Your Legal Compass in Erath County, Texas: Guiding You Through Life’s Legal Emergencies

Welcome, residents of Erath County. We are Attorney911, and we understand that life in our vibrant corner of Texas, encompassing communities from Stephenville to Dublin, Morgan Mill to Bluff Dale, can sometimes present unexpected legal challenges. When those moments arise, whether it’s the aftermath of a car accident on Highway 377, a workplace incident at one of our local businesses, or a difficult criminal accusation, you need immediate, aggressive, and professional legal help from someone you can trust. We are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, dedicated to protecting the injured and fighting for the rights of defendants across Texas, bringing our extensive expertise right here to Erath County.

Our commitment extends beyond the urban centers where our offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We serve the entire state of Texas, and that includes each and every person in Erath County. We know that legal emergencies don’t wait, and they certainly don’t discriminate by zip code. That’s why we bring our comprehensive legal services, backed by decades of experience and a track record of significant results, directly to you.

Understanding the Legal Landscape of Erath County

Erath County embodies the heart of Central Texas, with its rich agricultural heritage, the bustling life around Tarleton State University, and the close-knit communities that define our way of life. However, even in this peaceful setting, legal issues can arise. From the roads connecting our towns, like US 67 and US 281, where traffic accidents can occur, to our workplaces or personal lives, understanding your rights and having powerful legal representation is critical.

We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of the Texas legal system. While our physical offices are situated in key metropolitan areas, our reach and our commitment to justice are statewide. This means that a resident of Stephenville facing complex legal questions, or someone in Dublin dealing with the aftermath of an injury, can access the same high-caliber legal representation as someone in Houston or Austin. Our team is adept at navigating the specificities of county court systems and local legal precedents throughout Texas, including those here in Erath County.

Our Approach: Immediate Help. Fast Wins.™

When you’re facing a legal emergency, time is often of the essence. Delays can compromise evidence, blur memories, and even impact your legal standing. Our brand promise, “Immediate help. FAST WINS™,” is not just a tagline; it’s our operational philosophy. We are structured to respond swiftly, assess your situation efficiently, and build a powerful strategy designed for prompt and favorable resolutions.

We offer free consultations because we believe that understanding your legal options should never be a financial burden, especially when you’re already under stress. We also operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases: “We don’t get paid unless we win your case.” This commitment allows us to align our success directly with yours, ensuring that our aggressive representation is accessible exactly when you need it most.

Our Core Expertise: Protecting the Injured and Fighting for Your Rights

Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, focuses on two critical areas of law where individuals often find themselves at their most vulnerable: personal injury and criminal defense. We are here to be your shield and your sword, whether you’ve been unfairly injured due to someone else’s negligence or are facing the daunting prospect of criminal charges.

Personal Injury: Restoring Your Life After an Accident

Life can change in an instant. A sudden car crash, a serious workplace injury, or a maritime incident can leave you with physical pain, emotional distress, mounting medical bills, and lost income. In these challenging times, our mission is to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on recovery and rebuilding your life without the added burden of legal complexities.

We understand that insurance companies, much like any business, are primarily focused on their bottom line. They make billions by collecting premiums and then often minimizing payouts when claims arise. That’s where our insider knowledge and aggressive advocacy become your greatest asset. Our team, including Associate Attorney Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience from the “other side.” Having worked for national defense firms, Lupe gained firsthand insight into how large insurance companies value claims and operate. This insider perspective allows us to anticipate their tactics, negotiate from a position of strength, and dismantle their strategies to ensure your rights are fully protected.

Our comprehensive personal injury practice areas include:

Car Accidents: Navigating the Aftermath on Erath County’s Roads

From a fender bender in Stephenville to a serious collision on US 377, car accidents can lead to significant physical and financial hardship. We see the impact of these incidents every day, and we’re ready to stand by Erath County residents.

Your Rights, Our Fight: When you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’re not just entitled to have your medical bills covered. You deserve compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical needs. We meticulously gather evidence, work with a broad network of medical experts and accident reconstructionists, and build an irrefutable case.

Dealing with Insurance Companies: We know their playbook. They might offer a quick, lowball settlement hoping you’ll accept out of desperation. We will advise you against premature settlements that don’t account for your long-term recovery and financial needs. We are experienced in negotiating with these multi-billion-dollar entities and will not hesitate to litigate your case in court if they refuse to make a fair offer. Our track record, including multi-million dollar settlements for severely injured clients, speaks to our ability to secure positive outcomes.

