A serious injury affects more than just your body. It can disrupt every part of your life, from how you earn a living to how you care for your family. If you’ve been hurt in Arlington, you might be trying to juggle medical appointments, missed work, and bills you didn’t expect. You may also be dealing with calls from insurance adjusters and facing questions that don’t have easy answers. These challenges are real, and they can quickly become overwhelming.
You’re not alone. Texas personal injury law gives you the right to pursue compensation if someone else’s negligence caused you harm. But knowing how to use that law to your advantage requires legal guidance. Keep reading to learn what types of accidents fall under personal injury law, what to do after you’ve been hurt, and how Patterson Law Group helps people in Arlington recover with clarity and confidence.
Our Firm Is Built To Put You First
Some law firms focus on bringing in as many clients as possible. We don’t. At Patterson Law Group, we’ve built a client-centered practice where your experience guides our approach. When you’re facing the aftermath of a serious injury, you need a team that will treat you with respect, listen to your concerns, and work to protect your future.
That begins with intentional choices. We take fewer cases so we can focus more on the people we serve. We offer direct attorney access from the very first conversation. We also use technology to keep clients informed, organized, and confident in their case status. We’re based here in Arlington, and we know how local courts operate and what challenges residents face after being injured. That local knowledge strengthens our ability to represent you effectively.
A Legal Team That Prioritizes Relationships, Not Volume
We believe that legal representation should be built on trust, not numbers. When a firm accepts too many cases, clients often feel like just another name in the system. We choose to work differently. By limiting how many cases we handle at a time, we make space for strong communication and meaningful strategy on every claim.
That commitment to individual clients helps us learn your story, understand your goals, and shape a legal plan that reflects your situation. We don’t rely on templates or shortcuts. Instead, we focus on your needs and build your case with care.
Real-Time Communication, No Runaround
One of the most common complaints we hear from injury victims is that they don’t know what’s going on with their case. You shouldn’t have to wait days for answers or wonder whether your lawyer even knows your name. Our firm solves that problem with direct contact and open communication.
From the moment you begin working with us, you’ll know how to reach your attorney and what to expect next. We use secure tools to organize documents, send updates, and keep everything on track. Whether you’re reviewing a settlement offer or checking on a deadline, we make sure you never feel left out of the loop.
Rooted in Arlington, Committed to Our Neighbors
We don’t just work in Arlington—we live here too. That means we understand the city, the court system, and the challenges local families face when they’re dealing with an injury. Whether your case involves a car crash near I-20 or a fall at a local store, we’ve likely handled similar matters right here in the community.
Our clients are also our neighbors. We treat them with the respect and responsiveness they deserve. That means being available when needed, explaining legal terms clearly, and doing everything we can to reduce stress while building a strong case.
Injured in Arlington? You Are Not Alone
Many people assume that personal injury law only applies to major accidents or high-profile events. In reality, Texas law covers a wide range of incidents, including many that happen in everyday settings. If your injury happened because someone else failed to act responsibly, you may have a valid legal claim—even if the situation didn’t seem serious at the time.
We regularly help clients who were hurt in these types of situations:
- Car and truck accidents on I-20 or Cooper Street. Busy intersections and heavy traffic make these areas common sites for crashes. Whether the accident involved speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield, victims often face lasting injuries and financial pressure.
- Pedestrian and cyclist injuries near UTA or downtown. With students, workers, and tourists sharing the roads, Arlington sees frequent accidents involving pedestrians and bikes. When drivers don’t pay attention or violate traffic laws, the results can be severe.
- Dog bites in residential neighborhoods. A dog owner has a duty to prevent harm to others. If an unleashed or aggressive animal caused your injuries, the owner may be responsible for your medical costs and other losses.
- Slips, trips, and falls in local stores or public spaces. Business and property owners are expected to maintain safe conditions. If a spill, broken surface, or poor lighting caused your fall, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries.
- Wrongful death due to negligence. Some cases involve the unthinkable—losing a loved one because someone else acted carelessly. These tragedies may lead to wrongful death claims, which help families recover funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship.
Even if your accident doesn’t appear on this list, it may still qualify. A free consultation with our team can help clarify your rights and determine whether legal action makes sense for your situation.
Why Fast Legal Help Matters After a Serious Injury
When it comes to personal injury claims, timing plays a major role in protecting your rights. The choices you make in the hours, days, and weeks following an injury can shape the outcome of your case. Delays in medical care, documentation, or legal consultation can weaken the evidence and reduce your ability to seek full compensation. Acting early gives you the best chance of success.
