If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer, then you or someone you love have likely suffered an immeasurable injury in an incident that wasn’t your fault. Car accidents, slip and falls, and wrongful death can all leave victims with mounting bills and emotional distress.

You should not have to face these hardships alone. If you or a loved one are suffering as a result of someone else’s negligence, then you need an experienced attorney that you can rely on. A high-quality lawyer can take over the entire legal process, including paperwork, negotiations with insurance companies, calculating what you are owed, and investigating your case from beginning to end.

At Abraham Watkins, our team of Woodlands personal injury lawyers have been navigating cases just like yours for more than 70 years! We are prepared to do what it takes to ensure maximum compensation in your case.

As one of Texas’s longest-standing law firms, Abraham Watkins has a long-standing reputation which means insurance companies are more likely to offer you a high settlement quickly. The chances are that we have helped clients in a similar position to you, and we will use our wealth of resources and knowledge to fight to ensure you and your loved ones get the compensation you deserve.

Our phone lines are always open, so do not hesitate to contact us today to seek advice about your next steps.

Give us a call at 713-535-9319 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis

At Abraham Watkins, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means that we do not take any money upfront. Instead, we take a percentage of your settlement only if we succeed in winning your case. If you do not receive a settlement on your behalf, then you do not owe us anything.

We believe that all personal injury victims should have access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. We also believe that no victim should end up in a worse financial position just for trying to seek justice. Therefore, we assume all the risks. We promise no upfront fees or hidden costs.

Compensation in a Woodlands Personal Injury Claim

An experienced personal injury lawyer will help you achieve a settlement figure that is representative of your losses. Your losses in a personal injury claim are known as damages, and while some are easily calculated, such as your existing medical bills, others, such as your emotional distress, are difficult to navigate.

A skilled attorney will know how to evidence your future expenses, such as the cost of ongoing medical treatment, and non-economic damages, such as your loss of enjoyment in life. This is where an attorney can make a massive difference to ensure that you achieve justice.

Potential damages your personal injury lawyer can help you claim include:

Lost Wages

After suffering an injury, you may have been unable to work, resulting in lost wages. This can be evidenced by past payslips. However, if your injuries require ongoing care or you are unable to return to work, then it is imperative that you are also compensated for your future losses.

Property Damage

You should be compensated for the repair or replacement of any property damaged resulting from the incident. For example, if you were included in a slip and fall, you may have broken your phone, or if you were in a car accident, then you will inevitably require car repairs. It is important to keep evidence of your damaged property, such as photos and receipts for repair, as this could be important evidence in your case.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses are usually the biggest economic loss to personal injury victims. Your settlement should include compensation for all of your medical bills and related expenses, such as transport to and from the hospital, and childcare while you are receiving treatment. However, it is important that you keep a record of your incurred costs, including receipts where possible.

The cost of your ongoing medical care must also be considered. Your attorney may draw upon expert testimony to evidence how much your ongoing care will cost you.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering is the legal term for the emotional and physical stress caused by a personal injury.

Most pain and suffering damages are quantified using a multiplier that represents the victim’s suffering. For example, if you suffered $15,000 in economic damages, then using a multiplier of two, you would receive $30,000 in pain and suffering damages. If your injuries are permanent, then your attorney may be able to use a multiplier of five, and your damages would be worth $75,000.

An experienced attorney will know how to secure a pain and suffering figure that represents your suffering. They will help you evidence factors such as:

  • Emotional distress.
  • Loss of enjoyment if you are no longer able to participate in activities that you did before the accident.
  • Mental health issues, such as PTSD after a car accident.
  • Physical pain.

Punitive Damages

Most personal injury cases result in a settlement from an insurance company, which means that they do not go to trial. For those that do, however, the judge may decide to award punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to either discourage others from behaving in similar ways or to punish the perpetrator for their actions. They can only be awarded in cases involving malicious intent or gross negligence.

Deadlines for Securing Compensation in a Personal Injury Claim in The Woodlands, TX

The Woodlands is governed by Texas state law, which states that personal injury victims have two years from the date of the incident to make a claim for compensation. This is known as the statute of limitations. Once the statute of limitations has surpassed, victims lose the right to make a claim.

