HomePersonal InjuryUnderstanding Texas’ Personal Injury Lawsuit Process

Understanding Texas’ Personal Injury Lawsuit Process

If you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence, you may decide to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Personal injury cases vary widely, and so does potential compensation. Awards can range from a few thousand to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the type and severity of injuries suffered. 

Here is a small sample of scenarios in which Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers may be able to help with your personal injury case:

  • A drunk driver runs a red light and strikes your car
  • A fatigued 18 wheeler driver changes lanes and strikes your vehicle
  • A tire is manufactured improperly resulting in a tread separation and fatal car crash
  • A refinery does not properly perform maintenance resulting in an explosion, fires, and death

Negligence resulting in wrongful death, car accidents, 18 wheeler wrecks, refinery explosions, industrial accidents, product liability, railroad (FELA) incidents, and maritime accidents may result in a personal injury lawsuit.  The skilled legal team at Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers has helped countless clients get the compensation they need to heal and get their lives back on track. 

Do I Have a Case? 

To bring a successful injury lawsuit, the following two  factors must occur : 

  • Negligence caused the accident; and
  • The negligence caused your injuries

In the case of an auto accident, negligence means a driver did not drive in a reasonably prudent manner.  In other words, the driver didn’t obey the traffic laws or didn’t drive cautiously for the traffic and road conditions. 

If an individual was involved in a car accident caused by another person’s carelessness or negligence, he/she has the right to be compensated for any personal injuries and property damage. In most car accident claims, these monetary damages usually cover such costs as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. 

Texas has a two (2) year statute of limitations governing most personal injury claims.  Your case has to be settled or a lawsuit filed before the expiration of two (2) years from the date of your accident.

Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

When a negligent act results in a personal injury,  the two most important questions are: who is responsible and what are the injuries.  If you have suffered a personal injury, it is extremely important to immediately retain a qualified personal injury attorney.  The attorney will have the knowledge and experience to understand the laws applicable to your case, secure the necessary evidence, and pursue your claim against all responsible parties.  You can expect the following to occur in a personal injury case:

  • Consultation: Your initial consultation is free and confidential.  It is an opportunity to explain what occurred, obtain an understanding of the applicable law, confirm the anticipated steps in the legal process, and verify how a contingency fee attorney contract works.   
  • Case investigation: Evidence is critical to a successful personal injury case. This includes financial records, medical records, photographs, video, and witness testimony. Through case investigation, your attorney evaluates both the liability and damage aspects of your case. You can help gather evidence by documenting as much information as possible. If you have a smartphone at the scene of the accident, photograph the surrounding area and any visible injuries. Ask witnesses for their contact. And seek immediate medical attention; this is essential to your health and safety, and to the success of your injury lawsuit.
  • Demand package: When all medical treatment is completed and the investigation has concluded, a demand package will be presented to the insurance company or corporation.  The parties will negotiate the claim over a period of time.  This phase is when a case will generally settle.
  • Litigation:  If a case does not settle, a lawsuit may be filed.  A lawsuit will involve written discovery and depositions.  You can anticipate significant personal involvement during the litigation phase.  After the parties have exchanged discovery and completed depositions, a mediation session will occur.  Mediation is an opportunity to present the case to a neutral party in an attempt to settle the case.  If settlement does not occur, the case will go to trial.

Contact Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers Today

The experienced attorneys at Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers will aggressively handle your case to obtain the best possible settlement or litigate your case to a jury verdict. To learn more, call 281-645-5000 or contact us online today.

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Client Reviews

THE RIGHT CHOICE

“I am a survivor of the March 23, 2005, BP explosion. Knowing my life had just been changed in an instant and not knowing what was to come was extremely unsettling. So when the time came to find legal representation, I chose Burwell Nebout personal injury attorneys from League City, Texas. Knowing they are from the Galveston County area made this an easy choice. Russ and Jimmy assured me they would do all things possible to help me and my family get through this most difficult time. Once again, I’d like to thank these men and their staff for their professional knowledge and guidance throughout those tough times. I know without a doubt I made the right choice.”

David Laymance
Santa Fe, Texas

LITIGATION EXPERTISE

“My company has faced disputes that require the litigation process to achieve resolution. I chose Russ and Jimmy to represent me not only for their ability to guide us through the process in a cost-efficient manner with the goal of resolution, but also with the comfort of knowing they have the skills and expertise to try the case.”

Will Watt
Friendswood, Texas

EXCELLENT WORK

“Thank you for the excellent work performed by you and your staff in helping our company each step of the way in our pursuit of seeking reimbursement from BP due to our losses from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The presentation of the facts as well as the unknowns with each turn of the roller coaster has been greatly appreciated. I cannot thank you enough for the work you put into this nor credit you enough for the polish and professionalism in the way you did it.”

Doug Vingoe
Houston, Texas

Case Results

Automobile Accident

$19.2 million

Two clients killed as a result of a special defect in the shoulder of the roadway. A state court jury trial resulted in a $19.2 million verdict.

Premises Liability

$10 million

Children that attended school on a former toxic dump site made claims for exposure injuries. $10 million settlement.

Liberty County Record Verdict

Record-setting verdict

Two high school seniors were on their way home on a stretch of road that had been the subject of repeated complaints to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) about the poor condition of the shoulder. When the students entered a curve, the poor condition of the shoulder resulted in a crash that killed one and severely brain-damaged the other. A trial against the Texas Attorney General’s office resulted in the discovery of altered records, a spoliation instruction, and a record-setting jury verdict for Liberty County.

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