Fort Worth is one of Texas’ most exciting destinations—whether you’re here for the Stockyards, a conference downtown, or a family weekend exploring the museums and attractions. But nothing derails a trip faster than a sudden injury. One minute you’re sightseeing, and the next, you’re in pain, dealing with medical visits, and trying to figure out your next steps in an unfamiliar place.
At Patterson Law Group, we’ve helped countless visitors who found themselves in this exact situation. We’re Fort Worth personal injury lawyers who understand not only Texas law, but how to help out-of-towners get the care and compensation they deserve after an unexpected accident.
Whether you’re from across the state or across the country, we’re here to make the process smoother and fight for your rights every step of the way.
First Things First: Take Immediate Action After the Injury
If you’re injured during your time in Fort Worth, what you do in the minutes and hours afterward can make or break your case later. Here’s what we advise all visitors:
- Get medical care immediately. Your health is the top priority. Don’t wait until you get home. Visit a nearby emergency room or urgent care facility. Not only does this ensure you’re getting treated, but it also creates official medical documentation tied to your injury.
- File a report. Whether you’re injured in a car accident, hotel, restaurant, or amusement park, make sure the incident is officially documented. That might mean calling the police, notifying a manager, or filling out an incident form. Get a copy or ask how you can obtain one later.
- Take photos and collect evidence. Use your phone to take pictures of the scene, any visible injuries, the surroundings, and anything that could have contributed to the accident. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact info.
- Avoid posting about it. This is important: Don’t discuss the incident on social media, and don’t speculate about fault. Insurance companies often scour public posts, and anything you say can be twisted to reduce your claim.
- Call a personal injury attorney in Fort Worth, TX. The sooner you get a local PI lawyer involved, the easier it is to protect your rights. We can begin preserving evidence, gathering witness statements, and handling communication with insurance companies while you focus on recovery.
Know Your Rights Under Texas Law
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury while you were visiting Fort Worth, you have the same right to pursue a personal injury claim as a resident. Texas law allows injured individuals to seek compensation for things like medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Here are a few key legal points that apply in these cases:
- The statute of limitations in Texas is two years. That means you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003). If you wait too long, you could lose the right to seek compensation altogether—even if you have a strong case.
- Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but were found 20% at fault, you’d only receive $80,000. You may be barred from recovery if you’re more than 50% at fault.
- Damage caps exist for some instances. While most personal injury claims don’t have damage caps, some cases, like those involving medical malpractice, do have limits on non-economic damages. A Fort Worth injury attorney can help determine if these rules apply to your case.
The Most Common Visitor Injuries in Fort Worth
As a popular travel and business destination, Fort Worth sees many types of visitor-related injuries every year. Here are some of the most common scenarios we handle:
- Car Accidents: Between I-35W, I-30, and congested downtown streets, Fort Worth sees thousands of auto crashes annually. In 2022 alone, there were over 13,500 crashes in Fort Worth, with hundreds resulting in serious injuries (TxDOT Crash Records). You may have a case if you were a ride-sharing passenger, a rental car driver, or a pedestrian hit by a car.
- Slips and Falls: Hotels, restaurants, event venues, and retail stores have a duty to maintain safe premises. Wet floors, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or broken stairs can lead to serious falls, especially when unfamiliar with the area.
- Amusement or Attraction Injuries: Places like the Fort Worth Zoo, Stockyards, or museums see heavy foot traffic, and accidents can happen. Tripping over hazards, animal-related injuries, or even malfunctioning rides can lead to liability.
- Hotel and Airbnb Incidents: Injuries in temporary lodging—due to broken furniture, lack of security, or fire hazards—can often be traced back to negligence. Property owners and managers can be held responsible for unsafe conditions.
- Work-Related Visits: If you were injured while attending a conference or conducting business, you may be eligible for a personal injury and a workers’ comp claim, depending on your employment situation.
How a Fort Worth Injury Attorney Can Help If You’re From Out of Town
When you’re injured far from home, seeking compensation can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
- We handle everything locally. You don’t need to travel back and forth to Texas while your case unfolds. As your Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, we’ll gather records, contact witnesses, work with local experts, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
- We coordinate with your home providers and can communicate with your doctors at home to ensure that your treatment records are consistent with your injury claim.
- We act fast to preserve evidence. From security camera footage to witness interviews, the earlier we act, the stronger your case. We know where to look and how to get the proof you need.
- We help with medical liens and bills. Many clients worry about how to afford treatment when they’re out of state. We can connect you with medical providers who treat on a lien basis, meaning you don’t pay until your case settles.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Every case is different, but depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may be eligible for compensation that includes:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Physical therapy or follow-up treatment
- Lost income if your injury kept you from working
- Future loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Travel expenses related to your treatment
- Loss of enjoyment if your vacation or event was disrupted
- Emotional distress
Our job as your personal injury attorney in Fort Worth, TX, is to calculate and pursue the full value of your claim, not just what the insurance company offers upfront.
Before You Leave Fort Worth: What to Do
If you’re scheduled to return home soon after your injury, make sure to do the following:
- Collect all relevant documentation. That includes hospital discharge papers, prescriptions, incident reports, insurance information, and written communication.
- Schedule follow-up care at home. Don’t delay treatment. Gaps in care can hurt your health—and your case.
- Stay in contact with us. We make staying connected easy through phone, email, and video calls. We’ll keep you updated and involved every step of the way.
- Don’t sign anything from an insurer. Sometimes, insurance companies try to settle fast, especially if they know you’re leaving the area. Don’t agree until you talk to a Fort Worth PI lawyer.
FAQ: Injured While Visiting Fort Worth
Can I still file a claim if I’ve already left Texas?
Yes. You can pursue a personal injury claim in Texas even after returning home. As your Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, we can handle nearly every aspect of your case remotely, including filing paperwork, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies.
Do I have to return to Texas for court?
In many cases, no. Most personal injury claims settle before reaching trial. If your case goes to court, we’ll do everything possible to minimize the need for your return. If a court appearance is essential, we’ll give you plenty of notice and help coordinate travel.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages if you were not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. A personal injury attorney in Fort Worth, TX, can help assess how this may affect your case.
Can I use my health insurance for treatment in Texas?
Yes. Most health insurance plans offer nationwide coverage for emergency care. However, out-of-network costs might apply. We can also help you find providers who accept liens, meaning you won’t pay upfront and can settle costs later through your claim.
How long will my case take?
Each case differs, but most personal injury claims resolve within a few months to a year. Factors like the severity of your injury, the length of medical treatment, and insurance cooperation can impact timelines.
What does it cost to hire Patterson Law Group?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t owe us anything unless we recover your money—no upfront costs—just committed representation from a Fort Worth injury attorney you can trust.
We’re Here for You—Wherever You Call Home
At Patterson Law Group, we know how frustrating it is to be hurt while away from home. You’re in a new place, dealing with pain, paperwork, and unfamiliar laws. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
As experienced Fort Worth personal injury lawyers, we’ve helped injured travelers from all over the country and are ready to help you, too. Whether you were here on business, vacation, or just passing through, we’ll fight to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured while visiting Fort Worth, contact our team today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on what matters most: healing.
