Dobbs & Porter, PLLCDobbs & Porter, PLLC2026-07-20T23:50:21Zhttps://www.dobbsporterlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1503457/2023/03/cropped-DP_FAV-update-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Dobbs & Porter, PLLC<![CDATA[Can people recover from incomplete spinal cord injuries?]]>https://www.dobbsporterlaw.com/?p=469902026-07-20T23:50:21Z2026-07-20T23:50:21ZImprovement is sometimes possible with care
Both incomplete and complete spinal cord injuries can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars or more in immediate medical expenses when a person must undergo trauma care. They also create substantially increased lifetime care costs due to the need for ongoing medical support.
Physical therapy, new and modified assistive technology and additional long-term care costs later in life all contribute to the major financial impact of an incomplete spinal cord injury. With effective rehabilitation services, it is sometimes possible for people with incomplete spinal cord injuries to partially recover lost function or to modify their daily lives to work around their functional limitations.
While medical improvement is possible, there is no guarantee of recovering lost function. Additionally, the cost of care to achieve those improvements can go far beyond the compensation offered by baseline liability coverage carried by those at fault for the incident.
Working with a legal professional can make a major difference for those with either complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries. Legal action to supplement insurance coverage can prove to be critical when it comes to covering medical expenses and offsetting reduced income.]]>On Behalf of Dobbs & Porter, PLLC<![CDATA[A moment’s distraction is all it takes to change a life]]>https://www.dobbsporterlaw.com/?p=469892026-07-12T02:31:57Z2026-07-12T02:31:57ZNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 3,208 people died due to distracted driving in 2024 alone, with many more seriously inured. Their families and the victims who survived certainly won’t consider the distraction that led to the crash as insignificant.
It’s often noted that at 55 miles per hour, you’ll travel the length of a football field in the time it takes to read or send a text. Clearly there is a lot of potential for danger if you are not looking where you are going for that length of road. Distraction is dangerous at any speed and for any length of time.
Remorse cannot undo events
Drivers who cause crashes due to distraction are often distraught and in disbelief about what happened. They’ll say “I was only…” when talking about the action they performed as though it cannot have been enough to result in a crash. “I was only changing the music” or “I was only trying to pass my daughter her toy so she’d calm down.”
Yet that is all it takes. One moment of distraction like that could leave someone else dead, paralyzed, without a limb and more. That driver’s decision to briefly do something other than focus on driving could leave victims and their families with massive costs and a life that will never be the same. Experienced legal guidance can’t turn back time, but it can help those affected to pursue the compensation they need and deserve.]]>On Behalf of Dobbs & Porter, PLLC<![CDATA[Weather may contribute to struck-by oil and gas field incidents]]>https://www.dobbsporterlaw.com/?p=469872026-06-23T00:40:12Z2026-06-23T00:40:12ZHow does weather affect the risk of struck-by incidents?
During rain, precipitation can impede visibility. Those operating heavy equipment or working near machinery may be unable to see people and other equipment nearby.
Strong winds are also a major job hazard for those in the oil and gas inspector in Texas. The wind can blow sand, dust and debris, interfering with visual surveillance of a job site. Heavy winds can also prevent people from hearing the sound of equipment approaching, even when machinery may produce a loud backup warning sound.
Struck-by incidents are a top source of oil and gas professional injuries. They can cause broken bones, Crush injuries, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Oil field workers may require costly emergency transportation from a rural location, immediate trauma care, surgery and physical therapy to recover. They could face an early end to their careers or a forced change in job due to their injuries.
Workers hurt due to accidental contact with machinery or equipment in an oil field setting may need help pursuing compensation for lost income and medical expenses. Reporting the incident and discussing injuries with an attorney can be helpful steps for those affected by oil and gas field incidents accordingly.]]>On Behalf of Dobbs & Porter, PLLC<![CDATA[The distance a semi-truck really needs to stop safely]]>https://www.dobbsporterlaw.com/?p=469862026-06-15T16:56:10Z2026-06-15T16:56:10ZSemi-trucks have much longer stopping distances than other vehicles. Drivers need to be aware of this, or they could find themselves in a position where they cannot stop in time to avoid a collision.
