Practice Areas
Civil Litigation
Civil litigation is a legal dispute between two or more parties that seek monetary damages rather than criminal actions. A lawyer who specializes in civil litigation is known as a “litigator” or “trial lawyer.”
Lawyers who practice civil litigation represent parties in trials, hearings, arbitrations and mediations before administrative agencies, and federal, state and local courts. But the litigation process begins long before the first witness is called to testify. Often, the vast majority of litigated cases never reach the inside of a courtroom.
At Watkins & Shattles, we never go into the courtroom unprepared. Careful preparation gives us an edge as confident and strategic lawyers.
Whether it’s personal injury, defective products, property damage, breach of contracts or insurance conflicts, Watkins & Shattles attorneys do their homework to place their clients in the best possible position before trial.
If you believe your case is likely to “have its day in court” you should hire experienced trial attorneys who have a proven track record of success.
Medical
Medical malpractice contributed nearly $56 billion in U.S. healthcare costs in 2008, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
Medical malpractice occurs when a health-care provider delivers negligent care in treating patients rather than the expected “standard of care.” This means the doctor, nurse, nursing home or other healthcare provider fails to do what a typical medical provider would or would not have done under similar circumstances.
In handling medical malpractice lawsuits, we understand this often is a difficult time for clients and their families. We carefully research the facts of the case and seek a successful outcome on behalf of the client.
Auto/Trucking Accidents
Nearly 4,000 people die each year from vehicle accidents, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Auto and trucking accidents that result in injuries or economic loss can be complicated and present many challenges. Often insurance companies will want to settle with those involved in accidents rather quickly to avoid being held liable for far larger damages.
At Watkins & Shattles, we believe in getting justice for our clients and making sure they are compensated fairly for their loss and time.
Defective Products
Millions of Americans each year are injured due to defective products that can result in a minor accident to a permanent injury. Trying these cases can be challenging because a victim must take on a larger, much better funded company and its lawyers.
However at Watkins & Shattles, we don’t cower to large companies. The attorneys at Watkins & Shattles have successfully helped others who were injured by defective products, and they can help you.
Wrongful Death
The untimely death of a loved one that resulted from the fault of another individual or company can leave an array of challenges – emotionally and economically. At Watkins & Shattles, we can work on your behalf in wrongful death lawsuits to recover damages for funeral costs, pain and suffering, and lost income.
Most individuals, companies, and governmental agencies can be sued for acting negligently. However, every state has time limits, or "statute of limitations," on bringing wrongful death lawsuits. Typically lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the misconduct that caused the death of the victim.
If you believe your loved one lost his or her life due to the wrongful actions of another, let Watkins & Shattles seek justice for you and your family.
Insurance Litigation
Insurance agents and brokers are essentially salespersons. In order to make a living, an insurance agent or broker must sell as many insurance policies as possible. Unfortunately, agents and brokers sometimes exaggerate or flat out misrepresent the coverage that is provided by an insurance policy in order to get a sale.
The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act is an important consumer protection law that is in place to protect people who have suffered harm as a result of misrepresentations by insurance agents or brokers. This law specifically provides that businesses (like insurance agents or brokers) which engage in false or misleading acts must not only reimburse the consumer for out-of-pocket losses, but in some cases, the business must also pay the consumer’s attorney's fees. The attorneys at Watkins & Shattles have prosecuted numerous cases involving these types of misrepresentations and can explain your rights and options.