^❝Jonathan Harris is the best Lawyer you can go to. He settled my case fast , and got me the money I deserve._❞

LOUWOP P. HOUSTON, TX

^❝I enjoy interacting with the team at Schechter, Shaffer and Harris. They are great at communicating in a timely manner and approach your case quickly and aggressively!_❞

MARTHA P. HOUSTON, TX

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^❝Very professional law firm, I would recommend them to anyone who was injured. They went above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of and got the money I deserved after my injury._❞

TY L. PASADENA, TX

^❝From the attorneys to the case managers, everyone here is great! I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who is need of their assistance._❞

SARAH P. HOUSTON, TX

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HOUSTON PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

Getting injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence can unjustly lead to you suffering serious consequences. From health issues to financial issues, you may struggle to recover from your injuries. Fortunately, if you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries by filing a personal injury claim. The experienced Houston personal injury lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP are here to help victims of auto accidents, wrongful death claims, and other personal injury cases seek justice for their losses. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients throughout their entire legal process.

We are committed to protecting the rights of our valued clients. Our firm has secured lots of financial compensation on behalf of victims injured by another party’s negligence or misconduct. If you or a loved one needs an experienced personal injury lawyer, contact us today.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

MARITIME ACCIDENTS

Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP specializes in representing people that have been injured or lost a loved one due to maritime accidents. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.

CAR ACCIDENTS

If you have been injured in an automobile accident, our attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and guide you to a just recovery as soon as possible.

SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS

If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, our attorneys can help guide you to the settlement you deserve for your medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering damages.

CONSTRUCTION/ REFINERY ACCIDENTS

If you have been injured in a work-related accident, we can help guide you through your legal rights and options for recovery.

PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

If you have been hit by a car while walking, call Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP for a free consultation with a Houston personal injury attorney.

Woman on the ground next to a bicycle, holding her knee

BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

Bike accidents can be costly. We can help you recover from a bicycle accident. Call for a free consultation with one of our Houston personal injury lawyers today.

construction worker on the ground, with another worker with his hands on the man's chest.

WORK ACCIDENTS

If you have been injured at work, it is important to speak with an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer. Let us help guide you through this difficult time.

ATV ACCIDENTS

ATV accidents can be just as bad, if not worse than motorcycle accidents. Call us today to speak with a Houston personal injury attorney for a free consultation.

DRUG RECALL

Have you or a loved one been injured by defective drugs? Talk to our lawyers for free regarding your legal rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Medical malpractice can result from a doctor's or dentist's failure to provide proper care during surgery and treatment. Let us get you the justice you deserve for any losses you have suffered.

MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

If you have been hurt in a multi-vehicle accident, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. We can work to clear up the complexities of your injury case.

NON-SUBSCRIBER ACCIDENTS

Do you suspect you were injured due to someone else's negligence but they don't have workers' comp insurance? You may still be able to recover damages for your injuries with our help.

Product-Liability

Dangerous or defective products can cause serious injuries. We can help you recover the financial compensation you deserve if you have been injured by a defective product.

PREMISES LIABILITY

If you have been injured in an accident on someone else's property, we can help guide you through your legal rights and options for recovery by filing for a premises liability claim.

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

If you have been injured in a collision with a big rig, 18-wheeler, or semi-truck, our attorneys can help guide you to the settlement you deserve.

BUS ACCIDENTS

Our attorneys can work to recover damages for you if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a bus accident. Let us help get the justice and recovery you deserve after a serious bus accident.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

Have you been hurt in an accident involving a motorcycle? Our Houston personal injury lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and recovering compensation for your injuries.

INJURY CASES THAT TRIAL LAWYERS CAN HELP WITH

In a personal injury case in Houston (or nearby areas such as Midtown and Montrose), the plaintiff must prove the defendant acted in an inappropriate manner or failed to take appropriate action. The defendant can be found to be at fault if their behavior falls into one of the following categories:

Negligence– To prove negligence, it needs to be shown that the defendant behaved in a manner that substantially contributed to the cause of the incident leading to the plaintiff’s injury. Negligence does not mean that the defendant acted (or failed to act) with the intent of causing harm to another party. It means only that they failed to behave in a responsible manner. A person who drives their automobile at excessive speed can be held to have been negligent if they cause a car accident, even though they did not mean to cause such an accident.

Intentional harm– Personal injury suits can also be brought against an individual who assaults another person. In these cases, the defendant is frequently subject to criminal charges as well.

Strict liability– This is a common element of personal injury cases dealing with defective products. Here, the plaintiff has to show that the defendant—the company that manufactured the product—failed to create a safe product. “Strict liability” means that the manufacturer need not be shown to have acted irresponsibly—the only relevant question is the design and functionality of the product involved in causing harm.

SEE WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US

If you come into this law firm, they will take care of you before trial and after trial…

KENNETH

★★★★★

I enjoy interacting with the team at Schechter, Shaffer and Harris. They are great at communicating in a timely manner and approach your case quickly and aggressively!

Martha P.

Case Type: Personal Injury

★★★★★

Matt Shaffer and his team were very professional. I originally didn’t think there was too much to my case at first, but Matt dug into every detail and ended up getting me compensation that I was certainly not expecting. I liked that I was well-informed...

