If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in the Houston area, you need the best personal injury representation on your side. At Lopez Law Group, led by Fernando J. Lopez, we are dedicated to fighting for accident victims and delivering results. Recognized among the best personal injury lawyers in Houston, our team specializes in a wide range of cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle injuries, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and offshore injuries. With a reputation as a top-rated personal injury law firm, we have the expertise and resources to handle personal injury litigation and pursue maximum compensation. Whether you’re searching for a car accident lawyer in Houston, TX, or need a board-certified personal injury trial attorney, our law firm is committed to ensuring you get the justice you deserve.
Contact Lopez Law Group today for a free consultation and see how our Houston personal injury lawyers can help turn your case around.
Areas Covered
Austin
Garland
Brownsville
Dallas
Understanding Damages in a Personal Injury Case
When personal injury attorneys talk about “damages,” they refer to the losses and hardships a victim suffers due to an accident. In personal injury law, there are two primary types of damages that accident victims can pursue: economic and non-economic. Understanding these categories will help estimate what your personal injury case might be worth. Here’s what you need to know:
Economic Damages
Also known as “monetary damages” or “special damages,” economic damages include financial losses that can be quantified and proven. These damages are essential in calculating the overall compensation that accident victims can expect. Examples include:
- Current and Future Medical Expenses: Covers all medical bills related to your injuries, including hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future medical treatments.
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you can claim compensation for lost wages and any reduced ability to earn in the future.
- Vehicle Damage and Property Loss: Hire a lawyer to claim compensation for repairs or replacement of damaged property, including vehicles.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Any additional expenses related to the injury, such as transportation to medical appointments or hiring help at home.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are also known as “general damages” because they don’t have a specific financial value and are more challenging to calculate. They cover the impact of the accident on your life beyond financial losses. Here’s what can be claimed:
- Physical Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical discomfort and pain experienced due to the injuries.
- Mental and Emotional Distress: Covers emotional suffering such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD that results from the accident.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for any permanent injuries or disfigurement that negatively affects your quality of life.
- Diminished Quality of Life: If the accident has impacted your ability to enjoy life or perform everyday tasks, you may be eligible for these damages.
What Are the Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle?
At Lopez Law Group, we handle a wide variety of personal injury cases, ensuring that injury victims receive the compensation they deserve. With our team of top-rated personal injury lawyers, led by Fernando J. Lopez, we are well-equipped to assist clients dealing with the following types of cases:
Truck Accidents
Slip and Fall Accidents
Workplace Injuries
Dog Bites
Boat Accidents
Wrongful Death
Product Liability
Medical Malpractice
If you’re wondering whether you have a personal injury case, there are three basic requirements that must be met to establish a valid claim by accident and injury victims. Personal injury claims often revolve around the concept of negligence, which means that someone failed to act with reasonable care, causing your injuries. Here’s what to consider while filing a Texas personal injury lawsuit:
- Did Someone Owe You a Duty of Care? Duties can exist in various contexts. For example, drivers owe each other a duty to follow traffic laws, while doctors owe their patients a duty to provide competent medical care. Property owners also have a duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. If you were involved in a car accident, motorcycle wreck, or medical malpractice incident, you may be able to prove that the other party owed you a duty.
- Was That Duty Breached? Breaching a duty means failing to meet the required standard of care. This can include breaking a traffic law, neglecting property maintenance, or providing substandard medical treatment. Demonstrating a breach could involve evidence like traffic violations, safety records, or expert testimony in a medical malpractice case.
- Did You Sustain Injuries as a Result? To have a legitimate claim, you must show that your injuries were directly caused by the breach of duty. Medical records, photographs of injuries, and other documentation can support your injury claim.
If these elements are present, you likely have a personal injury case. However, determining negligence and liability can be complex, which is why it’s crucial to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer. An auto accident lawyer in Houston, TX, or a top personal injury lawyer from a reputable Houston personal injury law firm can help you evaluate your case.
What Compensation Can You Expect?
The total amount you can recover in your Houston personal injury case will depend on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Working with a top-rated personal injury lawyer, such as the best attorney for personal injury at Lopez Law Group, will help you accurately calculate both economic and non-economic damages.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys have successfully handled various cases, including auto accidents, slip and fall, and truck accidents, making us one of the best personal injury firms. Whether you need an auto accident lawyer in Houston, TX, a personal injury lawyer for slip and fall cases, or an accident attorney for Houston car accidents, we can help.
If you or a loved one are dealing with accidents and injuries in Houston, don’t wait to seek legal help. Let our best of the best team of Houston personal injury attorneys evaluate your claim and guide you through the process of filing personal injury lawsuits. We are a leading injury law firm in Houston, recognized among the best lawyers in America. For one of the best personal injury lawyers near you, contact us today.
What to Expect When Working with a Personal Injury Attorney
When you hire a personal injury attorney in Houston, you’re not just getting a legal representative; you’re gaining an advocate who will guide you from the initial consultation through to settlement or trial. Here’s what to expect during the process:
Step 1: Free Consultation and Case Evaluation
Your journey begins with a free consultation, where an experienced personal injury attorney will assess your case. Whether you need an auto accident lawyer in Houston, TX, a car accident lawyer in Houston, TX, or a slip & fall lawyer, the attorney will gather details about the incident, injuries sustained, and the impact on your life. This step is crucial for determining the validity of your claim and outlining the potential for compensation.
Step 2: Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Once you decide to hire a personal injury lawyer, the attorney will start a thorough investigation to collect evidence supporting your case. This includes gathering medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any other documentation that proves the extent of your injuries and the negligence involved. For cases involving car accidents, working with car accident lawyers in Houston, TX, ensures that critical evidence, like police reports and traffic camera footage, is reviewed.
Step 3: Negotiation with Insurance Companies
A significant part of a personal injury lawyer’s job involves negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts, but having a top-rated personal injury lawyer near you ensures you have an experienced advocate fighting for the compensation you deserve. The attorney will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend proceeding to trial.
Step 4: Settlement or Trial
If negotiations are successful, you will reach a settlement without the need for court proceedings. However, if the insurance company fails to offer a fair amount, your trial lawyer will take your case to court, presenting evidence and advocating for maximum compensation. Having a skilled trial lawyer is crucial, as it ensures your rights are protected during litigation.