Dallas & Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyers
We all hear stories about someone, who knew of someone, who had an accident on the job. While that may not be an everyday happening, accidents can happen anywhere at any time. Everyone hears about car accidents in Dallas, but accidents can happen while you are shopping at Whole Foods or walking down the stairs at work. So, what do you do when an accident happens at work or in a public place? It’s not like there is a shopper’s insurance that takes your claim if you fall down the stairs at a store like there would be if you had a car accident.
Accidents by Profession
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, work-related accidents led to approximately 5,283 fatal injuries in 2023. Many might assume that the majority of job-related accidents happen in jobs that are labor-intensive. However, 36.8% of all fatal work-related accidents take place while traveling. This not only includes accidents for jobs in the private sector, but also accidents in professions within public sectors that require travel by planes and automobiles. According to studies, mentioned in the article America’s 10 Deadliest Jobs, 92% of these accidents are experienced by men and 8% are experienced by women.
Fortunately, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) helps prevent work-related accidents by enforcing specific safety regulations. No one is ever 100% risk-free when it comes to accidents, but when companies fail to meet OSHA’s regulations workers increase their chances of being involved in an accident. This is when consulting an accident/ personal injury lawyer in Dallas is important. When a person is involved in a work-related accident, it’s important to receive the medical attention needed, but it’s also important to notify the right people as soon as possible. Our accident attorneys in Dallas, Texas can guide individuals and make sure the workers are taking the appropriate actions regarding the accident.
Beyond Workplace Accidents
The McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case: A Consumer Safety Example
While OSHA primarily protects workers, its regulations also help keep consumers safe in public places. A notable example is the famous 1992 lawsuit against McDonalds for an accident involving hot coffee. In 1992, Stella Liebeck goes to a McDonalds and orders a cup of coffee. After ordering the coffee, Stella sits in her car and places the hot cup of coffee between her legs. She accidentally spills the coffee all over her lap. This is a very common accident. The main difference with this accident was that, at the time, the temperature of coffee was not heavily regulated. Therefore, this simple accident caused Stella Liebeck third-degree burns. Interestingly, prior to Mrs. Liebeck suing, there were more than 700 reports of similar accidents involving McDonald’s hot coffee. Only a few of the 700 hundred accidents resulted in paid settlements.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Personal Injury Cases
Consider the idea that many of these accidents may not have resulted in settlements because the individuals may not have been well-informed and may not have consulted with a personal injury lawyer. Since then, the temperature of coffee has been regulated. When these accidents do happen, it is very important to seek medical attention. Moreover, individuals should always notify the correct department about accidents. Most of the current safety regulations in place are a direct result of individuals reporting accidents. Accidents can have serious consequences, and it’s always best to consult with an accident lawyer! Accident prevention is the best way to stay safe!
Understanding The Texas Personal Injury Statute Of Limitations And Local Legal Process
Under Texas Law, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Missing that deadline means losing your right to pursue compensation regardless of how strong your case may be.
Some situations shift when the clock starts. Injured minors generally have until two years after their 18th birthday to file. The discovery rule can extend the deadline in cases where an injury could not reasonably have been identified right away. Claims against a government entity follow a separate path: written notice is typically required within 45 days of the incident and damages are capped under the Texas Tort Claims Act.
Once filed, Dallas County cases move through the Dallas County District Courts. Tarrant County cases, covering Fort Worth, are handled by the Tarrant County District Courts. Most cases go through discovery, depositions and mediation before any trial date is set. Speaking with a personal injury attorney soon after an accident gives your case the best foundation.
Types Of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
At Kastl Law, P.C., our experienced personal injury attorneys have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in various types of personal injury cases. We are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others. Our law firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Catastrophic Injuries: We understand the devastating impact of catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, amputations, and paralysis, on individuals and their families. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Industrial Accidents: If you’ve been injured in an industrial accident, we can help. Our attorneys have experience handling cases involving machinery malfunctions, explosions, and other industrial accidents.
- Premises Liability: Property owners have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors. If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, we can help you hold them accountable.
- Slip-and-Fall Injuries: Slip-and-fall accidents can occur anywhere, from grocery stores to restaurants. Our attorneys will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine if the property owner was negligent.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can have long-lasting and devastating effects on individuals and their families. Our attorneys will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life, often resulting in permanent disability or paralysis. Our attorneys will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and adapt to your new circumstances.
- Burn Injuries: Burn injuries can be particularly devastating, both physically and emotionally. Our attorneys have experience handling burn injury cases and will work to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Product Liability: If you’ve been injured by a defective or dangerous product, we can help. Our attorneys will work to hold manufacturers and distributors accountable for their negligence and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If your injury does not appear on this list, contact our office anyway. Our attorneys evaluate each case individually and can advise you on whether you have a viable claim under Texas law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury In Dallas And Fort Worth
Personal injury cases in the Dallas-Fort Worth area involve Texas-specific deadlines, local courts and insurance practices that vary by situation. The questions below address what injured people in the area ask us most.
What is the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Dallas or Fort Worth, Texas?
The deadline is two years from the date of injury. Miss it and the court will dismiss your case. Limited exceptions apply: minors generally have until two years after turning 18, the discovery rule can extend the deadline when an injury was not immediately apparent and claims against a government entity typically require written notice within 45 days of the incident.
If I was injured in a commercial vehicle or truck accident on Interstate 35E in Dallas, who can be held liable?
Liability in a truck accident on I-35E can extend to the driver, the trucking company, the trailer owner, the shipping company and in some cases the truck manufacturer or the repair shop that last serviced the vehicle. If a road defect contributed, the party responsible for maintaining that stretch of highway may also face a claim. These cases require review of driver logs, inspection records and black box data under both Texas law and federal FMCSA regulations.
How do Dallas and Fort Worth premises liability laws handle slip-and-fall accidents on commercial properties?
Business owners owe customers, as invitees, a duty to inspect for hazards, fix dangerous conditions and warn of risks they cannot immediately correct. To recover, an injured person must show the owner had actual or constructive knowledge of the condition, that it posed an unreasonable risk and that the owner failed to address it. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule: you can still recover as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent.
Let Us Help You on the Path to Recovery
Don’t let an accident caused by another person’s negligence keep you from doing the things you love, working or cause you to fall into debt. We’re here to fight for the compensation our clients deserve. Call today at 214-427-6043 or fill our our contact form.
