Burgess Law Firm, PLLC Burgess Law Firm, PLLC 2026-06-08T07:57:20Z https://www.markburgesslaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1103586/2024/01/cropped-Burgess-Law-site-icon-new-32x32.png On Behalf of Burgess Law Firm, PLLC <![CDATA[3 common amputation complications due to motorcycle accidents]]> https://www.markburgesslaw.com/?p=52568 2026-06-08T07:57:20Z 2026-06-08T07:52:28Z Residual limb neuromas Severed nerves attempt to heal after a surgical amputation. Sometimes, these tiny nerve endings misfire and form a highly sensitive, tangled ball of tissue called a neuroma. This growth creates severe electric shock feelings upon the slightest touch. A neuroma makes the use of prosthetic devices painful and may require a second surgery to fix.

Chronic phantom limb pain

Amputation triggers a cruel nerve issue known as phantom limb pain. This happens when the brain continues to send painful signals to nerves that no longer exist. This condition requires intense pain care, specialized physical therapy and expensive nerve-blocking medications.

Deep tissue infection

In addition, motorcycle wrecks can force road dirt, oil and germs deep into torn muscle tissue. This dirt creates a massive risk for bone infections or local tissue necrosis. Doctors must closely watch the wound site for months. If these infections resist strong medications, surgeons must perform a revision surgery at a higher level on the remaining limb.

Evidence to prove a claim

To prove an injury claim, it is essential to present solid evidence of the crash, the loss of the limb and its consequences. Accident scene photos and police reports can show who is at fault for the wreck. Additionally, certified medical charts can verify the trauma of the amputation. Meanwhile, specialists can confirm the need for long-term life care plans, which map out the future costs of prosthetics, home renovations and ongoing medical needs.

Pursuing full and fair compensation

The loss of a limb due to a motorcycle accident fundamentally reshapes a person's career and well-being. Following an amputation, the process of safeguarding financial security can be difficult during physical rehabilitation. With legal guidance, amputees may fight for their rights as they pursue full and fair compensation from negligent parties.]]> On Behalf of Burgess Law Firm, PLLC <![CDATA[Do I need medical treatment after a fender bender?]]> https://www.markburgesslaw.com/?p=52564 2026-05-21T17:08:35Z 2026-05-21T17:07:09Z fender bender seems minor. The metal crunches, the glass may shatter and your body absorbs the force. Many drivers dismiss these low-speed collisions and assume they are fine. This assumption carries risk. Impact forces travel through the vehicle frame and strike the human body. This can result in injuries that become more apparent after the shock of the accident wears off. Low-speed crashes are often dismissed as “just a fender bender.” In reality, collisions at 5 to 15 mph can still generate significant force. Modern bumpers protect vehicles, not the bodies of those within the vehicle, and even a minor jolt can trigger painful injuries, time away from work and unexpected medical bills. Understanding why these accidents happen, what injuries look like and who is responsible for the cost can help you protect your health and your rights.

Common causes of “low-speed” accidents

Low-speed accidents frequently occur in everyday settings where drivers feel the least threatened. Distractions and tight spaces can turn a routine maneuver into a costly impact. Common scenarios often include:
  • Stop-and-go traffic rear-end collisions  
  • Parking lot backing accidents and door-zone conflicts  
  • Left turns at intersections where speed is low but angles are harsh  
  • Sudden braking due to tailgating or distracted driving  
  • Low-visibility conditions like rain, glare, dusk and crowded lots
Even when vehicle damage appears minor, the human body may absorb more energy than you would expect, especially if your head strikes any object during the accident or your head and neck snap forward and back.

Common injuries after “low-speed” accidents and estimated cost of treatment

Injuries from low-speed crashes often involve soft tissues, joints and the spine. It can take time to notice symptoms, which is why medical documentation matters. Below are common injuries and broad cost ranges, which vary by location, insurance rates and severity.
  • Whiplash and soft-tissue strain: Costs include evaluation, imaging and therapy  
  • Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury: Costs vary depending on severity but can include imaging and follow-up care  
  • Herniated or bulging discs: Costs often include injections, therapy or surgery in more serious cases  
  • Shoulder or knee sprains and tears: Costs include MRI, rehabilitation and surgical needs  
  • Wrist, rib or facial fractures: May include specialist treatment
This illustrates a key point: “low-speed” does not mean “low-impact” on your body or your finances.

