Houston Personal Injury Lawyers

An accident can change your life in a matter of seconds, leaving you and your family to deal with devastating physical, emotional, and financial burdens. From mounting medical expenses to lost wages and ongoing pain, the consequences of personal injuries are often overwhelming. At The de la Garza Law Group, our Houston personal injury lawyers are committed to advocating for you to help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Is Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury law is a branch of civil law that allows individuals to seek compensation for harm caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. Whether you were injured in a car accident, at work, or because of a defective product, personal injury law allows you to recover damages through legal recourse.

Specific statutes and legal principles govern Texas personal injury cases. One of the most critical aspects is the concept of negligence, which involves proving that another party failed to act with reasonable care, resulting in your injuries. Understanding the nuances of Texas law is essential for successfully navigating the legal process, so representation by our experienced personal injury attorneys is crucial.

The de la Garza Law Group’s Personal Injury Practice Areas

Our Houston personal injury lawyers provide personalized legal representation across a broad range of cases. We approach each personal injury case with tailored care and attention, helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Here are the key areas we focus on:

Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are life-altering and often result in permanent disabilities or long-term medical needs. These injuries directly affect you and place a significant emotional and financial burden on your family. Our team has extensive experience handling cases involving:

• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Amputations and loss of limbs
• Severe burns and disfigurement

We work closely with medical experts and life care planners to help you recover compensation for current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation and lost earning capacity.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can range from concussions to severe brain damage, impacting your memory, cognition, and emotional well-being. These injuries often result from car accidents, workplace incidents, sports injuries, and falls. Our attorneys understand the complexities of brain injury cases and fight for compensation to cover long-term care, therapy, and loss of quality of life.

Industrial Accidents

Houston has numerous industrial workplaces, including oil refineries, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, the city is home to 44 out of 113 publicly traded oil and gas companies. These environments pose significant risks, and injuries can occur from environmental elements, mechanical failure, or human error. Common industrial injuries we handle include:

• Chemical burns and inhalation injuries
• Injuries caused by defective machinery
• Severe injuries resulting from explosions or fires

Our personal injury lawyers understand the unique challenges of industrial injury cases and work tirelessly to hold negligent employers or third parties accountable.

Auto Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are one of Houston’s leading causes of personal injuries. According to the City of Houston’s Vision Zero Annual Report, there were 323 motor vehicle fatalities and nearly 1,600 serious injuries in the city in 2022. Our firm handles a variety of auto accident cases to help victims recover fair compensation for their losses. These include:

• Car accidents: We can help you pursue compensation for injuries resulting from minor fender benders to major collisions.

• Bus accidents: We advocate for you if you were a passenger or pedestrian injured in a public or private bus accident.

• Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in accidents. We understand your unique challenges and help you secure the compensation you need to recover.

• Truck accidents: Crashes involving commercial trucks often result in severe injuries. We navigate the complexities of federal trucking regulations and multiple liable parties.

• Bicycle accidents: Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries, including TBIs and spinal cord injuries. We can help you recover compensation for injuries caused by reckless drivers or unsafe road conditions.

• Pedestrian accidents: If you were injured in a crosswalk, parking lot, or other area due to driver negligence, we will help you hold the negligent driver accountable.

• Rideshare accidents: Accidents involving rideshare vehicles, such as Uber and Lyft, can be legally complex due to various insurance specifications. We determine liability and work to secure compensation for injured passengers, drivers, or third parties.

Workplace Accidents

Workplace injuries can be devastating, especially when you face challenges in securing adequate compensation. Our attorneys are experienced in handling various types of work injury cases, including:

• Construction accidents: Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and injuries often occur due to falls, equipment malfunctions, or inadequate safety measures.

• Burn injuries: Electrical hazards and flammable materials are common in many industries. We can help you recover compensation for these traumatic injuries.

• Injuries without workers’ compensation: If you are injured at work and your employer does not provide workers’ compensation, we can explore alternative legal options to secure the compensation you deserve.

• Third-party work injuries: When a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, contributes to a workplace injury, we pursue claims beyond workers’ compensation.

Defective Products

Manufacturers and distributors are legally responsible for ensuring their products are safe for consumers. When defective products cause injuries, victims can seek compensation through product liability claims. We handle cases involving:

• Defective medical devices, such as faulty implants or surgical tools
• Dangerous pharmaceuticals with inadequate warnings or harmful side effects
• Faulty automotive parts, including defective brakes and airbags
• Unsafe household products, tools, or toys that pose risks to children and adults

Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing is an unimaginable tragedy. While no legal action can replace your loss, a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burden and provide justice. We assist families in pursuing compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of income and financial support
• Loss of companionship, care, and emotional support

We approach wrongful death cases with compassion and a determination to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Why Choose The de la Garza Law Group as Your Houston Personal Injury Law Firm?

