📹 Watch the Highlight
🎬 Watch the Full Video
You Deserve More Than Just a Case Number: The Truth About Lawyer Time and Attention
When you’re injured and facing medical bills, lost wages, and the daunting task of dealing with insurance companies, one of your most pressing questions is simple: How much time will my lawyer actually spend on my case? You want to believe your case is the utmost priority. You need to know that the attorney you hire will be there for you, not just at the beginning and the end, but throughout the entire legal journey. At Attorney911, we understand this concern intimately. As Ralph Manginello notes in our podcast, the answer depends on the complexity of your case, but any lawyer worth their salt will do the job they’re hired to do. However, in today’s legal landscape, the definition of “doing the job” varies wildly between true trial firms and high-volume settlement mills. Let’s break down what you should expect, why time investment matters, and how our approach at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC—your Legal Emergency Lawyers™—ensures you receive the dedicated focus your recovery demands.
The Modern Hiring Process: Efficiency Without Sacrificing Connection
As Ralph mentioned, the initial engagement process has evolved. Many clients first contact us by phone, and we efficiently handle the intake and contract signing electronically. This isn’t about distance; it’s about accessibility and removing barriers for injured Texans across Houston, Austin, and Beaumont who may be in pain or unable to travel. We thoroughly review your situation—whether it’s a car collision, 18-wheeler accident, or other personal injury matter—and ensure you understand our contingency fee agreement (33.33% before trial, 40% if we take your case to trial) before you e-sign. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
But here’s where we diverge from the impersonal model: Ralph actively encourages clients to meet. Whether you prefer an in-person meeting at our Houston office or a Zoom call, we make it happen. This commitment to connection is a hallmark of an ethical practice. As client Ambur Hamilton noted, “I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” This feeling starts from the very first interaction. We are not a faceless factory. We are a Texas-based law firm built on relationships, and that requires investing time to build trust.
Why Case Timelines Vary Wildly: From Six Months to Five Years
Ralph’s point that some cases resolve in six months while others take five years isn’t an evasion—it’s the reality of Texas personal injury law. The duration hinges on multiple factors that a reputable attorney must navigate strategically.
Key Factors Influencing Your Case Timeline
- Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI): You cannot fully value a claim until you know the complete extent of your injuries and future medical needs. Reaching MMI can take months or years for catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. Settling too early, before you’ve healed or understood your long-term prognosis, is a tragic mistake settlement mills often make to churn cases. We refuse to do this.
- Insurance Company Tactics: Insurers profit by delaying and denying claims. They may drag out negotiations, demand unnecessary examinations, or engage in extensive discovery. Having a former insurance defense attorney like Lupe Peña on our team is a critical advantage here. Lupe spent years at a national defense firm learning how insurers value claims and employ delay tactics. We anticipate these moves and counter them aggressively, but this strategic battle takes time.
- Case Complexity: A simple rear-end collision with soft-tissue injuries is different from a multi-vehicle crash involving a commercial truck, disputed liability, and a wrongful death. Complex cases require more time for investigation, expert witness retention (accident reconstructionists, medical experts, economists), and litigation. Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a massively complex industrial disaster case, demonstrates our capability and patience in handling intricate, high-stakes matters.
- The Court’s Docket: Especially in populous areas like Harris County, court schedules can be crowded. If your case requires filing a lawsuit (which we do not hesitate to do to protect your rights), we must work within the court’s timeline for discovery, mediation, and trial.
The crucial takeaway is that good legal work cannot be rushed. A firm that promises a “quick settlement” is often selling you short. As client Jamin Marroquin experienced over 19 months, “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined.” We invest the time necessary to build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
Communication and Availability: The Core of the Attorney-Client Relationship
The transcript highlights a vital truth: an ethical attorney should be open and willing to meet or talk to their clients whenever they need to. At Attorney911, this isn’t an ideal—it’s our standard operating procedure. Communication is the lifeline of your case and your peace of mind.
