As a resident of Mesquite, Texas, you understand the importance of accountability and justice. When an accident or injury occurs due to the negligence of another party, you deserve experienced legal counsel to help you pursue appropriate compensation and hold the responsible parties liable. Fletcher Law has been serving injured victims in their personal injury cases for years. Our team of skilled personal injury attorneys has a proven track record of success in cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries, and more.
At Fletcher Law, we understand that your physical, emotional, and financial well-being are at stake after a serious injury. We approach each case with compassion and commitment to achieving the maximum compensation on your behalf. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence in Mesquite, don’t delay in contacting Fletcher Law. Justice and accountability are within your reach.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
If you have been injured in an accident in Mesquite, Texas, the personal injury attorneys at Fletcher Law can help. We have experience handling a variety of personal injury cases, including:
- Car accidents: Car accidents are a leading cause of injury in Mesquite. If you have been hurt in a car crash due to another driver's negligence, we can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Slip and fall accidents: Businesses have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for customers and staff. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident on unsafe or defective property, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim. We can investigate the accident, determine who is at fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Workplace injuries: Employers are required to provide safe working conditions and to properly train staff. If you have been hurt at your job due to your employer's negligence or failure to follow safety standards, you can file a workers' compensation claim to recover lost wages, medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits.
- Defective products: Manufacturers and distributors must design and produce safe products for consumer use. If a defective product has caused you harm, you may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit. We can review the details of your case, determine who is responsible, and take action to hold them accountable.
The attorneys at Fletcher Law have decades of combined experience helping injury victims in Mesquite. We offer free case reviews and charge no upfront fees. Don't delay—contact us today to discuss your personal injury case. We will evaluate your claim, determine the best path forward, and fight to get you the maximum compensation possible under Texas law.
How to Know if You Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim
If you have suffered injuries in an accident that was not your fault in Mesquite, Texas, you may be entitled to compensation. To determine if you have a valid personal injury claim, consider the following:
Did the accident result in injuries? If you suffered significant injuries, missed work, or incurred medical expenses due to someone else's negligence, you likely have grounds for a claim.
Was the other party at fault? If another person or entity was responsible for the accident due to carelessness, recklessness or intentional wrongdoing, they can be held liable for damages. Fault may lie with a distracted driver, an employer who failed to maintain safe working conditions, a property owner who failed to warn visitors of hazards, or a manufacturer of a defective product.
Do you have evidence to support your claim? Gather evidence like photos of the accident scene, medical records, witness statements, police reports, and records of missed work or wages lost. This evidence will be crucial to demonstrating negligence and the severity of your injuries.
Are there insurance policies that may provide coverage? Check if the at-fault party has auto, homeowner's, or business insurance policies that could provide compensation for your claim. Your own insurance may also help cover injury-related costs.
The statute of limitations in Texas to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years. However, it is best to pursue a claim as soon as possible while evidence and memories are fresh. Speaking to an experienced Mesquite personal injury lawyer can help determine if you have a valid claim, and guide you through the legal process to pursue fair compensation.
How To Get Important Evidence For Your Case
To build a strong personal injury case, gathering important evidence is critical. The evidence you collect can help establish liability, prove negligence, and support your injury claims. Some key types of evidence to obtain include:
Police Reports
Request a copy of any police reports filed for the accident that caused your injuries. Police reports contain details about the circumstances surrounding the incident and can identify witnesses and others involved. They are important for determining liability and proving negligence.
Medical Records
Collect all records from doctors, hospitals, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers that have treated you for your injuries. Medical records substantiate your claims, provide a timeline of diagnosis and treatment, and give a clear picture of the severity of your injuries. Be sure to obtain initial emergency room records, surgical reports, physical therapy notes, and any other relevant treatment documents.
Witness Statements
If there were any witnesses to your accident, obtain written statements from them as soon as possible. Witnesses can provide key details about what happened and help support your version of events. Their statements should include their name and contact information, what they observed, and their recollection of how the accident occurred.
Accident Scene Photographs
Photos of the accident scene can be extremely useful for demonstrating the circumstances that led to your injuries. Take photos of the location where the accident happened, any vehicles involved, debris on the ground, skid marks, traffic signs or signals, and anything else relevant. Time- and date-stamped photos provide visual documentation to strengthen your case.
Personal Journals or Diaries
If you have kept a journal or diary documenting your injuries, pain, treatment, and limitations, provide copies to your Mesquite personal injury lawyer. Your personal accounts can help show how your life has been impacted and the suffering you have endured due to your injuries. Journals and diaries, especially when coupled with medical records, build a compelling narrative about your experience.
Taking these steps to gather evidence after an accident in Mesquite can make a significant difference in achieving a fair settlement or winning your case in court. An experienced Mesquite personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the necessary evidence to build the strongest case possible.
Determining Liability in a Personal Injury Case
To determine liability in a personal injury case, Fletcher Law will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident or injury. We will gather evidence to build a strong case and determine who is responsible.
