Law Offices of Robert RodriguezLaw Offices of Robert Rodriguez2026-05-15T09:42:59Zhttps://www.robertrodriguez.lawyer/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1104136/2024/11/cropped-rodriguez_site_icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez<![CDATA[LESIONES EN NIÑOS]]>https://www.robertrodriguez.lawyer/?p=479332025-10-16T06:04:06Z2025-10-16T06:02:26ZCada año, cientos, si no miles, de niños en Texas sufren lesiones traumáticas. En este artículo, analizaré algunas de las formas en que los niños se lesionan y cómo puedo ayudar.
ACCIDENTES DE TRÁFICO: Probablemente la principal causa de lesiones traumáticas en niños son los accidentes de tráfico. Esto puede incluir colisiones donde el niño es pasajero, o accidentes entre automóvil y peatón, o entre automóvil y bicicleta, donde el niño camina o monta en bicicleta cuando es atropellado por un automóvil. Dependiendo de la gravedad de la colisión, estas lesiones pueden variar desde leves hasta extremadamente graves, e incluso la muerteGUARDERÍAS: Los padres suelen confiar en las guarderías para la seguridad de sus hijos, pero, trágicamente, muchos niños sufren lesiones o fallecen como resultado de la negligencia de un trabajador de la guardería. Esto puede incluir desde dejar a un niño inadvertidamente en una camioneta caliente, fracturas, lesiones cerebrales, quemaduras graves o ahogamientos. En ocasiones, las lesiones son causadas por el maltrato infantil o el castigo físico intencional por parte de un trabajador de la guardería mal capacitado o de mal carácter. Según la ley de Texas, la negligencia de un empleado de la guardería puede imputarse al propietario de la guardería bajo la teoría legal de respuesta superior.AHOGAMIENTOS: Desafortunadamente, los ahogamientos o lesiones cerebrales por casi ahogamientos ocurren con demasiada frecuencia. Trágicamente, estos eventos son fácilmente evitables y ocurren solo por la inadvertencia o negligencia del cuidador o del propietario. Ya sea que la puerta o la cerca de la piscina no estuvieran aseguradas, o que se debiera a la vigilancia deficiente del cuidador, la negligencia de alguien suele ser la causa. ELECTROCUCIONES: Muchos niños son víctimas de cableado o conexiones eléctricas defectuosas que quedan sin asegurar o expuestas. Los niños, por estar cerca del suelo, desconocer los peligros de la electricidad y ser curiosos por naturaleza, suelen ser víctimas de este tipo de peligro. DEFECTOS DE PRODUCTO: Con frecuencia nos enteramos de productos retirados del mercado debido a problemas de seguridad, generalmente solo después de que personas hayan sufrido lesiones. Las lesiones causadas por productos con diseño o fabricación defectuosos pueden incluir fracturas, quemaduras, laceraciones, lesiones de la médula espinal, traumatismos craneoencefálicos o la muerte. Estas lesiones se enmarcan en la ley de responsabilidad del producto. Pueden incluir productos de uso diario como cochecitos de bebé, sillas de coche para niños, tronas y juguetes.También pueden incluir equipos de juegos infantiles que son peligrosos por su diseño o por su instalación. Por ejemplo, las porterías de fútbol están hechas de tubos gruesos y necesitan anclarse para que no se vuelquen. En una ocasión, representé a una familia que perdió a su hijo pequeño cuando una portería de fútbol se volcó y lo golpeó en la cabeza. Pudimos demostrar que no estaba anclada y que era posible que niños pequeños se subieran a ella y la volcaran.En el bufete de abogados de Robert Rodríguez, tenemos experiencia en todo tipo de casos. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido una lesión o fallecimiento, llámenos y permítanos responder a sus preguntas y explicarle sus derechos legales.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez<![CDATA[LESIONES INFANTILES]]>https://www.robertrodriguez.lawyer/?p=479242025-09-18T05:51:50Z2025-09-18T05:51:50ZACCIDENTES DE TRÁFICO: Probablemente la principal causa de lesiones traumáticas en niños son los accidentes de tráfico. Esto puede incluir colisiones donde el niño es pasajero, o accidentes entre automóvil y peatón, o entre automóvil y bicicleta, donde el niño camina o monta en bicicleta cuando es atropellado por un automóvil. Dependiendo de la gravedad de la colisión, estas lesiones pueden variar desde leves hasta extremadamente graves, e incluso la muerte. En el Bufete Jurídico de Robert Rodríguez, contamos con amplia experiencia en el manejo de este tipo de lesiones. Si usted o alguien que conoce tiene un hijo que resultó herido o falleció atropellado por un vehículo, llámeme y con gusto le explicaré sus derechos bajo la ley de Texas.
