A personal injury case in Texas generally moves through several stages: investigation, filing the lawsuit, discovery, mediation, and trial. During discovery, both sides exchange documents, take depositions, and work with experts. Most Texas courts, including the district courts in Harris County, require the parties to attempt mediation before trial, and many cases settle there.

Insurance companies and corporate defendants value a case based on what they think a jury would do with it. If they believe a lawyer won’t take the case to trial, they have little reason to offer what it’s worth. That’s why we prepare every case for trial from the beginning, especially in 18-wheeler, industrial, and wrongful death cases, where defendants have the resources to fight.

If a case does go to trial in a Texas district court, it is decided by a jury of 12. In most civil cases, the verdict doesn’t have to be unanimous: 10 of the 12 jurors must agree. An award of exemplary damages, though, requires a unanimous jury.

No matter how your case is handled, the decision to settle is always yours. Your lawyer’s job is to give you a clear picture of the risks and the value of your case, so you can make that decision from a position of strength. A Houston trial lawyer who is ready to go to court gives you that leverage.

If you’re facing a serious injury or wrongful death case, contact Cammack Law Firm to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a trial lawyer.