Early Legal Support Preserves Key Evidence
By contacting an attorney as soon as possible, you allow your legal team to secure evidence while it’s still fresh. That includes crash reports, surveillance footage, photographs of the scene, and contact information for witnesses. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that these critical details will be lost or become harder to verify.
We also help ensure that your injuries are properly documented by your medical providers. Inconsistent or delayed treatment often becomes a point of contention with insurance adjusters. We work with you to create a complete and credible record of how the injury occurred and how it is affecting your life.
Insurance Companies Act Quickly—You Should Too
Insurance adjusters are trained to respond fast. They may reach out within days of your injury, hoping to settle the case before you know the full extent of your damages. They may also request recorded statements or encourage you to sign documents that limit your options. Without legal representation, you may feel pressured to accept a low offer or unknowingly say something that weakens your position.
Our team communicates directly with the insurance company so you do not have to. We handle every conversation and document review to make sure your rights are protected. We also advise you on what to expect from the process, so you can make decisions confidently.
Fast Action Sets the Tone for the Rest of the Case
Reaching out to a lawyer early sends a message. It shows the insurance company that you are informed, prepared, and serious about your claim. This often influences how they approach your case—leading to more respectful communication and, in many cases, more reasonable settlement discussions.
It also allows us to begin building a strategy tailored to your situation. Every case is different. The sooner we understand yours, the better equipped we are to advocate for your needs.
Healing from an injury takes time. But taking the first legal step should not be delayed. When you contact our firm early, we move quickly to protect your rights and give your case the strong foundation it deserves. Let us take the pressure off so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.
Medical Bills, Lost Wages, and More: Understanding Compensation
After a serious injury, your life can feel like it’s been turned upside down. You may be dealing with pain, missed work, growing medical bills, and emotional strain. Texas personal injury law allows you to seek compensation for these hardships—but knowing what you can recover is essential to protecting your future. At Patterson Law Group, we help clients identify every loss tied to their injury so their claim reflects the full picture.
Hospital and Follow-Up Medical Expenses
Emergency room visits, ambulance rides, diagnostic tests, and hospital stays can lead to overwhelming bills in a matter of hours. Your claim can include all medical costs related to the injury, both immediate and ongoing. That includes follow-up care, surgical procedures, medications, and any specialist consultations you may need.
Physical Therapy and Long-Term Care
Some injuries do not heal quickly. If your recovery includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, or in-home assistance, those expenses are eligible for compensation. In cases involving permanent disability, we also account for future care costs such as medical equipment or home modifications.
Lost Income and Future Earning Capacity
If your injury caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost wages. We also consider how your earning capacity may be affected moving forward. For example, if you can no longer return to your previous job or must reduce your hours, those financial losses can be part of your claim.
Pain and Emotional Suffering
Injury-related pain can interfere with sleep, daily movement, and basic routines. Texas law recognizes that this discomfort deserves acknowledgment. You may also be entitled to damages for emotional suffering, including trauma, fear, or grief tied to the event and its aftermath.
Damage to Relationships and Quality of Life
Injuries often change how people engage with loved ones, pursue hobbies, or handle everyday tasks. If your relationships, independence, or overall lifestyle have suffered as a result of your injury, these changes can be factored into your compensation.
Common Injuries That Lead To Legal Claims
After an accident, the visible injuries may only tell part of the story. Some of the most serious harm caused by negligence takes time to fully reveal itself. That’s why we encourage clients to trust their instincts, document symptoms early, and seek legal advice—even if the injury doesn’t seem catastrophic at first.
In many cases, people minimize their pain or assume it will pass with time. But untreated injuries can worsen, and the delay in treatment may also weaken a legal claim. If you’re experiencing discomfort, reduced mobility, or emotional changes after an accident, it’s important to get medical care and speak with a legal team that understands how these conditions develop.
These are some of the most common injuries that form the basis of personal injury claims in Arlington:
- Concussions and TBIs. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result from a hard blow to the head, even without loss of consciousness. Symptoms may include memory issues, headaches, fatigue, or sensitivity to light and noise. Left untreated, these injuries can have long-term cognitive effects.
- Broken bones and dislocations. Bone fractures and joint dislocations often require surgery, immobilization, and physical therapy. Recovery times vary, but these injuries frequently disrupt work and mobility for months.
- Burns and scarring. Burns may result from vehicle accidents, chemical exposure, or unsafe property conditions. In addition to the pain and risk of infection, severe burns can lead to permanent disfigurement or restricted movement in affected areas.
