When a catastrophic injury changes your life in an instant, you need a legal team that understands your situation. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP represents Port Arthur residents who have suffered severe injuries from refinery accidents, maritime incidents, workplace accidents, and other traumatic events. Our attorneys have recovered significant compensation for clients facing life-altering injuries. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Choose Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Your Catastrophic Injury Case
At Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP, our attorneys handle catastrophic injury cases across Texas. Our team includes attorneys who have been recognized by Texas Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America for their work in personal injury litigation. Catastrophic injuries often require more than standard legal representation. They may involve detailed medical evidence, coordination with qualified expert witnesses, and efforts to pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Our track record reflects our work on behalf of clients. Partner Cesar Tavares has secured verdicts and settlements exceeding $25 million in oil and gas injury cases. He also recovered $14 million in additional oil and gas accidents and $1.5 million for burn injuries from defective products. Texas Super Lawyers has recognized him in multiple years. The 2026 Best Lawyers in America list included him for Personal Injury Litigation. Partner Jim Hart negotiated a $117 million settlement in the Phillips Petroleum explosion case. He has secured verdicts of $16.5 million and $11 million in work-related injury cases. Sean McCarthy obtained jury verdicts of $15 million for a pedestrian struck by a company vehicle and $13 million for a train crash resulting in multiple serious injuries. Alma Reyes Tavares brings 25 years of experience. National Trial Lawyer has recognized her among the Top 100. She also received recognition as a Trucking Trial Lawyer Top 10 and Products Liability Trial Lawyer Top 25.
We handle your case on a contingency fee basis. We advance all costs. You owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We are available 24/7 to discuss your situation and answer your questions about your legal options.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle in Port Arthur
Catastrophic injuries cause permanent, life-altering damage. They affect many aspects of a person’s life. We represent clients who have suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, or loss of consciousness. TBI cases often require extensive medical documentation and expert testimony.
- Spinal cord injuries causing partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and independence. Paralysis from accidents can result in permanent disability and substantial lifetime care costs.
- Amputations and limb loss requiring prosthetics, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care. Amputation injuries often involve product liability claims when equipment failure is responsible.
- Severe burn injuries causing disfigurement, scarring, and chronic pain. Burn injury victims may pursue claims against defective product manufacturers or negligent property owners.
- Crushing injuries that damage multiple body systems and organs. These injuries frequently occur in construction accidents and industrial settings.
- Permanent disabilities that may prevent return to work or normal activities. Workplace catastrophic injuries may entitle you to benefits beyond workers’ compensation.
Each of these injuries can have serious consequences. You may face physical pain, emotional trauma, lost income, and the need for ongoing medical treatment and care.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Port Arthur
Port Arthur’s industrial economy creates hazards that can lead to catastrophic injuries. Our attorneys have handled cases involving:
- Refinery and plant explosions that cause severe burns, crushing injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Chemical plant accidents in the Port Arthur area have resulted in significant injuries and fatalities.
- Maritime and offshore accidents affecting workers on vessels and oil rigs. Seaman injuries are governed by specialized maritime law, including the Jones Act.
- Workplace accidents in construction, manufacturing, and chemical plants. Construction injuries may involve fall from heights, crane accidents, or scaffolding failures.
- Commercial vehicle collisions involving trucks, tankers, and industrial equipment. Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries when large commercial vehicles are involved.
- Equipment failures and defective products that malfunction and cause severe harm. Product liability cases may involve manufacturing defects, design defects, or failure to warn.
These incidents often involve multiple liable parties. Employers, equipment manufacturers, contractors, and insurance companies may share responsibility. We investigate to identify potentially responsible parties and seek appropriate compensation.
How Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP Handles Your Catastrophic Injury Claim
From your first consultation through resolution, we assist you through each step. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
Free Consultation and Case Evaluation
We meet with you to understand your injury and how it happened. We discuss its impact on your life. We answer your questions and explain your legal options with no obligation. Our case results demonstrate our success in recovering substantial compensation for catastrophic injury victims.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Our team investigates the incident. We collect accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and physical evidence. We take steps to preserve evidence where possible. In maritime accidents, we work quickly to preserve critical evidence before it is lost.
