When a catastrophic injury strikes, your life changes instantly. Catastrophic injuries cause lasting damage. They affect your ability to work, care for your family, and enjoy activities you love. If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury in Baytown due to someone else’s negligence, Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP stands ready to pursue compensation on your behalf. Our Baytown catastrophic injury lawyer team has recovered millions for clients facing serious injuries. We bring that same dedication to every case we handle.
Why Choose Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Your Catastrophic Injury Case
When your injury is catastrophic, you need more than just any lawyer. You need an attorney with experience, resources, and a track record to handle your case. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP brings decades of combined experience in catastrophic injury litigation. Our team of attorneys understands the medical, financial, and legal challenges you face.
Our attorneys have recovered over $25 million in verdicts and settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries. Partner Cesar Tavares secured a $25 million settlement in an oil and gas incident injury case and a $14 million settlement for another oil and gas accident. Partner Sean McCarthy obtained a $15 million jury verdict for a pedestrian struck by a company vehicle and a $13 million verdict in a train crash case. Attorney Alma Reyes Tavares holds recognition as a National Trial Lawyer Top 100 attorney, a Trucking Trial Lawyer Top 10 honoree, and a Products Liability Trial Lawyer Top 25 selection.
Beyond prior results, we focus on personalized attention from experienced attorneys. We understand your situation. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions. We serve Baytown and the surrounding communities with local knowledge and presence.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle
A catastrophic injury causes permanent disability. It significantly alters your quality of life. These injuries often involve extensive medical evidence, substantial lifetime costs, and profound impacts on your future. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP handles many types of catastrophic injuries, including:
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries result in partial or complete paralysis. They affect your ability to move, feel sensation, and control bodily functions. These injuries often require lifelong medical care, including surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. Many people with spinal cord injuries face permanent disability and may be unable to return to their previous employment.
The financial impact extends far beyond immediate medical bills. You may need home modifications, specialized equipment, personal care attendants, and vocational rehabilitation. Our attorneys work to pursue compensation that accounts for both current and future needs.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, personality changes, and physical disabilities. Some TBI victims recover fully. Others face long-term or permanent effects that impact their ability to work and live independently.
The long-term consequences of brain injuries often aren’t apparent immediately after the accident. It’s important to work with attorneys who understand the full scope of potential damages. We help clients pursue compensation for current medical treatment, future care needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering associated with these injuries.
Severe Burns and Amputations
Burn injuries and amputations carry both visible and invisible scars. Severe burns may require reconstructive surgery, skin grafts, and long-term wound care. Amputations result in permanent loss of limb function and often involve prosthetics, ongoing adjustments, and rehabilitation.
Beyond the physical recovery, these injuries can have psychological effects. Victims may experience depression, anxiety, and challenges adjusting to major life changes. We pursue compensation that may include reconstructive procedures, prosthetic devices, psychological counseling, and other related costs.
Other Serious Injuries
Catastrophic injuries extend beyond these common types. Neck and back injuries with permanent effects, multiple fractures and crush injuries, organ damage, and other severe injuries may qualify as catastrophic if they result in long-term disability or significant impact on your quality of life. Each case is unique. We evaluate the full scope of your injuries and their long-term consequences.
How Catastrophic Injuries Happen in Baytown
Baytown’s location along the Houston Ship Channel corridor creates risks for serious accidents. The area experiences heavy commercial truck traffic on Highway 146 and Interstate 10. Construction activity and industrial operations are constant.
Industrial accidents along the Houston Ship Channel affect workers each year. Workers in petrochemical facilities, refineries, and manufacturing plants face exposure to hazardous materials and heavy equipment. Maritime workers aboard ships and barges encounter risks specific to water-based operations. Offshore oil rig workers face hazardous conditions in remote locations far from immediate medical care.
