Experiencing any kind of injury can be detrimental, but even more so if it was caused by someone or something else. Injuries may not only leave you facing physical challenges but perhaps financial distress as well.
If you’ve been injured, Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is ready to hear your story.
What Is a “Personal Injury?”
Personal injury law focuses on cases arising from an individual suffering an injury or harm due to another’s negligent or intentional actions. There are many kinds of instances giving rise to personal injury actions, but the most common typically involve auto accidents or work injuries.
If you’ve suffered an injury at the hands of another or after the use of a product, you may be eligible to recover financially. Do not hesitate to discuss your case with a qualified Cumings personal injury attorney.
The Extent of Personal Injury in Claims
One of the first things to understand is that not all personal injuries are created equal. Some injuries may be more serious than others, which could impact the amount of time it takes to recover and the type of benefits you may be entitled to receive. Here’s a look at some of the most common types of personal injuries that you might encounter, along with a brief overview of what each one means for you.
- Broken bones: One of the most common types of personal injuries is broken bones. These injuries can range from relatively minor fractures to more serious breaks, depending on the severity and location of the break(s). For example, if your arm or leg is fractured, this will likely require a longer recovery time and may make it harder for you to perform basic tasks such as walking or using your hands. On the other hand, a simple fracture in an easily accessible area (such as your nose) may be less severe and require minimal recovery time.
- Burns: Burns can occur in many forms, including thermal burns caused by fire or extreme heat, electrical burns caused by contact with exposed wires, or chemical burns caused by exposure to hazardous materials. The severity of the burn will dictate the course of treatment and the amount of time it takes to heal. For example, a first-degree burn (which affects only the outer layer of skin) will usually heal on its own within a week or two, whereas a third-degree burn (which goes through all layers of skin and may damage underlying tissues) can take months to heal and may require skin grafts.
- Internal injuries: These types of injuries occur when there is damage to one or more organs inside the body. They can be caused by blunt force trauma (such as being hit by a car), penetrating trauma (such as being stabbed), or exposure to extreme heat or cold (such as when a person is burned or suffers from frostbite). Internal injuries can be very serious, and may even result in death if not treated immediately.
- Soft tissue injuries: These are injuries that occur to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body, and are usually the result of overexertion, repetitive motions, or direct trauma (such as being hit by a car). Common examples of soft tissue injuries include strains, sprains, and whiplash. Treatment for these types of injuries typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy to rehabilitate the affected area.
- Emotional injuries: While not physical in nature, emotional injuries can be just as debilitating as any other type of personal injury. These can include things like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. Emotional injuries can often be the most difficult to recover from, as they may require long-term counseling or therapy in order to overcome.
There Are Many Different Types of Personal Injury Claims
“Personal injury” is very broad, encompassing many different types of cases. Our Cumings personal injury lawyers handle a multitude of personal injury claims, including:
- Car/truck/motorcycle accidents
- Spinal injuries
- Brain injuries
- Work Injuries
- Nursing home abuse
- Medical malpractice
- Defective devices
- Product liability
- Prescription drug injuries
- Wrongful death.
After suffering a serious injury, it is best to discuss your case with an experienced Cumings personal injury attorney. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we have handled thousands of cases throughout Cumings, TX and Fort Bend County, and neighboring areas. We are ready to begin working on your behalf.
We Know the Cumings, TX, Area
Cumings, TX, is a small town located in Southeast Texas, approximately 50 miles inland from the Gulf Coast. With its location near several major highways, Cumings is a great place to live and work. However, it can also be a dangerous place for those traveling along these busy roads.
Some of the major highways in and around Cumings include Highway 90, Highway 36, Farm Road 723, U.S. 59, and State Highway 99 (the Grand Parkway). These highways provide commuters with easy access to Houston and other large cities nearby. But they are also frequented by many large trucks that make driving through this area treacherous at times. Serious accidents happen regularly, so it is vital to get with your Cumings car accident attorney if you are involved in a collision.
Establishing the Elements for Your Personal Injury Case
If you’ve been injured, one of the very first things you may be wondering is whether you have a claim for personal injury. To be able to receive compensation from a personal injury claim, you must first establish the elements for negligence.
To determine whether your case involves negligence, you must satisfy all of the following elements:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- The defendant breached this duty of care.
- The breach was the cause of your accident.
- You suffered damages.
So, for example, if you were injured after a truck driver negligently hit you, you would need to establish the above elements. The truck driver owed you a duty of care to drive carefully and prudently; he breached this duty by engaging in distracted driving; his actions led to your accident; and you suffered injuries. In this situation, you could successfully establish negligence and proceed with your claim for personal injury.
Determining negligence is one of the most important parts of your case. Your Cumings personal injury attorney will thoroughly investigate and build your case to help get you on the path to financial recovery.
Frequently Asked Personal Injury Questions
Our Cumings Personal Injury Lawyer Answers Common Questions
Although you may not realize it, many things can have a negative or positive impact on your case. If you wish to help your case, you can:
- Seek medical care
- Follow all medical instructions and advice
- Document your injuries
- Track all expenses related to your injuries.
It is also imperative that you consult with a Cumings personal injury lawyer experienced litigating cases in Fort Bend County courts. Your attorney will know how to proceed with your case in an effort to get you a favorable outcome.
Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible to collect damages. Damages in Texas are typically separated into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic damages are quantifiable damages representing tangible losses. These can include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages.
Non-economic damages represent the intangible losses you’ve suffered. These losses can be a bit more difficult to quantify. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are special damages. These particular damages may be assessed when the defendant’s extremely negligent or reckless behavior causes your injuries. Punitive damages serve to punish and deter.
Damages can be challenging to calculate, as you may be unaware of what you are actually owed. Fortunately, your personal injury lawyer will review your case to determine how much your case is worth.
Many individuals in need of attorneys fail to seek legal aid for fear of high costs. Generally, for personal injury claims, attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. After your case concludes, your Cumings personal injury attorney will take a percentage of your recovery, eliminating the worry of legal expenses. This way, you can get the legal help you need.
Statute of limitations are laws set in place to limit the amount of time an individual has to file a lawsuit. In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident that led to your injuries (TX C.P.R.C. §16.003). But always speak directly with an attorney to find out the exact statute of limitations and other deadlines that apply to your specific claim(s).
If you do not file your claim in a timely manner, you will forfeit your right to financial compensation. It is best to act as quickly as possible to avoid running out of time.
Consult with Our Cumings Personal Injury Attorneys Today
Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law has had the pleasure of providing clients with exceptional legal representation since 1985. We put you, the client, first, making you feel confident in your decision to work with us. Our team strives to provide top-notch customer service, making our clients feel seen and heard. We serve clients throughout the Fort Bend area; if you’ve been injured in an accident in the Cumings area, turn to us for help.
If you’ve suffered an injury, call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for your free case review with one of our experienced Cumings personal injury attorneys.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