Exactly how far any vehicle needs to stop is dependent on numerous factors, such as the condition of the brakes, the condition of the road surface, the weight of the vehicle and how fast it is traveling. But it generally takes around 300 feet for a passenger car to come to a stop, while a semi-truck will need closer to 525 feet. This is why truck drivers need to give themselves a longer stopping distance, in many cases.
Avoiding driver distraction
This long stopping distance also affects other activities that drivers engage in behind the wheel.For instance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration bans the use of handheld mobile devices on the job. There are many reasons for this, but one is that a distracted driver may have a delayed reaction when hitting the brakes. Because a semi-truck needs longer to stop than the cars around it, this delay could be catastrophic. Drivers always need to be focused on the road and ready to apply the brakes as soon as necessary.
Seeking compensation after an accident
If you have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, you may have suffered severe injuries. Those in other vehicles are often in greater danger because of the size and weight of the truck that strikes them. If you have been seriously injured, then you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.]]>On Behalf of Dobbs & Porter, PLLC<![CDATA[3 types of losses families can recover in a Texas wrongful death claim]]>https://www.dobbsporterlaw.com/?p=469842026-06-06T06:30:54Z2026-06-06T06:30:54ZWhen a loved one dies due to someone else's negligence, your family may face both grief and financial hardship. Texas law gives eligible family members the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Who can file and why it matters
UnderTexas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.002, a surviving spouse, child or parent may bring a wrongful death claim. The statute holds a person or corporation liable for damages when a wrongful act, neglect or carelessness causes a death. Filing a claim can help your family recover financially and hold the responsible party accountable.
Three categories of recoverable losses
Texas wrongful death law recognizes several distinct types of damages. Most claims fall into one or more of these categories:
Lost earning potential: You may seek compensation for the wages and benefits your loved one would have earned over their lifetime.
Loss of services and companionship: This covers the value of household tasks your loved one performed and the care and support you no longer receive.
Exemplary damages: Also called punitive damages in other states, these may apply when you can prove malice, fraud or gross negligence.
Each category requires specific evidence to support your claim.
Lost wages and services explained
Your loved one's income may have supported your mortgage, groceries or childcare. Texas courts can award compensation for that lost earning potential. Courts also consider the dollar value of unpaid work your loved one contributed. Tasks like home repairs or childcare can cost tens of thousands of dollars annually when hired out.
Exemplary damages in Texas
Compensatory damages cover measurable losses. Exemplary damages go further. They serve as a financial punishment for especially harmful conduct. To qualify, you must show that the defendant acted with malice, fraud or gross negligence. This is a higher standard than ordinary negligence.
When to speak with an attorney
Wrongful death claims involve complex evidence and strict filing deadlines. An attorney can help you understand your options and evaluate which losses may apply to your situation. Speaking with a lawyer may clarify how Texas law applies to the specific facts of your case.]]>On Behalf of Dobbs & Porter, PLLC<![CDATA[Why some people experience phantom limb syndrome]]>https://www.dobbsporterlaw.com/?p=469832026-05-29T08:58:01Z2026-05-29T08:58:01ZPhantom limb syndrome sometimes happens after an amputation injury. A person may feel burning, tingling, pain or other sensations. It essentially still feels like the limb exists, even though they can physically see that it does not.
What is often happening is that there is a mismatch between the neurons in the brain and the nerve tissues that are sending signals. The part of the brain that corresponds to that missing limb still exists, and this neural activity can replicate some of the sensations a person would have felt in the past. Nerves are still firing and sending electrical impulses, even though the complete limb no longer exists.
How common is this?
This is actually a very common issue. Some neurological experts claim that it happens to roughly 90% of people who experience an amputation. If you have been having phantom limb pain, you are certainly not alone.In some cases, the sensation will fade or stop with time. The brain will adapt and reorganize the sensory network. There are even some types of therapy that can help. One example is mirror therapy, which can help reduce pain and discomfort. Another example is the use of medications, such as pain relievers.Everyone’s situation is unique, so the treatment that works for one person may not work for another. These are very complex cases where an injured party may need extensive medical intervention or work with therapists after suffering an injury. This can create high medical bills, so it is important for someone who has suffered an amputation injury to know how to seek financial compensation.