Ross L.

Case Type: Personal Injury

★★★★★

My experience was beautiful. Cynthia Huerta and her team were very honest and upfront about the expectations of my case.

Wendorlyn D.

Case Type: Personal Injury

★★★★★

Ms. Huerta was very calm, patient and complimentary in dealing with my motor vehicle accident claim. Encouraging and protective, I felt confident in her abilities and skills. She knew when to remain calm, but she also put up a fight when she felt my best...

Johnnie F.

Case Type: Car Accident

WHAT CASES DO YOU HANDLE?

Here is a list of cases that come before Houston courts that our team of personal injury attorneys can assist you with:

We have a track record of getting beneficial verdicts and settlements for injured accident victims. As trial lawyers, we seek to get the most compensation possible for the injuries you have suffered. An experienced injury lawyer from our Houston law firm can hold the insurance company accountable for their treatment of you and negotiate the best possible settlement for you and your family in order to make your life easier.

MARITIME INJURY LAWYERS

There are many personal injury attorneys to choose from. Whether for a car accident claim, work accident or maritime injury, we want you to know why Schechter, Shaffer & Harris is the best choice for you.

INSIGHTS & ADVICE EVERY WEEK

WE HANDLE CLIENTS NATIONWIDE

IN-DEPTH ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR QUESTIONS

MILLIONS RECOVERED

INSIGHTS & ADVICE EVERY WEEK

WE HANDLE CLIENTS NATIONWIDE

IN-DEPTH ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR QUESTIONS

MILLIONS RECOVERED

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MARITIME INJURY LAWYERS

INSIGHTS & ADVICE EVERY WEEK

WE HANDLE CLIENTS NATIONWIDE

IN-DEPTH ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR QUESTIONS

MILLIONS RECOVERED

SHOULD I FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?

If you were injured in an accident in Houston or Montrose caused by someone else’s negligence, it is important for you to learn what rights and options are available to you. By hiring a personal injury lawyer in Houston as soon as possible, we can work on getting compensation for your injuries and help recover the damages you deserve based on the facts of your case.

Hiring a firm like ours will ensure that your best interests are always at heart and we will fight hard to see that justice is served. We can fight tirelessly to recover a fair settlement that recovers financial compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Your recovery can be made much easier by filing a personal injury claim with the help of our law firm. Put your trust in our legal team to help you get the results you deserve today.

SHOULD I FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?

CASE RESULTS

$17.5M +

For Deckhand With Brain Injury

In March 2008, our client was employed as a deckhand in a shipyard. He suffered a head injury resulting in severe brain damage. The client’s win allowed for a special needs trust, annuity purchase, trust for his minor child, and cash for his family.

$2.9M

For Injured Railroad Worker

After rejecting the U.S. Attorney’s $20,000 top offer to settle, Schechter, Shaffer & Harris attorneys Jonathan S. Harris and Laura De La Cruz obtained a $2.9 million dollar judgment for Jose Acosta, an injured train locomotive engineer.

$2.5M

For Jones Act Claim

While on stern of tug attempting to hook up a barge, the “L” line became tight, broke, hit our client, cut his leg off and broke his other leg. The Captain had positioned the boat too far down the side of the barge.

$2M

For Injured Seaman

Our client suffered from a brain injury and multiple fractures to his leg, ribs and skull while working on board a ship.

View All Cases Results

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CASE RESULTS

$17.5M +

For Deckhand With Brain Injury

$2.9M

For Injured Railroad Worker

$2.5M

For Jones Act Claim

$2M

For Injured Seaman

Our client suffered from a brain injury and multiple fractures to his leg, ribs and skull while working on board a ship.

WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR PERSONAL INJURY CASES?

In the state of Texas, you have two years from the date you experienced the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. More information can be found in the relevant section (Title 2, Section 16.003) of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. If you fail to file within this time period, you may forever lose the right to pursue a legal claim against the party responsible for your losses. It is important to reach out to our legal team as soon as possible so we can investigate and assess your claim. We provide free consultations to anyone who contacts us with a potential personal injury lawsuit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Filing a Personal Injury Claim Worth It?

Personal injury claims are worth the time and effort involved, but it is important to remember that they can take a long time to be completed. An average personal injury case can take anywhere between a few months to over a year to settle. However, there are certain types of cases that will not take as long or will move faster than others.

Woman sitting on the ground and holding her ankle

When Should I File a Personal Injury Claim?

The sooner you file the better. If you wait too long then your case could be barred by the statute of limitations, which is a set time limit for filing personal injury claims depending on where you live and the laws that govern it. Seek the help of an experienced injury lawyer to help guide you through the process.

What Is the Average Settlement Amount for a Personal Injury Claim?

The amount paid out depends on multiple factors such as how bad the victim’s injuries were, whether they were permanent or temporary, and most importantly, how those injuries have impacted the victim’s life. For instance, if you have missed lots of time from work, you may be entitled to more compensation to make up for lost wages.

Will My Case End Up in Court?

