Monahans Personal Injury Lawyer — Ward County, Texas

Prompt action is important. In Texas, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the injury, so begin documenting the incident and seek legal guidance early. Start by seeking medical care, preserving evidence such as photos and witness information, and contacting an attorney to review your options and deadlines. Early steps make it easier to build a strong claim.

Most personal injury firms, including ours, work on a contingency basis, meaning attorney fees are taken as a percentage of the recovery and you do not pay attorney fees if there is no recovery. You may still be responsible for certain case-related expenses, which we will explain upfront. We review potential costs during the initial consultation and provide clear information about fees, anticipated expenses, and how disbursements are handled so there are no surprises as your case progresses.

Case length varies widely. Minor claims with agreeable insurers can resolve in a matter of weeks to months, while cases involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or litigation may take many months or longer to conclude. We provide regular updates and advise on realistic timelines based on the specifics of your case, the medical treatment timeline, and the responses from insurers and other parties involved.

Many cases resolve through negotiation and settlement, but we prepare every case as if it may proceed to trial. Preparing thoroughly improves settlement results and ensures we are ready if litigation becomes necessary. Whether a case goes to trial depends on the facts, liability disputes, and how insurance companies respond to settlement demands. We will discuss the best strategy for your situation.

If you share fault, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Texas follows a system that reduces an injured person's recovery by the portion of fault assigned to them and can bar recovery if their percentage is over certain thresholds. Evaluating fault is a key part of case development. We analyze evidence and apply local law to pursue the maximum recovery available after any assigned percentage of responsibility is considered.

Recoverable damages commonly include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering may also be claimed depending on the facts. In rare cases, punitive damages may be available, but they require a higher showing under Texas law. We evaluate all possible categories of loss to build a complete claim for compensation.

Begin by seeking medical care and documenting the incident with photos, witness contacts, and any available reports. Keep records of medical visits, bills, and missed work to establish your losses. Then contact a law firm to review your situation, discuss necessary evidence, and determine whether a demand to insurers or a formal claim should be filed. Early legal input helps preserve rights and meet critical deadlines.

You are not required to provide a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer. Insurers may seek statements to document the claim and identify weaknesses. It is often advisable to consult with counsel before offering a recorded statement. If you do speak with an insurer, focus on facts you can verify, avoid speculation about injuries or fault, and consider having legal representation guide or handle communications on your behalf.

Medical providers, insurers, and government programs may have liens or subrogation claims against a settlement, which can reduce the net amount you receive. Identifying and negotiating these obligations is an important part of case resolution. We review outstanding bills and potential liens early in the process and work to minimize their impact on your recovery through negotiation and careful settlement structuring.

Some simple claims can be handled without counsel, but insurers often have experience minimizing payouts to unrepresented claimants. Complex liability, serious injuries, or uncertain future medical needs are situations where professional representation commonly improves outcomes. If you choose to proceed without a lawyer, document everything, follow medical guidance, and understand deadlines. You can consult with an attorney at any stage to assess whether legal help would improve your recovery.