PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY
Trusted Personal Injury Attorney
Personal Injury Lawyer in Pasadena, TX
West & West, LLP is a personal injury law firm based in Pasadena. If you have been injured and would like to speak with our Personal injury lawyers, you can contact us 24/7 for a free initial consultation.
With all that it has to offer, Houston has become a destination for travelers and transplants in recent years. While this signifies the city’s growth as a hub of culture, business, and outdoor life, it also means that accidents are becoming increasingly common.
Have you been injured in Houston? If so, you are not alone. From car accidents on I-45, 610, and Beltway 8 to negligence and abuse at local hospitals and nursing homes, we routinely hear from Houston residents and visitors who have suffered severe, traumatic injuries.
If you have been injured and someone else is to blame, you deserve just compensation. At West & West, we have represented injury victims in Houston and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients and provide compassionate, full-service legal representation focused on helping our clients recover as quickly as possible.
As an accident victim, it is important to know where you can turn for help. The insurance companies are not on your side, and not all doctors and lawyers provide the same level of service and professionalism. If you have been severely injured, you could be facing substantial losses. You need to work with a team of professionals who are committed to ensuring your complete recovery.
Professional & Compassionate Personal Injury Attorney
At West & West, we do everything possible to help our clients. With a team of experienced personal injury attorneys and an office located in Pasadena – we have the skill, reputation, and resources needed to take on the insurance companies and their defense lawyers. Our highly skilled personal injury lawyers provide committed and aggressive legal representation, and we help our clients with everything from finding the best local doctors and experts to making informed decisions about settling or taking their cases to trial.
As our client, we sincerely want what is best for you. All of our lawyers have chosen to practice personal injury law because they care about securing justice for accident victims and their families. Regardless of what happened or who you think may have been to blame, if you have been injured and would like to know more about your rights, we invite you to contact us for a free initial consultation.
We Help Personal Injury Victims Across Texas
We serve clients throughout the state, including in:
Personal Injury Lawyers Serving All Personal Injury Claims
With decades of experience in personal injury settlements and litigation, we have successfully represented clients with virtually all types of traumatic and accident-related injuries. Our highly experienced personal injury attorneys handle all types of personal injury claims in Houston and the surrounding areas, with particular experience in cases involving:
Motor Vehicle Accidents – Car, Motorcycle or Truck
Motor vehicle accidents are a daily occurrence in the Houston area, in the surrounding neighborhoods, and on the local highways. We routinely represent auto accident victims. While most of our cases settle, when necessary, we do not hesitate to go to trial.
- Auto Accidents – We handle cases involving distracted driving, hit and run, drowsy driving, drunk driving, running red lights and stop signs, merging errors, and all other forms of driver negligence.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents – We fight aggressively for riders injured in all types of motorcycle accidents. We can make sure you receive just compensation, and we can help you get back to riding as soon as possible.
- Semi-truck Accidents – We have the experience needed to handle complex truck accident cases involving 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, garbage trucks, and other large commercial vehicles.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Unfortunately, Houston is not a pedestrian-friendly and bicycle-friendly city. Unfortunately, local walkers, runners, and cyclists are not immune to the consequences of drivers’ mistakes. Pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents will often result in severe injuries, and the victims of these accidents can often face long roads to recovery.
Medication Errors and Other Forms of Medical Negligence
We have extensive experience in medical negligence litigation, including cases involving all types of medication errors. We represent clients in cases against all kinds of medical facilities in the Houston area, and we can refer you to a trusted local physician who can accurately diagnose and treat your illness or injury.
Nursing Home Negligence
Nursing home negligence can take many forms. If you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of dehydration, malnutrition, improper medication, a traumatic injury, or any other unexplained medical condition, you should seek medical attention immediately. Financial abuse is an all-too-common issue in nursing homes as well. If you have any concerns about your situation, we encourage you to contact us right away.
Sexual Assault and Abuse
Sexual assault and abuse are serious criminal offenses. While prosecution can lead to fines and jail time, a criminal case does nothing to compensate the victim for the physical, financial, and emotional consequences of the assailant’s conduct. If you have been sexually assaulted or abused in Houston or the surrounding areas, we can pursue all available legal options to help you recover just compensation.
Construction Site Accidents
If you work in construction and you have been injured on the job, filing for workers’ compensation benefits may not be your only source of financial recovery. We represent construction workers in claims against contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and other companies. We can make sure you seek maximum compensation for your job-related injury.