GUARDERÍAS: Los padres suelen confiar en las guarderías para la seguridad de sus hijos, pero, trágicamente, muchos niños sufren lesiones o fallecen como resultado de la negligencia de un trabajador de la guardería. Esto puede incluir desde dejar a un niño accidentalmente en una camioneta caliente, fracturas, lesiones cerebrales, quemaduras graves o ahogamientos. En ocasiones, las lesiones son causadas por el maltrato infantil o el castigo físico intencional por parte de un trabajador de la guardería mal capacitado o de mal carácter. Según la ley de Texas, la negligencia de un empleado de la guardería puede imputarse al propietario de la guardería bajo la teoría legal de respuesta superior. En el Bufete Jurídico de Robert Rodríguez, contamos con muchos años de experiencia en el manejo de este tipo de casos.
AHOGAMIENTOS: Desafortunadamente, los ahogamientos o lesiones cerebrales por casi ahogamientos ocurren con demasiada frecuencia. Trágicamente, estos eventos son fácilmente evitables y ocurren solo por la inadvertencia o negligencia del cuidador o del propietario. Ya sea por una puerta o cerca de la piscina que no estaba asegurada, o por la vigilancia deficiente del cuidador, la negligencia de alguien suele ser la causa. En el Bufete Jurídico de Robert Rodríguez comprendemos el impacto que este tipo de horror tiene en las familias y trabajamos para asegurar que ningún hijo de otra persona sufra daños por este tipo de negligencia.
ELECTROCUCIONES: Muchos niños son víctimas de cableado o conexiones eléctricas defectuosas que quedan sin asegurar o expuestas. Los niños, por estar a poca altura del suelo, desconocer los peligros de la electricidad y ser curiosos por naturaleza, suelen ser víctimas de este tipo de peligro. En el Bufete de Abogados Robert Rodríguez hemos gestionado muchos de estos casos.
DEFECTOS DEL PRODUCTO: Con frecuencia escuchamos sobre productos retirados del mercado debido a problemas de seguridad, generalmente solo después de que personas hayan resultado heridas por el producto. Las lesiones causadas por productos con diseño o fabricación defectuosos pueden incluir fracturas de huesos, quemaduras, laceraciones, lesiones de la médula espinal, traumatismos craneoencefálicos o la muerte. Estas lesiones se enmarcan en la ley de responsabilidad del producto. Pueden incluir productos de uso diario como cochecitos de bebé, asientos infantiles para el automóvil, tronas y juguetes. También pueden incluir equipos de juegos infantiles que son peligrosos por su diseño o por su instalación. Por ejemplo, las porterías de fútbol están hechas de tubos gruesos y necesitan ser ancladas para que no se vuelquen. En una ocasión, representé a una familia que perdió a su hijo pequeño cuando una portería de fútbol se volcó y lo golpeó en la cabeza. Pudimos demostrar que no estaba anclada y que era posible que niños pequeños se subieran a ella y la volcaran.
Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido una lesión o muerte debido a la negligencia de alguien, llámenos a las Oficinas Legales de Robert Rodríguez y permítanos responder sus preguntas sobre sus derechos en estos casos.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez<![CDATA[¿Tengo un caso de negligencia médica? | La ley de negligencia médica de Texas explicada en lenguaje común]]>https://www.robertrodriguez.lawyer/?p=478982025-07-30T16:33:48Z2025-07-30T16:33:48ZComo abogado en ejercicio en Houston, recibo muchas llamadas de clientes potenciales que me preguntan si tienen un caso de negligencia médica. Casi siempre, la respuesta es NO. El hecho de que tantas personas sientan que su médico u hospital las ha perjudicado y, sin embargo, tan pocas tengan un caso, nos lleva a preguntarnos: ¿qué se necesita, entonces, para tener un caso de negligencia médica en Texas? En este artículo, resumiré la ley en términos comprensibles para el ciudadano común. Verá que no es tan fácil demandar a un profesional de la salud en Texas.
Historia: La ley actual de Texas se promulgó en 2003 como parte de la reforma de responsabilidad civil, cuyo objetivo era reducir el número de demandas contra proveedores de atención médica. La ley se encuentra en el Capítulo 74 del Código de Prácticas y Recursos Civiles de Texas. Las disposiciones más importantes de esta ley son las siguientes:Negligencia: Para probar un caso contra un profesional de la salud, debe demostrar que el tratamiento o la falta de tratamiento del profesional constituyó una desviación de los estándares aceptados de atención médica, y que dicha desviación resultó en lesiones o la muerte. La decisión final sobre si las acciones o inacciones de un médico constituyeron una desviación de los estándares aceptados de atención médica está sujeta a la opinión de peritos, y el jurado tiene la última palabra.Prescripción: Tiene dos años a partir de la fecha del supuesto hecho de mala praxis para presentar una demanda. Existen algunas excepciones, pero, en la práctica, nosotros abogados rara vez vemos una excepción al plazo de dos años.Límites a las indemnizaciones: La ley de Texas limita la cantidad de dinero que puede recuperar por daños no económicos a $250,000.00 para demandas contra un médico, incluso si la sentencia es contra más de un médico. Para sentencias contra instituciones de salud, los daños tienen un límite de $250,000.00, o $500,000.00 si la sentencia es contra dos o más instituciones de salud. ¿Qué significa esto? Significa que puede recuperar la totalidad de sus daños por cosas que pueden cuantificarse, como gastos médicos pasados y futuros, equipo médico necesario y salarios perdidos. Sin embargo, tiene un límite para daños que involucran cosas que no pueden cuantificarse, como desfiguración, dolor y sufrimiento pasados y futuros, y angustia mental.Límites en casos de muerte: En los casos en que la mala praxis causó la muerte de alguien, todos los daños, incluidos los daños ejemplares, tienen un límite de $500,000.00.Informe pericial requerido: La ley exige que su abogado presente un informe pericial al inicio del caso y ANTES de que se intercambien pruebas. El informe debe explicar cuál es el estándar de atención aceptado para el tipo de atención médica involucrada y explicar por qué el proveedor de atención médica no cumplió con ese estándar. El propósito de esta disposición es eliminar demandas frívolas y garantizar que su abogado presente su caso de buena fe.¿Tengo un caso? En resumen, si un procedimiento médico ha resultado en una lesión grave que altera la vida, o si, durante el parto, su bebé sufrió lesiones permanentes y graves, como lesiones del plexo braquial o lesiones cerebrales debido a la falta de oxígeno, llame a las Oficinas Legales de Robert Rodríguez para una consulta gratuita. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez<![CDATA[Do I Have a Medical Malpractice Case? | Texas Medical Malpractice Law Explained in Common Language]]>https://www.robertrodriguez.lawyer/?p=478962025-07-30T16:31:36Z2025-07-30T16:31:36ZAs a practicing Houston attorney, I get many calls from potential clients asking if they have a medical malpractice case. Almost always, the answer is NO. The fact that so many people feel they have been wronged by their doctor or hospital and yet so few of them actually have a case, begs the question: what does it take, then, to have a medical malpractice case in Texas? In this article, I will summarize the law for you in words a layman can understand. You will see that it is not so easy to sue a healthcare provider in Texas.