In rare cases, victims may still be able to make a claim. For example, the discovery rule states that if a personal injury victim’s symptoms are delayed, and they do not discover the injury until later, then they may still be able to file a claim. However, it will be necessary to employ the help of a personal injury lawyer to stand the best chance of success.

Regardless of the circumstances of your case, the sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer, the better. Over time, evidence for a case is weakened, CCTV is deleted, witnesses forget or confuse what they saw, and defects are fixed. When you contact an attorney, they will get to work quickly to ensure that you have the strongest possible case for compensation.

How To Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer in Woodlands, TX

The first step to securing the compensation you deserve is finding a reputable personal injury law firm. However, with so many to choose from and everyone claiming to be the best, it can be difficult to make a decision.

Firstly, it is important to remember that large impressive ads are not always representative of a high-quality law firm. While an ad, friend recommendation, or a google search is a good place to start, it’s important to do your research. The right representation could be the difference between getting what you deserve and ending up out of pocket for your expenses.

Research does not have to involve hours of reading. Most personal injury law firms will offer a free consultation. This will allow you to ask the right questions and get a clear picture of your potential attorney’s level of experience.

Some questions you may like to ask potential personal injury attorneys include:

  • What does your fee structure look like?
  • What would be a good settlement in my case, and how do we get there?
  • Do you have trial experience?
  • What percentage of your time is dedicated to personal injury in Texas?
  • How many years of experience do you have handling cases which are similar to mine?
  • Can I see testimonials from previous clients?
  • How can I contact you if I have questions?

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in The Woodlands, TX

We have helped victims of personal injury in a broad range of cases. Regardless of the cause of your personal injury, the chances are that we have handled a similar case before.

Common types of personal injury cases we see are:

Slip and Fall Cases

A slip and fall, also known as a trip and fall, is a personal injury claim based on premises liability. If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, then the property owner or the person or business renting that property could be liable for your injuries.

Property owners or those with exclusive control of premises have a duty to keep people safe by carrying out maintenance and warning visitors of all potential dangers.

Auto Accidents

The Woodlands is located alongside Interstate 45 – which is one of the most heavily trafficked highways in the United States. It is also the second-most dangerous road across the nation, with a high number of both drunk driving accidents and fatal crashes.

There are also a lot of commercial trucks on the highway. A truck accident is often particularly severe due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved.

Other common factors for serious injuries are motorcycle accident cases due to the lack of protection and visibility.

Dram Shop Claims

A dram shop claim is a personal injury case brought against a dram shop, which is a venue that serves alcohol. If a dram shop overserves alcohol to the point that it causes a danger, then they could be found liable for any damages that the intoxicated patron goes on to cause.

For example, if someone is clearly intoxicated and a venue continues to serve them alcohol, and that person gets into their car and causes an accident, then the dram shop could be held liable for your damages.

Wrongful Death Cases

When you lose a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, no amount of money can make up for your grief. However, you should not be left with financial difficulties such as funeral expenses and loss of income for a family household. These things should be compensated for, as well as your pain and suffering.

Workplace Accidents

Occupational accidents can be particularly traumatic for victims. Business owners have a duty to create a safe working environment, and when something goes wrong, it is essential that they are held accountable.

How is Negligence Established in a Woodland Personal Injury Claim?

A successful personal injury claim must establish negligence. One of the first things an attorney will do is find out who acted negligently in your case, and what evidence is necessary to prove it.

Negligence is action or inaction that is different from how a reasonable person would behave in similar circumstances.

For example, if a trucking company fails to maintain their vehicles and a tire bursts, causing an accident, then the company’s inaction is negligence. A reasonable trucking company would regularly check their vehicles to make sure that they are safe.

There are four aspects of negligence that need to be established in a personal injury claim.

Duty of Care

First, it is necessary to establish that the at-fault party owed the victim a duty of care. That means that a person is required to take reasonable care while performing acts that could foreseeably harm others, such as driving, carrying out medical care, or making their establishment reasonably safe for guests.

