If you’ve suffered an injury or lost a loved one in Mansfield, Texas, due to someone else’s negligence, the physical pain, financial strain, and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering how to move forward, especially when bills pile up and recovery feels like a distant goal.
A Mansfield personal injury lawyer at Bailey & Galyen can help you pursue the compensation you deserve by offering clear guidance and compassionate support every step of the way. With a free consultation, you can discuss your case and take the first step toward justice.
Our team understands the challenges injury victims face and works tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable. Whether it’s an auto accident, workplace injury, or medical malpractice, we’ll advocate for your rights so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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Table of Contents
- What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
- Elements of a Valid Personal Injury Claim
- Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle in Mansfield
- What’s the Personal Injury Claims Process?
- What Steps Should I Take If Someone Injures Me?
- Why Bailey & Galyen Is the Right Choice to Handle Your Mansfield Personal Injury Case
- Mansfield Personal Injury FAQs
- Contact an Experienced Mansfield Personal Injury Attorney Today
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process that allows individuals injured by another party’s negligence or intentional actions to seek compensation. These claims aim to make the injured person whole by covering medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by the injury.
Personal injury claims arise when someone fails to act responsibly, leading to harm. Whether it’s a reckless driver, a careless property owner, or a company ignoring safety standards, those who cause harm through their actions—or lack of action—can be held financially accountable.
Elements of a Valid Personal Injury Claim
For a personal injury claim to succeed, the injured party must work with an attorney to prove specific elements:
- Duty of Care: The responsible party must have owed you a duty to act reasonably to prevent harm. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws to keep others safe.
- Breach of Duty: Your lawyer needs to show that the at-fault party failed to meet their obligation. A distracted driver who runs a red light breaches their duty of care.
- Causation: The breach must directly result in your injury. If a driver runs a red light and hits your car, causing injuries, their actions are the cause.
- Damages: Finally, your attorney must prove that the incident led to losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain caused by the injury.
Each case is unique, but these four elements form the foundation of most personal injury claims.
Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle in Mansfield
At Bailey & Galyen, we assist clients with a wide variety of personal injury cases, including:
Car Accidents
Reckless driving, distracted behavior, and speeding contribute to countless crashes on Mansfield roads. Victims often face significant injuries, leaving them struggling with recovery and financial strain. We help injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians pursue compensation from those responsible.
Truck Accidents
Collisions involving large commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage. Trucking companies and their drivers must follow strict safety standards. When they fail to do so, the consequences can be devastating. Our team investigates these cases thoroughly to ensure responsible parties are held liable.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists often bear the brunt of collisions with larger vehicles. Even when riders follow all safety rules, drivers who fail to watch for motorcycles can cause severe harm. We advocate for injured motorcyclists to recover compensation for their injuries.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists share the road with motor vehicles but often lack the protection needed to prevent serious injuries in a collision. When drivers ignore traffic laws or fail to notice bicyclists, the results can be life-altering.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians have no protection when hit by a vehicle, leading to some of the most severe injuries imaginable. Our team helps victims of driver negligence seek justice and compensation.
Construction Accidents
Construction sites pose many risks, and accidents can occur when safety protocols aren’t followed. We represent injured workers and visitors to construction sites, whether they are hurt due to a fall, equipment malfunction, or lack of protective gear.
Workers’ Compensation
Workplace injuries can leave employees out of work and facing mounting medical bills. In some cases, Texas workers’ compensation law provides benefits for injured employees, and we can help ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to under the law.
Premises Liability
Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions. Whether you were injured due to a wet floor in a store, uneven pavement, or inadequate security that led to an assault, we can pursue a claim against the negligent property owner.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog owners must control their pets to prevent harm to others. Dog bites can cause physical injuries, infections, and emotional trauma. We work to hold negligent pet owners accountable.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slipping on a wet floor, tripping over unmarked hazards, or falling on poorly maintained stairs can lead to serious injuries. These accidents often occur due to property owner negligence, and we help victims recover damages.
Medical Malpractice
When healthcare providers fail to meet the expected standard of care, patients suffer. Misdiagnoses, surgical errors, and medication mistakes can cause lasting harm. We hold medical professionals and facilities accountable for their negligence.
Nursing Home Injuries
Elderly residents in nursing homes deserve respectful and attentive care. When neglect or abuse occurs, residents and their families have the right to seek justice.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A TBI can result from car accidents, falls, or other traumatic events, leaving victims with long-term effects on their physical and cognitive abilities. We help TBI victims pursue compensation for medical care, rehabilitation, and other needs.