18-Wheeler & Big Rig Accidents: Specialist Representation for Catastrophic Injuries

The sight of an 18-wheeler is common on Erath County’s highways, moving goods to and from Fort Worth and other major hubs. While essential for commerce, these large vehicles can cause devastating accidents. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death for those in smaller passenger vehicles.

Complexities Unraveled: Truck accident cases are inherently more complex than standard car accidents. They involve federal regulations, intricate commercial insurance policies, and often multiple liable parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, or even the maintenance provider.

Our Investigative Edge: Our personal injury team thoroughly investigates every aspect, obtaining and examining crucial evidence like truck maintenance records, driver logs, cell phone records, and electronic logging device (ELD) data. We bring in expert witnesses, including accident reconstructionists and medical care providers, to strengthen your claim. We have successfully built numerous cases against negligent truck drivers and trucking companies, recovering millions for victims and families facing these life-altering events.

Motorcycle Accidents: Advocating for Bikers’ Rights

Many Erath County residents enjoy the open road on motorcycles. However, motorcyclists often face significant hazards, and when an accident occurs, the injuries are typically much more severe than those sustained in car collisions.

Dispelling Preconceptions: Drivers often claim they “didn’t see” a motorcycle, unfairly placing blame on the rider. We aggressively challenge this narrative. Drivers have a responsibility to be aware of all vehicles on the road. We fight tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable for the injuries they cause.

Comprehensive Recovery: We specifically handle severe motorcycle accident injuries such as road rash burns, closed head injuries, brain or spinal cord injuries, and loss of limbs. Our focus is on securing compensation for property damage, lost income, future medical and rehabilitation expenses, and the profound pain and suffering you endure.

Offshore Injuries & Maritime Law: Protecting Texas’ Offshore Workers

While Erath County is landlocked, many Texans work in the challenging and often dangerous offshore and maritime industries along the Gulf Coast. If you are a deckhand, rig hand, seaman, or oilfield services worker injured on an offshore vessel or rig, your case falls under specialized maritime laws, not traditional workers’ compensation.

Specialized Legal Frameworks: We have deep experience resolving offshore injury cases under the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. These federal statutes provide specific protections and avenues for compensation for maritime workers.

Expert Network for Complex Claims: We collaborate with a network of specialized experts, including investigators, life care planners, and safety experts, to build robust cases against powerful employers and insurance providers. We urge you to contact us immediately after an offshore injury, before settling directly with your employer or their insurance company, to understand your full rights.

Workers’ Compensation: Navigating Workplace Injuries in Texas

Erath County has a diverse economy, from agriculture to manufacturing, and unfortunately, workplace accidents can happen anywhere. If you are injured on the job, the workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits. However, this system can be complex, and injured employees often face unfair outcomes.

Texas’ Unique System: Texas is unique in that employers can opt-out of the state workers’ compensation system. This means your case might be a “non-subscriber” claim, allowing for a personal injury lawsuit against your employer for negligence, potentially leading to significantly greater compensation than traditional workers’ comp benefits. We are experts in both scenarios, guiding you through the complexities whether your employer is a subscriber or not.

Protecting Your Rights: We help injured workers successfully file claims, protect their benefits, and defend them if benefits are unjustly refused. Our firm has recovered millions for various workplace injuries, including multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic incidents.

Construction Accidents: Third-Party Liability for Enhanced Compensation

Construction is a constant in a growing state like Texas, and construction sites are inherently dangerous. While workers’ compensation covers many on-the-job injuries, construction workers in Erath County may also be eligible to pursue third-party injury claims, which can provide additional compensation exceeding typical workers’ comp benefits.

Uncovering Third-Party Negligence: If you’re injured on a construction site, you generally cannot sue your employer directly. However, construction sites often involve multiple contractors and subcontractors. If the negligence of a third party contributed to your injury – for example, a faulty piece of equipment from a supplier, unsafe practices by another contractor, or a defect in the premises – you can pursue a personal injury claim against them.

Our Strategic Advantage: We thoroughly examine your construction accident case to identify all responsible parties, including common causes like crane accidents, forklift incidents, falls from heights, and scaffolding collapses. Our goal is to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.

Refinery & Plant Accidents: Holding Industrial Giants Accountable

Texas is home to a vast industrial complex, including petrochemical plants and refineries that, while vital to our economy, pose significant risks. Catastrophic accidents at these facilities, often due to negligent cost-cutting or safety failures, can result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Proven Experience in Major Litigation: Our firm has extensive experience handling refinery and plant accident personal injury cases. Notably, we were one of the few firms in Texas involved in the BP explosion litigation following the devastating 2005 Texas City refinery explosion. This experience has uniquely prepared us to provide immediate legal assistance against even the largest international industrial corporations.

