Navigating Legal Emergencies in Harris County: Your Trusted Advocates at Attorney911

When a legal emergency strikes in Harris County, the moments that follow can feel overwhelming, disorienting, and profoundly uncertain. Whether it’s the aftermath of a devastating accident, the confusion of criminal charges, or the intricate details of an industrial incident, knowing where to turn for immediate, aggressive, and professional legal help is paramount. As your dedicated “Legal Emergency Lawyers™,” we at Attorney911 are here to serve the diverse communities across Harris County, offering a steadfast hand and unparalleled legal expertise when you need it most.

We understand the unique rhythm of life here in Harris County – from the bustling downtown streets of Houston to the tranquil suburbs, the vibrant cultural tapestry, and the hard-working industrial corridors that define our region. Our firm, The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, has been built on a profound commitment to protecting the injured and fiercely fighting for the rights of defendants throughout Texas, with a deep-rooted presence and understanding of the specific legal landscape in Harris County. Since our founding in 2001, we have dedicated ourselves to ensuring that individuals and families facing critical legal challenges receive the powerful representation they deserve.

Our promise is simple yet profound: immediate help, leading to fast wins. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. This commitment ensures that access to top-tier legal representation is never a barrier, especially when you are grappling with unforeseen circumstances and financial strain.

Your Advocates in Harris County: Meet Our Experienced Legal Team

Our strength lies in the combined experience, local insights, and unwavering dedication of our attorneys. We believe that true legal excellence is not just about understanding the law but also about understanding the people and places it serves.

Ralph Manginello: Your Managing Partner with Deep Harris County Roots

Born in New York but a proud Texan since the age of five, our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, grew up right here in the Memorial area of Houston. Attending Hunters Creek Elementary, Awty International School, and Memorial High School, Ralph’s connection to Harris County runs deep. He even honed his discipline and teamwork at Cheshire Academy in Connecticut, where he graduated with honors and was a starting point guard on a championship basketball team – a testament to his competitive spirit and drive for success. In 2021, Cheshire Academy recognized his achievements with an induction into their Hall of Fame.

After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Journalism and earning his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston, Ralph began practicing law in 1998. He holds admissions to the Texas State Bar, the New York State Bar Association, and significantly, the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas. His memberships in esteemed organizations such as the Houston Bar Association and the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscore his elite capabilities, particularly in criminal defense and complex litigation within our federal court system.

Ralph’s passion for helping people is the driving force behind Attorney911. He established our firm to ensure that those suffering from a legal emergency receive immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they can truly trust. Happily married to Kelly Hunsicker, with three children—RJ, Maverick, and Mia—Ralph understands the importance of family and fights for our clients with the same dedication he brings to his own. From family time to basketball and golf, Ralph is deeply woven into the fabric of the Texas community.

Lupe Peña: Insider Knowledge Fighting for You

Associate Attorney Lupe Peña brings a powerful and unique perspective to our firm. As a 3rd generation Texan with roots tracing back to the historic King Ranch, Lupe was born and raised in Sugar Land, Texas, where he continues to reside with his family. After earning his B.B.A. in International Business from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, Lupe initially pursued a career in finance. This background provides him with a meticulous and strategic approach to complex financial aspects often present in legal cases.

However, Lupe felt a calling to pursue justice, leading him to earn his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston. Licensed in Texas since 2012, Lupe’s journey included several years at a national defense firm. This experience was invaluable, as it allowed him to learn firsthand how large insurance companies value claims and, critically, how they strategize to minimize compensation. This insider knowledge is a formidable asset for our clients, enabling us to anticipate defense tactics and build stronger cases.

Since moving to the plaintiff’s side, Lupe has recovered millions for his clients across a wide range of cases, including wrongful death, dram shop, trucking accidents, and serious car crashes. Fluent in Spanish, Lupe also ensures that a significant portion of Harris County’s diverse population has access to dedicated legal representation in their preferred language. His commitment to outworking, outsmarting, and outfighting the opposition stems from a genuine desire to keep clients informed and empowered at every stage of their legal journey.

Our Comprehensive Legal Expertise for Harris County Residents

At Attorney911, we cover a broad spectrum of legal needs, offering specialized expertise in both personal injury and criminal defense. Our localized understanding means we’re not just practicing law in a general sense; we’re practicing law in Harris County, for Harris County.

Personal Injury: Protecting the Injured in Harris County

We understand that accidents and injuries can dramatically alter lives. Our personal injury practice is dedicated to helping victims across Harris County regain their footing, secure fair compensation, and hold negligent parties accountable.

Car Accidents in Harris County: Navigating the Aftermath

Harris County’s extensive network of highways, from the Southwest Freeway (US-59) to the Katy Freeway (I-10) and the Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8), sees millions of vehicles daily. Unfortunately, this heavy traffic often leads to devastating car accidents. When you’re involved in a collision, the insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over your recovery. We know their playbook.

