Justia Lawyer Rating
Justia Lawyer Rating
National Bar Association
Fort Bend County Bar Association
State Bar of Texas
HLA
United States District Court of Southern Texas
Texas Supreme Court
Avvo Reviews Badge
Texas Bar College
Expertise Best of 2024

Navigating the Legal Process: Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Texas

Navigating the Legal Process: Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Texas Filing a personal injury lawsuit in Texas can be a complex process, but understanding the steps involved can help you navigate the legal landscape more effectively. Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, or experienced any other type of injury due to someone else's negligence, knowing how to proceed is essential fo r seeking compensation for your damages.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Immediately after the injury, your health should be your top priority. Obta in a thorough medical evaluation to document your injuries and ensure you receive the necessary treatment. This medical documentation will be crucial when establishing the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.

2. Gather Evidence

Compile all relevant evidence related to your case. This includes photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, medical records, and any police reports. The more evidence you collect, the stronger your case will become. It may also be beneficial to keep a journal detailing your physical and emotional struggles post-incident.

3. Understand Texas' Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s crucial to act promptly.

4. Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating personal injury claims can be complicated. Consulting with a qualified personal injury attorney can provide you with invaluable guidance. They can help you understand your rights, evaluate the merits of your case, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

5. File a Claim

Once you’ve decided to pursue legal action, your attorney will prepare a complaint that outlines your case, including the details of the injury, the responsible party, and the damages you seek. This complaint is then filed in the appropriate Texas court. Depending on the specifics of your case, it may be filed at either the state or federal level.

6. Engage in Discovery

After filing, both parties will exchange information through a process known as discovery. This phase may involve written interrogatories, depositions, and requests for documents to gather further evidence supporting each party’s case.

7. Negotiate a Settlement

Many personal injury cases settle out of court. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company or opposing party to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for your losses. Your attorney will advise you on whether to accept a settlement or proceed to trial based on the offer’s adequacy.

8. Go to Trial if Necessary

If negotiations fail, your case may go to trial. During the trial, both sides will present their evidence and arguments before a judge or jury, who will ultimately determine liability and the amount of damages, if any, to be awarded.

9. Collect Your Damages

If you win your case or reach a settlement, your attorney will help ensure that you collect your awarded damages promptly.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit in Texas requires careful preparation, attention to legal deadlines, and often, the experience of a skilled attorney. By being informed and taking timely action, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome in your personal injury claim.

Who Can File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the ability to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally extended to individuals who have suffered harm or injury due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. The primary criterion for filing a lawsuit is proving that the plaintiff has incurred physical, emotional, or financial damages as a direct result of the incident in question.

1. Victims of Negligence

Any person who has been injured in an accident—whether it be a car collision, slip and fall, medical malpractice, or workplace incident—can file a personal injury claim. To successfully pursue a lawsuit, the injured party must demonstrate that the other party acted negligently, failed to adhere to a reasonable standard of care, or was directly responsible for the accident.

2. Minors and Incompetent Persons

Minors (individuals under the age of 18) and those deemed mentally incompetent due to conditions such as disability or mental illness can also pursue personal injury claims, but they will typically do so through a legal representative, such as a parent or guardian. The court will oversee these cases to ensure that the rights and interests of the minor or incompetent individual are protected.

3. Survivors of Deceased Victims

In cases where an individual has died as a result of an injury caused by another party's negligence, certain family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, may file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit seeks compensation for the emotional and financial damages caused by the loss of the loved one.

4. Healthcare Providers and Business Entities

Interestingly, certain provisions in Texas law also allow medical professionals and businesses to file personal injury claims, particularly when they suffer harm from injuries caused by patients or clients due to actions such as assault or disturbances on the premises.

Ultimately, while various parties can file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas, navigating the complexities of state laws, statutes of limitations, and liability requirements necessitates the counsel of a qualified personal injury attorney. In addition, potential plaintiffs must keep in mind that Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, any compensation awarded may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault. Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone considering filing a personal injury lawsuit in the state.

Get Help From an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas

An experienced personal injury attorney in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC will take over the case from the very beginning and make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer will help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses due to the accident. Contact us today at www.thorntonesquirelawgroup.com for a free case evaluation consultation.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Selecting an attorney can be one of the most difficult decisions a person has to make. In what seems like an overwhelming sea of attorneys who do you choose? Are they qualified, compassionate, and are they willing to fight for you without compromising their integrity? When faced with this decision in 2016 I received this and more when I retained Rahlita Thornton as my attorney. Since 2016 she has represented me on several court cases and I've never been disappointed. She is well versed and very knowledgeable on many aspects of the law. Attorney Thornton and her staff work diligently to ensure no stone is left unturned and justice is served. When I was crippled with fear, bullied, and felt like giving up she was my voice. She is highly recommend and I'm truly blessed to have her in my life. TTW
★★★★★
It was a divine power that drove me to call. There are ton of lawyers online but I knew this attorney was the one for me. C.B., Divorce Client
★★★★★
Attention & communication is very good when working with this professional legal team. They are here to help you whenever questions arise and explain details as they go. Thank you for taking the time to accept my case & working with me. P.L.