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Family Files $500 million Negligence Lawsuit After Fatal House Fire
Family Files $500 million Negligence Lawsuit After Fatal House Fire 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

 In an unbelievable Christmas Day tragedy, a couple was killed and a dozen more people were injured when an unexpected explosion rocketed the roof right off a San Benito, Texas home – and now, surviving loved ones want answers. According to preliminary information, the explosion was caused by a possible propane leak affecting a tank immediately adjacent to the home. And, in a

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The Basics of Personal Injury Lawsuits
The Basics of Personal Injury Lawsuits 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

Under what circumstances, and how, do personal injury cases proceed?

Personal Injury cases are legal disputes arising from a circumstance in which one person suffers harm from an accident or injury and believes that someone else or some other entity (such as a corporation) is legally responsible for the resulting physical and emotional harm.

The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court, either before a lawsuit is filed, once one has been filed, or even after the case goes to the judge or jury.

The Stages of a Personal Injury Case

The stages of a personal injury case may include some, or all, of the following: 

  • Attorney consultation to discuss details of case and to see if you two are a good fit
  • Filing initial court papers
  • Fact-finding and discovery, including getting information from the opposing team regarding physical evidence, witnesses, and medical data
  • Resolution before trial — frequently there are Motions to Dismiss before trial
  • Settlement — in most cases lawyers on both sides negotiate a settlement, sometimes a structured settlement
  • Trial — if the case is not settled, it goes to trial
  • Collecting money after judgment
  • Appealing a decision or judgment

There may be a limited time frame after the injury occurs during which a personal claim may be filed.

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Family Sues Utility for Wrongful Death after It Cuts Off Power to Oxygen Machine
Family Sues Utility for Wrongful Death after It Cuts Off Power to Oxygen Machine 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

Can a power company be liable for damages when it cuts off electricity for non-payment? 

Patients who depend on oxygen machines to survive require electricity 24/7. Tragically, when the Sam Houston Electric Company cut power to one of its subscribers for non-payment of $129.62, the result proved fatal. The family of the deceased is seeking in excess of $1 million in damages for

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Johnson & Johnson Negligent in Talc-Ovarian Cancer Case
Johnson & Johnson Negligent in Talc-Ovarian Cancer Case 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

Johnson & Johnson was ordered by a St. Louis jury to pay $62 million in compensatory and punitive damages to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer after using the company’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower for feminine hygiene. The company was found guilty of negligence, failure to warn (a key element of the case), and conspiracy to conceal risks associated with its products. Of the $72 million award, $10 million were for compensatory damages and $62 million were added for punitive damages.

The trial is the first of 1,200 ovarian cancer claims filed in the last two years against J&J and the company that supplied the talc — the ingredient that was found to be the cause of the deceased woman’s ovarian cancer.

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Texas Man Files Product Liability Lawsuit against Gun Manufacturer Following Loss of Leg
Texas Man Files Product Liability Lawsuit against Gun Manufacturer Following Loss of Leg 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

Consumer product manufacturers are under a heightened duty to ensure their goods are safe and hazard-free. If a product is dangerous, with the potential to cause injury, manufacturers design the product in the safest way possible to help minimize the risk of severe, catastrophic injuries, and must issue clear warnings as well.

With extremely dangerous items, like guns or explosives, manufacturers are under what is known as a “strict” product liability standard –- or, the product is so inherently dangerous, the plaintiff will prevail in his or her lawsuit regardless of any applicable defenses to the plaintiff’s allegations.

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Serious Consequences, Including Cobalt Toxicity, Result from Metal Hip Implants
Serious Consequences, Including Cobalt Toxicity, Result from Metal Hip Implants 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

What are some of the dangerous complications of having metal hip replacements?

Though many recipients of metal hip implants have been completely satisfied with their medical devices, thousands of patients who have gone through the surgery have reported serious problems. It a great many cases, such dissatisfaction has resulted in recalls, lawsuits, and even government action.

While over the past many years, metal hip replacements have become increasingly common as an improvement on plastic and ceramic prosthetics for replacement of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip, promising relief from the severe pain of osteoarthritis or athletic injury, there has been a high rate of complications with these metal devices. This has been true whether the patients having metal hip replacements were over or under the age of 50. Since 285,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed each year, and since medical research has shown a failure rate as high as 50 percent within six months, we are talking about a very serious problem.

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Years After Officer’s Death, Texas County Sues His Family for Medical Expenses
Years After Officer’s Death, Texas County Sues His Family for Medical Expenses 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

Does the statute of limitations bar a county from trying to recover medical costs after waiting for five years?

In 2010, a Texas sheriff’s deputy responded to a call seeking assistance with a traffic stop of a possible stolen car. With flashing lights and siren on, he sped to the scene but, en route, had to swerve to avoid soundproofing that fell off a flatbed truck. Gravely injured, he died eight days later in the hospital.

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Black Friday Accidents
Black Friday Accidents 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

How can I protect myself from Black Friday injuries?

Black Friday, the number one shopping day of the year, can draw thousands of frantic shoppers to malls and other popular retail stores.  As you hunt for a parking spot and fight your way through the holiday crowds, you should remain aware of the possibility of injury.  The following is a look at some of the most common Black Friday accidents and how you can protect yourself.

  1. Parking lot car accidents:  According to Farmers Insurance, the number of parking lot accidents increases 25 percent on Black Friday, when compared to an average Friday.  Black Friday leads to crowded parking lots and parking chaos.
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A Guide to Personal Injury Law in Texas
A Guide to Personal Injury Law in Texas 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

What are my legal rights if I am injured in an accident in Texas?

If you have been injured in an accident in Texas, there are several important laws and legal principles that could impact your personal injury case.  Understanding some basics about personal injury law in Texas can help you to protect your legal rights.  Our Houston, Texas personal injury lawyers at Chandler Mathis & Zivley offer the following overview of personal injury laws in our state.

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Common Car Accident Injuries: Fractures
Common Car Accident Injuries: Fractures 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

What are the most common types of broken bones you could sustain in a car accident?

Millions of Americans will be involved in car accidents in the coming year.  Broken bones are one of the most common car accident injuries due to the immense force involved in the collision.  Fractures can be extremely painful and could even require surgery, potentially leading to lengthy recovery times and the inability to return to work.  Car accident victims who sustain a broken bone will require immediate treatment. Accident victims injured due to the negligence of another driver may be able to seek compensation for their fracture injuries through a

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