We’ve put together a list of the best Houston personal injury lawyers. We selected these attorneys based on several important criteria, like legal experience, licenses and certifications, education, awards and other factors. Read our guide to find the best local personal injury attorney for your needs.
See our Methodology section below for a detailed breakdown of how we selected the attorneys on our list.
- Best Houston, TX Personal Injury Attorneys
- Compare Our Top Attorneys
- Texas Personal Injury Laws
- How to Find the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, TX
- How Houston Statutes Affect Personal Injury Claims
- What Is Covered by Personal Injury Law in Houston?
- What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement in Houston?
- How Much Does an Average Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
- Methodology for Finding the Best Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Houston, TX Personal Injury Attorneys
Compare Our Top Attorneys
Lawyer Name | Texas Bar Association Status | Year Admitted to Texas Bar | Law School Attended | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Robert E. Ammons | Active | 1988 | Baylor University School of Law | View More | ||
Ron Bankston | Active | 1977 | University of Houston Law Center | View More | ||
Edward F. Blizzard | Active | 1978 | Baylor University School of Law | View More | ||
Michael T. Gallagher | Active | 1965 | University of Texas School of Law | View More | ||
Dara G. Hegar | Active | 1998 | St. Mary’s University School of Law | View More | ||
Jason A. Itkin | Active | 2001 | University of Texas School of Law | View More | ||
Scott C. Krist | Active | 1991 | University of Texas School of Law | View More | ||
Andrew Sher | Active | 1994 | University of Houston Law Center | View More | ||
R. Daniel Sorey | Active | 2003 | Baylor University School of Law | View More | ||
Randall O. Sorrels | Active | 1987 | South Texas College of Law Houston | View More |
Texas Personal Injury Laws
Every state has its own set of personal injury laws. Understanding the unique laws in Texas may be the difference between getting compensation or not even being allowed to file a claim.
Texas Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you must file a personal injury case within two years of the initial injury. Statutes of limitations exist to allow a set period of time for an injured person to prepare and file a claim. If you were potentially at fault, you would want to know that after a certain amount of time—two years in Texas—you no longer have to worry about defending yourself against a lawsuit.
Determining Fault in Houston
There are a few different rules used to decide fault. One of the most common is used in Texas, called “modified comparative negligence.”
This rule deals with how courts will award damages when both parties are partially to blame for the injury. Imagine a car accident with $10,000 of damages to your vehicle. At trial, you were found to be 10% at fault and the other driver 90% at fault. In Texas, you will be awarded only $9,000 (after reducing your award by the percent you were at fault).
Importantly, though, if the other driver countersued for $20,000 in damages to their car, the jury finding them more than 50% responsible for the accident bars them from recovering anything.
This is different from states that use the regular comparative negligence rule, where the other driver would be allowed to recover 10% of their damages, getting back $2,000 of the $9,000 they had to pay you.
Caps on Medical Malpractice Awards in Texas
Texas has put caps on how much juries can award plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases. These caps only apply to non-economic damages, however. Any treatment costs or lost wages would not be capped, but things like pain and suffering would be capped at $500,000 overall (and $250,000 per defendant).
There is also a cap on medical malpractice wrongful death. It was initially set at $500,000 and was pegged to inflation, making it currently around $2 million.
How to Find the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, TX
There are many types of personal injury lawyers. Some specialize in car accidents, while others specialize in workers’ compensation or class action lawsuit injuries. As you shop to find a personal injury lawyer in Houston, you want to make sure that you choose a lawyer who has the experience for your accident type. You also want a lawyer who’s professional, affordable and well-respected.
Most attorneys offer a free consultation. Here’s a list of what you should be asking.
What Type of Experience Do They Have?
Before you go any further in a consultation, ask the attorney about their experience with your type of injury. If you were in a car accident, you want a lawyer specializing in car accidents. If you were injured at work, get a lawyer with experience in workers’ compensation claims and labor laws. If you were hurt when a product malfunctioned, you want a lawyer with experience in product liability cases.
Finding someone who has experience in your personal injury case means they will understand what needs to happen with your case. They’ll be able to navigate legal hurdles, medical access and insurance coverage on your behalf.
How Do They Communicate With Clients?
