About Our Personal Injury & Bankruptcy Law Firm
At Leinart Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers and bankruptcy attorneys provide creative, collaborative legal services to clients in the Dallas and Fort Worth area. With more than 15 years of experience, our legal team possesses the knowledge and expertise required to reach successful outcomes in challenging personal injury and bankruptcy cases.
Personal Injury
Our personal injury law firm knows that it is critical to act quickly when your health and livelihood are at stake. Our personal injury attorneys listen to your story, evaluate evidence and present all the options available to you so you have the information you need to make an informed decision. Attorneys at Leinart have successfully recovered maximum compensation for clients in cases involving:
Car accidents
— Being injured in an auto accident can be life-changing. Our personal injury lawyers understand how to accurately value your claim and aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to help you recover the full compensation you need to protect your health and financial security.
Truck accidents
— Leinart Law Firm has more than 20 years of experience taking on trucking companies and their insurers. We understand the tactics they employ to try and pay as little as possible on personal injury claims. Our team fights for injured victims and help them recover the compensation they deserve.
Motorcycle accidents
— Due to the lack of protection surrounding them, motorcyclists may suffer severe injury such as head, neck and spine injuries, traumatic brain injury, amputation, and broken or crushed bones. Our accident attorneys are well-versed in proving liability in motorcycle cases and handle all negotiations with insurance companies.
Slip and fall accidents
— Businesses and property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe for everyone who may enter. When they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, they may be liable for damages. Our slip-and-fall lawyers understand how to build solid premises liability cases and work tirelessly to help you get the maximum compensation to which you may be entitled.
Medical malpractice
— Injuries caused by medical negligence can have a lifelong impact on victims and their families. Whether a misdiagnosis, medication error, surgical mistake or other circumstances caused harm to you or a loved one, our medical malpractice lawyers work with trusted physicians and other professionals to determine whether you have a viable claim and what it may be worth.
Work accidents
— Employers are required to provide a safe workplace for their employees. When an employer fails to carry workers’ compensation insurance or their negligence causes harm, they may be liable for damages. We have helped thousands of Texas workers get the benefits and compensation they deserve after a workplace accident.
Construction accidents
— Contractors, site managers and property owners have an obligation to ensure that proper safety protocols are followed on any job or construction site. Our team of seasoned professionals knows how to fully investigate construction accidents to determine whether negligence was involved. The personal injury attorneys at Leinart Law Firm will fight to help you get the workers’ comp benefits and compensation you need for recovery.
Wrongful death
— Losing a loved one is devastating under any circumstances, but it can be especially traumatic when someone else’s negligence or willful misconduct causes a death. Although no amount of money can change what happened, our wrongful death lawyers can help you recover compensation and hold responsible parties accountable.
Bankruptcy and Financial Issues
Financial issues can be a source of stress and worry. At Leinart Law Firm, we have handled thousands of bankruptcy and debt management cases. Our bankruptcy law firm is dedicated to helping clients find financial solutions tailored to their specific circumstances. Our bankruptcy attorneys provide a thorough assessment of your financial situation and help you make informed decisions about the options that may be available to you. In addition to providing skilled legal support different types of bankruptcy, such as Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, we can assist you with:
Repossession
— The bankruptcy lawyers at Leinart Law Firm provide specialized legal advice and services that can help you maintain possession of your property and get your finances in order.
Credit card debt
— Our team can help you find solutions to eliminate credit card debt, stop harassment from creditors and provide credit counseling to help you learn ways to rebuild your credit after overwhelming debt.
Credit repair
— Bad credit can affect myriad aspects of your life, including your ability to qualify for a loan or find employment. Although bankruptcy is often a good solution to pay off your debts and begin to rebuild your credit, our attorneys can also help if you have been a victim of identity theft or need assistance with resolving inaccuracies on your credit report.
Foreclosure
— A home foreclosure can feel like losing a member of the family. We help you find ways to halt foreclosure and eliminate or restructure your debt.
Tax debt relief
— At Leinart Law Firm, our experienced tax attorneys can help you find tax debt relief in several ways. We thoroughly evaluate your case and advise you on how to reduce, eliminate or restructure your tax debt and assist you through the process every step of the way.
Medical bills
— Sadly, medical debt is the main reason many Americans declare bankruptcy. However, there are other options to consider, such as setting up payment plans with medical providers and battling insurance companies that deny claims. Our bankruptcy lawyers provide creative solutions that can help you get your medical debt resolved and put your finances back on track.
Wage garnishment
— A common method of debt collection employed by persistent creditors, wage garnishment can make it impossible to pay your monthly bills and other essential expenses. We can help stop creditors from garnishing your wages and get you on a path to overcoming debt and financial hardship.
Our Community Involvement
At Leinart Law Firm, we believe that community involvement is critical to improving the lives of our fellow citizens. That’s why we are proud to contribute to and participate in a number of charitable outreach programs, including:
- Children’s Medical Center of Dallas
- Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk
- Family Place
- Genesis Women’s Shelter
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- Susan G. Komen Foundation
- Tarrant County Buddy Walk
Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation
If you have been injured or need legal advice about getting your finances in order, our personal injury lawyers and bankruptcy attorneys at Leinart Law Firm can help. To schedule a free initial consultation, email us at [email protected].