Determining who is responsible for covering the cost that result from the accident

Responsibility for medical bills and other losses depends on fault rules in your state, insurance coverage and evidence. In many cases, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is intended to cover medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. To determine who pays, insurers and attorneys evaluate police reports, vehicle damage, medical records, witness statements and sometimes crash data. Some states reduce recovery if you share fault. If insurance does not fully cover the harm, a personal injury claim or lawsuit may be necessary to pursue remaining damages. Low-speed accidents can be medically serious and financially disruptive. If you are hurt, seek prompt medical care, document symptoms and preserve evidence so coverage decisions reflect the true impact of the crash.]]> On Behalf of Burgess Law Firm, PLLC <![CDATA[Proving that a third party was to blame for a construction incident]]> https://www.markburgesslaw.com/?p=52562 2026-05-13T23:53:57Z 2026-05-13T23:53:57Z A thorough review can identify issues Performing a forensic review of a major construction site incident is common practice, especially when workers or members of the public sustain injuries because of an incident. A forensic analysis may include a thorough review of the actual building, as well as the design for the edifice. The process may involve a review of construction site practices and also chemical testing of the materials used at the job site. The goal is to identify non-conforming elements of the project that can explain what went wrong. Once the underlying cause is clear, the workers involved can take steps to request compensation from the right party. They may be able to take legal action against an outside business for poor-quality work, improper equipment maintenance or other forms of negligence that contributed to their serious injuries. Issues ranging from how employees from other companies handled materials to oversights in the design process could explain why something went wrong and workers got hurt. The result of a forensic construction site incident analysis can both guide future safety practices and provide the basis for a compensation request. Construction professionals hurt due to a major workplace incident may have the right to request compensation for their injuries and lost wages. Reviewing a forensic report regarding an on-the-job incident with a personal injury lawyer can help those with catastrophic work-related injuries understand their options for recovering their losses.]]> On Behalf of Burgess Law Firm, PLLC <![CDATA[Seeking fair compensation for degloving injuries]]> https://www.markburgesslaw.com/?p=52560 2026-04-16T15:06:50Z 2026-04-16T15:06:50Z Degloving injuries can be genuinely horrific. These injuries occur when layers of skin and tissue are torn away from underlying structures, often as a result of car crashes, workplace accidents or machinery malfunctions. While the physical damage is immediate and visible, the long-term financial impact of such injuries can be challenging. The medical treatment required for degloving injuries is extensive. Victims generally need emergency surgery, skin grafts, reconstructive procedures and ongoing wound care. In many cases, recovery involves months or even years of treatment. Beyond direct medical bills, these injuries often interfere with a person’s ability to work. Some individuals are unable to return to their previous jobs due to physical limitations, chronic pain or reduced mobility. Others may need to take extended time off or transition to lower-paying roles. Lost wages, diminished earning capacity and interrupted career paths can impact both an injured adult and anyone who depended upon them for financial support before the injuries at issue. 

Beyond medical bills and employment concerns 

Degloving injuries can also lead to additional expenses that are easy to overlook in the immediate aftermath of sustaining trauma. Home modifications, assistive devices, transportation needs and ongoing personal care may become necessary. So may care for related psychological trauma, additional child or dependent care expenses for services originally provided by the patient, etc. These challenges can ripple outward, affecting family finances and daily life in ways that are not always immediately obvious after an initial injury occurs. When seeking compensation, it is important to account for the full scope of these losses. A claim should not be limited to immediate medical expenses but should also address future treatment needs, lost earning potential and the broader impact on quality of life. Pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress, are also important considerations, given the potentially profound and lasting effects of these injuries. Insurance companies may attempt to resolve claims quickly, often before the full extent of an injury and its consequences are understood. Accepting an early settlement can leave injured individuals without the resources they need for ongoing care and recovery. Taking the time to fully evaluate the injury and its long-term implications with the assistance of a skilled legal team is, therefore, generally necessary in such cases. ]]> On Behalf of Burgess Law Firm, PLLC <![CDATA[How arbitration and mediation can reduce Texas business disputes?]]> https://www.markburgesslaw.com/?p=52527 2026-03-25T10:22:47Z 2026-03-25T10:18:42Z Running a business in Texas often means juggling contracts, partners and clients. Sometimes disagreements come up and taking every issue to court can drain time and money you could spend growing your business. Many business owners turn to alternatives like arbitration and mediation. These options can help settle conflicts quietly and efficiently without the stress of a full trial.

