Personal injury cases in Austin fall under tort law and include intentional torts, strict-liability product claims, and negligence. Key concerns are proving liability and recovering damages like medical costs and lost income. In Texas, most injury and wrongful-death claims must be filed within two years; medical-malpractice and government-entity claims have additional procedural requirements. Contacting an attorney promptly preserves rights and evidence. Many lawyers work on contingency.

Why a personal injury lawyer helps

When you suffer a bodily injury or lose a loved one because of someone else's conduct, a personal injury lawyer can explain your legal options and pursue compensation. In Austin, personal injury lawyers handle motor vehicle crashes, premises injuries, medical malpractice, defective products, and wrongful-death claims.

What is a tort?

Personal injury law is part of tort law. A tort is a civil wrong - intentional or accidental - that causes injury to another person. In civil court, plaintiffs seek damages (money) to address physical harm, emotional loss, medical bills, lost wages, and other losses tied to the injury.

Main categories of personal injury claims

  • Intentional torts: civil harms that were deliberate or expected, such as assault, battery, or false imprisonment. These cases can also overlap with criminal charges.
  • Strict liability/product claims: in many product-defect suits, manufacturers can be held liable without proof of negligence when a defective design or manufacturing error causes injury.
  • Negligence: the most common category. To prevail, a plaintiff must show the defendant owed a duty, breached it, and that breach caused compensable damages.

Common Austin-area examples

  • Automobile and motorcycle collisions.
  • Slip-and-fall or other premises liability incidents at businesses or rental properties.
  • Medical malpractice claims against health-care providers.
  • Defective consumer products or equipment failures.
  • Wrongful-death actions when negligent or intentional conduct causes death.

Key issues: liability and damages

Every case turns on two elements: liability (who is legally responsible) and damages (the losses caused). Damages can include medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in fatal cases, funeral costs and loss of companionship.

Deadlines and procedural points to know in Texas

Timely action matters. In Texas, most personal injury and wrongful-death claims must be filed within two years of the injury or death. Medical-malpractice claims involve additional procedural steps - for example, submitting an expert report early in the case - and claims against governmental entities may require specific pre-suit notice (often within six months). Because rules and exceptions vary, contact an experienced attorney promptly to protect your rights.

How a lawyer can help

A lawyer can investigate the facts, collect medical and accident evidence, negotiate with insurers, and, if needed, pursue suit. Many personal injury lawyers work on contingency (they are paid a percentage of any recovery), which can make representation accessible if you lack funds to pay upfront.

If you or a family member were injured, reach out to a qualified Austin personal injury attorney to review deadlines, likely claims, and next steps.

FAQs about Austin Personal Injury Lawyer

What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas?
Most personal injury and wrongful-death claims in Texas must be filed within two years of the injury or death. Exceptions and special rules (for example, for minors or government defendants) can apply.
What are the elements of a negligence claim?
A negligence claim typically requires proof that the defendant owed a duty, breached that duty, the breach caused the injury, and the injury resulted in damages.
Do I need a lawyer if I was injured in a car crash in Austin?
A lawyer can protect your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue claims. If injuries or damages are significant, legal representation is strongly advisable.
Can I sue a company for a defective product in Texas?
Yes. Product-defect claims may be based on strict liability, negligence, or breach of warranty, depending on the facts and applicable law.
How do medical-malpractice claims differ from other personal injury claims in Texas?
Medical-malpractice claims often require early expert reports and may have special notice and filing procedures. Claims against governmental health providers also have distinct notice rules.