History: The current Texas law was enacted in 2003 as part of tort reform legislation aimed at cutting back the number of lawsuits against healthcare providers. The law can be found in Chapter 74 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. The most important provisions of this law are as follows:Negligence: To prove a case against a health care provider, you must show that the provider’s treatment or lack of treatment constituted a departure from the accepted standards of medical care, and that this departure resulted in injury or death. Whether or not a doctor’s actions or inactions constituted a departure from the accepted standards of medical care is subject to the opinions of testifying experts, with a jury having the ultimate say. Statute of limitations: You have 2 years from the date of the event alleged as malpractice to file suit. There are a few exceptions, but, as a matter of practice, we attorneys rarely see an exception to the two-year statute. Caps on damages: Texas law caps the amount of money you can recover for non-economic damages at $250,000.00 for claims against a doctor, even if judgment is had against more than one doctor. For judgments against healthcare institutions, damages are capped at $250,000.00, or $500,000.00 if judgment is against two or more healthcare institutions. What does this mean? It means you can recover your full damages for things you can put a price tag on, such as past and future medical costs, necessary medical equipment, and lost wages. However, you are capped on damages that involve things you cannot put a price tag on, such as disfigurement, past and future pain and suffering, and mental anguish. Caps in death cases: In cases where the malpractice caused someone’s death, all damages, including exemplary damages, are capped at $500,000.00.Expert report required: The law requires your attorney to provide a report from an expert early in the case and BEFORE any discovery is exchanged. The report must explain what the accepted standard of care is for the type of medical care that was involved and explain why the healthcare provider fell below that standard. The purpose of this provision is to eliminate frivolous lawsuits and ensure that your attorney is bringing your case in good faith. Do I have a case: In sum, if a medical procedure has resulted in a serious, life-altering injury, or if, during delivery, your baby suffered permanent, severe injuries such as brachial plexus injuries or brain injuries due to oxygen deprivation, call the Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez for a free consultation.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez<![CDATA[Demandando A Médicos Y Hospitales En Texas]]>https://www.robertrodriguez.lawyer/?p=478912025-07-29T05:35:31Z2025-07-29T05:31:41ZEn 2003, la legislatura de Texas reescribió las leyes que rigen la negligencia médica. Esta ley se codificó en el Capítulo 74 del Código de Prácticas y Remedios Civiles de Texas y se conoce como la Ley de Responsabilidad Médica de Texas. El propósito de la ley era proteger a los profesionales de la salud de demandas frívolas, pero, en mi opinión, fue demasiado lejos y ha dificultado enormemente que los abogados acepten casos de negligencia médica.
La ley dificulta demandar a médicos y hospitales: Cuando la nueva ley entró en vigor en 2004, muchos abogados dejaron de aceptar casos de negligencia médica porque la ley aumentaba los costos, la cantidad de trabajo requerida y reducía la cantidad que un jurado podía otorgar. Hoy en día, todavía hay muy pocos abogados dispuestos a aceptar estos casos. Su abogado debe pagarle a un médico para que revise los registros médicos relacionados con su evento médico y luego redacte un informe que garantice al tribunal que usted no está presentando una demanda de mala fe. Contratar médicos paraque redacten informes y reservar su tiempo para las declaraciones puede agregar decenas de miles de dólares en gastos al caso. Y aunque los gastos son mayores, la cantidad que un jurado puede otorgarle es mucho menor debido a los límites a las indemnizaciones por daños. Incluso los errores médicos más atroces que causan daños permanentes están limitados a $250,000.00 en daños no económicos.Otros factores que dificultan demandar: Los casos de negligencia médica requieren más tiempo para evaluarse, por lo que el plazo de prescripción también puede ser un factor a considerar para el rechazo de un caso. Si su caso tiene casi dos años, podría no haber tiempo para obtener los registros médicos y que un médico los revise. Finalmente, es difícil convencer a un jurado para que falle en contra de un médico. Los médicos son personas con un alto nivel educativo, muy inteligentes y, en su mayoría, agradables, cuyo trabajo es hacer sentir mejor a la gente. Los jurados suelen apreciarlos y respetarlos, por lo que les resulta difícil declararlos