DWI INJURIES:

One of the firm's more recent cases was an $800,000 jury award against the estate of a drunk driver who was killed when he injured our client. Mr. Richardson is a former prosecutor who has tried dozens of DWI cases very successfully. In DWI civil cases the injured party is often entitled to receive punitive damages as a way to deter future DWI conduct in the community. It's always wise to obtain an attorney when a drunk driver injuries you or a loved one.

TRUCK WRECKS:

Over 1/3 of the NAFTA truck traffic travels over IH 35 through Austin. We have seen an obvious increase in the number of injuries caused by negligent drivers of 18-wheelers. Our latest truck collision case resulted in a settlement of $800,000 without having to try the case.  Several government agencies regulate trucks such as these and often provide a wealth of information as to the safety history of the trucking company and its drivers.

PRODUCT LIABILITY:

When you are injured by a product of some kind, such as a lawn mower, a particular area of the law may apply, called product liability law. In those cases we have to determine whether the product was unreasonably dangerous in its design, manufacture, or warnings issued with the product. Common negligence may also apply in some cases.  These are generally very expensive cases to try.

NECK AND BACK INJURIES:

These seem to be the most common injuries we see. The vast majority of these injuries will resolve over time. But some of them nag for a long time. And some of them become extremely debilitating. We see symptoms including neck and/or back pain, headaches, short-term memory loss, mood changes, sleep disturbance, radiating pain, tingling, and numbness in the extremities. If you suffer one of these injuries it is important to seek medical care until the problems resolve. Insurance companies question these injuries very closely and the best defense to their attacks is a consistent and competent medical record.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE:

The firm also represents clients injured by medical, nursing and hospital negligence.  Special laws apply to claims against doctors, hospitals and other medical providers and these cases often involve a substantial investment of time and expense to investigate.  For instances, we settled one medical malpractice claim for $3.5 million dollars, but only after investing $200 thousand dollars in development expenses.  Consequently, if you feel that you or your child has been injured by the negligence of a medical provider, or if you just want to be sure, it is important that you act quickly.  We will consult with doctors and nurses in the appropriate field of specialty to determine if you have a valid claim.

SLIP AND FALL INJURIES:

Falls cause millions of injuries a year. In elderly patients a serious fall injury may be associated with death after a period of time. In most slip and fall cases the most important hurdle is to show that the defendant knew or should have known of a dangerous condition that caused the fall. For instance, a slippery substance on a floor may have been there only a few seconds or a few minutes before the victim slipped on it. The defendant may not be guilty of negligence if he did not know about the substance being there or would not have seen it in the exercise of reasonable diligence.  On the other hand the defendant may be liable if he knew or should have known of a condition or activity that creates a danger.  These are often difficult cases and most defendants fight these cases to the end.