Personal injury lawyers in Friendswood

A Texas personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues, and a wrongful death suit within two years of the death (Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16). For someone under 18 when the claim arose, the years spent as a minor generally don't count toward that period, though health care liability claims follow their own rule.

Claims against a government are shorter. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act a governmental unit is entitled to notice within six months of the incident, and a city charter can set its own deadline, so a crash involving a city vehicle needs early advice. For Tort Claims Act claims against the state or a city, bodily injury or death damages are capped at $250,000 per person.

How fault changes a Friendswood injury claim

Under Texas proportionate responsibility rules (Chapter 33), a claimant found more than 50 percent responsible recovers nothing, and anyone below that has damages cut by their own share. Confirm how these rules apply to your facts with a licensed Texas lawyer.

Civil cases in Galveston County are filed with the Galveston County District Clerk at 600 59th St, Ste. 4001, Galveston (409-766-2424). In Harris County, civil district court cases go through the District Clerk's Civil Intake at 201 Caroline, Houston (832-927-5600). Which court is proper depends on the case, so ask your lawyer where and why they plan to file.

The Houston Lawyer Referral Service covers both Harris and Galveston counties, which suits a Friendswood resident on either side of the line. The State Bar's own referral service, at (800) 252-9690, arranges a consultation of up to 30 minutes for no more than $20.

Look the lawyer up in the State Bar of Texas Find a Lawyer directory and check any disciplinary history on the same site. A lawyer may advertise as "Board Certified" in Personal Injury Trial Law only if the Texas Board of Legal Specialization certified them. A contingent fee contract must be in writing, signed by both of you, and state how the fee is calculated, any different percentages for settlement, trial or appeal, and which expenses come out and when.

Texas generally bars lawyers from sending written accident solicitations before the 31st day after the accident, and in-person or live-phone solicitation is generally forbidden. If someone approaches you at the scene or the hospital, that is a red flag, and barratry is a third-degree felony. No lawyer can promise a result.

Our Texas attorneys guide covers fees and grievances in full, and the Friendswood local guide explains the county line. You can also compare lawyers in League City.