When accidents strike in Sweetwater County, the physical injuries are often just the beginning. Personal injury law encompasses legal disputes where one person suffers harm due to another party’s negligence or intentional actions.
Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills after a car crash or dealing with lost wages from a workplace injury at a local wind energy facility, the aftermath can feel overwhelming.
At Keith & Lorfing, we understand that West Texas families shouldn’t have to shoulder these burdens alone. Our experienced team has spent decades fighting for injured residents throughout Sweetwater and surrounding counties.
Contact our personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Our Sweetwater personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing clients across a wide range of accident types and injury claims:
Car Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions remain one of the leading causes of personal injuries in Sweetwater County. From rear-end crashes on busy Interstate 20 to intersection accidents downtown, our team thoroughly investigates each case to determine fault and pursue maximum compensation. We handle cases involving:
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving cases
Truck Accidents
The prevalence of commercial trucking through West Texas means Sweetwater residents face significant risks from large vehicle accidents. These cases require specialized knowledge of federal regulations and industry standards.
Our attorneys pursue claims against trucking companies, drivers, and maintenance providers when their negligence causes devastating injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents
⚠️ Motorcycle riders face unique vulnerabilities on Texas roads, often suffering severe injuries even in minor collisions.
We represent bikers who’ve been struck by inattentive drivers or injured due to road defects, fighting insurance companies that try to blame riders for accidents they didn’t cause.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Property owners in Sweetwater have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. When they fail to address hazards like wet floors, broken steps, or inadequate lighting, serious injuries can result. We hold negligent property owners accountable for:
- Grocery store accidents
- Restaurant falls
- Retail establishment injuries
- Hotel and lodging incidents
- Workplace slip and falls
Workplace Injuries
While workers’ compensation typically covers job-related injuries, third-party liability claims may provide additional compensation.
Our team examines workplace accidents to identify all responsible parties, including equipment manufacturers, contractors, and property owners who contributed to unsafe conditions.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to another’s negligence creates both emotional devastation and financial hardship for Sweetwater families.
We compassionately guide surviving family members through wrongful death claims, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the profound loss of companionship.
đź“ž Ready to discuss your case? Contact us online for immediate legal assistance.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sweetwater County?
Navigating the aftermath of a serious accident without legal representation often leads to inadequate settlements that don’t cover your true losses.
Here’s why having a skilled Sweetwater accident attorney makes a critical difference:
🏛️ Nolan County Courthouse Expertise:
Our attorneys regularly appear at the Nolan County Courthouse at 100 East 3rd Street, Suite 200. We understand the building’s security procedures at the northwest entrance, courthouse parking (street meters with 2-hour limits), and courtroom locations.
Russell Lorfing’s background as a federal prosecutor in nearby Lubbock, combined with our team’s frequent appearances before local judges, provides strategic advantages during negotiations and litigation.
Maximizing Your Compensation:
Insurance companies use sophisticated strategies to reduce their financial exposure. Without legal representation, injured victims typically receive inadequate settlement offers. We calculate the full extent of your damages and shield you from tactics designed to minimize payouts.
How Our Firm Supports Personal Injury Victims
At Keith & Lorfing, we believe injured West Texans deserve comprehensive legal support during their recovery. Our approach includes:
- Thorough case evaluation to identify all potential sources of compensation
- Medical care coordination with trusted healthcare providers who understand injury documentation
- Comprehensive investigation using accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry specialists
- Evidence preservation including obtaining police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage before it’s lost or destroyed
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies to secure fair settlements
- Trial preparation and litigation when insurers refuse reasonable settlement offers
The key to successful personal injury representation lies in immediate action. Evidence disappears, witness memories fade, and legal deadlines approach quickly. By contacting our office early, we can preserve crucial evidence and begin building your case while you focus on recovery.
Personal Injury Compensation in Texas
Texas law recognizes three main categories of damages available to injury victims:
| Damage Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Quantifiable financial losses | Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, rehabilitation costs |
| Non-Economic Damages | Subjective losses without clear monetary value | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship |
| Exemplary Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Available when defendant acted with malice or gross negligence |
Economic damages form the foundation of most personal injury claims. These include all medical expenses related to your injuries, from emergency room treatment to long-term rehabilitation.
Lost income encompasses not only wages missed due to your initial recovery but also future earning capacity if your injuries result in permanent disability or career limitations.
Non-economic damages address the human impact of your injuries that extends beyond financial losses. Texas courts recognize that chronic pain, emotional trauma, and the inability to enjoy life’s activities deserve compensation.
The severity and permanence of your injuries significantly influence these awards.
Exemplary damages, also known as punitive damages, are reserved for cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.008 caps these damages at the greater of: (1) twice the economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000, or (2) $200,000.
đź’ˇ Important: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found partially at fault for your accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
However, you can still recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the incident.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Texas
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. This means you have exactly two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit, or you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation.
