When you suffer an 
injury because of another person’s negligent, careless, or malicious actions, you can hold that person legally and financially accountable. However, Texas law has restrictions on how liability affects your case, how long you have to file your claim, and the types of compensation you can receive.
While you focus on recovering from your injury, a Melissa personal injury attorney can work to secure compensation on your behalf. At the Underwood Law Office, our skilled lawyers have decades of experience handling a variety of personal injury claims. We’re prepared to fight for you.
Understanding Personal Injury Law in Texas
Unlike criminal law, personal injury law pertains to civil matters. This means that victims who file a personal injury lawsuit are pursuing financial compensation against another party for their losses and injuries.
The type of compensation you are eligible for will depend on the circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the percentages of fault attributed to you and the opposing party. In general, these cases allow you to recover compensatory damages for:
- Medical procedures, treatment, and prescriptions
- Wages lost while recovering
- Future lost or diminished wages if your injuries affect your long-term earning capacity
- Vehicle replacement or repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Loss of consortium with a spouse
The responsible party in your accident does not need to be facing criminal charges for you to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. You will still need to provide evidence of their liability and abide by the statute of limitations, however.
For a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer serving Melissa, call (972) 535-6377
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Personal injury
law can apply to many different types of accidents that result in injury. Injuries do not have to be severe or life-threatening to qualify you for compensation. Many personal injury cases are the result of:
- Vehicle collisions, including truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, and car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and falls on someone else’s property
- Negligent security
- Defective products, including drugs
- Dog bites
- Nursing home abuse
Our personal injury attorneys in Melissa can help you understand your legal options. We have experience handling all these claims and more. We can show you what kind of evidence you will need to show to prove the other party’s responsibility, the extent of your damages, and other crucial factors in your case.
Melissa Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
Steps Our Lawyers Take in a Personal Injury Case
Whether or not you decide to hire a lawyer for your personal injury case, you may need to follow certain steps to proceed. The first step involves seeing a doctor about your injuries. Even if your injuries are not serious enough to require immediate medical attention, this step is vital.
A doctor can provide documentation that you may need to prove your injuries and connect them to the accident. Without this evidence, an insurance company or judge may dismiss your case.
Likewise, you will need as much evidence as you can gather about the incident to prove the other party’s negligence and liability. Examples of strong evidence for a personal injury claim include:
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police reports
- Doctor’s reports
- Testimony from accident reconstructionists
- Expert witness testimony (such as testimony from a medical professional in a malpractice claim)
You will also need to calculate the value of your combined losses so that you know how much you are owed and can begin negotiations for a settlement. In many cases, you may be able to settle out of court if the negligent party or their insurance company gives you a fair offer. Otherwise, you can choose to take your case to trial.
When you work with a Melissa personal injury lawyer from Underwood Law Office, we can handle these tasks on your behalf. We will do a thorough review of your damages, produce evidence of their value, and may be able to hire accident reconstruction experts to testify in your defense.
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Texas’ Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits
Texas has laws that outline how long you have to file your personal injury lawsuit. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, you generally have two years from the date of the initial accident to file in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.
Likewise, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §74.251 provides a similar deadline for medical malpractice claims.
Failure to submit your documentation for a lawsuit by the legal deadline can make you ineligible for compensation via a lawsuit. As such, it is important to begin the process of pursuing compensation as soon as you are able. That way, if you are unable to reach an out-of-court settlement, you may still have enough time to build a case for trial.
Finally, there are several factors that can alter the deadline for your personal injury claim. For example, minors are typically given a longer time to file a claim. On the other hand, claims against a government entity may need to be filed sooner.
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Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Melissa, TX
Filing any type of lawsuit can be overwhelming and intimidating, but personal injury lawsuits introduce the added complication of dealing with your injuries. You likely already have a lot on your plate when you begin the process of seeking compensation, including:
- Doctor visits
- Medical procedures
- Lost wages as bills pile up
The added burden of collecting evidence, negotiating settlements, and filing your documents on time may be too much. We can help you with all aspects of your case, such as:
- Filing your claim within the statute of limitations
- Cataloging your damages
- Investigating your accident and collecting evidence
- Negotiating with the opposing party and their attorneys
- Taking your case to court, if necessary
Our goal is to take the burden off your plate. We can handle much of the legal work and responsibility on your behalf. If you have any questions or concerns about your case, our Melissa, TX, personal injury lawyers will be available to give you answers, updates, and support in a timely and compassionate manner.
Schedule Your FREE Consultation with a Melissa Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you are seeking legal representation for your personal injury case, look no further than Underwood Law Office. Our Melissa personal injury attorneys take on a variety of cases to help our clients pursue compensation for their injuries. We may be able to help you, too.
Your initial consultation is FREE, so there is no risk in reaching out. Plus, we only collect attorney fees if and when we secure compensation for you through a settlement or court award. Call us to discuss your case with a member of our team today or fill out the form on our contact page, and we will get in touch with you soon.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form