Laredo TX Injury Lawsuit Timeline: What Happens After a Petition Is Filed With the Court?

When your petition is filed in Laredo, Texas, your personal injury claim officially begins. This document, which is also sometimes called a complaint, contains essential details like the nature of your injury, who you believe is responsible for causing you harm, and the damages you are seeking as a result. Filing triggers important legal events—like deadlines, discovery, and responses from the defendant. You want an experienced lawyer who will be by your side through every step of this process, guiding you, ensuring you meet all procedural requirements, and making sure that justice is served. Filing isn't just symbolic—it's the critical moment your case begins to take shape.

Read on to learn more about an injury lawsuit timeline in South Texas, and contact Carabin Shaw to book a free case evaluation.

Are you wondering, “What happens after filing a petition in a Texas personal injury case?” Let's take a closer look.

Once your petition has been filed, the other party will be notified, with the court issuing a citation that must be delivered to the defendant in your case. This step, which is called “service of process,” gives the other party formal notice that they are being sued.

Once served, the defendant and their attorney have a set amount of time to answer your petition. They may:

• File a written answer admitting to or denying allegations
• File preliminary motions, such as a motion to dismiss the case
• Request extensions, depending on court rules

During this period, your Laredo personal injury attorney's litigation process consists of building a case, identifying resources, and planning discovery.

After the defendant answers your petition, the next step is discovery, a critical legal phase on the Laredo injury lawsuit timeline where both sides exchange information. This can include:

• Written discovery: requests for medical records, documents, and admissions
• Depositions: sworn testimony from witnesses, parties, or experts
• Expert discovery: reports by medical, accident-reconstruction, or economic experts

Your lawyer will coordinate the discovery process, which helps both sides understand the strength of their case, and must be completed during a discovery period established by Texas state law.

Once discovery is complete, the next steps in a personal injury lawsuit in Texas include:

• Motions for summary judgment: either side may ask the court to decide the case without a trial if the facts are not in dispute
• Settlement negotiations or mediation: these steps can resolve cases without them having to go to trial
• Pretrial conference: the court may order a meeting to set trial dates and streamline issues

During this period, your attorney will work to maximize your case value by developing arguments, negotiating, and preparing for trial or dispute resolution.

If the settlement fails, your case may go to trial, requiring both sides to present evidence to a judge or jury. After arguments are complete, the verdict will develop both liability and damages. If you win the case, the court enters a judgment, and the process moves to collection or post-trial motions. If you lose, or either side is dissatisfied with the outcome, attorneys can file an appeal, which sends your case to a higher court.

The experienced Laredo TX personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have an established track record of keeping our clients' cases on track until we win. Reading our law firm’s client reviews is a great way to understand how we’ve helped people just like you get the settlements they deserve.

We’re proud to offer a free consultation before we begin working together so you can understand your legal options. Once you’re a Carabin Shaw client, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis so you won’t pay a dime until we win.

At Carabin Shaw, we’re here to be your allies in justice. If you’re ready to start your fight, call us 24/7 at 1-800-862-1260. Our compassionate staff of English AND Spanish-speaking professionals is standing by, and someone is available to speak with you any time of day or night. Don’t face the complexities of the justice system alone. Carabin Shaw is here to help you win.

For more information:

• Legal Information Institute
• Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
• Texas Rules Project