Personal Injury

Boon, Shaver, Echols & Coleman, P.L.L.C. is uniquely qualified to represent personal injury clients in Longview and throughout East Texas.  Firm partner Bradley Echols has an in-depth understanding of the medical issues involved in personal injury suits because of his background attending the University of Texas Medical School, while partner Darren Coleman draws on his experience as a former police officer to fully investigate accidents and wrongful deaths, personally interviewing witnesses and examining all evidence to conclusively prove fault. 

Personal Injury Liability

In Texas, a person can file a lawsuit to collect damages if they are injured by the negligence or wrongful acts of another party.  Lawsuits often arise from accidents causing:

• Burns
• Brain Injuries
• Spinal injuries and broken bones
• Disabilities and disfigurement
• Paralysis
• Wrongful death

When a person has suffered injuries due to the negligence of another, they are entitled to a variety damages under personal injury laws, including:

• Medical (or funeral) expenses
• Lost wages
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Interference and loss to family relationships

Workplace Injuries

Both federal and state laws regulate safety in the workplace; when a workplace injury or wrongful death occurs, an injured employee or a deceased employee's family may be able to recover damages by filing a workers' compensation claim, suing the employer, or both.

In Texas, employers are not required to provide workers' compensation, and the injured employee is only eligible to recover by lawsuit if the employer has been negligent or wrongfully caused the injury, such as by disregarding required safety regulations.  Such suits require significant documentation of the accident, injuries and illnesses, inability to work, doctors' visits, and evidence of employer liability. 

Oil Field and Industrial Accidents

Industrial buildings and oil fields are often more dangerous than the average workplace, and Texas is home to frequent drilling activity.  An already dangerous work environment may be exacerbated by inadequate safety precautions or regulations, defective equipment, long work hours, or carelessness by an employee or employer.  An attorney with experience in oil field and industrial accidents can help injured workers obtain the full damages to which they are entitled.

Auto and Trucking Accidents

Because of the significant amount of commercial and industrial business that moves within and through the state, automobile and especially trucking accidents frequently occur in Texas.  When a large commercial truck, such as an 80,000 pound 18-wheeler, collides with a normal passenger vehicle, devastating injuries and even deaths may occur.  Subsequent medical bills, lost wages, and costs of permanent disability can be extremely high.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations govern commercial trucks engaged in interstate travel and regulate all trucking activities.  Personal injury cases arising from trucking accidents can often involve both federal and state laws, depending on whether the trucks are used solely within Texas or among multiple states.  An experienced attorney can help in all aspects of automobile or trucking accident recovery, from negotiating with difficult adversaries and insurers to litigating the case in court. 

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists

In an automobile accident, the at-fault driver's insurance should pay for injuries or damages caused to the other party.  Texas law requires that drivers obtain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage at a minimum; however, this may not cover the full range of damages sustained.  In addition, PIP can be waived by the policyholder, and many motorists remain uninsured despite laws against it.  If you have been injured in an auto accident by an underinsured or uninsured at-fault driver, our attorneys can help you obtain the recovery to which you are entitled by law.

Defective Products

Manufacturers and product retailers with substantial control over a product are held to a standard of strict liability, meaning that they will be held responsible for personal injuries caused by a defective product, regardless of their fault, intent, or negligence.  Product manufacturers are liable for design or operational defects, or inadequately labeled products that contain hidden dangers.  Defective products can include automobile and truck parts, workplace equipment, or even household appliances, and can cause serious injuries or even wrongful deaths.

Recovering for Injuries

If you've been injured in an accident, by a defective product, or in the workplace, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you have suffered.  Our attorneys provide personal, one-on-one representation in your time of need and can help identify the full range of damages available in your case.  Contact Boon, Shaver, Echols & Coleman, P.L.L.C. today for a free initial consultation.