Wrongful Death
If you have lost a loved one unexpectedly, you must discuss your family’s options with an experienced law firm. At West & West, we have experience in wrongful death cases involving vehicle collisions, medical mistakes, nursing home abuse, and other fatal accidents.
Premises Liability (Slip & Fall Accidents)
If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the property owner. Property owners in Texas have a legal duty to protect their visitors and guests from harm. And if they fail to meet this duty, they can be held fully responsible for the financial and non-financial costs of their negligence.
All types of dangerous property conditions can lead to slips, falls, and other dangerous accidents. We handle cases involving issues ranging from faulty construction to failure to treat ice and remove snow. Regardless of what happened, you owe it to yourself to speak with an attorney. We offer free initial consultations, so it costs you nothing to find out if you are entitled to financial recovery. Contact us today to discuss your premises liability claim involving:
- Slippery floor, sidewalk, or parking lot
- An uneven or unsafe walking surface
- Unsafe stairs or railings
- Dangerous elevator or escalator
- Dangerous construction site
- Other premises-related accident
Homeowner’s insurance and business insurance policies cover slip-and-fall accidents. If you have been seriously injured, you deserve to be fully and fairly compensated for your losses. We can make sure you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Defective Products Liability
Defective products cause an untold number of accidents every year. However, many people who are injured by dangerous products never recover just compensation. Either they don’t know their rights or they assume that trying to sue a product manufacturer is a waste of time. In either case, they make the unfortunate decision not to seek the compensation they deserve.
We have extensive experience and a proven record of success in product liability claims. We handle cases involving all types of products, and we fight vigorously to recover maximum compensation for our clients’ losses. If you, your child, or another member of your family has been injured by a defective product, Texas law entitles you to seek just compensation. We can use our experience to make sure you recover the financial compensation you need to move on.
Like other types of personal injury claims, when filing a claim based on product liability, you are entitled to compensation for your financial and non-financial losses. Being injured by a defective product can be a deeply traumatizing experience, and many people who are injured by defective products experience chronic pain and suffering. With our extensive experience in product liability cases, we can thoroughly assess the non-financial effects of your injuries to ensure that you receive maximum compensation.
Answers to FAQs: Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Houston
Q: What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims involving accidents in Texas?
Texas’ statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. However, you must consult with an attorney immediately because other limitation periods for some claims can be very short and you run the risk of your claim being forever barred by the law. In addition, there are special rules for certain types of claims (such as claims for certain forms of medical malpractice) that can extend or restrict the time to file in some circumstances. DO NOT JUST RELY ON LIMITATIONS PERIODS WITHOUT CONSULTING AN ATTORNEY.
While you may think that you have time to file your claim, you do not want to wait longer than necessary. Take prompt legal action. Taking legal action promptly will help ensure that you are able to:
- Fully and properly investigate your claim
- Obtain all necessary medical treatment
- Collect the evidence needed to prove liability
- Avoid costly mistakes
- Recover maximum compensation as quickly as possible
Q: What mistakes do I need to avoid in a Personal Injury Claim?
When you have a personal injury claim, there are several mistakes you need to avoid. These include (but are not limited to):
- Discussing your case with insurance adjusters, co-workers, friends, neighbors, or on social media
- Failing to seek a comprehensive diagnosis and follow your doctor’s treatment plan
- Returning to work or resuming physical activity too soon
- Accepting payment from the insurance companies before you know how much you are entitled to recover
During your free initial consultation at West & West, one of our personal injury lawyers will explain everything you need to know about protecting your legal rights.
Q: If I was injured in a vehicle collision, is it okay to contact my insurance company?
Yes. If you have been injured in a vehicle collision, it is okay to contact your insurance company. In fact, you may be required to do so under the terms of your policy. However, once you report the accident, that should be it. You should not agree to give a recorded statement without legal advice, and you should not discuss settlement until you speak with an attorney. At West & West, our personal injury lawyers will handle the entire insurance claims process on your behalf so that you do not have to worry about saying something that could jeopardize your claim.
Q: Will you be able to obtain an insurance settlement on my behalf? If so, for how much?
While the vast majority of auto accidents and other personal injury claims settle, we cannot guarantee that the insurance companies will agree to settle your claim. They may or may not offer a fair settlement. If you receive an offer, it will be up to you to decide whether it is enough. However, what we can guarantee is that we will help you avoid unknowingly settling for too little too soon. And if a fair settlement is not on the table, our personal injury lawyers will be fully prepared to take your case to court. Read more about insurance companies: the truth about insurance companies.