Our Communication Protocol: More Than Just Returning Calls
We systematize communication to ensure you’re never left in the dark. Your case is assigned a dedicated paralegal case manager, like the frequently praised Leonor (Leo), who serves as your day-to-day point of contact. You will receive updates at least every 2-3 weeks. But beyond protocols, we foster a culture of accessibility. Client Dame Haskett said it best: “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.”
This level of attention is possible because we are selective about the cases we take. We are not a settlement mill that signs up hundreds of cases to settle them quickly for low amounts. We focus on serious injury and complex cases where our investment of time and resources can make a life-changing difference. This allows us to give each client the focus they deserve.
The Attorney911 Difference: Where Time Invested Translates to Results
So, what does a lawyer actually do with the time spent on your case? At our firm, time is invested in strategic action, not just administrative activity. Here’s a breakdown of how we apply our hours to benefit you:
1. Deep Investigation and Evidence Preservation
Immediately after hiring, we launch an investigation. This includes sending spoliation letters to secure surveillance footage (which can be deleted in as little as 30 days), obtaining police reports, hiring accident reconstructionists, and identifying all potential defendants and insurance policies. In our maritime back injury case, our investigation revealed the employer failed to provide proper assistance for lifting cargo, which was key to securing a significant settlement. This groundwork is time-intensive but non-negotiable.
2. Mastering the Medical Narrative
We spend considerable time reviewing and understanding your medical records, consulting with your doctors, and, when needed, retaining our own medical experts to explain the severity and long-term impact of your injuries to an insurance adjuster or jury. For instance, in a case involving a leg amputation after a car accident, we had to meticulously document the chain of causation from the crash to the infection to the surgical amputation to prove the full value of the claim. This medical-legal bridge is complex and requires an attorney’s focused time.
3. Strategic Negotiation Informed by Insider Knowledge
This is where Lupe Peña’s background is invaluable. He knows how insurance companies use software like Colossus to value claims, how they set settlement reserves, and what arguments they use to lowball victims. We don’t just react to offers; we proactively build a case file that dismantles their defenses and justifies a fair value. As client Tracey White experienced, her case manager knew a better offer was possible and fought for it: “She had received an offer but she told me to give her one more week because she knew she could get a better offer.” That one week of strategic pushing resulted in more compensation for her.
4. Trial Preparation from Day One
Insurance companies can sense which firms are willing to go to trial and which aren’t. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This means drafting pleadings, conducting depositions, preparing witnesses, and developing compelling trial themes. Our admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and our history of taking on billion-dollar corporations signal that we are not bluffing. This preparedness gives us tremendous leverage in negotiations, often leading to better settlements without ever stepping into a courtroom. But if a trial is necessary, as it is in our active $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity (Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.), we invest the thousands of hours required to win.
Client Testimonials: Proof of Our Time Commitment
Our clients’ words are the best evidence of how we spend our time. They don’t just praise results; they praise the journey and the communication along the way.
- Chad Harris: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
- Glenda Walker: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
- Kiwi Potato: “This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.”
For clients like Greg Garcia and Angel Walle, who came to us after being dropped or ignored by other attorneys, the contrast was stark. We invested the time others wouldn’t to secure a resolution. As Angel stated, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
Don’t Settle for Less: Why the Cheapest or Fastest Lawyer Costs You
In Texas, the market is flooded with law firms that advertise heavily, sign up thousands of cases, and then settle them quickly for whatever the insurance company offers. They operate on volume, not value. They cannot afford to spend significant time on any single case. Here’s what that model costs you:
- Undervalued Claims: Without time spent on proper investigation and damage calculation, they miss sources of compensation and future needs.
- Poor Communication: You become a file number, struggling to get a call back.
- No Trial Threat: Insurance companies know which firms never go to court, so they offer the minimum.
