Personal Injury Lawyer Guide – Fort Worth, Texas

Introduction: Navigating Personal Injury Law in Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth, the seat of Tarrant County and home to more than 900,000 Texans, sees thousands of traffic collisions, workplace incidents, and premises injuries every year. According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2022 Crash Facts, Tarrant County ranked among the state’s highest for serious-injury crashes. Add to that the city’s busy rail yards, construction tied to rapid growth, and seasonal weather hazards—such as the ice storms of February 2021—and it is clear why many local residents must suddenly learn how Texas personal injury law works. This guide is written for Fort Worth victims seeking trustworthy, statute-based information about their legal rights after an accident. Every rule cited comes from the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, or other authoritative state sources. While the tone favors the injured party, all statements are strictly factual and can be verified in official materials.

Whether you were hurt on Interstate 35W, fell in a West 7th District restaurant, or suffered an oil-field injury while working in the Barnett Shale, understanding deadlines, evidence requirements, and comparative fault rules can make or break your claim. Below you will find a step-by-step explanation of Texas personal injury rights, common case types seen in Fort Worth courts, and practical guidance on when to contact a personal injury lawyer fort worth texas.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

1. The Legal Definition of Personal Injury

Texas law defines a “personal injury” as any harm to a person’s body, mind, or emotions caused by another’s wrongful act, carelessness, or strict liability. This includes economic losses (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic losses (pain and suffering).

2. Statute of Limitations

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003(a), an injured person generally has two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Special rules can shorten or extend this period for minors, certain toxic-exposure cases, or incidents involving government entities. Missing the deadline usually bars recovery, so prompt action is critical.

3. Comparative Fault – Proportionate Responsibility

Texas uses a modified comparative fault standard codified in CPRC §§33.001–33.017. If a plaintiff is not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, damages are reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault. If the plaintiff is 51 percent or more at fault, the claim is completely barred. Insurance adjusters know this rule well and often try to inflate an injured person’s fault percentage; knowing the statute helps counter those tactics.

4. Damage Caps

Most personal injury cases in Texas do not have damage caps, but medical malpractice claims are capped by CPRC §74.301 at $250,000 per defendant in non-economic damages, up to $500,000 overall. Claims against a governmental unit have separate caps under CPRC §101.023.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Texas

Fort Worth sees many of the same injury scenarios as other large Texas cities, but certain industries and local infrastructure create unique risks.

1. Motor Vehicle Collisions

• Interstate Crashes: I-35W and I-30 funnel heavy commercial traffic through the city. Rear-end and multi-vehicle pile-ups are common during rush hour and during rain or ice events.

• Trucking Accidents: Fort Worth’s logistics hubs near Alliance Airport increase the number of 18-wheelers on local roads. Federal and Texas Department of Transportation regulations on hours-of-service and maintenance records often become key evidence.

2. Workplace Injuries

• Oil & Gas Field Incidents: The Barnett Shale surrounds Fort Worth. Explosions, falls, and equipment failures frequently lead to third-party liability claims.

• Construction Site Accidents: Downtown redevelopment projects have generated crane and scaffold injuries subject to OSHA and Texas Labor Code compliance reviews.

3. Premises Liability

• Slip and Falls: Ice storms can leave slick entryways at retail stores along Camp Bowie Boulevard.

• Negligent Security: Bars in the entertainment districts must take reasonable steps to protect patrons from foreseeable assaults.

4. Product Liability

Design defects in automotive parts or unsafe children’s toys sold in big-box stores can trigger strict-liability claims under CPRC §82.005.

5. Medical Negligence

Hospitals such as Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth and JPS Health Network handle high patient volumes. When standards of care are not met, malpractice actions must follow CPRC Chapter 74, including the 60-day pre-suit notice and expert report requirements.

Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws

1. Filing Requirements and Venue

Lawsuits based on incidents occurring in Fort Worth are typically filed in the 17th, 48th, 67th, 141st, 236th, 342nd, 348th, 352nd, or 396th District Courts of Tarrant County. The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure govern pleadings, discovery, and trial practice. If diversity jurisdiction applies, a case may be removed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division.

2. Pre-Suit Notices and Expert Reports

• Health-care liability claims: A written notice of claim and authorization form must be served at least 60 days before filing suit (CPRC §74.051).