Q: What do I need to do to get started with my claim?
To get started, you should see a doctor if you haven’t already, and you should contact an attorney to find out if you have a claim for compensation. At West & West, we provide free initial consultations, and our proven personal injury lawyers have decades of experience representing accident victims. We will provide you with a straightforward assessment of your rights. If you decide to hire our firm to represent you, we will begin working immediately to secure your financial recovery. To read more about the steps involved in a personal injury case, read Case Steps.
Q: How do my medical bills get paid?
Tell your doctors and health care providers why you are seeking medical treatment. In some states, auto insurance policies must have special no-fault insurance designed specifically to pay for accident-related treatment. In Texas, this insurance is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This coverage will pay for your related medical bills and potentially a portion of your wage loss up to the policy limits.
If your injuries and the cost of care exceed the PIP policy limits, then you may be able to use private health insurance to cover unpaid bills. Both PIP and health insurance are usually paid back out of any funds you receive from a personal injury claim settlement from the at-fault party or their insurance company. This process is called subrogation.
Medical bills that are not paid by insurance are your personal responsibility. If you do not pay them, they may be submitted to collections agencies.
Q: How much is my case worth?
The value of a personal injury case is dependent on many factors. Each case is unique and the value is determined by a number of variables: the severity and permanency of your injuries, your medical treatment, lost wages or lost earning potential, and available insurance. Our personal injury lawyers can only estimate how much they believe your case is worth after fully reviewing all medical records, employment records, and the individual facts of your specific situation. Finally, the value of your case can change as new information is discovered.
Q: Do I have to pay attorney fees upfront in my case?
No. West & West cases are taken on a contingency fee basis —meaning that the fees are taken out of any settlement or trial award.
Q: How long will this process take?
This depends on a number of factors: how much medical treatment you need, how long it takes to gather all of the necessary records and negotiations with the insurance companies involved. Most cases are completed between 12 and 18 months after hiring a lawyer; others can take several years to finalize.
Q: What is the likelihood that my case will settle versus going to court?
The majority of cases are settled before a trial is necessary, but there are many factors that can influence the decision to take a case to trial – or there may be no choice. Our personal injury attorneys a reputation among insurance companies for taking cases to trial if a reasonable offer is not made by the insurance company.
If a reasonable settlement is not offered, and you have a strong case, the firm will aggressively pursue the matter in court. Your attorney should advise you of the risks and potential rewards of going to trial. If your case is going to trial, your lawyer will make sure you are fully prepared to testify and are educated on how the process works.
Q: I’ve just been in a motor vehicle accident – what do I do now?
If you or a member of your family has been involved in a serious auto accident, trucking accident or motorcycle accident, there are some steps you should take to get the full insurance coverage compensation and benefits for any injuries.
At the scene:
- Call the police.
- Get the name and phone number of any witness/es who saw the crash.
- Write down a description of the events immediately preceding and following the collision.
- Take photographs of the scene, damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries.
If you have been injured:
- Make sure you visit a doctor as soon as possible. Follow the doctor’s advice completely, including all follow-up treatments.
- Report all injuries to your doctor, even if they seem minor. Having a record of the injury will increase your chances of financial recovery if your medical condition worsens.
Protect yourself.
- Do not sign any documents presented to you by any insurance company—even your own. It is your right to have an attorney review any insurance company documents before you sign.
Q: I was in a car accident, but I do not feel hurt. Should I see a doctor anyway?
In a word, “yes.” The body is remarkably resilient, and after a traumatic impact, adrenaline rushes in and can delay the onset of physical symptoms. This delay can be short or a bit longer-term, so it is wise to see a doctor for a full exam as soon as possible after a wreck. They may discover something that you did not even know was there, and getting immediate treatment can stop your injury from getting worse before you even knew it existed.
Q: I am very active on social media, but a friend told me I should be careful while my case is pending. Is that true and why?
Yes, that is true. Insurance adjusters are on the look-out for any indication that you are not as hurt as you say you are. So, posting anything that shows you happy or engaged in activities that would call into question the legitimacy of your injuries is a big mistake. You might not even think that what you are posting could possibly be used against you, but you would be surprised at how anything can be twisted in a court of law. So be safe and stay away from social media while your case is open.
Discuss Your Personal Injury Claim in Confidence
If you would like to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys, please call 713-222-9378 or contact us online. You can reach us 24/7. If we are not available immediately, we will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.