Complex Litigation Specialists: Refinery and plant accident litigation is highly complex, requiring specialized legal knowledge and significant resources. We are equipped to address the intricate legal and scientific challenges involved, fighting for your right to financial compensation and ensuring negligent parties are held responsible.

Toxic Tort Claims: Seeking Justice for Toxin Exposure

Exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins, whether due to industrial negligence, defective products, or environmental contamination, can lead to severe, lifelong illnesses and disabilities. If you’ve been impacted by such exposure in Erath County or anywhere in Texas, you have the right to seek compensation.

Understanding Latency and Causation: Toxic tort claims can be challenging because the negative effects of exposure often develop over years, making it difficult to link injuries to a specific source. We handle both individual and class action toxic tort claims, meticulously investigating the source of exposure and its impact on your health.

Prioritizing Your Health and Recovery: Our first priority is to help you access the medical care you need. We then focus on maximizing your compensation, considering all immediate and future costs, losses, and expenses, including medical treatments, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Wrongful Death Claims: Compassionate Advocacy in Your Time of Loss

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unbearable tragedy. While nothing can truly alleviate your grief, a wrongful death claim can provide essential financial support and hold responsible parties accountable.

A Guiding Hand: We understand the immense emotional difficulty of thinking about legal matters during such a painful time. Our attorneys compassionately handle every aspect of your legal claim, allowing you to focus on the grieving process. We meticulously assess all factors impacting your settlement, working with economists and other experts to create a clear picture of the financial and emotional impact of your loss. This includes considering pain and suffering, loss of companionship, lost wages, and all other losses you’ve experienced.

Act Swiftly to Preserve Evidence: In wrongful death cases, time is critical. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and maintain the integrity of the accident scene, crucial steps we can guide you through immediately.

Insurance Claims: Fighting for What You’re Owed

Insurance claims are complex, and denials or lowball offers can add insult to injury after an accident or property damage. Whether it’s your own insurance company or that of an at-fault party, we stand ready to advocate for your rights.

Inside Knowledge of Insurance Tactics: Lupe Peña’s background on the defense side provides an unparalleled advantage. We understand how insurance companies value claims, their internal tactics for denying or underpaying, and the strategies they employ to delay and minimize payouts. This insider knowledge empowers us to challenge their decisions effectively. From property damage disputes to uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) claims, we ensure your insurance company honors its obligations.

Criminal Defense: Protecting Your Freedom and Future

Facing criminal accusations can be one of the most frightening experiences of your life. The stakes are incredibly high, impacting your freedom, reputation, career, and family. In Erath County, as anywhere in Texas, having robust and experienced legal defense is not just an option, it’s a necessity.

Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) and has extensive experience in federal courts, representing clients in a wide array of criminal defense cases. This experience means that whether you are facing charges in a local Erath County court or a more complex federal matter, you have a powerful advocate in your corner. We are committed to aggressively defending your rights and working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our criminal defense practice areas include:

DWI/DUI Defense: Strategic Defense in Erath County and Beyond

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charges carry severe penalties in Texas, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. If you or a loved one in Erath County is facing these charges, don’t assume guilt.

Aggressive Defense Strategies: We have successfully defended hundreds of DWI/DUI cases using a broad range of defense tactics. This includes challenging the legality of traffic stops, the accuracy of breath and blood tests, and the administration of field sobriety tests. We’ve had cases dismissed due to improperly maintained breathalyzer machines or police errors in collecting evidence.

Protecting Your Driver’s License: Beyond fighting the criminal charges, we also work to prevent the suspension of your driver’s license. Even if you refused a breath test, you have rights, and we will fight to protect them. Before you plead guilty or accept a plea bargain, contact us to discuss an aggressive legal defense.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense: A Full Spectrum of Protection

Beyond DWI/DUI, we handle a wide array of criminal charges, understanding that each case is unique and requires a tailored defense strategy. Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience and HCCLA membership position our firm to tackle even the most serious accusations.

Challenging the State’s Case: We analyze and fight charges using defense strategies that include questioning probable cause, challenging illegal search and seizure, and asserting other constitutional violations. We understand that a criminal charge is not a conviction, and the burden of proof rests entirely with the prosecution.

Strategic Victories: We’ve seen significant successes, such as arranging deferred adjudication for a client facing 5 to 99 years in jail for drug charges, leading to potential dismissal without jail time. Our commitment is to explore every possible avenue for defense.