• An expert report summarizing the applicable standard of care, breach, and causation must be served within 120 days of filing (CPRC §74.351).

3. Insurance Framework

Texas follows a traditional fault-based auto insurance model. Minimum limits are $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 property damage (Texas Transportation Code §601.072). Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional but heavily recommended. The Texas Department of Insurance regulates adjuster conduct and unfair settlement practices.

4. Wrongful Death and Survival Actions

When an accident is fatal, surviving spouses, children, and parents may file a wrongful death action under CPRC §71.002. An estate representative may file a survival claim under CPRC §71.021 to recover damages the decedent could have pursued had they lived.

5. Attorney Licensing and Fees

All Texas attorneys must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and are subject to its disciplinary rules. Most Fort Worth accident attorneys take cases on a contingency fee—usually 33 to 40 percent of the recovery—plus necessary litigation expenses. Contingency agreements must be in writing (Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct 1.04). A lawyer may be Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential signaling additional expertise.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Prompt treatment at facilities such as Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth or Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center not only protects your health but also documents causation and damages.

2. Report the Incident

• Auto Collision: Call 9-1-1 and obtain a CR-3 crash report from the Fort Worth Police Department.

• Workplace Injury: Notify your supervisor in writing within 30 days or risk losing Texas Workers’ Compensation benefits (Texas Labor Code §409.003).

• Premises Injury: Ask the manager to create an incident report and request a copy.

3. Preserve Evidence

• Photograph the scene, property damage, and visible injuries.

• Save all medical bills, prescription receipts, and mileage logs.

• Collect contact information for witnesses and first responders.

4. Notify Relevant Insurers

Most auto policies require “prompt” notice of a claim. Provide factual details only; avoid recorded statements until you have consulted an attorney.

5. Consult Skilled Counsel

Because Texas’s proportionate responsibility rules can drastically cut your award, early legal advocacy can preserve evidence and negotiate more effectively. Many Fort Worth firms offer free consultations and advance case costs so you owe nothing unless you win.

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

While minor fender-benders with no injuries may be handled directly with an insurance adjuster, these red flags signal the need for a fort worth accident attorney:

• Serious injuries such as fractures, surgeries, or traumatic brain injuries.

• The insurer disputes liability or claims you were more than 51 percent at fault.

• Multiple vehicles or commercial defendants are involved (e.g., a trucking company headquartered outside Texas).

• You receive a settlement offer before completing medical treatment.

• The two-year statute of limitations is approaching.

Attorneys experienced with texas injury compensation can also assist with subrogation claims from health insurers and government benefit programs, ensuring more money ends up in your pocket.

Discover more about our services on the Louis Law Group personal injury claims.

Local Resources & Next Steps

1. Courthouses and Government Agencies

• Tarrant County District Clerk: 100 N. Calhoun St., Fort Worth, TX 76196 – File civil petitions and access case records.

• Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line: 1-800-252-3439 – Report unfair claims practices.

• Texas Department of Transportation Crash Records: Obtain CR-3 crash reports and statewide statistics.

2. Medical Treatment Facilities

• JPS Health Network – Level I Trauma Center.

• Texas Health Harris Methodist – Level II Trauma Center with specialized orthopedic and neurology departments.

3. Free or Low-Cost Legal Aid

• Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas – Offers limited assistance in certain personal injury matters.

• Tarrant County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service – Matches residents with qualified attorneys for a reduced initial fee.

4. What to Do Right Now

• Confirm you are within the two-year limitations period (CPRC §16.003).

• Gather all medical and accident documentation in a dedicated folder.

• Schedule a consultation with a licensed Fort Worth personal injury lawyer to discuss liability, potential defendants, and damage valuation.

Authoritative References

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003 Texas Proportionate Responsibility Statute (§§33.001–33.017) Texas Department of Transportation Crash Statistics State Bar of Texas Attorney Lookup

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and the application of law depends on specific facts. Always consult a licensed Texas attorney regarding your individual situation.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, Contact Louis Law Group today for a free consultation. Call 833-657-4812 or submit a free case evaluation form to get started. Don’t wait—let us help you take the first step toward justice and financial recovery.