Common causes
Each accident is different. A careful review can show how the injury happened and who may be responsible. Common causes include:
- Car and commercial truck crashes
- Oilfield and construction events
- Unsafe property or products
- Motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian crashes
Evidence that may help
Evidence can be lost or changed. Photos, video, records, and witness details should be saved as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Complete medical and therapy records
- Work and income history
- Daily life and caregiver evidence
- Expert plans for future care
Proving life-care needs and future damages
A catastrophic-injury claim requires the same proof of duty, breach, and causation as another negligence case, but future damages often become the central issue. Medical specialists, rehabilitation professionals, vocational experts, economists, and life-care planners may address prognosis, care, equipment, lost earning capacity, and future cost.
Future damages must be based on reasonable probability and competent evidence. A life-care plan should connect each projected item to medical need and expected duration. Present-value rules, paid or incurred medical-expense limits, collateral-source issues, and periodic-payment statutes may affect how damages are proved or paid.
Many Texas injury lawsuits must be filed within two years. Some claims have shorter notice rules or different deadlines. A claim against a city or other government body may require fast written notice. It is wise to have the deadline checked early.
What may be recovered?
A claim may include future medical care, lost earning ability, pain, impairment, disfigurement, home changes, equipment, and other proven needs.