Legal Tips With Attorney Bill Edwards                           361.698.7600
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1. Can attorneys lie for their clients?
I've been asked if lawyers can lie for their clients. Come on, you’ve wondered about it. A lawyer is entitled to accept his client’s version of the facts and to maintain confidentiality but under the Rules, a lawyer can’t present evidence he knows is false. The fact is, a lawyer can be disciplined or disbarred if they lie. Whether you’re the lawyer or the client, it’s just wise to tell the truth.

2. Uninsured motorist coverage
Texas law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance which compensates victims of accidents you cause. But, what if you were injured by a driver who is uninsured? You would be covered if you had uninsured motorist coverage on your policy. It only costs $10 to $100 - don't let anyone talk you into declining this coverage!

3. Choose your lawyer carefully.
I was recently contacted by a referring attorney whose client was offered $5,000 to settle his case. They retained our firm. The settlement was $3 million - medical expenses $157,225.53, fees $1,200,000.00, net to client $1,642,774.47. Case was a motor vehicle accident, closed head injury, eye injury, lumbar disc with surgery and cervical neck injury w/o surgery. Each case is unique and the outcome of a case is dependent on many factors - note that your outcome may be different than this settlement. Legal questions? Call me at 698-7600.

4. My mother was abused in a nursing home. What should I do?
First, I am truly sorry for your mother and your family. A crime has been committed. Get your mother medical attention. Call the police or 911. Call the Abuse Hotline at 1-800-677-1116. Abuse of the elderly is not acceptable; by calling, you may save others.

5. Will my case go to trial?
Simple question; difficult to answer. What is most important is if the law firm is able to take your case to trial. Many firms lack experience and may settle a case to avoid going to court. I guarantee the insurance attorneys on the other side know which lawyers are reluctant to go to court. Best advice: Ask a lawyer what his experience is before you hire him.

6. Dog bites
I love dogs and also appreciate that any dog has the potential to become dangerous and bite. Victims, especially children, may have nerve damage, infection, and emotional problems. If you've been attacked, contact a lawyer. They will go up against the owner's insurance. The dog should be stopped before it has the chance to injure anyone else.

7. Can I be sued if someone shortcuts through my property and gets hurt?
If someone crosses your property without permission and they are injured, you do not have liability because they're trespassing. You don't have any obligation to warn or change your property for them. However, if you charge them to hunt, fish, or swim on your property, you can be liable if they are injured.

8. Legal matters don't have to be stressful.
The law actually can give you peace of mind. Estate planning isn't just for wealthy older people. Execute a will spelling out what happens to your property when you die. Select the correct beneficiary - don't surprise your children! Designate your health care wishes... and, go the extra mile - execute a living will. Don't trust forms on the Internet - call a lawyer.

9. How important do you think one vote is?
In 1776, one vote gave America the English language instead of German. In 1845, one vote brought Texas into the Union. In 1923, one vote gave Adolph Hitler leadership of the Nazi Party. One vote... it's your price of freedom.

10. What is medical malpractice?
If you are injured from negligent medical care, it is called medical malpractice and that type of lawsuit is a most difficult and expensive type of case lawyers handle. As attorneys, we must prove it was a major error that led to your injury. Sometimes, a doctor will give acceptable or even good care and a bad result occurs anyway. Call an attorney to discuss your legal options.

11. Barratry
Lawyers cannot contact injured people, directly or indirectly, to get their case. I've heard stories where people go into hospital rooms, funeral homes, and even appear at a person's front door with gifts trying to get the injured person to sign up. It's case-running. It's against the law. Many times, these cases are settled quickly for less than the client deserves. Legal questions? Call me at 698-7600.

12. Sexual assault by a physician or caregiver
Psychiatrists and psychologists are responsible for treating peoples' minds and emotions. If the doctor crosses the line and sexually exploits his or her patient, a crime has been committed. It doesn't matter to whom, when, or why it happened... the victim can pursue legal action up to 15 years. Don't be afraid to turn your doctor in: sexual exploitation causes trauma and a lifetime of recovery.

13. What does it mean when an attorney is board certified?
Achieving board certification means an attorney has achieved special recognition for substantial experience in his specialty, as I have. To you, it means your case will receive expert attention. It doesn't cost you any more. If your attorney isn't board certified, ask him why he isn't.

14. Choice of attorney
If you or a member of your family has suffered a personal injury or wrongful death, the worst thing you can do is choose an attorney blindly. Your case, your settlement, and possibly your entire future may rest on your selection. There are differences among law firms. Ask the right questions. Ask if they are Board certified. Ask to see their record of verdicts and settlements.

15. How do I know if I need an attorney?
If you've been charged with a crime or you've been served with a lawsuit, you need a lawyer. Immediately. If you have a customer service issue, you might phone the State Attorney General's Office for free advice. But, if you are injured, waiting to phone an attorney could jeopardize your right to seek damages.