an attorney from the comfort of your own home or office. Phone consultations are also available. During a virtual or phone meeting, a lawyer can evaluate the details of your accident, determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim, and advise you on next steps.

Do not delay in reaching out to schedule an initial consultation, even if meeting in person is challenging. The attorneys at Fletcher Law offer complimentary virtual and phone consultations for accident victims in Houston. We understand that mobility or scheduling issues should not prevent someone from pursuing fair compensation after suffering harm due to another’s negligence. Please contact our office today to schedule your free consultation and get answers to your most pressing questions. Justice and accountability should not have to wait.

Do I Have To Pay Anything Upfront To Hire A Houston Personal Injury Lawyer?

No, you do not have to pay any upfront fees to hire a reputable Houston personal injury lawyer. Most personal injury law firms, including Fletcher Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer only gets paid if you win your case or receive a settlement. The fee is a percentage of the total amount awarded, often around 33-40%. If you do not win or settle your case, you owe the lawyer nothing.

This contingency fee arrangement allows anyone to hire an experienced lawyer, even if they can’t afford high hourly rates. You have nothing to lose by contacting a lawyer to discuss your potential personal injury case. During your initial consultation, the lawyer will review the details of your accident and injuries. If they believe you have a strong case, they will likely offer to represent you on a contingency fee basis. This means you can get the legal help you need without worrying about paying expensive legal bills upfront.

The contingency fee system provides access to justice for all and motivates the attorney to fight for the largest possible settlement or verdict for you. Be wary of any lawyer demanding payment of large upfront retainers, as this could indicate a lack of experience in personal injury law or a lack of confidence in your case. At Fletcher Law, we believe everyone deserves justice and high-quality legal representation regardless of their ability to pay. We will evaluate your case at no cost and only charge a fee if we are successful in obtaining compensation for your injuries.

Conclusion

In summary, if you have suffered injuries due to the negligence of another party in Houston, Fletcher Law is here to help. Their experienced attorneys know how to thoroughly investigate accident and injury claims to determine liability, gather evidence to support your case, and fight to get you maximum compensation.

Gage Fletcher, Austin Distracted Driving Attorney

Don't delay - contact Fletcher Law today for a free case evaluation. They work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing upfront. Let their compassionate legal team help you through this difficult time and ensure the at-fault parties are held responsible for their actions. Justice and fair compensation are within your reach.