Selecting the right legal representation is crucial when you have suffered a personal injury. At The de la Garza Law Group, we offer experience, dedication, and personalized attention to help our clients recover the compensation they deserve after suffering injuries because of someone else’s negligence. Here is why you can count on our team to deliver exceptional legal representation:

• Over 30 years of combined experience: Our attorneys have over three decades of combined experience advocating for the rights of individuals and businesses across Houston and Texas. This extensive experience equips us to handle a variety of personal injury cases, from car crashes to wrongful deaths.

• Compassionate and personalized representation: We understand the significant challenges you face after a serious injury, including mounting expenses, physical pain, and uncertainty about the future. Our team is committed to providing personalized service and will take the time to listen to your story and develop unique strategies to fit your needs.

• Proven track record of success: Our impressive case results and client testimonials speak to our diligent and dedicated work. Clients have praised our professionalism and genuine care, with one noting, “Mr. Mario de la Garza and his team are one of a kind and hands down the best law firm in Houston. They really do care about you.”

• No fees unless we win: We represent clients on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to bringing a lawsuit. You only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you.

• Recognized legal excellence: Our attorneys have been recognized for their legal excellence. Mario de la Garza has been recognized by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent and by Super Lawyers for multiple years, reflecting his dedication to providing high-quality legal representation.

• Client-centered approach: We prioritize our clients’ well-being, offering free initial consultations and accommodating those who may still be in the hospital or unable to travel. Our goal is to make the legal process as accessible and stress-free as possible during your recovery.

Choosing The de la Garza Law Group means partnering with a team that is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. We will handle your case’s legal complexities so you can focus on healing.

Understanding the Texas Personal Injury Process

Navigating the Texas personal injury process can be overwhelming, especially while dealing with the physical and emotional toll of an accident. Understanding how personal injury claims work in Texas can help you make informed decisions and protect your rights. Each step plays a critical role in securing compensation for your injuries and other losses.

• Statute of limitations: The Texas statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the injury date. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.

• Determining liability: Establishing liability is critical to any personal injury case. It involves proving that the defendant’s negligence directly caused your injuries. 

• Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to protect their bottom line. Our firm handles all communication with insurers, ensuring they do not pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer.

• Taking your case to trial: While many personal injury cases settle out of court, we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our attorneys are experienced litigators who will fight aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation Available

When you suffer a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, the law provides a path for you to recover financial compensation for your losses. Texas law allows injured victims to seek damages that can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial and emotional hardships. The different types of compensation that may be available to you in a personal injury claim include the following:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible, measurable losses that result from an injury. They are meant to restore the financial situation you were in before the accident occurred and can include:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and future medical treatments related to your injury. This includes long-term care costs for severe or permanent injuries.

• Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may recover compensation for lost income due to missed workdays.

• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous line of work or reduce your ability to earn a living, you can recover damages for lost future earnings.

• Property damage: In cases such as auto accidents, you can recover the costs of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle or other personal property.

• Out-of-pocket expenses: This includes any costs related to transportation for medical visits, home modifications for disabilities, or hiring in-home assistance due to your injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and compensate for your injury’s physical and emotional toll on your life. While these damages are harder to quantify, they play a crucial role in ensuring fair compensation and can include:

• Pain and suffering: This covers the physical pain and discomfort experienced due to the injury, including ongoing chronic pain.

• Emotional distress and mental anguish: Severe injuries can lead to psychological consequences such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and emotional trauma.

• Loss of enjoyment of life: You may obtain compensation if your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, sports, or activities you once enjoyed.

• Loss of consortium: You may recover compensation for loss of companionship, affection, or support if your injury negatively impacts your relationship with your spouse or family.

• Disfigurement and scarring: You may receive damages to address your injury’s physical and emotional impact that results in permanent scars or disfigurement.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are not intended to compensate you but rather to punish the at-fault party for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The court awards these damages in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless, malicious, or egregious. Texas law caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or twice the amount of economic damages plus an equal amount of non-economic damages, up to $750,000.

Contact The de la Garza Law Group for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, our Houston personal injury lawyers can guide you through the legal process to protect your rights and help you recover compensation for your losses. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve while you focus on healing and recovery.