Understanding the differences

Arbitration and mediation are both ways to resolve disputes outside of court, also called Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR. They work differently:
  • Mediation: A third-party mediator helps both sides talk through their concerns and explore solutions. You and the other party usually decide together what the outcome should be.
  • Arbitration: An unbiased arbitrator listens to both sides and makes a decision. In many Texas contracts, the arbitrator’s decision can carry the same weight as a judge’s ruling.
Both methods give a clear ADR structure and process to settle disputes while keeping the process private and focused on finding solutions.

Saving time and money

Going to trial can take months or even years, which can pull your attention away from running your business. Arbitration and mediation often finish faster, helping you save time and reduce costs. This allows you to focus on your work instead of court deadlines.

Keeping things private and professional

Arbitration and mediation also have other advantages:
  • Lower costs: Legal and administrative fees usually run lower than full trials.
  • More privacy: Sessions stay private, and confidentiality agreements protect sensitive business information.
  • Flexible scheduling: Meetings often fit around your work schedule instead of waiting for court dates.
  • Better relationships: Less confrontation helps keep professional relationships intact, which can matter for future partnerships or deals.
These benefits can help you manage disputes more efficiently while protecting your time, money and professional relationships.

A practical way forward

Arbitration and mediation may not work for every dispute, but they often provide a practical way to handle business conflicts while keeping costs and interruptions low. Considering these options could help protect your time, money and relationships, keeping your business moving even when disagreements happen.]]> On Behalf of Burgess Law Firm, PLLC <![CDATA[Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault for a car wreck in Texas?]]> https://www.markburgesslaw.com/?p=52525 2026-03-06T15:08:40Z 2026-03-06T15:08:40Z The ‘51% bar’ penalty Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, known as "proportionate responsibility," governs Texas litigation. This is not a friendly guideline; it is a strict legal bar. If a jury finds you are even 51% responsible, the law mandates a take-nothing judgment. You recover $0. Defense firms aim for that 51% mark to protect their bottom lines because it allows them to escape liability completely, regardless of their client's recklessness.

Even small percentages have large impacts

You can still recover damages if a jury assigns you 50% or less of the fault, but the total amount will decrease. The court reduces your final award by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you 20% at fault, you receive $80,000. Defense teams use several tactics to increase your fault percentage, including:
  • Claiming you were distracted by a mobile device or the radio
  • Arguing that you failed to brake quickly enough to avoid the crash
  • Suggesting your vehicle had maintenance issues, like worn tires or dim lights
  • Pointing out that you were traveling slightly over the posted speed limit
Each percentage point represents a specific dollar amount taken out of your pocket. Protecting your claim requires a strategy that keeps your fault as close to zero as possible.

Winning the courtroom battle

The margin between a successful recovery and a total loss is razor-thin. Trial-ready car accident lawyers don't just "present" your story; they dismantle the defense’s attempts to shift blame to you. Success requires aggressive cross-examination of defense experts and a trial strategy that keeps your fault at the absolute minimum. In Texas litigation, you don't just ask for justice; you must fight for every percentage point to recover what you deserve.]]> On Behalf of Burgess Law Firm, PLLC <![CDATA[Texas increases protection for business executives]]> https://www.markburgesslaw.com/?p=52522 2026-02-27T21:07:07Z 2026-02-27T21:04:45Z litigation. Section 21.373 further limits shareholder proposals by requiring specific ownership thresholds, helping management focus on long-term growth rather than responding to minor shareholders.