]]>On Behalf of Dobbs & Porter, PLLC<![CDATA[Traumatic spinal cord injury can lead to serious long-term complications]]>https://www.dobbsporterlaw.com/?p=469822026-05-18T18:22:45Z2026-05-18T18:22:45ZA traumatic spinal cord injury can change nearly every part of a person’s daily life within seconds. Serious falls, vehicle collisions and workplace accidents may leave victims facing not only immediate medical treatment but also years of physical and emotional challenges.
Many people associate spinal cord injuries with paralysis alone. In reality, these injuries often affect breathing, circulation, bladder control, chronic pain levels and overall quality of life long after the original accident.
Chronic pain and mobility problems
Long-term pain is common after a spinal cord injury. Some people experience burning sensations, nerve pain or severe muscle stiffness that interferes with sleep and daily movement. Limited mobility may also place strain on the shoulders, joints and muscles over time, especially for individuals relying heavily on wheelchairs or assistive devices.
Respiratory and cardiovascular complications
Higher-level spinal cord injuries may affect breathing muscles and reduce lung function. This can increase the risk of respiratory infections and other serious medical complications. Some individuals also experience blood pressure problems, circulation issues or dangerous blood clots during recovery and rehabilitation.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction
Damage to the spinal cord may interrupt signals between the brain and other parts of the body. As a result, many people experience long-term bladder or bowel control problems after a traumatic injury. These complications can affect independence, daily routines and emotional well-being.
Pressure injuries and muscle spasms
People with limited movement often face an increased risk of pressure sores caused by prolonged pressure on certain areas of the body. Severe pressure injuries may require extensive treatment and can sometimes lead to dangerous infections. Muscle spasms and involuntary movements are also common after spinal trauma and may interfere with comfort, mobility and rehabilitation progress.
Emotional and psychological damage
A serious spinal injury can affect mental health as much as physical health. Many people struggle with anxiety, depression or social isolation while adapting to major lifestyle changes after a traumatic event. Ongoing medical care, rehabilitation and loss of independence may place additional stress on both victims and their families.The long-term effects of spinal cord injuries often extend far beyond the initial hospitalization period. Seeking legal guidance may help injured individuals better understand their options for financial recovery and long-term support after a personal injury claim.]]>On Behalf of Dobbs & Porter, PLLC<![CDATA[How delays can hurt your Texas accident claim]]>https://www.dobbsporterlaw.com/?p=469792026-05-05T12:18:41Z2026-05-05T12:18:41ZMost people assume they have plenty of time to figure things out after a serious accident. You deal with the injuries first and handle everything else later on. It’s an assumption that has cost accident victims thousands, sometimes everything.
Texas law gives injured crash victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but the damage from waiting rarely waits that long. Insurance adjusters start building their defense from day one, and waiting too long to act can undermine your claim.
Evidence doesn’t wait around
The physical and digital evidence that could make or break your case has a very short shelf life. Witnesses forget key details or become hard to locate, skid marks fade and security footage gets erased. Acting quickly helps preserve the facts while they’re still fresh and accessible. The longer you wait, the more gaps can form in your story.
Gaps in medical treatment can weaken your case
Delaying treatment or failing to follow up consistently creates openings for the insurer to argue about the severity or nature of your injuries. Even a short gap in medical care can be framed as evidence that your condition improved or was unrelated to the crash.
You lose crucial negotiating leverage
As the legal deadline to file a lawsuit approaches, the balance of power shifts away from you and toward the insurance company. When there’s plenty of time left, you still have the option of taking the matter to court, and that possibility is what pressures insurers to make reasonable offers. Waiting too long weakens your leverage, especially when the insurer knows you don’t have enough time to build a strong case.