Breach of Duty

If an individual fails to act reasonably to prevent harm, then they have breached their duty. For example, if a restaurant fails to put up a wet floor sign after cleaning the floor, then they have breached their duty of care.

Causation

Next, it is necessary to prove that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries. For example, if there was no wet floor sign and you slipped as a result, then the causation is clear. However, if you fell after the floor was already dry, then causation could be questioned.

Damages

Finally, the accident must have left you with damages, such as medical bills and lost wages.

What To Do After an Accident Involving Personal Injury

In order to claim compensation for your injuries after an accident that wasn’t your fault, there are certain steps you can take to maximize your chances of success. However, that is not to say that if some time has passed already and you did not do these things, then you won’t be able to make a claim. It is always worth seeking a free consultation to explore your options.

Safety First

Your own safety and that of other people around you should always be the most important consideration after an accident. If you are in a lot of pain or you are struggling to move, then stay where you are until medical personnel arrives at the scene.

If you are able to do so, check anyone else involved in the accident for serious injury, and if anyone needs medical attention, call an ambulance.

If your injuries are not too severe, then you should move away from danger, such as oncoming traffic, a smoking vehicle, fire, bodies of water, or electricity.

Call 911

Calling emergency services such as the police or the fire department ensures that any dangers are properly dealt with. They will also complete a report which will be important evidence in your claim for compensation.

Take Photographs

If you are able to, you should take photos of the scene. This could serve as invaluable evidence in your personal injury claim. You should also note down the name and contact information of any potential witnesses so that your attorney can contact them at a later date. If you were in a car accident, then you should also make a note of any other driver’s name, contact, and vehicle information.

Go To The Hospital

If you were not taken to the hospital straight away, then you should make your own way there as soon as possible. A medical examination is necessary to ensure your safety so that you do not unknowingly make any hidden injuries worse. Your medical report also serves as an integral piece of evidence. The sooner, the better, as it will be easier to prove that your injuries were a direct result of the accident.

Contact Your Insurance Company

After a car accident, you may need to contact your insurance company. However, just give them basic facts. Do not admit fault in any way or discuss your injuries.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Most personal injury claims will involve insurance companies. Insurance companies are big businesses that are driven by profit, which means that they will look for ways to devalue your claim or limit their liability.

When you have representation from an attorney, you no longer have to deal with insurance companies. If they do phone you, you can simply take down their information and tell them that your attorney will be in touch.

Insurance companies employ legally trained insurance adjusters who are good at manipulating people into devaluing their claims. An attorney will ensure you’re not subjected to these underhanded tricks.

Another important thing to understand is that if you accept a settlement from an insurance company, you will give up your right to fight for more. If you are offered a quick settlement, then it is probably much less than what you are really owed. You should contact an attorney before you accept a settlement so that they can advise you if the officer is just.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim on My Own?

In Texas, you may choose to file a personal injury claim without the help of an attorney. However, this is not advisable. Personal injury claims can take many months or even years to settle. During this time, there will be a lot of paperwork, negotiations, and legal processes, which can be incredibly stressful if you do not have experience in personal injury law.

The main reason why people try to handle their claims alone is that they are concerned about how much representation may cost them. However, most people who secure representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer end up with a higher amount of compensation than those who don’t, thanks to the skills, resources, and reputation that the lawyer offers.

At Abraham Watkins, you are not required to pay anything upfront. We work on a no-win-no-fee basis, so you will never end up losing money. We know how to evidence your claims to calculate a high settlement figure which is difficult to dispute. Additionally, we are always prepared to go to trial, so if your case does result in a lawsuit, we will be there to support you.

When you have representation from a personal injury lawyer, you can rest and recover while they handle everything on your behalf.

The Woodlands Personal Injury Attorneys FAQ

Will I Have to go to Court?

The vast majority of personal injury cases never go to court; this is because victims may have to wait months between court dates, and the whole process can be very expensive. It is usually in everyone’s best interest to settle outside of court. However, some cases do go to court, and when this happens, it is essential that you have an attorney who has what it takes to represent your interests.