Identifying Negligence
Negligence refers to the failure of an individual or entity to exercise a reasonable standard of care. If another party acted negligently and caused your injuries, they may be liable. Some examples of negligence include:
- Distracted driving: If another motorist was texting or otherwise distracted while driving and caused a collision with your vehicle, their negligence may make them liable for your injuries.
- Premises liability: Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises. If you slipped and fell due to an unmarked spill in a store, the store owner’s negligence in failing to clean up the spill may make them liable.
- Medical malpractice: Doctors and other healthcare professionals must meet a standard of care. If a doctor’s negligence during treatment caused you harm, they and/or the hospital may be liable.
To prove negligence, we must show that the other party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused your injuries as a result. Witness statements, photos, medical records, police reports, and expert opinions can all help establish negligence.
Shared Fault
In some cases, multiple parties may share liability for an accident. Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules, meaning you may still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as your negligence is less than 50% of the total fault. The amount of damages you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. It is critical to determine the fault of all involved parties to maximize your recovery.
An experienced Mesquite personal injury lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case to determine who is liable for your injuries. Fletcher Law has a proven track record of success in negotiating settlements and obtaining jury verdicts for clients who have been injured due to the negligence of others.
Gathering Evidence for Your Personal Injury Case
Gathering evidence is key to building a strong personal injury case. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the better your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Some steps you should take after an accident include:
Document the Scene
Take photos of the area where the accident occurred, including any hazards that caused your injury. Get photos of your injuries as soon as possible, even if they don't seem severe at the time. These visual records can help strengthen your case. You should also get contact information for any witnesses to the accident. Their statements can provide valuable evidence to support your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Get checked out by a doctor, even if you don't think your injuries are serious. Some injuries like soft tissue damage or concussions don't show symptoms right away. A doctor can properly assess your injuries, provide an official diagnosis, and prescribe a treatment plan. Medical records and bills from your injury are important for determining how much compensation you may be owed.
Report the Incident
File an accident report with the venue or property where your injury occurred. For a car accident, call the police and file an official police report. These reports create an official record of the incident, including details about how it happened. Be sure to get copies of any reports for your records.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Meeting with a personal injury attorney is one of the most important steps you can take. They can review the details of your case, determine who is at fault, and assess how much your claim may be worth. Personal injury lawyers are experts in this area of law and know how to build a strong case on your behalf to help you get fair compensation for your injuries.
Following these steps and gathering as much evidence as possible will put you in the best position to obtain justice and compensation for your personal injury. An experienced Mesquite personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the legal process and fight for the maximum settlement or award possible in your case.
Who We Are: Fighting for Justice in Mesquite
Fletcher Law is a team of dedicated personal injury attorneys committed to advocating for the rights of injured victims in Mesquite. Our attorneys have years of combined experience helping clients in Mesquite receive fair compensation for injuries resulting from accidents and negligence.
Who We Are
At Fletcher Law, our mission is to fight for justice on behalf of injured residents in Mesquite. We believe that anyone who has suffered harm due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another deserves fair representation and compensation. Our attorneys are trial-tested litigators, meaning we are fully prepared to take a case to court if the at-fault parties are unwilling to provide a settlement that adequately compensates our client.
However, we always aim to resolve cases through settlement whenever possible, as this allows our clients to receive compensation as efficiently as possible so they can move on from a difficult situation. We have a proven track record of securing large settlements for clients in a wide range of personal injury cases.
Our Areas of Practice
The attorneys at Fletcher Law have experience handling all types of personal injury claims, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents: We represent victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents and other traffic collisions.
- Premises liability: We handle cases where our clients have been injured due to unsafe conditions on another person’s property. This includes injuries from falls, assaults, and other incidents.
- Medical malpractice: Our attorneys pursue compensation on behalf of clients who have been harmed by negligence, errors or omissions by healthcare providers like doctors, nurses, hospitals and pharmacists.
- Wrongful death: We represent the families of victims who have lost their lives due to the negligent or wrongful actions of others. We fight to recover damages like lost wages, loss of companionship, and funeral costs.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Mesquite, contact our office today for a free consultation. The attorneys at Fletcher Law will evaluate your claim at no cost to you and discuss your legal options for pursuing the maximum compensation available. Call us at 555-123-4567 or visit our website at fletcherlaw.com.
Tips for Documenting Your Injuries
As an injured victim in Mesquite, Texas, properly documenting your injuries is critical to pursuing compensation. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Seeking immediate medical care is vital, even if your injuries seem minor. Visit your doctor or an emergency room and get a full evaluation of your condition. All diagnoses, test results, procedures, and follow-up care should be thoroughly documented in your medical records. These records will serve as key evidence for your personal injury claim.
Keep Records of All Correspondence
Maintain records of all written communication with insurance companies, medical providers, and attorneys. Keep copies of letters, bills, claims, and other correspondence in a dedicated file folder or digital folder. These records establish a timeline of events and ensure nothing gets lost or forgotten.