negligentes.Conclusión: Los casos de negligencia médica son un tipo especial. A diferencia de los casos de lesiones personales, su abogado no puede presentar una demanda basándose en lo que usted dice que le ocurrió, y el único gasto es la tasa de presentación. Es necesario revisar los registros, contratar médicos y redactar un informe. Estos casos suelen involucrar a múltiples peritos y múltiples declaraciones, todo con un alto costo. Estos casos son muy controvertidos y pueden implicar múltiples audiencias judiciales sobre diversas mociones antes de que se programe un juicio con jurado. A pesar de todo esto, muchas personas sufren daños cada año por errores médicos y estos casos se pueden ganar. Si ha sufrido lesiones por un error médico, llame al Bufete de Abogados Robert Rodriguez y obtenga una consulta gratuita]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez<![CDATA[Suing Doctors And Hospitals In Texas]]>https://www.robertrodriguez.lawyer/?p=478892025-07-29T05:36:44Z2025-07-29T05:29:04ZIn 2003, the Texas legislature re-wrote the laws that govern medical malpractice. It was codified in Chapter 74 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code and is known as the Texas Medical Liability Act. The purpose of the law was to protect healthcare providers from frivolous suits, but in my opinion, the law went too far and has made it very difficult for attorneys to accept medical malpractice cases.
The law makes it harder to sue doctors and hospitals: When the new law took effect in 2004, many attorneys quit accepting malpractice cases because the law increased the costs involved, increased the amount of work required, and lowered the amount a jury could award. Today, there are still very few attorneys willing to take these cases. Your attorney must pay a doctor to review the medical records concerning your medical event and then write a report that assures the court you are not bringing suit in bad faith. Hiring doctors to write reports and booking their time for depositions can add tens of thousands of dollars in expenses to the case. And even though the expenses are higher, the money a jury can give you is much lower because of the caps on damages. Even the most horrible medical mistakes causing terrible, permanent harm are limited to $250,000.00 in non-economic damages.Other factors that make it harder to sue: Medical malpractice cases require more time to evaluate, so the statute of limitations can also be a factor in declining a case. If your case is close to two years old, there might not be time to obtain medical records and have a doctor review them. Finally, it is difficult to convince a jury to rule against a doctor. Doctors are highly educated, highly intelligent, and for the most part, likable people whose job it is to make people feel better. Jurys tend to like them and respect them, and, therefore, find it difficult to find them negligent.Conclusion: Medical malpractice cases are a special type of case. Unlike personal injury cases, your attorney cannot file a lawsuit based on what you say happened to you, with the only expense being the filing fee. Records must be reviewed, doctors must be hired, and a report must be written. These cases often involve multiple experts and multiple depositions – all at great expense. These cases are hotly contested and can involve multiple court hearings on a range of motions before a jury trial is even scheduled. Despite all this, many people are harmed each year by medical mistakes and these cases can be won. If you have been injured by a medical mistake, call the Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez and get a free consultation.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez<![CDATA[Could your medication be putting you at risk while driving?]]>https://www.robertrodriguez.lawyer/?p=478812025-07-28T12:42:35Z2025-07-15T07:13:58ZYou may feel fine while driving, but certain medications can still affect your reaction time and judgment, even when taken as prescribed. In Houston’s heavy traffic, a brief lapse in focus can cause a serious crash. Many common prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impair your ability to stay alert or in control, even when you take the medication as prescribed.
Sleep aids: Can cause drowsiness and slow your reaction time
Opioid painkillers: May reduce focus and impair coordination
Muscle relaxers: Often lead to dizziness and affect balance
Antidepressants: Can slow mental processing and reduce alertness
Antihistamines: May cause fatigue and blurred vision
If you’re starting a new medication or taking more than one at the same time, the effects can be stronger. Understanding how these drugs affect you is essential to avoiding dangerous situations on the road.To prevent accidents, you need to take responsibility for how your medication may impact your ability to drive.