Bankruptcy Lawyer And Personal Injury Lawyer FAQ
What Is Bankruptcy, And How Does It Work?
Bankruptcy is a legal process by which an individual or a business can discharge many of their debts, stop most collection actions (including lawsuits), stave off foreclosure, and cease wage garnishments. When an individual files for bankruptcy in Texas, the bankruptcy court issues an automatic “stay” of most debt collection actions. Depending on which type of bankruptcy you file (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13), either your assets are liquidated to repay creditors, and any eligible remaining debts are discharged, or you develop a reasonable repayment plan for creditors. The balance of the debts is discharged at the conclusion of the plan.
What Debts Cannot Be Discharged In Bankruptcy?
Texas prohibits certain debts from being discharged in bankruptcy, both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Child support and alimony in arrears cannot be discharged, nor can any federal or state tax obligation you owe (if you owe state taxes in another state; Texas doesn’t have a state income tax). Most student loans are also ineligible to be eliminated through bankruptcy, unless you and your DFW bankruptcy lawyer can prove that you are under extreme financial hardship. Other debts that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy include those resulting from fraud, embezzlement, or willful injury to another person or their property (such as a decision rendered against you in a lawsuit).
Will I Lose All My Property If I File For Bankruptcy?
No, if you file for bankruptcy in Texas, you won’t lose all your property, but you may have to liquidate non-essential property to pay debts. But, Texas has generous exemptions for people filing bankruptcy. Your primary residence is fully protected under the Texas homestead exemption. You can also exempt the full value of one vehicle per driver-licensed household member. Single bankruptcy filers can exempt up to $50,000 worth of personal property, and families up to $100,000, which can include furniture, clothing, livestock, tools, heirlooms, and (limited) jewelry. Finally, your retirement plans and pensions are typically protected.
How Often Can I File For Bankruptcy?
If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Texas, you must wait eight years before filing Chapter 7 again, or four years to file Chapter 13. If you initially filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must wait two years to file another Chapter 13 bankruptcy and six years before filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. These are federal regulations, and so would apply if you moved to another state.
Can I File For Bankruptcy If I’m Self-employed?
Yes, if you are self-employed, you can still file for bankruptcy in Texas. “Self-employed” in this sense includes a sole proprietor, independent contractor, or small business owner. To do so, you must provide detailed financial records of your business (such as a P&L statement), business bank account records, tax returns from the last few years, and documentation of outstanding debts you wish to discharge under bankruptcy. You may also be able to discharge certain business debts under your filing. Per Texas law, your tools and business equipment are protected, as is your home, if you are a home-based business, so that you can continue your business operations.
How Do I Know If I Have A Valid Personal Injury Case?
If you were injured due to another party’s negligence, reckless actions, or malicious intent, then you likely have grounds to file a lawsuit for damages under Texas law. Our DFW personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options based on the circumstances of the case, your relationship to the defendant, and the extent of your damages. You must demonstrate that the defendant breached a duty of care they owed you and that you suffered measurable damages (medical bills, property damage, loss of income) as a result. Per the Texas modified comparative fault rule, you can recover damages if you were less than 50% to blame for the incident.
What Types Of Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?
Our law firm handles almost all types of cases in which one person was injured due to the negligence of another person or entity (like a hospital or consumer goods manufacturer). Common cases our Dallas personal injury lawyer litigates include vehicle collisions, workplace and construction site accidents, slip and fall injuries on private or public property, dog bites, defective product and dangerous drug cases, and wrongful death claims. We also handle claims arising from nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and injuries due to inadequate security of a property (hotel, nightclub, apartment building, etc.)
What Is The Difference Between A Claim And A Lawsuit?
A claim is a formal demand for compensation made to the party responsible for the damages the claimant suffered (and usually, their insurance company). It’s often the first step an injured victim will take to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses incurred due to negligence on the respondent’s part. A lawsuit is the next legal step the claimant takes if the claim is disputed, denied, or otherwise unacknowledged. Filing a lawsuit begins the judicial process in which a judge and jury decide the matter, although many personal injury lawsuits are settled out of court. If settlement negotiations conducted while the lawsuit is pending fail, then the suit goes to trial.
What If I’m Injured On Someone Else’s Property?
If you are injured on someone else’s property, you may be eligible to file a premises liability lawsuit for damages you suffer, such as medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. Premises liability suits cover slip-and-fall cases, construction site injuries, falling down stairs, elevator accidents, theme park injuries, and dog bites. If you were a visitor to the property or an invited guest, the property owner has a duty of care for your safety. Failure to take reasonable steps to ensure your safety can mean that the property owner or manager (like a tenant in a commercial property) is liable for your damages.
How Much Does A Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Each DFW personal injury law firm sets its own fees; our Dallas personal injury lawyer’s fees are comparable to those. Included in personal injury legal fees are the cost of building the case, securing expert witnesses, and paying private investigators to gather evidence. Our firm, like virtually all personal injury firms, works on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid if we win your case. We charge a percentage of the recovery from your claim to cover legal fees.
Schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation and evaluation today.