However, certain circumstances can affect this deadline:
- Discovery Rule: In cases where injuries aren’t immediately apparent, the two-year period may begin when you discover or reasonably should have discovered your injury
- Minors: If the injured person is under 18, the statute of limitations is typically tolled until their 18th birthday
- Government Entities: Claims against governmental bodies often have much shorter notice requirements, sometimes as brief as 90 days
Don’t risk losing your right to compensation by waiting to seek legal advice. Even if you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim, consulting with our Sweetwater personal injury attorneys costs nothing and could protect your family’s financial future.
What to Do After an Accident in Sweetwater County
The actions you take immediately following an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Follow these crucial steps:
🏥 Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Your health is the top priority. Sweetwater’s Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital (founded in 1976) provides excellent emergency care, but even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline and shock can mask serious conditions.
Don’t delay medical treatment, even for seemingly minor accidents near local landmarks like Newman Park or Lake Sweetwater. Prompt medical care also creates vital documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
đź“‹ Report the Incident:
Contact law enforcement immediately for traffic accidents—Sweetwater Police Department responds to city incidents, while the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office handles rural highway crashes.
For workplace injuries, especially common in Sweetwater’s wind energy industry, notify your employer according to company protocols. Report slip and falls to property management, whether at local businesses along the Historic Commercial District or larger facilities.
đź“Ť Document Everything:
If possible, photograph the accident scene, your injuries, property damage, and any hazardous conditions that contributed to the incident.
In Sweetwater, key intersections like Highway 70/Broadway or I-20 access points often have nearby business surveillance cameras—note these locations for potential evidence. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw what happened.
đźš« Avoid Insurance Statements:
Never provide recorded statements to insurance companies without attorney representation. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can be used against your claim later.
⚖️ Contact an Attorney Immediately:
Early legal intervention allows us to preserve evidence, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and protect your rights from the beginning.
The key to successful personal injury representation lies in immediate action. Evidence disappears, witness memories fade, and legal deadlines approach quickly. By contacting our office early, we can preserve crucial evidence and begin building your case while you focus on recovery.
Why Choose Keith & Lorfing for Your Personal Injury Case?
Decades of West Texas Experience: With over 500 jury trials and 75 years of combined legal experience, our team includes former federal and state prosecutors who bring trial expertise that many personal injury lawyers lack.
- Client-Centered Approach: We treat every client like family. When you call our office, you’ll speak directly with an attorney, not just a paralegal or case manager.
- No Win, No Fee Commitment: We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully resolve your case.
- Resources for Complex Cases: Our firm has the resources necessary to build compelling cases against well-funded defendants and their insurance companies.
- Decades of West Texas Experience: We focus our practice exclusively in West Texas, with deep roots throughout the Big Country region. Our offices serve Sweetwater families from our strategically located facilities in Lubbock, Midland, San Angelo, and Abilene—ensuring you never have to travel far for expert legal representation.
When you need to meet with us, you’ll find convenient access whether you’re coming from the courthouse square area, the historic WASP training grounds at Avenger Field, or the wind energy facilities that power our region’s economy.
Contact a Sweetwater County Personal Injury Lawyer Today
After an accident, every day matters. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget crucial details, and insurance companies begin building defenses immediately.
You don’t have to face recovery and legal battles alone—Keith & Lorfing is here to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
🔥 Don’t wait another day to protect your rights. Call 325-480-8100 now for your free case evaluation.
We offer both virtual and in-person consultations. Our Sweetwater personal injury attorneys are standing by to review your case and begin fighting for the compensation your family deserves.
Remember: There are no fees unless we win your case. Contact Keith & Lorfing today and discover why West Texas families trust us to be West Texas Tough when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average personal injury settlement in Sweetwater, TX?
Settlement amounts vary dramatically based on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and the circumstances of each accident. While minor soft tissue injuries might settle for thousands of dollars, catastrophic injuries resulting in permanent disability or death can result in settlements worth hundreds of thousands or even millions.
Our attorneys evaluate each case individually to determine its potential value based on Texas law and local jury verdicts.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Texas?
Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident date under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. However, government claims often have much shorter deadlines, and certain circumstances can affect this timeframe. Don’t wait to seek legal advice—contact our office immediately to protect your rights.
What if I’m partially at fault in my accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. You can still recover compensation if you’re partially at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
However, if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. This makes it crucial to have experienced legal representation to minimize fault attribution and maximize your recovery.
How are personal injury lawyers paid?
Keith & Lorfing works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect attorney fees if we successfully resolve your case through settlement or trial verdict. This arrangement ensures that all injury victims can access quality legal representation regardless of their current financial situation.
We also advance case costs during litigation, so you don’t pay out-of-pocket expenses while your case is pending.
Do I have to go to court for a personal injury claim?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court through negotiation with insurance companies. However, when insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, taking your case to trial may be necessary to secure the full recovery you deserve.
Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who aren’t afraid to fight for our clients in court when needed.