You are responsible for staying safe
Always read warning labels and ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects. If a drug advises against operating heavy machinery, that includes your car.Driving while impaired by any substance, whether legal or not, can lead to serious consequences. If someone is injured, you may face legal and financial liability, even if you didn't feel impaired at the time. That risk becomes very real after a crash.
Know the risks, protect yourself
Medication-related crashes can cause life-altering injuries, especially on busy freeways. Even if you believed you were okay to drive, you can still be held legally responsible under Texas law.Your insurance company may deny coverage, and injured victims may file lawsuits. These cases often involve complicated questions of liability and typically require legal guidance to reach a fair outcome.Knowing how to respond after an accident can make a major difference.
Steps to take after a crash
If you’re involved in a crash, call 911 immediately and make sure everyone gets the medical attention they need. Inform emergency responders about any medications you’ve taken.Avoid admitting fault until you’ve spoken with an attorney. If you suspect the other driver was impaired, document the scene and seek legal advice as soon as possible.Even one mistake while driving can have long-term consequences.
Stay informed to protect yourself and others
Prescription medications are a part of daily life. However, if they interfere with your ability to drive, the consequences can be serious.Always read warning labels, ask questions and make sure you are in a safe condition to drive. If you were injured in a crash and believe medication played a role, whether it involved you or another driver, it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer. The right legal guidance can help you understand your rights and take steps to protect your future.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez<![CDATA[WHO CAN SUE FOR WRONGFUL DEATH IN HOUSTON?]]>https://www.robertrodriguez.lawyer/?p=472882025-03-31T12:32:16Z2024-08-08T18:27:14ZWHAT IS THE TEXAS WRONGFUL DEATH ACT?
Death cases in Texas are governed by the Wrongful Death Act, which is found in section 71.00 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Before this Act was signed into law, there was no lawful recourse for cases of wrongful death. The law was written to provide a legal remedy in such cases. But to whom does the law convey this remedy?
WHO CAN SUE FOR WRONGFUL DEATH IN HOUSTON, TX?
The law states that only the surviving spouse, the children, and the parents of the deceased can bring a cause of action in a death case. Children of the deceased means all of the children, including children from prior marriages and illegitimate children – all are beneficiaries under the statute. Surviving spouse means the lawful spouse of the deceased at the time of death. Common law marriages will have to be proven by competent evidence, since no marriage license can be produced for this type of union. Proving a common law marriage usually involves testimony from the surviving spouse and friends of the couple who can prove that the couple referred to each other as husband and wife, considered themselves to be married, lived together, and presented themselves to outsiders as a married couple.
EXCLUSIONS WHICH MAY SURPRISE YOU
Grandparents, lovers, siblings. In the case of the death of a child, for example, even if the grandparents had been the main caregivers of that child, they cannot sue. Another sad situation is where the deceased had been living with a longtime mate and perhaps even had children with that person. If a common law marriage cannot be proven, the survivor of the two has no cause of action. See above for proof of a common law marriage.
Another sad situation involves the death of a person who had no family other than a sibling. Even if, at the time of death, the deceased had been under the care of the sibling, living under the same roof, and shared a loving and close relationship, the surviving sibling has no cause of action. In this situation, since the deceased was not survived by children, spouse, or parent, there is no one who can sue the wrongdoer.
DOCUMENTS YOUR WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEY WILL WANT TO SEE
Before your attorney puts anyone on notice that he represents you in a wrongful death case, he will want to see birth certificates, adoption documents, and a marriage license.
If you are the spouse, child, or parent of a loved one who was killed in an accident, call Houston Wrongful Death Attorney Robert Rodriguez for a free consultation. I have had years of experience in wrongful death cases.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez<![CDATA[Negligent Security Cases In Texas]]>https://www.robertrodriguez.lawyer/?p=473052025-03-31T12:33:54Z2024-04-26T19:10:11ZIs the Victim of a Crime Entitled to Financial Compensation?