Commercial vehicle collisions on Baytown’s major highways can result in catastrophic injuries. Truck drivers operating 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles may cause serious accidents due to negligence, fatigue, or mechanical failure. Construction site incidents, including crane accidents, falls from heights, and building collapses, can lead to life-altering injuries. Product defects in equipment, machinery, or consumer products may also cause severe harm when warnings or safer designs are lacking.
Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP has experience handling these types of accidents. Our maritime practice includes Jones Act claims, seaman injury cases, and offshore oil rig accidents. Our construction accident team handles crane accidents, falls from heights, and building collapse cases. Our workplace injury attorneys represent workers injured in manufacturing, petrochemical, and industrial settings. Our product liability experience includes defective equipment and dangerous products.
What Damages Can You Recover
Catastrophic injury cases often involve significant damages. Texas law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages include financial losses resulting from your injury. Medical expenses may include emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. For catastrophic injuries, medical costs may extend far into the future. Lost wages compensate for income you cannot earn due to your injury.
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may recover damages for lost earning capacity. This reflects the difference between what you would have earned and what you can now earn. Long-term disability and care costs may include personal care attendants, home modifications, specialized equipment, and other necessary accommodations.
Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological effects. These damages recognize the broader impact of your injury.
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, Texas law may allow punitive damages. Additionally, if a catastrophic injury results in death, certain family members may pursue wrongful death damages.
The Legal Process for Catastrophic Injury Cases
Understanding what to expect helps you prepare for the process. Catastrophic injury cases often involve these stages:
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation – You contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP to begin. We listen to your story, review the circumstances of your accident, and assess your claim. This consultation is free, and there is no obligation.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering – Our team collects police reports, medical records, witness statements, and professional opinions. We may work with accident reconstruction professionals, medical providers, and other consultants to build your case.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies – We present evidence to the at-fault party’s insurance company and seek a fair resolution. Many cases resolve during this phase.
- Settlement Discussions – Settlement discussions may occur at any point. If both sides agree on an amount, the case can resolve without trial. You decide whether to accept any offer.
- Trial Preparation – If settlement efforts are unsuccessful, we prepare your case for trial. This includes witness preparation, evidence organization, and legal strategy.
- Trial – If necessary, your case is presented to a judge or jury. Our attorneys advocate on your behalf and present evidence to support your claims.
Throughout this process, we keep you informed and involved in key decisions. We work to pursue a favorable outcome based on the facts of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an injury “catastrophic”?
An injury may be considered catastrophic when it causes permanent disability or significantly impacts your quality of life. These injuries often involve lasting loss of function, chronic pain, cognitive impairment, or disfigurement and may require long-term care.
How long do catastrophic injury cases take?
The timeline varies. Some cases resolve in months, while others—especially those involving disputed liability or significant damages—may take longer or proceed to trial. We work to move cases forward efficiently while fully evaluating damages.
How much does it cost to hire Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you through settlement or verdict.
What should I do immediately after a catastrophic injury accident?
Seek medical attention first. If possible, document the scene, take photos, note details, and collect witness information. Preserving evidence can be helpful. You can contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP when you are able to discuss your situation.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may recover damages if you are not more than 50% at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance?
You may still have options, such as uninsured motorist coverage or pursuing a claim against the individual. Recovery in these situations can vary, and we evaluate available avenues.
How is compensation calculated in catastrophic injury cases?
Compensation typically includes economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover measurable losses like medical expenses and lost income. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering and related impacts.
In some cases, attorneys work with medical and financial professionals to estimate long-term costs and lost earning capacity. Methods for valuing non-economic damages can vary depending on the facts of the case.
Contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Your Free Consultation
Your catastrophic injury case deserves careful attention. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP offers a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and explain your legal options. Call (713) 230-2200 to schedule your consultation.
When you call, have information ready about your accident, including the date, location, and circumstances. Bring any medical records or insurance documents if available. You can also reach out online.
Time limits apply to filing injury claims in Texas. Acting promptly can help preserve evidence and protect your rights. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP serves Baytown, La Porte, Deer Park, Pasadena, Channelview, and the greater Houston area. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and discuss your case.