Our criminal defense services cover a wide range of charges, including but not limited to:

• Drug Crimes: Possession of marijuana, cocaine, meth, heroin, ecstasy, drug trafficking, manufacturing.
• Assault Crimes: Assault, assault family violence, child abuse, domestic violence.
• Theft Crimes: Shoplifting, grand theft, robbery, burglary.
• Violent Crimes: Homicide, murder, sexual assault.
• Other Offenses: Driving with an invalid license, elder abuse, extortion, fraud, hit and run, internet crimes, public intoxication, vandalism, and expunctions to clear your record.

Meet Our Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Behind Attorney911 is a team of dedicated professionals committed to justice and client advocacy. Our two lead attorneys bring unparalleled expertise, passion, and a results-driven approach to every case.

Ralph Manginello: Managing Partner & Legal Strategist

Ralph Manginello, our Managing Partner, is a native New Yorker who found his Texas roots at the age of five, growing up in Houston’s Memorial area. His deep connection to Texas informs his understanding of the people and communities we serve. Ralph’s educational journey took him from the University of Texas at Austin for his undergraduate degree to South Texas College of Law Houston for his Juris Doctor.

A Career Built on Aggressive Advocacy: Admitted to the Texas State Bar in 1998 and the New York State Bar Association, Ralph has been a practicing attorney for decades. In 2001, he established his own personal injury law firm, a foundation that grew into Attorney911. His experience extends to the federal level, with admission to the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas. His membership in the Houston Bar Association and the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores his elite capabilities in both personal injury and criminal defense.

A Passion for People: For Ralph, law is more than a profession; it’s a calling fueled by a passion for helping people. He founded Attorney911 to ensure that individuals facing legal emergencies receive immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they can inherently trust. He is driven by a desire to see justice served, whether protecting the injured from negligent parties or defending someone facing the full weight of the state.

Lupe Peña: Associate Attorney & Insurance Insider

Lupe Peña, our Associate Attorney, is a third-generation Texan born and raised in Sugar Land, with roots tracing back to the historic King Ranch. His deep understanding of Texas culture and demographics is an invaluable asset to our firm and our clients. Lupe earned his B.B.A. in International Business from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio before obtaining his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston.

From Defense to Advocate for the Injured: Licensed in Texas since 2012, Lupe brings a unique and powerful perspective to our personal injury practice. Before joining Attorney911, he spent several years working for a national defense firm, gaining firsthand knowledge of how large insurance companies operate, value claims, and strategize against plaintiffs. This insider experience is a significant differentiator for our clients, allowing us to anticipate and counter the defense’s moves effectively.

Millions Recovered for Clients: After transitioning to the plaintiff’s side, Lupe has dedicated his skills to recovering millions for his clients in complex cases, including wrongful death, dram shop liability, and serious trucking and car accidents. He is a skilled negotiator and trial attorney, known for his willingness to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side.” Fluently bilingual in English and Spanish, Lupe also ensures that language is never a barrier to justice for our diverse Texas communities.

Proven Results That Speak Volumes

Our firm’s reputation is built on a foundation of successful outcomes and a relentless pursuit of justice. We are proud of the tangible results we have achieved for our clients across Texas.

Multi-Million Dollar Settlements: For the Severely Injured

We have consistently secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients who have faced catastrophic injuries and profound losses:

• Logging Accident & Brain Injury: A client working at a logging company suffered a severe brain injury with vision loss when a log was dropped on him. We secured a multi-million dollar settlement through aggressive advocacy.
• Car Accident & Amputation: In a devastating car accident, our client sustained a leg injury that, due to staff infections during treatment, regrettably led to a partial amputation. Our extensive experience in complex injury cases resulted in a multi-million dollar settlement.
• Trucking Wrongful Death Cases: We have helped numerous families facing the unthinkable loss of a loved one due to negligent trucking companies recover millions of dollars in compensation.
• Maritime Back Injury: A client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed inadequate assistance, leading to a significant cash settlement that provided crucial support for his recovery.

Significant Case Victories: Challenging the Odds

Our legal prowess extends to complex litigation and criminal defense scenarios where the stakes are incredibly high:

• BP Explosion Litigation: Our firm holds the distinction of being one of the few in Texas involved in the landmark BP explosion litigation, a testament to our capacity for handling cases against powerful industrial giants.
• Drug Charges & Deferred Adjudication: For a client facing five to 99 years in jail for drug charges, we succeeded in arranging deferred adjudication. By identifying weaknesses in the state’s case, our client will avoid jail time and have charges dismissed if court rules are followed.

