San Patricio County Personal Injury Lawyer — Texas Representation

Most personal injury lawsuits in Texas must be filed within two years from the date of the injury, which is the general statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can bar a court claim, so it is important to discuss your situation early. Certain exceptions can extend or shorten the time to file depending on factors like discovery of injury, government-related claims, or the age and status of the injured person. A prompt consultation can identify applicable deadlines and preserve your right to pursue recovery.

A contingency fee arrangement means the firm receives a percentage of the recovery if a settlement or judgment is obtained. This structure allows injured people to pursue claims without paying hourly legal fees upfront. Before proceeding, you will receive a written agreement that explains the percentage, who pays case costs if there is no recovery, and how settlement proceeds are divided. Ask for clear terms before signing any contract.

Recoverable damages typically include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. The exact categories depend on the facts of the case. Documentation of medical bills, wage records, and testimony about daily limitations strengthens a claim for both economic and non-economic losses, and helps support a fair evaluation during negotiation or trial.

Many personal injury claims resolve through negotiation or mediation before trial, but some matters require court proceedings when insurers do not offer reasonable settlements. We prepare every case as if it may proceed to trial to maintain leverage in negotiations. Decisions about filing a lawsuit or going to trial are made collaboratively with you, based on recovery prospects, case strength, and your goals for resolution. We will explain likely outcomes and recommended approaches at each stage.

Case value depends on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost earnings, degree of liability, and the impact on daily life. Every claim requires a careful review of records and future care needs to estimate a realistic range of recovery. Early assessments provide an initial estimate, but value can change as medical treatment progresses and additional evidence is obtained. We work to quantify both current and projected losses when evaluating a settlement or litigation strategy.

Yes. Prompt medical evaluation is important for your health and for documenting injuries linked to the incident. Some conditions may not be immediately apparent, and timely records help establish causation for a claim. Follow recommended treatment and keep copies of all records and bills. Failing to seek or follow medical care can weaken a claim and make it harder to prove the extent of your injuries to insurers or a court.

The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries, and insurer responsiveness. Some claims settle within months, while others that require litigation can take a year or longer to resolve. We aim to move matters efficiently by promptly collecting evidence, working with providers, and engaging insurers. We will provide realistic timelines based on your case details during the initial consultation.

You can handle minor claims with clear liability and modest damages, but insurers often protect their interests and may undervalue claims without experienced representation. Legal help can identify full damages and negotiate from a stronger position. If your claim involves significant medical bills, long-term care, disputed fault, or multiple parties, professional representation helps ensure deadlines are met, evidence is preserved, and settlement offers are fully evaluated.

Texas uses a percentage-based approach to assign fault. If you are found less than 51 percent responsible for the incident, you can still recover damages, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If your share of fault is 51 percent or greater, you are generally barred from recovering. It is important to build a record showing the other parties’ conduct and to challenge any incorrect apportionment of responsibility.

Begin by contacting our office at (713) 780-1633 for a free consultation. We will review the basic facts, explain options, and advise on immediate steps to protect evidence and medical documentation. If you choose to proceed, we will prepare a contingency agreement and begin collecting records, contacting insurers, and developing a strategy to pursue fair compensation on your behalf.