Best Houston Personal Injury Lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer in Houston?

Focus on three key factors: experience with your specific injury type, trial readiness, and resources to handle your case properly.

Look for lawyers who regularly handle cases like yours. A lawyer who primarily handles car accidents might not be the best choice for a complex medical malpractice claim. Check their case results and ask about similar cases they've won.

Key qualifications to verify:

• Board certification in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Active membership in professional organizations like the Houston Trial Lawyers Association
• Adequate support staff and financial resources to front case expenses
• Clear communication style and availability for questions

How much do personal injury lawyers charge in Houston?

Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency fees, meaning you pay nothing upfront and they only get paid if you win.

Standard contingency fees in Texas range from 33% to 40% of your settlement. The percentage often depends on whether your case settles before trial (usually 33%) or goes to court (typically 40%). Under Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.04, these fees must be reasonable and clearly explained in writing.

Additional costs to discuss:

• Case expenses (medical records, expert witnesses, court fees)
• Whether expenses are deducted before or after the attorney's percentage
• What happens if you lose the case

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Texas?

Texas law gives you two years from the date of injury to file most personal injury lawsuits.

This deadline, set by Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, is strict. Missing it usually means losing your right to compensation forever. Some exceptions can shorten or extend this timeline.

Important deadline exceptions:

• Government claims: 6 months notice requirement
• Medical malpractice: 2 years with possible extensions for minors
• Maritime injuries: Often 3 years under federal law
• Claims against municipalities: 90 days to 6 months for notice

What's the average settlement for personal injury cases in Houston?

Settlement amounts vary dramatically based on injury severity, medical costs, and liability factors. There's no meaningful "average" that applies to your case.

Minor soft tissue injuries might settle for $5,000-$25,000, while severe injuries with permanent disability can reach millions. Your settlement depends on medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the insurance coverage available.

Factors affecting your settlement value:

• Total medical bills (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Permanent impairment rating
• Available insurance limits
• Strength of liability evidence

How do I know if I have a valid personal injury case?

You need three elements: someone else's negligence, actual damages, and a clear connection between the two.

Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules under Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice & Remedies Code. You can recover damages as long as you're less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault.

Strong case indicators:

• Police report showing the other party at fault
• Medical treatment directly after the incident
• Witness statements supporting your version
• Photo evidence of injuries and the accident scene
• Documentation of missed work and expenses

Should I talk to insurance companies before hiring a lawyer?

Get legal advice before giving any recorded statements or signing documents from insurance companies.

Insurance adjusters work to minimize claim payouts. What seems like a friendly conversation is actually evidence gathering. Even innocent statements can be twisted to reduce your claim value or deny it entirely.

Safe communication guidelines:

• Report the claim (basic facts only)
• Decline recorded statements politely
• Don't discuss injuries or fault
• Never sign anything without legal review
• Let your lawyer handle negotiations

What types of cases do Houston personal injury lawyers handle?

Personal injury lawyers handle any situation where someone's negligence causes physical or emotional harm.

Common practice areas include:

How long does a personal injury lawsuit take in Houston?

Most cases settle within 6-18 months, but complex cases requiring trial can take 2-3 years.

Settlement timing depends on medical treatment completion, insurance company cooperation, and court schedules. Harris County district courts typically schedule trials 12-18 months after filing. Federal court moves slightly faster.

Timeline factors:

• Reaching maximum medical improvement
• Complexity of liability issues
• Number of parties involved
• Insurance policy limits versus damages
• Court backlog in Harris County

What damages can I recover in a Texas personal injury case?

Texas law allows recovery for economic damages, non-economic damages, and sometimes punitive damages.

Economic damages cover measurable losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Chapter 41 limits punitive damages to specific situations involving gross negligence.

Recoverable damages include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Physical pain and mental anguish
• Disfigurement and physical impairment
• Loss of consortium for spouses
• Property damage

How do I compare personal injury lawyers before choosing one?

Schedule consultations with 2-3 lawyers and compare their experience, resources, and communication style.

Questions to ask each lawyer:

• How many cases like mine have you tried to a verdict?
• What's your success rate for similar cases?
• Who will actually handle my case day-to-day?
• How do you communicate case updates?
• Can you provide references from past clients?

Create a comparison chart noting their answers, fee structures, and your comfort level with each. The best lawyer isn't always the biggest advertiser but the one with relevant experience who makes you feel heard and confident.

What if I can't afford medical treatment after my injury?

Many Houston doctors work on "letters of protection" allowing treatment now and payment from your settlement later.

Your lawyer can connect you with medical providers who understand personal injury cases. These doctors defer payment until case resolution. This ensures you get the necessary treatment while building medical documentation for your claim.

Medical funding options:

• Letters of protection from your attorney
• Medical payment coverage on your auto policy
• Health insurance (they'll seek reimbursement later)
• Hospital charity care programs
• Medical funding companies (use cautiously due to high costs)

When should I hire a personal injury lawyer versus handling the claim myself?

Hire a lawyer immediately for serious injuries, disputed liability, or when insurance companies act in bad faith.

Minor fender-benders with small medical bills might settle easily without legal help. But studies show injured people with lawyers receive 3.5 times more compensation on average, even after legal fees. Complex injuries or permanent impairment always need legal representation.

Get a lawyer when:

• Injuries require surgery or extended treatment
• Liability is disputed or unclear
• Multiple parties are involved
• Insurance company denies or lowballs the offer
• You're unsure about settlement fairness