At Attorney911, our model is the antidote. With 25+ years of experience, Ralph Manginello leads a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney. We have the expertise to handle complex cases in federal court and the dedication to treat each client like family. Our 4.9-star Google rating from over 251 reviews and endorsements from figures like Houston’s own Trae Tha Truth are testaments to this commitment.
Your Time Is Now: Take the First Step Toward Focused Representation
If you’re worried about being just another case file, if you’re frustrated by lack of communication from your current counsel, or if you’re simply seeking an attorney who will invest the time your serious injury deserves, the time to act is now. Evidence fades, memories become less sharp, and the insurance company is already building its case against you.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, explain your options, and show you what it means to have a Legal Emergency Lawyer™ in your corner. We serve clients throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we offer consultations in both English and Spanish. Visit attorney911.com to learn more about our proven results and our team. Let us invest our time in your future, so you can focus on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Time and Your Case
How often will I speak with my attorney at Attorney911?
You will have a dedicated case manager you can speak with regularly, and you will receive updates at least every 2-3 weeks. Attorney Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña will be directly involved in all major strategic decisions and will be available for significant discussions. As many clients note, they never felt out of the loop.
Will my case definitely go to trial if it takes a long time?
No. The vast majority of cases settle before trial. However, the willingness and ability to go to trial is what forces insurance companies to offer fair settlements. We prepare every case for trial from day one, which is a time-intensive process, but it’s what gives us the leverage to often achieve excellent settlements without a trial.
I was partially at fault for the accident. Will a lawyer still spend time on my case?
Absolutely. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001). If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault. These cases require careful investigation to establish the true fault allocation, and we invest the necessary time to build that defense.
What if I can’t afford to pay for a lawyer’s time upfront?
You don’t have to. We work on a contingency fee basis. We advance all case costs, and you pay no attorney’s fees unless and until we recover money for you. Our fee is 33.33% of the recovery before a lawsuit is filed, and 40% if we have to file a lawsuit and take the case to trial.
How does Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background save time on my case?
Lupe’s insider knowledge allows us to anticipate and counter insurance tactics efficiently. We know how they value claims, what evidence they look for, and what arguments they use. This means we build your case correctly from the start, avoiding missteps that can cause delays, and we negotiate from a position of strength, which can lead to faster, fairer resolutions.
My injuries aren’t fully healed. Should I wait to call a lawyer?
No. The investigation and evidence preservation should begin immediately. Furthermore, under Texas law, you have a two-year statute of limitations (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003) to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting risks losing evidence and missing this critical deadline. We will ensure your medical treatment is properly documented and that we don’t settle until we understand the full extent of your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will I speak with my attorney at Attorney911?
You will have a dedicated case manager for regular contact and receive updates at least every 2-3 weeks. Attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are directly involved in all major decisions and are available for significant discussions, ensuring you are never left in the dark.
Will my case definitely go to trial if it takes a long time?
No. Most cases settle before trial. However, our firm prepares every case for trial from day one. This time-intensive preparation gives us the leverage to force insurance companies to offer fair settlements, often making a trial unnecessary.
I was partially at fault for the accident. Will a lawyer still spend time on my case?
Yes. Under Texas modified comparative fault law (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001), you can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault. These cases require careful investigation to establish fault percentages, and we invest the time needed to build a strong defense for your recovery.
What if I can’t afford to pay for a lawyer’s time upfront?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all case costs, and our fee (33.33% before trial, 40% if we go to trial) is only collected if we win money for you. This aligns our interests with yours.
How does Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background save time on my case?
Lupe’s experience working for insurance companies means we know their tactics, valuation methods, and negotiation strategies. This insider knowledge allows us to build your case efficiently from the start, anticipate delays, and negotiate from a position of strength, often leading to faster, better outcomes.
My injuries aren’t fully healed. Should I wait to call a lawyer?
No. Evidence preservation and investigation must begin immediately. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. We will ensure proper documentation of your medical journey and will not settle until we understand the full extent of your injuries and future needs.
