Houston Personal Injury Lawyer

Houston Personal Injury Attorneys

Dealing with a personal injury can be a stressful, frustrating situation, especially if you decide to attempt to handle everything all on your own. A personal injury lawyer’s primary job is to ensure the well-being and represent the interests of their clients. They can help you with your case while you focus on your recovery. Some personal injuries can lead to life-altering lifestyle changes. If you are facing a personal injury case, contact a Houston personal injury lawyer.

While the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, has worked hard to develop a reputation for criminal defense in the Houston area, we can also greatly assist our clients with civil cases like personal injuries. Our priority is your peace of mind. With us at the helm, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.

What Damages Can You Recoup in a Personal Injury Case?

There are two main kinds of damages that one can pursue in a personal injury case: Economic and non-economic. Both are equally important, and it is important that you try to pursue both in your case. Economic damages are compensation for any financial losses you may have incurred due to your accident. Non-economic damages are compensation for any emotional losses you may have incurred. Here are some specific examples of economic damages:

• Medical Bills: Depending on the injuries you may have sustained in your accident, you could be looking at a substantial amount in medical expenses. In a personal injury lawsuit, you can pursue compensatory damages for not just your past medical expenses but your current and future expenses as well. You can try and recoup financial damages from any medical-related expense, such as:
• Doctor visits
• Physical therapy
• Ambulance rides
• ER visits
• Medication costs
• Surgery costs
• Mobility equipment costs.
• Lost Wages: If your injury was quite serious, there’s a good chance it has forced you to miss a lot of work. You may not have been able to prepare to miss so much work and, as a result, have lost out on necessary paychecks. In a personal injury case, you can sue for lost wages that you missed as a result of your accident. You can even try and be compensated for a loss of future earning potential.
• Property Damage: If your personal property was damaged in your accident, you can sue for the estimated value of that property. If you were in a car accident, for example, you can sue the other driver for the amount it might cost to repair your vehicle.

Here are some specific examples of non-economic damages, which may be harder to quantify but are just as important:

• Loss of Consortium: Being involved in a serious accident can change you. It can affect your outlook on life and even introduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger into your life. It can damage your relationship with your spouse, who can then sue to receive damages for a loss of consortium. This essentially means an overall loss of affection, love, support, companionship, or sexual activity in your relationship.
• Pain and Suffering: Being involved in a serious accident can be one of the most traumatizing events of your life. It can stay with you for years and introduce deep feelings of fear and anxiety. Emotional suffering is real, and you can sue for damages because of it. Pain from the accident, pain from any surgeries, emotional distress, and fear are all factors that you can seek damages for.

FAQs for Personal Injury Lawyers

Q: What Percentage Do Lawyers Take for Personal Injury in Texas?

A: There’s no telling how much a lawyer will take for a personal injury case in Houston, Texas. Every lawyer charges a different amount for their services. That amount is determined by the lawyer’s experience and education, how much their competition may be charging, their availability, their caseload, how difficult your case may be, and what kind of resources they will need to devote to it. Lawyers’ fees are constantly changing depending on various factors.

Q: How Long Do Personal Injury Cases Take to Settle in Texas?

A: There is no easy way to determine how long a personal injury case in Texas is going to take to settle. Every personal injury case is different and has its own set of complications unique to each case. If both parties are more willing to compromise and a lawsuit does not need to be filed, the case could take a matter of months to reach a settlement. If things are more complicated, the case could potentially take years to settle. It depends on the case.

Q: How Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Work in Texas?

A: In Texas, most personal injury lawsuits are considered to be civil cases, which means the intention is for the plaintiff to recoup damages and seek compensation, not to send anybody to prison. Criminal charges likely will not be filed. Most civil cases must go through mediation first. A mediator will meet with both parties and their lawyers and try to negotiate a settlement between both parties. This doesn’t always work. If a settlement can’t be reached, it goes to trial.

Q: How Much Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering in Texas?

A: There is no damage cap for pain and suffering in Texas unless the damages are due to medical malpractice. In that case, the damage cap is $250,000. Other than that, you can sue for any amount that you and your attorney deem appropriate for your pain and suffering. When it comes time to consider a settlement, remember that you don’t have to accept any number that you consider insulting or inappropriate. Your lawyer can help you decide on that number.

Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, can help you develop your case, gather the necessary evidence, and represent your interests against insurance companies and opposing counsel. You don’t have to deal with this case on your own. We can help. Reach out to schedule a consultation with a valued team member as soon as you can.