If you have been injured, then you have undoubtedly questioned if you should contact an attorney or pursue your claim through your insurer. The important thing to remember is that there is a difference between contacting an attorney and hiring an attorney. Regardless of your injury or how it occurred, it is always best to at least reach out to an attorney. Speaking with an experienced attorney can help you understand the options that are available to you and inform you to your best course of action. This is why Thomas J. Henry Law offers FREE no-risk case consultations to all injured victims. Remember, insurance adjusters are familiar with claim procedures and liability, even when you are not. It is also important to remember that the primary job of an insurance adjuster is to limit their client’s liability and save their company money. Everything said during phone calls and recorded statements to an insurer can be used to challenge your claim, twist liability, and downplay the extent of your injuries. In short, the insurance company and its adjusters do not have your best interests in mind. Injury attorneys understand the tactics most often used by insurers to chip away at a claim, and they can advise you on how your case may benefit from experienced legal representation. The insurance company representing the person or entity responsible for your injuries has already begun the process of safeguarding themselves against liability – isn’t it time you took the steps necessary to protect your rights and claim to compensation?

A successful personal injury attorney will utilize their legal expertise, resources, and knowledgeable support staff to develop your case in a way that accurately demonstrates liability as well as any economic and non-economic damages you have incurred. The ultimate goal is to take care of the client's claim so that the client can focus on their health and physical recovery. Thomas J. Henry Law has the legal and financial resources necessary to properly build and handle your case in the most effective and efficient way possible. Your attorney will make sure you are treated with respect, are kept informed with the most up-to-date information on your case, and that you are comfortable throughout the entire legal process as we work to secure the compensation you deserve. We will also work with medical providers to ensure you receive proper medical treatment for all of your injuries. Experienced attorneys also have access to expert witnesses with specialized knowledge on a subject related to the case. Thomas J. Henry has spent years finding the best expert witnesses across the United States. Our firm retains the most qualified experts for each individual case, from accident reconstruction experts to medical professionals. Every expert undergoes a rigorous and in-depth examination process before ever being involved in a client’s case.

Texas does allow punitive damages to be awarded in auto accident lawsuits provided that certain requirements are met. The most important is the plaintiff is able to establish that the defendant acted with gross negligence. In order for punitive damages to be awarded, there must first be actual damages. Actual damages are things like medical bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of wages. Without actual damages, punitive damages cannot occur. Second, you must be able to demonstrate that the defendant acted with gross negligence. This means showing:

• That a reasonable person in the same situation as the defendant would have known that their behavior or conduct involved an extreme degree of risk.
• That the defendant knew of the risk but acted with disregard.