Civil Law Attorney in Dallas, TX

It depends on the claim. Breach of a written contract generally carries a four-year limitations period, while many personal injury and property damage claims carry two years. Some claims have shorter or specialized deadlines, and certain claims require written notice before suit. Because the clock usually starts when the claim accrues rather than when you discover the problem, do not assume you have time.

Sometimes, and the venue matters. Texas justice courts handle claims up to $20,000 with simplified procedure and lower costs, which makes modest disputes viable. For larger claims we look at recoverable attorney's fees — available in breach of contract and some statutory claims — and at whether the other side can actually pay a judgment.

Do not ignore it. Failing to answer within the deadline results in a default judgment, which can lead to wage garnishment restrictions being tested, bank account freezes and liens. Many collection suits are brought by companies that bought the debt and lack complete documentation, and requiring proof of ownership and the account history is a legitimate and often effective defense.

Possibly. Texas Property Code requires a landlord to refund a deposit or provide a written itemization of deductions within 30 days after you surrender the premises and give a forwarding address. A landlord who acts in bad faith can be liable for statutory damages plus the deposit and attorney's fees. The forwarding address requirement matters, so tell us exactly what you sent and when.

Mediation is a settlement conference led by a neutral third party who has no power to rule against you. Texas courts frequently order it before trial, and it resolves a large share of civil cases. It is confidential, and nothing said there can be used later if the case does not settle.

In some cases. Texas allows recovery of reasonable attorney's fees in breach of contract claims and under various statutes, but not in every kind of dispute — and recovery generally requires you to prevail and to have given proper presentment. We will tell you at the outset whether fees are on the table in your case.