Expert Consultation and Analysis
We work with medical professionals, engineers, and other qualified experts who help evaluate the extent of your injuries and analyze how the incident occurred. Expert testimony is critical in establishing liability and damages in catastrophic injury cases.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
We handle communication with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys. We present your claim and seek fair compensation based on the available evidence. Insurance companies often undervalue catastrophic injury claims, and we fight to ensure you receive full compensation.
Litigation if Necessary
If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we prepare your case for trial and represent you in court. Our attorneys have successfully tried catastrophic injury cases to juries throughout Texas.
Settlement or Trial
Whether through settlement negotiations or a jury verdict, we seek compensation consistent with the facts and applicable law.
Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries create both immediate and long-term financial needs. Texas law may allow you to recover damages, including:
Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Future medical care costs, including anticipated surgeries, therapy, medications, and medical equipment, are also recoverable.
Lost wages from time away from work during recovery. Lost earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to return to your previous job or earn at the same level is a significant component of damages.
Pain and suffering for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Wrongful death damages are available if your loved one died from their injuries.
Permanent disability-related costs, including home modifications, vehicle adaptations, and assistive devices. We work with financial professionals to estimate the value of your damages so you can make informed decisions about your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a catastrophic injury?
A catastrophic injury causes permanent, significant impairment. It substantially limits a person’s ability to work, care for themselves, or enjoy normal activities. These injuries typically require ongoing medical treatment and may result in permanent disability. Examples include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, severe burns, and crushing injuries. The Texas Department of Insurance provides resources on workers’ compensation for catastrophic workplace injuries.
How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in Texas?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, this deadline can vary depending on the circumstances. Contacting an attorney promptly may help preserve your rights and evidence. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. For maritime injuries, different statutes of limitations may apply.
What is the statute of limitations for catastrophic injury cases?
The statute of limitations in Texas is typically two years for personal injury claims. Certain circumstances may extend or shorten this deadline. For example, if the injury was not immediately apparent, the timeline may begin when the injury was discovered. We evaluate your specific situation and work to file within the applicable timeframe. Wrongful death claims have their own statute of limitations requirements.
How much is my catastrophic injury case worth?
The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injury, your age and earning capacity, the extent of medical treatment needed, and liability. We evaluate these factors and provide an assessment during your consultation. Our case results page shows examples of verdicts and settlements we have obtained.
Do I have to go to trial for my catastrophic injury claim?
Many catastrophic injury cases resolve before trial. However, some proceed to litigation. We prepare each case for the possibility of trial while also pursuing resolution through negotiation when appropriate. The decision to settle or proceed to trial is always yours. Our trial experience in catastrophic injury cases gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.
What if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Texas follows a comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 23.001. You may still recover compensation if you were partially at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is why it is critical to have an experienced attorney evaluate your claim.
How long does a catastrophic injury case take?
The timeline varies depending on the facts of your case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve within months, while others may take one to three years or longer. We keep you informed throughout the process and work diligently to resolve your case efficiently.
Can I recover damages for future medical care?
Yes. Future medical expenses may be recoverable. We work with medical professionals to project anticipated care needs and associated costs. In catastrophic injury cases, future medical care often represents the largest component of damages.
What should I do immediately after a catastrophic injury?
Seek immediate medical attention and follow all medical advice. Report the incident to your employer or the property owner. Document what you can, including photographs and witness information. Keep records of medical treatment and expenses. Consider speaking with an attorney before discussing the incident with insurance representatives. The steps you take immediately after an injury can significantly impact your claim.
Contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Port Arthur, consider seeking legal guidance promptly. The decisions you make in the days and weeks following your injury can affect your claim. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP offers a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and explain your legal options.
Call (713) 230-2200 today to schedule your free consultation. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions. We serve Port Arthur and the surrounding communities in Southeast Texas. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.