What’s the Personal Injury Claims Process?
Understanding how a personal injury claim progresses can give you a clearer picture of what to expect. While each case has its unique details, the general process follows these steps:
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
The process begins with a consultation where you discuss the details of your injury and how it happened. During this meeting, the attorney will evaluate whether your situation meets the criteria for a personal injury claim. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and learn how the attorney can assist you.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Once you hire a personal injury lawyer, they’ll begin gathering evidence to build your case. This step often involves:
- Collecting police reports or incident reports
- Reviewing medical records and bills
- Interviewing witnesses
- Examining photos or videos of the accident scene
- Consulting experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals
This thorough investigation helps establish liability and document the damages you’ve experienced.
Filing the Claim and Notifying the Parties
After gathering the necessary information, your lawyer will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This step involves notifying the insurer of your intent to seek compensation and providing evidence to support your case.
Negotiation With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than what victims deserve. Your lawyer will handle communication with the insurer, negotiating on your behalf to secure a fair settlement. They’ll rely on the evidence gathered to argue for appropriate compensation based on your injuries, as well as your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Demand Letter and Settlement Discussions
If the insurer resists offering a reasonable amount, your lawyer may send a demand letter detailing your damages and the compensation sought. Settlement discussions may follow, where both sides attempt to reach an agreement without litigation.
Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
If the responsible party’s insurer refuses to provide adequate compensation, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. This step involves taking the case to court and preparing for trial.
Discovery Phase
During discovery, both sides exchange information related to the case. This stage may include depositions, interrogatories, and requests for documents. Your lawyer will use this information to strengthen your position.
Mediation or Arbitration
Before going to trial, some cases may go through mediation or arbitration. These alternative dispute resolution methods allow both parties to work with a neutral third party to try to settle the claim.
Trial
If no settlement is reached, the case goes to trial. During the trial, both sides present evidence and arguments, and a judge or jury determines the outcome. While many personal injury cases settle before this point, having an attorney ready to take your case to trial demonstrates your commitment to seeking justice.
Resolution
Once a settlement is reached or a court verdict is delivered, the compensation process begins. Your lawyer will ensure the funds are distributed correctly, paying any outstanding medical bills or liens and providing you with the remaining amount.
Bailey & Galyen guides clients through every stage of the process while protecting their rights and ensuring their voices are heard. If you’ve been injured in Mansfield, let us handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
What Steps Should I Take If Someone Injures Me?
Taking the right steps after an injury is crucial for protecting your health and legal options.
At the Accident Scene
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe area and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, any hazards, and your injuries.
- Exchange Information: Collect names, contact details, and insurance information from involved parties.
- Speak to Witnesses: Gather contact details for anyone who saw the incident.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Even casual remarks can be used against you later.
If the Accident Happened Some Time Ago
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor to document your injuries, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep records, including medical bills, photos, and correspondence.
- Contact a Lawyer: Speak with a Mansfield personal injury lawyer at Bailey & Galyen to evaluate your options.
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Why Bailey & Galyen Is the Right Choice to Handle Your Mansfield Personal Injury Case
Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in pursuing fair compensation. At Bailey & Galyen, we prioritize your needs by offering:
- Compassionate Support: We treat every client with care, understanding the difficulties an injury causes.
- Proven Results: Our team has helped clients recover significant compensation in personal injury cases.
- Accessibility: You’ll have direct communication with our team, ensuring your questions are answered.
- No Upfront Fees: We only get paid if you recover compensation, reducing financial stress.
With more than 40 years of experience and board-certified attorneys on staff, Bailey & Galyen offers the highest level of representation for your Mansfield personal injury claim.
Mansfield Personal Injury FAQs
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Texas?
Texas law sets a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. Acting promptly ensures that you meet this deadline and preserve your right to compensation.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages if your fault is less than 51%, but your compensation decreases by your percentage of fault.
How is compensation calculated in a personal injury case?
Compensation typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain caused by the injury. Every case is unique, so amounts vary.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Insurance companies often undervalue claims to protect their bottom line. Consult a lawyer before accepting any offer to ensure it reflects your losses.
What if the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance?
You may still have options, such as filing a claim through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can help explore available avenues for compensation.
Contact an Experienced Mansfield Personal Injury Attorney Today
When someone else’s negligence disrupts your life, you deserve justice and compensation for your losses. A Mansfield personal injury lawyer at Bailey & Galyen can provide the support and advocacy you need. Schedule your free consultation today by calling 972-992-1615. Let us help you take the next step toward rebuilding your life.