Act early to protect your rights
Taking action early doesn’t mean rushing into a lawsuit. It means protecting your position before time and evidence start working against you. The sooner you document your injuries, preserve key facts and understand the full scope of your claim, the more control you have over how everything unfolds. Acting early also helps ensure you’re not negotiating under the pressure of an approaching deadline. If you’re unsure of where to start, seeking legal guidance can help you assess your situation, avoid costly missteps and make informed decisions throughout the claims process.]]>On Behalf of Dobbs & Porter, PLLC<![CDATA[Home modifications can be costly after a TBI]]>https://www.dobbsporterlaw.com/?p=469782026-04-16T11:57:49Z2026-04-16T11:57:49ZPeople who are involved in a car crash or certain other accidents might suffer from a traumatic brain injury. The effects of these injuries vary, depending on many factors. The location, severity and type of injury all play a role in how the victim will be impacted.
There are a lot of ways that these injuries can affect the victim, some of which are seen, but others that aren’t easily visible. In some cases, the changes they deal with mean that their home has to be modified, which is a costly undertaking.
What are some effects that may require home modifications?
The goal of home modifications isn’t necessarily to make the home easier to live in, but that’s often a side effect of it. The real goal is to make the home as safe as possible for the victim. For example, a hallway that’s too narrow or a bathroom with a slippery floor is dangerous for people who have a brain injury that’s causing problems with gait or balance. Some home modifications address sensory challenges that are possible after a brain injury. These changes may include things like changing the lighting in the areas where the person spends time or adding sound mitigation options. What works for one person who has a brain injury won’t necessarily work for another one. It’s critical that the effects are considered so the appropriate modifications are made to the home. Unfortunately, some victims can’t cover these costs, which may lead them to have to try to find other options for their home. Victims of brain injuries caused by the negligence of another party may opt to pursue a compensation claim. These must be filed within a set timeframe after the crash, so it may be beneficial to work with someone familiar with personal injury claims. ]]>On Behalf of Dobbs & Porter, PLLC<![CDATA[Who can you sue after an oilfield accident in Texas?]]>https://www.dobbsporterlaw.com/?p=469772026-04-06T09:42:17Z2026-04-06T09:42:17ZAn oilfield injury can upend your life in an instant and workers' compensation may not cover everything you've lost.
Why workers' comp may not be enough
Texas is the only state that allows employers to opt out of workers' compensation coverage. When your employer opts in, you typically cannot sue them directly for a workplace injury. The trade-off is that workers' comp provides guaranteed benefits but those benefits are capped. They do not cover pain and suffering, full unclaimed wages or long-term earning loss.A personal injury lawsuit may allow you to recover the full range of damages that workers' comp leaves out.
When you can sue your employer directly
Two important exceptions exist under Texas law.First, if your employer is a nonsubscriber, meaning they opted out of workers' comp, you may file a personal injury lawsuit against them. You only need to show your employer was 1% responsible for your injury. The employer also loses the right to argue you assumed the risk or were partly at fault.Second, even if your employer carries workers' comp coverage,Texas Labor Code § 408.001(b) preserves the right of a deceased worker's family to sue for exemplary damages if gross negligence caused the death. Gross negligence needs proof the employer knew about an extreme risk and acted with conscious indifference to worker safety.
Third-party claims
You may also have valid claims against parties other than your direct employer. Third-party claims are available even when employer immunity applies. Common defendants include:
Equipment manufacturers: A design or manufacturing defect could make a manufacturer liable for injuries caused by faulty gear.
Contractors and subcontractors: Multiple companies often share a worksite: any one of them may bear responsibility for unsafe conditions.
Rig owners: Poor design or inadequate maintenance of a drilling rig could support a claim against the rig owner.
Property owners: Hazardous conditions on oilfield property such as unmarked dangers or unsafe structures may create liability for the landowner.
Third-party claims can run alongside a workers' comp claim and the damages available may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and punitive damages.
Speak with an oilfield injury attorney
Texas oilfield injury cases involve complex overlapping claims, strict deadlines and employers with experienced legal teams. If you were hurt on the job, consulting a qualified oilfield accident attorney can help you understand your full legal options before it is too late.]]>