When you’ve been harmed because of the careless or irresponsible actions of someone else—whether it’s an individual, a business, or an organization—you shouldn’t have to bear the financial consequences of that injury. Beverly R. Caruthers, a personal injury lawyer based in Houston, specializes in assisting injury victims to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you’ve been in an accident and are dealing with mounting medical bills, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our legal team for a free consultation.
Understanding Personal Injury Claims in Houston, TX: The Basics
Personal injury cases arise when one person gets hurt in an accident, and someone else might be legally responsible for causing that harm. The responsible party’s insurance company is usually obligated to provide compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, ongoing medical expenses, and more. In cases involving medical malpractice, your personal injury attorney works with both insurance companies and hospital legal representatives.
The process of a personal injury case can take different paths. It might involve your personal injury lawyer representing you in a civil court proceeding, where the goal is to determine if someone else is legally at fault through a court judgment. However, many cases are settled informally before going to court, often through negotiations involving the people directly involved, their insurers, and their attorneys.
Potential Outcomes of a Case:
Formal Lawsuit – Unlike criminal cases that are initiated by the government, a formal personal injury case generally starts when an individual (the “plaintiff”) files a civil complaint against another person, business, corporation, or government agency (the “defendant”). This complaint alleges that the defendant acted carelessly or irresponsibly, causing an accident or injury that led to harm. This process is often referred to as “filing a lawsuit.”
Informal Settlement – In reality, many disputes over fault for an accident or injury are resolved informally through early settlements. These agreements are typically reached between the involved parties, their insurance companies, and their respective attorneys. Settlements usually involve negotiation and a written agreement where both sides agree not to take further legal action and instead resolve the matter by agreeing to a certain amount of compensation.
Understanding “Pain and Suffering”:
“Pain and suffering” encompasses two types: physical pain and suffering, and mental pain and suffering.
Physical pain and suffering refers to the actual physical pain from injuries. It includes the pain experienced so far and also the future suffering likely due to the defendant’s negligence.
Mental pain and suffering results from physical injuries but is more of a consequence of those injuries. This includes mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, fear, anger, humiliation, anxiety, and shock. It encompasses the negative emotions an accident victim goes through due to enduring the physical pain and trauma of the accident.
Severe mental pain and suffering can lead to conditions like depression, loss of energy, mood swings, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This mental suffering, like physical suffering, takes into account not just the present effects but also the future impact.
Examples of Pain and Suffering:
Consider a severe case where a car accident caused multiple broken bones and a severe concussion. The victim became depressed and angry, affecting sleep and appetite, leading to psychological treatment. These problems directly stem from the accident, making the victim eligible for compensation for mental pain and suffering.
Less severe cases also qualify. For instance, a back strain from an accident preventing someone from running a marathon they trained for. Missing the marathon leads to anger, frustration, and unhappiness, even if mental health treatment isn’t necessary.
About Beverly R. Caruthers:
With over 23 years of experience, The Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers is committed to offering top-quality, assertive, and compassionate legal representation. Beverly R. Caruthers earned a BA from Tougaloo College (Cum Laude) and a JD from Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Texas Southern University).
Her areas of focus include Personal Injury, Criminal Law, and Business Law. With a team of experienced attorneys, The Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers works tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for each client.
Spanish-Speaking Support:
Language barriers can hinder justice for Spanish-speaking individuals in personal injury cases. The Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers ensures that language doesn’t obstruct your right to justice and compensation. If you’ve been injured and need Spanish-speaking legal guidance, our team is here to help.
Getting Help for Your Personal Injury Case:
If you’ve been in a car accident resulting in an injury, lost income, or an inability to work, a Houston car accident expert like Beverly R. Caruthers can assist you. Whether your absence from work stems from an injury or lack of access to transportation, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers is here to offer assistance.
Beverly R Caruthers Law Office
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 620
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
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