Texas Personal Injury Attorneys Concerned about Implications

An existing law requires that cases involving less than $100,000 at issue to go through an expedited claims process. These cases must conform to speedy trial rules that limit discovery and trial time. Senate Bill 2342 is seeking to adjust the limit to $250,000, which would place many personal injury actions under this umbrella.

Specifics of the Bills

The bill was introduced in an attempt to reduce the amount of time and money involved in resolving disputes in the legal system. Its supporters claim that the speedy trial rules have done a good job of expediting the processing of many cases. If passed, the bill would also bring about the following changes:

• The jurisdiction limit for county courts would rise from $200,000 to $250,000
• The jurisdiction limit for justice courts would increase from $10,000 to $20,000
• County courts that have jurisdictions of limits higher than $250,000 would receive 12 jurors instead of 6

Concerns Regarding the Bill

Texas personal injury attorneys are concerned about bumping up the limit to $250,000. They argue that more valuable cases are often more complex and often result in a greater need for discovery and more trial time. They express worry about subjecting victims to the tighter rules and the ability for victims to seek justice.

Status of the Bill

Senate Bill 2342 was sponsored by Republican Beaumont Senator Brandon Creighton. The bill was placed on the local and uncontested calendar, a slot reserved for noncontroversial bills that are typically approved without any debate. If the bill passes, the Texas House would then review it. The bill would be sent through a committee for a public hearing.

Get Legal Assistance for Your Claim

If you were injured in an accident and have damages less than $250,000, it is important that you work closely with an experienced Texas personal injury attorney. The expedited process limits the amount of time that you have to gather important information in your claim and to prepare for it. A seasoned personal injury attorney can review your case, identify the parties potentially responsible for your damages and explore your legal options.