Specific Dismissals and Favorable Outcomes in Criminal Defense

Our detailed investigative approach and aggressive courtroom tactics have led to numerous dismissals and favorable outcomes in criminal defense cases:

• DWI Dismissal (Breath Test Malfunction): Our client was charged with drunk driving based on a breath test. Our investigation uncovered that the police department’s breathalyzer machines were not properly maintained, leading to the dismissal of all charges.
• DWI Dismissal (Lack of Evidence): A client drove home at 2:30 a.m., hit a curb, and rolled his car, injuring a passenger. Despite the circumstances, we discovered critical omissions: no breath or blood test was conducted, on-scene emergency staff didn’t note intoxication, and crucial hospital notes were missing. The case was dismissed on the day of trial.
• DUI/DWI Dismissal (Video Evidence Challenge): Faced with video field sobriety test evidence, we successfully argued for dismissal because the client did not appear drunk in the video, despite initial police claims.

These results are not just numbers; they represent lives reclaimed, justice served, and futures protected.

Your Erath County Legal Emergency Resource

We are more than just lawyers; we are advocates, counselors, and allies during your most challenging times. Our commitment to Erath County is unwavering. We want to be the firm you turn to, the first call you make, when a legal emergency strikes.

Whether you’re in Stephenville, home to Tarleton State University, where students and faculty might face unique legal situations, or a rancher in the rural expanses near Bluff Dale dealing with property disputes or livestock-related incidents, our expertise is available to you. Perhaps you’re in Dublin, a town with a rich history, and find yourself in a car accident or need criminal defense. Our firm has the breadth of knowledge and the statewide reach to assist effectively.

Addressing Common Erath County Concerns:

• Traffic Accidents: With major arteries like US 377, US 67, and US 281 passing through Erath County, car and truck accidents are unfortunately a reality. We understand the local traffic patterns and how they might contribute to collisions, and we are ready to investigate and advocate for accident victims.
• Workplace Incidents: Whether in agriculture, local manufacturing, or service industries, workplace injuries can occur. Our expertise in workers’ compensation and third-party liability claims means that Erath County employees have a powerful resource to turn to when injured on the job.
• Criminal Charges: From misdemeanor charges in the Stephenville Municipal Court to felony cases in the 266th Judicial District Court, facing criminal accusations can be life-altering. Our robust criminal defense strategies are applicable and effective across Texas courts, including those serving Erath County.
• Student-Related Legal Issues: Tarleton State University brings a vibrant student population to Stephenville. We are equipped to assist students with a range of legal issues, from DWI charges to personal injury claims.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Erath County Legal Needs?

1. Statewide Reach, Local Focus: While our physical offices are in major Texas cities, our commitment to serving all Texans, including those in Erath County, means you receive top-tier representation, no matter your location. We understand Texas law thoroughly, and how it applies in various county jurisdictions.
2. Unmatched Expertise and Experience: With decades of combined experience, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña bring a powerful blend of personal injury and criminal defense mastery, including unique insights from the insurance defense side. Ralph’s experience with the BP explosion litigation and Lupe’s track record of recovering millions for clients underscore our firm’s capability.
3. Aggressive & Immediate Advocacy: We live up to our “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” tagline by providing prompt and assertive legal action designed to secure “FAST WINS™” and protect your interests without delay.
4. Client-Centered Approach: We genuinely care about our clients. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, ensuring that quality legal representation is accessible when you need it most, without upfront financial burden.
5. Proven Track Record: Our history of multi-million dollar settlements and successful case dismissals demonstrates our ability to deliver significant results for our clients.
6. Insider Insurance Knowledge: Lupe Peña’s background provides a critical advantage, giving us an in-depth understanding of how insurance companies strategize and value claims, allowing us to effectively challenge their tactics.
7. Bilingual Support: Lupe Peña’s fluency in Spanish ensures that our services are accessible to Erath County’s diverse Spanish-speaking community, breaking down communication barriers in sensitive legal matters.

Your Path Forward Starts Here

When legal emergencies strike, you don’t have to face them alone. We are Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, your dedicated Legal Emergency Lawyers™, ready to bring our extensive expertise and unwavering commitment to justice to Erath County.

Our mission is to empower you with knowledge, protect your rights, and secure the best possible outcome for your situation. Whether it’s a personal injury on the road, a complex workplace accident, or a criminal accusation that threatens your future, we are here to provide the immediate, aggressive, and professional help you deserve.

Don’t wait. Time is often a critical factor in legal matters. A delay can compromise your case and your rights.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY.

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or fill out our online contact form to speak directly with an expert legal professional. Let us be your compass through your legal emergency. We are here for you, Erath County.