Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Houston
Representing Victims of Traumatic Injuries & Catastrophic Diseases Caused by Negligence
Catastrophic harm doesn’t always come from a single violent accident. It can develop over decades, emerging as mesothelioma after years of asbestos exposure on a job site, or arrive suddenly as a spinal cord injury from an industrial explosion. At The Patronella Law Firm, we represent clients across both forms of catastrophic harm: traumatic injuries that change a person’s life in an instant and occupational diseases caused by prolonged exposure to toxic substances. That combined scope, backed by more than 30 years of personal injury and toxic tort experience, is what sets our firm apart from most Houston injury practices.
Catastrophic injuries and diseases share a defining legal characteristic: permanence. These are conditions that substantially impair a person’s ability to work, perform daily activities, or live independently, and they demand extensive long-term medical care. When that harm results from the negligence or wrongdoing of an individual, business, or government entity, we pursue accountability and compensation for what our clients have lost and what they may continue to face.
If you or a family member is dealing with a catastrophic injury or illness caused by someone else’s negligence, contact The Patronella Law Firm today at (888) 991-5580 for a free initial consultation.
Why Houston Clients Choose The Patronella Law Firm
Attorney Michael Patronella handles every case personally. We don’t refer cases to other firms or pass clients to junior staff. From the first consultation through resolution, clients work directly with an attorney who understands both the legal complexity of proving negligence and the medical realities of documenting long-term or progressive harm.
That personal investment is reflected in how Attorney Patronella’s peers have recognized his work. He received an AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell in 2018, the highest rating available for professional excellence, communication skills, and ethical standards. He was named a Super Lawyer in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018, a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers in 2013, and a Top Attorney by Texas Monthly Magazine in 2012.
We represent clients in greater Houston, across the Gulf Coast Region, and nationwide. Consultations are free, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Start with a Free Consultation
Early legal involvement matters in catastrophic cases. Evidence can disappear quickly, and the deadline for filing a claim has hard limits under Texas law. The sooner we can review what happened, the better positioned we may be to build a complete record of negligence and harm.
To speak with a catastrophic injury lawyer in Houston who handles both traumatic injury and disease claims, contact The Patronella Law Firm at (888) 991-5580 or reach us through our online contact form.
Texas Law & Catastrophic Injury Claims
Texas gives injured parties two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing that deadline generally eliminates the right to seek compensation entirely. In toxic tort and occupational disease cases, that clock may begin on the date of diagnosis or when the illness was discovered rather than the date of original exposure, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. If a plaintiff is found more than 50% responsible for their own injury, they can’t recover damages. If they’re 50% or less at fault, their recovery is reduced proportionally by their percentage of fault. This rule makes how a case is built and argued directly relevant to how much a client may ultimately recover.
Texas places no cap on economic damages in personal injury cases. These cover quantifiable losses including past and future medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages address losses that don’t carry a price tag: pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Texas does cap punitive damages, which are awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Steps to Protect Your Claim After a Catastrophic Injury or Diagnosis
What you do in the days and weeks following a catastrophic injury or diagnosis can affect your legal options. These steps matter:
Seek medical attention immediately:
A prompt medical record establishes the nature and extent of harm at the earliest point in time. It’s foundational to any legal claim.
Document everything available:
Photographs, witness contact information, and official incident or accident reports preserve details that can be lost quickly. For occupational disease cases, employment records, work history, and documentation of exposure sites are equally critical.
Don’t speak with insurance adjusters first:
Adjusters work to limit their company’s liability. Before giving a recorded statement or signing anything, speak with a catastrophic injury attorney in Houston who can protect the value of your claim.
Contact an attorney as early as possible:
Early involvement allows for timely evidence preservation, identification of liable parties, and development of a legal strategy before records disappear or memories fade.