When you are injured in an accident, you can feel isolated, frustrated and confused. Good communication helps you feel like the process is working and that you have a team on your side. Talk to the lawyer about their communication process. Because personal injury cases can take a long time, look for an attorney who maintains a regular schedule of communication so you get regular updates. And of course, you want a Houston personal injury lawyer who communicates quickly when there are timely notices you need to review and address.
How Expensive Are They?
Personal injury attorneys usually work on contingency rather than charging an hourly fee. This means they get a percentage of your settlement and don’t get anything if you don’t get a dime. When it comes to their fee, look for someone who falls within the normal range of contingency fees. Houston personal injury lawyers usually charge between 33% and 40%. For a lawyer with a lot of experience, the higher contingency fee may be worth it since they typically negotiate a higher settlement.
What Percentage of Their Business Comes From Attorney Referrals?
This is not an obvious question, but it’s an important one. You want a lawyer who is respected by their peers. Being referred to by other lawyers who are willing to stake their own reputation on how good a personal injury attorney performs is a good indication of skill.
How Professional Is Their Office?
This isn’t a question you’ll ask the lawyer but is, instead, a sense that you get at your first consultation. You want someone who comes across as organized and on top of all the details of their clients’ cases. A tidy, well-run office is a good sign that the lawyer is not only competent and capable, but has the bandwidth to take on another client.
How Houston Statutes Affect Personal Injury Claims
Knowing the Texas statutes can be vital when injured in Houston, as they determine the time limit for a personal injury lawsuit. According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Title 2, Section 16.003, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit. Failing to file your case within two years could cost you the right to seek compensation.
However, there are some exceptions to the two-year time limit. For example, if you’re a minor or incapacitated and unable to file a lawsuit before the deadline, the statute may be “tolled” (paused), allowing you to seek justice at a later date. On the other hand, if a government entity caused your injury, your timeframe for pursuing compensation may be much shorter than the two years set by the statutes.
Since your circumstances may affect the time available for filing a lawsuit, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is vital. The best personal injury lawyers in Houston can help you navigate the legal process, ensure you observe all critical deadlines and help you seek fair compensation.
What Is Covered by Personal Injury Law in Houston?
If someone causes your injury negligently or deliberately in Houston, you could have legal recourse under Texas personal injury laws. Personal injury law covers a wide variety of cases, including but not limited to:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents. Individuals hurt in car collisions, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, and other accidents could have a personal injury claim against the at-fault party or parties.
- Premises Liability. If someone suffers an injury in a slip and fall accident or a negligent security incident on another’s property, they may have a legal case against a property owner.
- Dog Bites. Individuals hurt in a dog attack may have a compensation claim against the owner.
- Medical Malpractice. You could have a legal case against a healthcare provider or hospital if you weren’t treated with an acceptable standard of care, for example, during surgery.
- Product Liability. Product liability claims can arise when individuals suffer an injury due to a defective product or medication.
- Wrongful Death. If your loved one died due to another’s fault in a car crash, work accident, or another incident, you could be eligible for compensation.
There can be many causes leading to personal injury claims. However, such legal disputes typically arise when an individual suffers harm due to the negligent actions or inactions of another, whether a business, person or other entity. If you suffered damages, such as medical bills and pain, the responsible party should make you “whole again.”
What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement in Houston?
When your life or the life of a loved one is turned upside down due to a personal injury in Houston, you might wonder about the average settlement amount. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all settlement amount for personal injury claims. Compensation can vary widely depending on factors such as:
- The severity and scope of injuries
- Loss of income and future earning capacity
- Healthcare costs and other damages
- The at-fault party’s degree of liability
- The quality of legal representation
If you want to determine what your case is worth, consult with a Houston personal injury lawyer who can assess your damages and provide you with a more accurate settlement estimate.
How Much Does an Average Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Fortunately, most personal injury attorneys in Houston work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay any upfront attorney’s fees. You pay your lawyer if and when they have recovered compensation for you. The fee will be a percentage of your compensation. However, since percentages can differ from one law firm to another, discuss fees with your Houston personal injury lawyer before signing on the dotted line and hiring them.
Methodology for Finding the Best Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
To come up with the best personal injury lawyers in Houston, TX, Forbes Advisor considered many options. Forbes Advisor’s mathematical module considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.
Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:
- Legal experience
- Special licenses and certifications
- Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
- Legal thought leadership
- Education and employment background
- Scholarly lectures and writings
- Awards and honors
Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. This information should not be considered comprehensive, however. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.