When there is a victim of a crime it is often asked if they are entitled to financial compensation and if so, from whom? Does an apartment complex, hotel, resort, or commercial property, owe a duty to its tenants/guests to provide security from crime? In this article, I will discuss a body of law that has become known as negligent security, and it all stems from a 1998 Texas Supreme Court decision in a case styled Timberwalk Apartments, Partners Inc, v. Cain.
Texas Supreme Court Case “Timberwalk Apartments, Partners Inc, v. Cain”
Jessica Cain, a resident of the Timberwalk Apartments in Houston, was raped by an intruder. She sued the apartment complex and its management company alleging, among other things, that the Defendants failed to provide adequate security measures, that this created an unreasonable risk of harm, and that Defendants knew or should have known about this risk but failed to take corrective action. The court concluded that a commercial land owner does indeed owe a duty to protect its guests from crime, IF the criminal conduct was foreseeable, if the land owner knew or should have known about the risks to its guests, and if he failed to take corrective action.
What Proof Is Needed to Prove a Negligent Security Case In Texas?
The Timberwalk Court laid out the types of proof needed to establish a duty to provide protection above what the law and the lease may require. To be successful in a negligent security case, Plaintiff must show evidence of other crimes previously committed on the property in question or in the immediate vicinity. The previous crimes must be sufficiently similar to the crime in question. The frequency and recency of these previous crimes are important. The plaintiff has a stronger case if she can show that similar crimes were happening frequently and that they had occurred recently to the crime in question. The plaintiff must show that the land owner/manager knew or should have known about these similar crimes happening on or near its property. Here, Plaintiff can show actual knowledge such as written notices from tenants that crimes have occurred, or, knowledge can be presumed by showing that the previous crimes had garnered publicity that should have come to the owner/manager’s attention. And, lastly, Plaintiff must show that the land owner/manager did nothing to increase its security or to warn its guests.
Failure to Correct Deficiencies in Security
Often, Plaintiffs can show that security lights had been out for some time, creating a dark and dangerous spot on the premises. Sometimes, it can be shown that automatic gates had not been closing for some time prior to the crime in question. Or, that fences had been down. In hotels and resort cases, sometimes room keys are issued to an intruder by mistake. Sometimes, an inebriated guest was not properly escorted to her room or was allowed to remain in an unsafe situation. Many times, at conventions, young ladies have too much to drink and become prey to predators who sometimes gain access to their rooms by making false claims to a hotel employee who should know better.
When and Why You May Need A Negligent Security Lawyer in Houston
Negligent security cases are often tragic cases involving murder or rape. It is not enough that the perpetrator is caught and punished. Apartment and hotel owners should be made to pay so as to ensure these crimes don’t happen to another innocent victim. Juries have been shown to be particularly sympathetic to negligent security cases, often making defendants pay millions of dollars for their carelessness. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of crime on someone’s property, call me and I will be glad to answer your questions and explain your rights.
Contact Us For A Houston Negligent Security Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a crime on someone’s property, you may be entitled to financial compensation under negligent security laws. Just as in the case of Jessica Cain against Timberwalk Apartments, property owners have a duty to protect their guests from foreseeable harm. Negligent security cases often involve tragic events where proper security measures could have prevented such incidents. If you believe you have a negligent security case, it’s crucial to seek legal representation to ensure your rights are protected. At the Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez in Houston, we specialize in handling negligent security cases and fighting for justice for our clients. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and learn about your options for seeking compensation. Don’t wait—let us help you pursue the justice you deserve.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez<![CDATA[Deaths and Injuries at Crosswalks in Texas: Understanding the Lisa Torry Smith Act]]>https://www.robertrodriguez.lawyer/?p=473022025-03-31T12:35:07Z2024-03-25T19:00:40ZThe Lisa Torry Smith Act and Its Consequences
Statistics:
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, pedestrian deaths rose 30% from 2018 to 2022. Their study noted that in 2022 there were 5,766 auto/pedestrian accidents resulting in 830 deaths and 1,526 serious injuries. As a personal injury attorney with years of experience practicing in Houston, I can tell you these tragedies happen far too often.