How Long Before I Receive Compensation?

A personal injury claim could take a few months or several years, depending on the complexity of the case and how good your representation is. At Abraham Watkins, we understand that victims usually want their cases to move forward quickly. We will strive for a quick settlement where possible but will also fight for as long as it takes to secure you the compensation you deserve.

Is Compensation Guaranteed?

Compensation can never be guaranteed. However, when you seek representation from Abraham Watkins, we will assess your case during a free consultation, and we will only take it on if we believe it stands a high chance of success.

How Much Will Representation Cost Me?

At Abraham Watkins, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means representation will not cost you anything upfront. We will take an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement when it succeeds. If it doesn’t, then representation will not cost you anything.

Should I Talk to Friends About What Happened?

It is important not to make any admissions of fault to anyone, including friends and family. While it may be important for you to have their support, you should not discuss details of the accident, particularly if they are potential witnesses. Your personal injury lawyer will speak with involved parties on your behalf while protecting your rights.

What Happens After a Car Accident With an Uninsured Motorist?

After an accident with an uninsured motorist, you should check your policy to see if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you do not or your damages exceed your policy limits, then securing the compensation you deserve will be challenging. However, you should still contact a personal injury lawyer who can explore all of your options.

Do I Need to Go to a Particular Hospital for Treatment?

Generally, you can seek medical treatment anywhere you choose. However, if your injury happened at work, you may need to see an occupational therapist that is covered by the insurance policy of your workplace.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim if I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?

Just because you have a pre-existing condition does not mean that people can behave negligently towards you. A pre-existing injury may make your case more complex, as the condition may have an impact on the damages you suffer. The best thing you can do is employ a personal injury attorney who will fight to protect your rights.

Do I Have a Claim?

When you contact an experienced personal injury attorney, they can evaluate the details of your specific case and determine whether you have a valid claim.

Should I Speak With Witnesses?

You should let your attorney reach out to potential witnesses on your behalf. They will know how to speak with them without jeopardizing your claim.

The Woodlands Personal Injury Lawyer

At Abraham Watkins, our law firm has been representing victims of personal injury in Texas for more than 70 years. We have a long list of successful cases to draw upon and a wealth of resources.

The attorney-client relationship is at the heart of our service. We will support you from start to finish and will do everything we can to secure the best possible outcome in your case.

Give us a call today for a free consultation at 713-535-9319.

Free Consultation

We offer a free consultation to prospective clients. If you have been injured and wish to speak to one of our attorneys in a no-cost consultation, please call us at (713) 222-7211. or toll free at 713-222-7211

Real trial lawyers, real results

Our Record of Success

$250+

million

Drug Litigation

$201+

million

Plant Explosion

$88

million

Automotive Defects

$60

million

Drug Litigation

$60

million

Chemical Plant Fire

$35

million

Premises Liability

Our Awards

Best Law Firms - Badge 2024
Best Lawyers Best Law Firms US news 2023.
Abraham Watkins Best Lawyers Award for 2022.
Best Lawyers Best Law Firms US news 2021.
Best Lawyers Best Law Firms US news 2020.
Best Lawyers Best Law Firms US news 2019.
Best Lawyers Best Law Firms US news 2018.
Top 10 Wrongful Death US 2022.
Top 20 Motor Vehicle Accidents - 2022.
Top Verdict Top 50 Personal Injury
Top Verdict US 2022 Top 100
Number 1 settlement for wrongful death in Texas 2022.
Number 1 for Pedestrian Accident Settlements in TX for 2022.
Number 1 for Wrongful Death Settlements in TX for 2022.
Firm Award - Top 10 Motor Vehicle Settlements in Texas 2022
Best Premises Liability Lawyer Award.
Top 20 Best Lawyer Award for Abraham Watkins.
Top 100 Best Lawyer Award 2021 for Abraham Watkins.
2021 Top 10 Practicing Lawyers in Texas Award.
2021 Top 10 Personal Injury Verdict Award.
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