Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Laredo, TX

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Laredo, Texas?

  The Laredo Police Department's non-emergency contact number is (956) 795-2800. You may also dial 311.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Laredo, Texas?

  Claimants may submit their request to get a copy of the police report to the Records Section of the Laredo Police Department, located at 4712 Maher Avenue, Laredo, Texas, 78041. The request may also be sent in a sealed envelope addressed to the division and deposited in the drop box situated outside the office. Usually, inquiries are processed and returned through mail on the same day.

• What is the likelihood of an injury lawsuit proceeding to trial in Laredo?

  About 5 to 10 percent of filed personal injury lawsuits in Laredo are settled in a trial. The case will likely go to court based on the severity of the victim's injuries and the evidence quality the party holds, as it may be more challenging to reach a fair settlement. Commonly, lawsuits that result in trial involve traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and life-long disabilities. Juries may also be likely to impose punitive damages, increasing the settlement by thousands of dollars.

• How long does receiving the money after a personal injury settlement in Laredo take?

  In Laredo, the plaintiffs may be able to obtain the settlement within two to four weeks. To settle the claim, the insurance company will require the claimant to sign a release, return the release paperwork, and request that a check be sent to you from their office. However, if the settlement exceeds $100,000, the receiving process may take four to six weeks.

• What is the discovery rule in Laredo for a personal injury claim?

  In Laredo, the "discovery rule" extends the two-year Texas statute of limitations for personal injury cases to accommodate victims suffering from injuries that do not present themselves immediately or develop over time. The claim must be filed within two years of the date the plaintiff has realized or discovered the injury.

• Which court in Laredo has jurisdiction over personal injury claims?

  The civil court of Webb County handles personal injury cases in Laredo. The court is located at 1110 Victoria St 203, Laredo, Texas 78040, USA. A judge or jury will declare a judgment and apply the proper decision to the parties' legal ramifications. To minimize the expense and risk of litigation, the litigants may settle their disagreement during the trial by negotiating a financial settlement.

• What constitutes a personal injury in Laredo?

  In Laredo, a personal injury refers to harm incurred to a person's physiological and psychological state. Personal injuries are distinct from property damages and may occur in various settings and situations, including workplace hazards, medical malpractice, different forms of motor vehicle accidents, premises slip-and-fall incidents, faulty products, and animal attacks.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.