- Back and neck injuries. Herniated discs, pinched nerves, and spinal strain can affect nearly every aspect of your life. These injuries are common in car crashes and slip-and-fall incidents and may require ongoing pain management or surgical correction.
- Joint injuries (knee, shoulder, hip). A torn ligament, dislocated shoulder, or damaged knee joint can make even basic activities—like walking, sitting, or lifting—painful and difficult. These injuries often result in missed work and lengthy recovery timelines.
- Anxiety and depression linked to trauma. Emotional injuries are just as valid as physical ones. After a traumatic event, many people experience fear, panic, sleep disruption, or depression. These conditions may require therapy, medication, and time away from work or social activities.
- Whiplash and soft tissue strain. Rapid forward-and-back movement in a vehicle crash can stretch the muscles and ligaments in your neck and upper back. These injuries may not show up on scans but can cause significant pain, headaches, and limited range of motion.
- Crush injuries and internal damage. Being pinned between objects or impacted by heavy equipment can cause damage to internal organs, muscle tissue, or circulation. These injuries often require emergency surgery and come with a high risk of long-term complications.
- Vision and hearing loss. Some accidents result in trauma to the eyes or ears. Exposure to loud noise, head trauma, or chemical contact can lead to partial or complete sensory loss, which has a significant effect on quality of life and daily functioning.
If you’re dealing with one or more of these issues, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate the legal process without help. Our team is here to listen, guide, and advocate for the support you need. We help you document your injuries, connect with qualified medical professionals, and pursue a claim that reflects the full extent of your pain, limitations, and future needs.
Can You File a Claim If You Were Partially at Fault?
Personal injury cases are rarely black and white. In many situations, multiple parties share responsibility for what happened. Texas law accounts for that by using a system called modified comparative fault, also known as the 51 percent bar rule.
Under this system, you can still file a personal injury claim if you were partially responsible for the incident, as long as your share of the fault is not more than 50 percent. If a court or insurance company determines that you were 30 percent responsible, your total compensation would be reduced by that amount. However, if you are found to be 51 percent or more at fault, you may not be able to recover compensation at all.
Because fault percentages directly affect the outcome of your case, it’s important to have legal support early. Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto you to limit what they have to pay. Our firm investigates your case carefully, reviews all available evidence, and pushes back when insurers attempt to unfairly assign fault.
Even if you’re unsure about your role in what happened, it’s worth having an attorney review the details. We’ve helped many clients who initially believed they didn’t have a case—only to learn that they were eligible for significant compensation.
What You Can Expect From Our Case Process
The idea of hiring a lawyer may feel intimidating, especially if this is your first time navigating a legal claim. At Patterson Law Group, we aim to make the process clear, supportive, and as stress-free as possible. From the first phone call through the resolution of your case, you’ll know where things stand and what to expect next.
Here’s how we support clients at every step:
- Free, no-obligation consultation. We start with a conversation. You tell us what happened, and we’ll listen. There’s no pressure, and there’s no cost to get our input on whether you have a case.
- Honest assessment of your case. We believe in transparency. If we don’t think we can add value to your situation, we’ll tell you. But if we take your case, it’s because we see a path forward and believe we can help.
- Help gathering medical records and documentation. Strong cases are built on solid evidence. We work with you to collect treatment notes, test results, invoices, and anything else needed to demonstrate your injuries and expenses.
- Negotiation with insurance companies. We communicate directly with adjusters so you don’t have to. Our team pushes back against low offers, delays, and tactics meant to pressure you into settling for less than you deserve.
- Litigation support if needed. While many cases settle outside of court, we prepare every claim as if it will go to trial. If negotiations break down, we’re ready to represent you in front of a judge or jury.
- Clear communication throughout. You’ll never be left guessing. We provide updates, explain legal terms in plain language, and make ourselves available for questions at every stage.
You don’t need to figure everything out on your own. Our process is designed to lift the burden off your shoulders and give you the confidence that your case is being handled with care.
Myths and Misconceptions About Personal Injury Lawyers
Many people hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer because of assumptions that simply are not true. These concerns are understandable. If you have never worked with a lawyer before, you may be unsure what to expect or even whether you need one. This section will clear up some common myths and help you feel more confident about reaching out for guidance.
“Lawyers Are Too Expensive.”