There are many personal injury claims that settle out of court and avoid going to trial. However, it is recommended that you contact a reputable attorney for advice on this matter as each case will be different. If your injuries were significant enough and the insurance company isn’t willing to settle fairly, a trial may be your best option.

What Do I Do If I Think I Have a Personal Injury Case?

First and foremost, get yourself checked out by an physician to advise you on your injuries. Then, collect all the necessary evidence and paperwork that could be used in court and retain any documentation from the accident scene. Lastly, contact a reputable attorney who has experience in injury claims for advice or representation moving forward.

What Evidence is Needed for a Successful Injury Case?

You need to make sure you present all the necessary evidence and paperwork related to your claim and also make it clear how the accident has impacted your life. Make sure to account for any time that you have missed work due to your injuries and more. Having an injury lawyer can help you investigate your accident and use any evidence that is found.

Will I Recover More Compensation With the Help of an Injury Lawyer?

Many personal injury cases end up requiring the services of a lawyer to represent you in court. These attorneys are trained professionals that know how to best present your case and maximize any settlement. In general, most victims will get more money with an attorney than they would by navigating through legal proceedings themselves.

Can I Receive Compensation for My Emotional Distress After an Injury?

Victims can receive compensation for emotional distress if their injury was severe enough or has afflicted them permanently in one way or another. For example, if you had suffered injuries resulting in scarring or disfigurement then these could be considered when deciding how much compensation you should be awarded for emotional distress.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER?

While there are many qualities that make a good personal injury lawyer, the most important ones include being compassionate, understanding, and communicative. We will be there for you every step of the way to discuss your case and provide guidance as needed. Hiring a Houston attorney can ease your stress because they know how to navigate through legal systems effectively to get you results with your claim.

From start to finish, we will work hard on getting you the best personal injury settlement possible for your unique circumstances. Whether it is negotiating with insurance companies or fighting for you in court, our firm has what it takes to make this process go smoothly so you can focus on recovering from your injuries instead of stressing about the complexities of the legal system.

How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Investigate Claims?

Our personal injury lawyers in Houston conduct comprehensive investigations to build strong claims for our clients. We understand that evidence can be lost or destroyed quickly, so we gather it promptly, letting us analyze it to determine negligence and liability. We understand what evidence will be most effective and how to present our findings effectively during negotiations with insurance companies or in court. We handle all insurance claims and legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on recovery. While all personal injury accidents have unique circumstances, our investigations typically entail the following steps.

Gathering Evidence

Our team starts by collecting all documentation and evidence relating to your accident. Depending on how your incident happened, evidence may include:

• Police reports
• Incident reports
• Photographs of injuries
• Medical records
• Vehicle black box data and electronic logging devices
• Maintenance records
• Drivers’ cell phone records
• Video surveillance footage

Our firm also works to preserve evidence such as damaged vehicles, defective products, or hazardous conditions before they can be lost, altered, repaired, or destroyed.

Interviewing Witnesses

Our skilled team knows the importance of witness statements and testimony, so we interview all potential witnesses, including bystanders, other drivers, staff, first responders, and anyone who may have important information. We also conduct follow-up interviews to gather new facts, clarify details, and ensure witness statements remain consistent. Finally, our legal team prepares witnesses for potential depositions or trial testimony.

Analyzing Liability

To ensure maximum compensation, our lawyers carefully examine all evidence to determine who could be liable for your accident and to what degree each party contributed to the harm. We analyze state and federal laws, local regulations, and legal precedents to build a compelling case while anticipating potential defenses from opposing parties.

Legal Research and Strategy

Our Houston-based lawyers thoroughly research relevant personal injury laws to develop strong legal strategies tailored to your case’s circumstances. With over 100 years of combined trial experience, we know how to develop comprehensive litigation strategies that consider potential settlement offers and outcomes, trial preparation, and the most convincing ways to present your case.

Collaborating With Expert Witnesses

Our team works alongside many expert witnesses, including medical professionals, economists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and accident reconstructionists, to strengthen your case. These specialists review the evidence to ensure you receive full compensation. Their testimony is invaluable to convincing insurance claims adjusters and juries of the legitimacy of your accident claim or lawsuit. You can assist our lawyers by keeping all documentation of financial losses:

• Wage loss statements
• Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• Repair invoices
• Estimates for home or vehicle modifications
• Medical bills
• Receipts for out-of-pocket costs

You may also recover the costs of transportation to and from appointments if you can provide viable documentation. We advise you to keep a journal documenting your non-economic losses, such as physical pain and suffering, sleep disturbances, emotional distress, psychological trauma, and the impact the injuries have on work-related and daily tasks.

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CONTACT A HOUSTON PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY FOR GUIDANCE

Not getting the right legal help for your case can be a huge mistake. If your injuries were caused by somebody else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you should contact a personal injury lawyer in Houston to get started on an injury claim. Personal injuries can have a major effect on your financial situation and future well-being. You don’t want to have to deal with this enormous hassle alone especially when there are so many ways that you could be compensated for medical bills and other related damages.

When you need a Houston personal injury lawyer who has years of experience with the regional court system, call Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. As an experienced law firm in Texas, we have helped many people win settlements and judgments for their injuries. Get in touch with our legal team today to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.