
Yes, you can sue for pain and suffering in Texas as part of a personal injury claim.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip-and-fall incident, or workplace accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. A Texas personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering in Texas?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit for pain and suffering in Texas. Texas law allows individuals to sue for pain and suffering as part of a personal injury lawsuit.
If you’ve experienced pain and suffering due to an incident that wasn’t your fault, a personal injury lawyer in Texas can help you pursue damages.
How Can a Pain and Suffering Lawyer Help You?
Pain and suffering claims can be complex. A skilled pain and suffering lawyer can:
- Evaluate your case: A lawyer can assess the circumstances surrounding your injury to determine whether you have a viable claim.
- Gather evidence: A lawyer can collect medical records, expert testimony, and other documentation to support your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: A lawyer can fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
- Represent you in court: A lawyer can advocate for your rights if your case goes to trial.
By working with a lawyer, you’ll increase your odds of receiving the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.
What Qualifies as Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering encompass both physical and emotional harm caused by an injury. Examples include physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring or disfigurement.
An experienced personal injury attorney in Texas can help you determine whether you have a viable pain and suffering case.
How Much Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering in Texas?
Every case is different. The amount you can sue for pain and suffering in Texas can vary based on factors such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The impact of those injuries on your daily life
- The level of negligence involved
- Any pre-existing conditions that may have contributed to your suffering
Texas does not impose a cap on pain and suffering damages in most personal injury cases. However, there are exceptions (such as medical malpractice cases) where non-economic damages are capped at $250,000 per defendant, with a total cap of $750,000 for all defendants.
What Types of Damages Can You Claim in a Pain and Suffering Case?
If you file a pain and suffering lawsuit, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages. These include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
A Texas personal injury attorney can calculate the damages you may be entitled to and ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible.
How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated?
There is no fixed formula for calculating pain and suffering in Texas. However, two common methods are used:
- Multiplier method: Your economic damages (e.g., medical bills and lost wages) are multiplied by a number (typically between 1.5 and 5) depending on the severity of your injuries.
- Per diem method: A daily dollar amount is assigned to your pain and suffering, and this amount is multiplied by the number of days you’ve endured the suffering.
An experienced lawyer can advocate for you and fight for a fair settlement.
How Do You Prove Pain and Suffering in Texas?
Successful pain and suffering claims require strong evidence. Some key pieces of evidence that can support your case include:
- Medical records: Documentation of your injuries and treatments
- Testimony: Statements from doctors, mental health professionals, and other experts
- Personal accounts: Journals, photos, or videos that illustrate the impact of the injury on your daily life
- Witness testimony: Statements from family members, friends, or coworkers who have observed your suffering
A personal injury attorney in Texas can gather evidence to build a strong case for you.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Pain and Suffering in Texas?
In Texas, any party whose negligence or intentional actions caused your injury can be held liable for your pain and suffering. Common examples include reckless drivers, negligent property owners or employers, and medical professionals (in cases of malpractice).
Texas follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. However, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pain and Suffering Lawsuit in Texas?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is typically two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.
Exceptions to this rule may apply, such as in cases involving minors or when the injury is not immediately apparent. A lawyer can help ensure you don’t miss your filing deadline.
Contact a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Today
An unexpected injury can affect every aspect of your life. In the wake of such a distressing incident, it’s natural to be uncertain about next steps.
If you’ve experienced pain and suffering due to someone else’s negligence, a Texas personal injury attorney from Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help you pursue the damages you deserve.
Don’t take on this battle alone. Schedule a free consultation today to take the first step toward reclaiming your future.