Take Photographs
Photographs provide visual documentation of injuries, vehicle damage, and accident scenes. Take pictures of your injuries as soon as possible, and continue taking follow-up photos as your condition changes during treatment and recovery. Photos of any scarring or permanent impairment are also important for determining the full value of your claim.
Keep a Journal
Keep a written journal to record facts about the accident and document how injuries impact your daily life. Note details about the accident such as time, location, weather conditions, and any statements from witnesses. In your journal, track symptoms, pain levels, activities you can no longer do, missed work or wages, and any other life disruptions due to your injuries. Your journal can serve as evidence for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Speaking with an experienced Mesquite personal injury lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take. A lawyer can properly guide you through the documentation process, help you understand your rights, and fight for maximum compensation for your claim. At Fletcher Law, our personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to injured victims in Mesquite and the surrounding areas.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value of a personal injury case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, liability, and insurance coverage. As the victim, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Liability and Fault
To determine case value, your Mesquite personal injury lawyer will first evaluate liability and fault. If it is clear the other party was negligent and responsible for causing the accident, the case value increases. Disputes over liability and shared fault lower case value. Your lawyer will gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, photos, and video to establish liability.
Severity of Injuries
More severe injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or injuries requiring surgery typically have higher settlement values than minor soft tissue injuries. Permanent injuries or disabilities also increase case value. Your medical records, bills, test results, and doctor’s prognosis will serve as evidence of your injuries.
Insurance Coverage
The at-fault party’s insurance coverage limits directly impact how much compensation you can recover. While liability and severity of injuries determine case value, you can only collect up to the maximum coverage limits. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage also comes into play if the at-fault party has little or no insurance.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to compensating your economic losses (medical bills, lost wages), a settlement or jury award will provide damages for your pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress resulting from the injuries. Your lawyer will evaluate these non-economic damages to determine an appropriate settlement demand and case value.
The worth of your personal injury case depends on the unique facts and circumstances. An experienced Mesquite personal injury lawyer can evaluate the details of your case to determine a fair settlement value and fight to get you the maximum compensation allowed under the law.
Negotiating a Personal Injury Settlement
Once liability has been established in a personal injury case, the next step is negotiating a fair settlement. As the injured party, you have the right to be fully compensated for your injuries and losses. However, the insurance company representing the at-fault party will try to settle for as little as possible.
To negotiate effectively, you need to understand the value of your claim. This includes calculating the total cost of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. Be prepared to provide evidence to substantiate these costs.
You should make an initial demand for the full amount you believe you are owed. The insurance company will likely make a lower counteroffer. Do not feel pressured to accept the first counteroffer, as it will usually be much less than a fair settlement. You can counter again with a reasonable figure, supported by your evidence.
It may take multiple rounds of negotiation to reach a settlement both parties can agree on. Some key tips for negotiating effectively include:
•Stay calm and composed. Do not get emotional. Respond to low offers objectively and rationally.
•Focus on interests, not positions. Explain how a higher settlement amount will make you whole, not just what you feel you deserve.
•Provide documentation for all claimed losses. The more evidence you have, the stronger your position.
•Be willing to compromise. Do not see negotiation as an all-or-nothing process. Look for a solution that satisfies key interests of both parties.
•Consult with your attorney. If at any point you feel out of your depth or are not getting fair offers, rely on your attorney’s experience to determine the best course of action. They can step in to continue negotiating or take the case to trial if needed.
With patience and persistence, you can negotiate a personal injury settlement that fully compensates you for the harm you have suffered. An experienced Mesquite personal injury lawyer can guide you through the negotiation process to help ensure the best possible outcome.
FAQs: Answers to Your Questions About Personal Injury Law
As an injured victim in Mesquite, you likely have many questions about personal injury law and your legal rights. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive:
What exactly is a personal injury case?
A personal injury case seeks compensation for injuries and damages suffered due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. This includes car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and other situations where you have been harmed.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. The standard fee is 33-40% of your total settlement. All case costs are also deducted from the settlement, so you pay nothing upfront. If there is no settlement, you owe nothing.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of injury. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation. It is best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
What damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
You may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills and costs of treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Wrongful death damages (in the case of a fatal accident)
The amount of compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries, impacts to your life and work, shared fault, and other factors. An experienced Mesquite personal injury lawyer can determine an appropriate settlement amount to seek on your behalf.
Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury case?
While you have the right to represent yourself, it is not advisable. Personal injury law is complex, and insurance companies have skilled attorneys working to limit your settlement. A Mesquite personal injury lawyer can handle all legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. They can also help maximize your compensation and ensure you are treated fairly during the legal process.
Conclusion
As a victim of negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve justice and fair compensation. The road to recovery can be complicated, but you don't have to go it alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Fletcher Law have a proven track record of success in Mesquite and will fight to get you the maximum settlement possible.
They understand the challenges you face in the wake of an accident or injury and will handle your case with compassion. Don't delay - contact Fletcher Law today for a free consultation. They will review the details of your case, determine the best legal course of action, and help you get back to living your life. You have already been through enough, so put your trust in the firm that puts you first. The call is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Take that first step now.