One of the most common worries we hear is that hiring a lawyer will cost too much. At Patterson Law Group, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay anything up front. We only get paid if we help you recover compensation. There are no surprise charges or hourly fees. You can speak with us, ask questions, and learn your legal options without any financial pressure.
“I Don’t Want To Sue Anyone.”
Some people feel uncomfortable with the idea of filing a lawsuit. They associate legal action with conflict or aggression. In reality, most personal injury claims never go to court. The majority are resolved through communication and negotiation with insurance companies. Reaching out to a lawyer does not mean you are suing someone. It means you are protecting yourself and getting help to navigate a process that insurance companies are trained to control.
“Insurance Will Take Care of It.”
Insurance companies are not responsible for making sure you are treated fairly. Their priority is protecting their financial interests. Even when an adjuster seems friendly or helpful, their goal is often to minimize what they pay out. If you rely on the insurance company to take care of everything, you may receive far less than you are legally entitled to. A lawyer works for you, not the insurer, and helps make sure your needs are not ignored or undervalued.
“My Injury Isn’t Serious Enough.”
Some people assume their injuries are not bad enough to justify legal help. They may be walking and working but still dealing with pain, missed days at work, or ongoing appointments. Just because an injury does not require surgery or hospitalization does not mean it lacks legal merit. If your life has been disrupted, your medical bills are piling up, or you are dealing with stress caused by someone else’s actions, it is worth talking to a lawyer. You may have more options than you think.
“I Can Handle It Myself.”
Trying to manage a personal injury claim alone is like trying to treat a medical condition without a doctor. You may be able to complete some tasks, but the process is complicated, and the consequences of a mistake can be lasting. Insurance companies use teams of adjusters and lawyers to protect their position. When you have legal representation, you are leveling the playing field. Our team helps make sure nothing is overlooked and that you are treated fairly throughout the process.
How Long Do You Have To File a Claim in Arlington?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident. That means you must either settle your claim or file a lawsuit within that time frame. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation altogether—even if your case is strong and well documented.
There are very few exceptions to this rule. For example, if the injured person is a minor or if the defendant cannot be located, the timeline may be extended. However, these situations are rare. For most people in Arlington, the two-year window is firm.
Even if you are not sure whether you want to file a claim, it is wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Acting early allows you to gather evidence while it is still available, document your injuries properly, and avoid delays that weaken your case. You do not have to rush into a decision, but waiting too long can reduce your options. A short conversation now may save you significant stress later.
How We Help Families After Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is devastating. When that loss is caused by someone else’s carelessness, the grief can feel even heavier. Families are left not only mourning, but also facing financial uncertainty and unanswered questions. At Patterson Law Group, we support families in Arlington through some of the most difficult times in their lives.
Wrongful death claims allow certain family members—such as spouses, children, or parents—to seek compensation for what they have lost. That may include funeral and burial expenses, lost income and benefits, emotional suffering, and the loss of companionship and guidance. These claims are not about placing a dollar value on a life. They are about providing stability and recognition for the harm that was caused.
Our team approaches these cases with deep respect and care. We know that no amount of money can replace the person you lost. What we can offer is guidance, protection, and a process that honors your loved one while helping your family move forward. We handle the legal work so you can focus on healing and caring for one another.
Why Choosing a Local Arlington Firm Makes a Difference
When you work with a law firm based in your city, you are choosing a team that understands your surroundings, your court system, and your community. At Patterson Law Group, we have served Arlington families for years. We know the neighborhoods, the traffic patterns, the judges, and the opposing counsel. That knowledge matters when building a case.
Local firms are also more accessible. You can meet face-to-face if needed. You will not be calling a national hotline or working with someone in another city. You will have a direct connection to your attorney and a team that knows how to get things done here in Arlington.
This local connection also brings a sense of accountability. We do not just want to win cases. We want to serve our neighbors well. That means being available, honest, and responsive from beginning to end. Our reputation is rooted in the city we live in, and we carry that responsibility with pride.
Take the First Step Toward Healing Today
You have been through a lot. Whether your injury happened in a crash, a fall, or another type of accident, you deserve answers, support, and a clear path forward. The legal process can feel confusing, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Patterson Law Group is here to help.
Your first consultation with us is completely free. There is no pressure to commit, no obligation to file, and no cost unless we recover compensation for you. We will listen to your story, review your situation, and give you honest feedback about your options.
If you choose to work with us, you will have a team that is focused on your well-being—not just your case file. We are here to help you rebuild, recover, and move forward with confidence. Contact Patterson Law Group today to schedule your free consultation. We are ready to stand with you.