The Business Judgment Rule Gets Stronger

The most significant change comes through Section 21.419, which establishes and expands the business judgment rule in Texas law. This rule protects directors and officers who make decisions in good faith and with proper care. Now, anyone challenging corporate leaders must prove their actions involved fraud, intentional wrongdoing, actions beyond their authority, or deliberate law-breaking. The law creates several important protections:
  • Corporate leaders receive a presumption that they acted in good faith, with proper information, for the company's benefit, and within legal boundaries
  • Challengers must provide detailed, specific allegations rather than general complaints
  • The burden of proof falls heavily on those bringing lawsuits, not on the executives defending themselves
  • Both public companies and private corporations, that choose this protection, can benefit from these safeguards.
These new protections create significant obstacles for shareholders who want to sue Texas corporations. The detailed pleading requirements will likely eliminate many claims before expensive discovery begins. This saves companies money, time and management focus. However, executives should not view these protections as permission to act carelessly—the law still requires good faith and informed decision-making. These changes benefit executives, corporations and long-term shareholders by reducing "frivolous" litigation and enabling focused leadership. Companies should review their organizational documents now to ensure they take full advantage of these new protections and position themselves for success in Texas's business-friendly landscape.]]> On Behalf of Burgess Law Firm, PLLC <![CDATA[What constitutes a serious injury in Texas?]]> https://www.markburgesslaw.com/?p=52520 2026-01-29T13:55:48Z 2026-01-29T13:55:48Z What counts as a serious injury? The Texas penal code defines “serious bodily injuries” as potentially life-threatening or capable of permanently disfiguring you. This definition also includes injuries that result in the loss or impairment of any body part or organ. This term matters most in criminal cases. Examples commonly include:
  • Brain and spinal injuries: Brain and spinal cord damage, paraplegia, quadriplegia and concussions that permanently affect your brain capacity.
  • Structural and organ damage: Broken bones that risk permanent impairment, compound fractures, organ ruptures and fatal internal bleeding.
  • Severe trauma: Dismemberment, limbs requiring amputation, damage to vital organs, lacerations and puncture wounds.
  • Disfiguration and impairment: Permanent scars, severe burns and loss of sight, hearing and limb function.
However, if you get into an accident, there is no general threshold your injuries must cross to be “serious.” Instead, the gravity of the injury relative to how significantly it affects your life affects the damages you can recover. Serious injuries can alter your life forever. Despite the dangers they pose, there is no foolproof way to prevent accidents or assault from happening completely. Similarly, whether you are working in a factory, driving, or walking down the street, another person’s negligence can potentially cause you harm even if you are extremely cautious.

What should you do if you suffer a serious injury?

To receive compensation for a serious injury after an accident or an attack, you must gather as much proof as possible. It is difficult to file personal injury claims and win without submitting any evidence. Collecting photographs, videos, eyewitness reports, medical records and documents detailing the location and time of the incident can give your claim validity. Dealing with serious bodily injuries is not just extremely physically painful, but it can also be emotionally distressing. It is important to receive compensation to cover costly medical bills and make up for lost wages, potentially giving you some peace of mind.]]> On Behalf of Burgess Law Firm, PLLC <![CDATA[When is a partition action for real property necessary?]]> https://www.markburgesslaw.com/?p=52518 2026-01-22T21:01:41Z 2026-01-22T21:01:41Z What is a partition action? A partition action is essentially a real estate lawsuit seeking to separate joint ownership. It is a form of civil litigation that specifically asks the court to review the current status of the property and address the contested joint ownership arrangement. Texas state statutes empower judges to address these issues using several different solutions. In some cases, partition actions are resolved by a judge dividing a single parcel into multiple separate parcels so that each owner retains a portion of the property. Partition actions can also result in one or more owners buying out their co-owners. These lawsuits may end with an order to sell the property and share the proceeds from the sale. In scenarios where co-owners do not fulfill their obligations or find themselves arguing over the future of the property, a partition action is sometimes the best solution. Civil litigation can result in a fair division of equity or other solutions that effectively terminate co-ownership. Learning more about real estate litigation as a co-owner can help people recognize when they may need to file a lawsuit or strategize for the best response to a pending partition action initiated by a co-owner.]]> On Behalf of Burgess Law Firm, PLLC <![CDATA[What is the true cost of a car crash brain injury?]]> https://www.markburgesslaw.com/?p=52515 2026-01-02T20:41:09Z 2026-01-02T20:41:09Z Increased lifetime medical expenses A brain injury often requires immediate trauma care, followed by a lifetime of increased medical support. People with brain injuries may incur tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses in some cases. More extreme injuries that require surgery and specialized equipment can increase the lifetime medical expenses to millions of dollars. People have to consider not just their current care costs but also their likely future expenses when estimating the financial impact of treatment for a TBI.

Lost wages and earning potential

Professionals who sustain TBIs sometimes have to stop working until they recover. In many cases, they may no longer be able to pursue the same profession because of the practical impact of their TBI symptoms. Both white-collar and blue-collar workers may struggle to continue their careers after sustaining TBIs. People can pursue compensation for lost wages while they undergo medical care and also the reduction in earning potential they experience.

Accommodation costs

People with debilitating medical conditions often need to modify their homes to make them more accessible. In cases where there are significant mobility consequences of a brain injury, a more accessible vehicle may also be necessary. The cost of modifying existing resources or acquiring an accessible vehicle can add tens of thousands of dollars to the overall financial impact of a TBI. People hoping to secure appropriate compensation after sustaining a brain injury because of a car crash may need guidance. Working with a lawyer to estimate losses, negotiate insurance settlements and/or file a lawsuit can be beneficial for those with catastrophic motor vehicle collision injuries.]]>