How Injury Lawyers Evaluate Cases in the First 15 Minutes
When you first meet a personal injury lawyer, they often determine very quickly whether your case is worth pursuing. Experienced attorneys typically evaluate three critical elements in the first 15 minutes. If even one is missing, the case may not be viable.
1. Fault and Liability
The first question a lawyer asks is: Who is at fault?
In Texas, fault is measured under a proportionate responsibility system. If you are more than 50% at fault, you are generally not entitled to any compensation.
If you are 50% or less at fault, you may recover damages from the other party.
Establishing that the other party caused the accident is essential for the case to move forward.
2. Injuries and Damages
Next, lawyers assess: Are you actually injured, and are the injuries significant?
Minor injuries may only qualify for nominal damages, often symbolic, like $1.00.
For a case to be worthwhile, there must be measurable injuries that justify compensation. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or long-term impacts on your life.
3. Collectability and Insurance
Finally, an attorney considers: Can you actually collect money from the at-fault party?
Is there insurance coverage?
Does the person or company have collectible assets?
Even if fault and injury are clear, a case with no money behind it is often not worth pursuing. A lawyer must ensure that there is a financially responsible party from which damages can be recovered.
Bottom Line
A strong personal injury case requires all three elements: liability, significant injury, and collectability. Experienced attorneys can quickly evaluate these factors and advise whether pursuing the case makes sense.