Before The New Law
Prior to the new law, section 544.007 of the Texas Transportation Code required drivers who are proceeding through an intersection or turning right or left at an intersection, to “yield the right of way to other vehicles and pedestrians”.
After The New Law
The new law amended this section of the Code to require drivers to “stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully in the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.” The new law also added a new section to the transportation code – Section 545.428, which states: “a person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence: (1) operates a motor vehicle within the area of a crosswalk; and (2) causes bodily injury to a pedestrian or a person operating a bicycle, motor-assisted scooter, electronic personal assistive mobility device, neighborhood electric vehicle, or golf cart”. If the offense results in bodily injury, it is punished as a misdemeanor, and if it results in serious bodily injury it is punished as a state jail felony. Lastly, this section provides an affirmative defense if the pedestrian was violating the law regarding the crosswalks or roadways at the time of the collision.
Does This Law Make it Easier to Charge A Violator With a Criminal Offense?
In my opinion, the answer is no. Section 545.428 (b) requires the state to prove that the driver causing injury at a crosswalk acted with criminal negligence. Specifically, the statute states: “A person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence ….”. The statute did not change the definition of criminal negligence which has been in existence for a long time. It is found in Section 6.03(d) of the Texas Penal Code and states: “A person acts with criminal negligence, or is criminally negligent, with respect to circumstances surrounding his conduct or the result of his conduct when he ought to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that the failure to perceive it constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise under all the circumstances as viewed from the actor’s standpoint.”
Making Sense of the Definition
This awkward definition is what the jury receives as part of the jury charge. There is a lot to unpack here, but the important phrases are: “ought to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk”, “gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise” and “as viewed from the actor’s standpoint”. There is no way to simplify the definition. Each juror has to wrestle with it and apply common sense based on his or her life experience.
When I was a young Assistant District Attorney our rule of thumb was that if we could prove the defendant violated at least two traffic statutes, we could accept the case and take it to trial. Otherwise, no matter how tragic, there were no criminal consequences, only civil. Likewise, under this new law, I would think just one driving violation (not two minor ones, for that matter) will not result in criminal charges. It would have to be something egregious, such as speeding way over the limit, racing, texting while driving, or being under the influence but not to the point of being intoxicated as defined in the DWI statute. District Attorneys will have to look closely at all the facts and decide on a case-by-case basis.
If There are no Criminal Charges, Can I Still Sue?
The answer is yes. Our legal system is divided into criminal law and civil law. The idea behind our criminal system is that a crime is a wrong against society in general even though there may have been one individual victim. The idea behind our civil system is that any individual can have legal recourse for a wrong committed against that individual, whether or not that wrong amounts to a crime. A criminal defendant is either found guilty or not guilty. A civil defendant is either found liable or not liable. If found guilty, a criminal defendant can be fined and/or jailed. Any fines are paid to the state, county, or municipality, not the victim. If found liable, a civil defendant can be made to pay money directly to the plaintiff. The decision whether to file charges in a criminal case is up to the District or County Attorney, or a grand jury in the case of felonies. The decision to file a civil case is made by an individual private attorney who is guided only by rules prohibiting frivolous suits.
Can There Be Both, a Criminal Case and a Civil Case?
Yes, the same occurrence can give rise to both criminal and civil actions. In a crosswalk accident, for example, the District Attorney, representing all of the residents of the county, can proceed with a criminal case against the driver, and a civil attorney representing the victim or the victim’s survivors, can proceed with a civil case against the driver.
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It is my hope that this new law will help reduce deaths and serious injuries. There is a public campaign to make people aware of this law and perhaps this will help. Hopefully, pedestrians as well as drivers will take extra care in crossing our streets. Having seen tragic accidents many times in my career both as a prosecutor and as a personal injury attorney, I welcome any law that can make our streets safer. In over forty years of practicing law, I have successfully handled many cases involving serious injury and death. If you or a loved one have been the victim of an auto/pedestrian accident, give me a call and I will answer your questions and explain your legal rights.
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