Each attorney listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds, but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.
One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What percentage of a settlement does a Houston personal injury attorney get?
Usually, attorneys take 30 to 40% of whatever compensation they help you get. In some cases, an attorney takes a lower percentage of the final amount when you reach a settlement rather than going all the way through trial. You may negotiate with your attorney for a lower fee percentage depending on when in the case you agree to compensation.
No matter what percentage, you should make sure that you understand how your attorney will be paid and what the percentage they keep will cover.
For example, suppose you have a $100,000 settlement and there are $10,000 in expenses. Your attorney gets a 30% contingency fee. Do the expenses come off the top before the fee is determined, though? If not, do the expenses come out of your 70% or the attorney’s 30%? Those different scenarios mean keeping $63,000, $60,000 or $70,000, respectively. That’s why it’s essential to understand how your attorney will be paid when you agree to the representation
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Houston?
The non-emergency contact phone number for the Houston Police Department (HPD) is (713) 884-3131. You can use this number when implicated in a minor accident or incident that doesn’t involve injuries. You can also call police using the non-emergency number when reporting a crime that has already occurred, such as a hit-and-run.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my personal injury case in Houston?
Obtaining a copy of your police report from the HPD can be as easy as filling out an online form available through the department’s website. You can also request a police report in person or by mail. Here are the options in detail:
- Online. You can purchase a police report online from the Texas Department of Transportation.
- By Mail. Send a check or money order for $6.00 and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Houston Police Department, Records Division, 1200 Travis, Houston, TX 77002.
- In Person. You can obtain a report during office hours at the Edward A. Thomas Building at 1200 Travis St., Houston, Texas 77002, on the 1st floor.
Bear in mind that when requesting a report, you will need to have at least two of the following to hand:
- The date of the accident or incident
- Where the incident occurred
- The names of the drivers or other people involved
- The incident number
If you work with a personal injury lawyer in Houston, they can obtain a copy of the police report for you.
What happens if I miss the deadline for filing my Houston personal injury lawsuit?
Missing the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Houston can bar you from seeking compensation. The Texas statute of limitations allows you two years after the date of the injury to file a case. If you don’t start your case before the deadline, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss your lawsuit and the court may throw out your case regardless of its merit.
However, in some cases, the statute of limitations may be paused, allowing claimants to extend the deadline. If you believe you have missed the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit, speak to a Houston personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to clarify your legal options.
Are there extensions for the Houston personal injury statute of limitations?
While the general statute for personal injury cases is two years in Texas, you could be granted an extension, depending on your circumstances and the specifics of your case. Here are some of the common factors that could pause the statute:
- Minors. If the plaintiff is a minor at the time of the injury, the two-year statute of limitations may only start to run once they turn 18.
- Incapacitated Individuals. Typically, the clock only starts ticking when an incapacitated individual regains capacity.
- Out-Of-State Defendant. The statute of limitations may be paused while a defendant is out of state to allow the victim to seek justice when the individual returns.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential extensions to the Texas statute of limitations. A personal injury lawyer in Houston can help If you need further clarification.
Do you pay taxes on personal injury settlements in Houston?
You typically don’t have to pay federal or state taxes on compensation in Texas since what you receive is reimbursement for the losses you suffered. However, there can be some exceptions. Let’s say you claimed a tax deduction for medical expenses due to the injury. If you then receive compensation for those costs, you must declare the amount as income on your tax return.
Moreover, damages for emotional distress, unless linked to a physical injury or awarded to cover medical bills, could be subject to federal taxes. Similarly, punitive damages, intended to punish the wrongdoer rather than compensate for your losses, are generally taxable.
How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Houston?
You have two years from the date of the incident and injury to file a legal claim in Houston. However, since exceptions may lengthen or shorten the time available to file suit, contact a Houston personal injury lawyer to understand your next best steps. Waiting too long to file your claim can jeopardize your right to seek compensation.
How long does it take to settle a personal injury case in Houston?
Every personal injury case is unique, and there is no average time in which such cases settle. The length of a case can depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to:
- Complexity of the case
- Severity of injuries
- Amount of compensation sought by the plaintiff
- Liability issues
- Willingness of both parties to settle
While minor and straightforward claims could settle in months, complex personal injury cases can take a year or more, particularly if they proceed to trial. The best Houston personal injury lawyers can help to speed up the process of getting what you deserve