Our Approach: We are experienced in negotiating with insurance companies from a position of strength. We work with a broad network of experts, including medical professionals and accident reconstructionists, to build a strong case that stands up to scrutiny. While we strive to settle cases whenever possible to save you the expense and delay of trial—and we have successfully handled many multi-million dollar cases this way—we will not hesitate to bring your case to trial if insurers refuse to make a fair offer.

Consider a recent case where our client’s leg was severely injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment tragically led to a partial amputation. Our deep understanding of such complex medical and legal challenges ensured a positive outcome, resulting in a multi-million dollar settlement. From minor fender benders on Westheimer Road to catastrophic collisions on Loop 610, we are here to fight for your rights to property damage, lost income, medical expenses, and compensation for pain and suffering.

18-Wheeler & Big Rig Accidents on Harris County Roads

The Port of Houston, one of the busiest in the nation, means Harris County’s major thoroughfares like I-10, I-45, and Loop 610 are constantly traversed by massive 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles. Accidents involving these giants are often catastrophic, leading to significant injuries and complex legal challenges. These cases require an attorney intimately familiar with personal injury law, trucking and transportation law, and interstate commerce regulations.

Our Expertise: Our personal injury team has a proven track record of helping injured individuals and families recover millions in compensation from trucking-related wrongful death cases. We meticulously collect and examine crucial evidence, including truck maintenance records, driving logs, cell phone records, and driver qualification files. Furthermore, our experience handling complex commercial insurance policies typical of semi-trucks ensures we can navigate these intricate financial landscapes. We frequently bring in experts, including medical care providers and accident reconstructionists, to provide compelling testimony and opinions to strengthen your case.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a trucking accident, particularly along the I-10 corridor connecting Houston to Beaumont, or on the I-45 route heading north, we can answer your questions regarding medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for mobility issues and pain and suffering.

Motorcycle Accidents: Standing Up for Bikers’ Rights

Motorcyclists enjoy the open road of Texas, but unfortunately, they often face significant dangers due to negligent drivers. Despite having the same rights as other motorists, motorcyclists are often blamed for accidents. Drivers frequently claim they simply “did not see” the motorcycle they struck, an unacceptable excuse.

Our Advocacy: We aggressively protect the rights of bikers injured in motorcycle accidents across Harris County. We understand the severe nature of common motorcycle injuries, including “road rash” burns, closed head injuries, brain or spinal cord injuries, limb loss, and wrongful death. Our firm is dedicated to holding negligent drivers responsible, working to secure full and fair compensation for property damage, lost income and future wages, and comprehensive medical and rehabilitation expenses. We are acutely aware of unique local roadway hazards that can contribute to such incidents.

Offshore Injuries & Maritime Law: Protecting Our Gulf Coast Workers

As a firm deeply rooted in the Texas Gulf Coast, we have extensive experience representing individuals injured in offshore and maritime accidents. Harris County’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means many residents work as deckhands, rig hands, captains, seamen, and oilfield services workers. Injuries on ships, oil rigs, and other offshore vessels fall under specialized legal frameworks.

Our Experience: We have successfully resolved numerous offshore injury cases under critical federal laws such as the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Our team collaborates with a vast network of experts, including nurses, investigators, life care planners, and safety specialists, to meticulously build your case. We confront large insurance companies and employers, ensuring your rights are protected.

We recall a recent case where our client suffered a debilitating back injury while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed inadequate assistance, leading to a significant cash settlement. If you’ve been injured on a freighter, tug, tanker, rig, or barge – especially near the bustling Port of Houston or the broader Gulf Coast – contact us immediately. Timing is crucial to preserve evidence.

Workers’ Compensation: Navigating Workplace Accidents in Texas

When you suffer an injury at work in Harris County, the Texas workers’ compensation system can be a complex labyrinth. While designed to protect injured workers and facilitate claims, the process often leaves employees feeling unfairly treated.

Our Guidance: We assist injured workers in successfully filing claims with their employer’s insurance company. We emphasize the importance of prompt notification to your employer and immediate medical treatment, detailing that the injury is work-related. In Texas, some employers opt out of the traditional workers’ compensation system, creating “non-subscriber” cases that require a different legal approach.

The Manginello Law Firm has recovered millions for various workplace injuries. In one multi-million dollar settlement, our client suffered a brain injury and vision loss after a log fell on him at a logging company. Our lawyers are here for you every step of the way, protecting your benefits and defending you if they are refused.

Construction Accidents: Third-Party Claims for Maximum Recovery

Construction sites across Harris County, from towering new buildings in downtown Houston to infrastructure projects along major highways, are often bustling with activity and inherent risks. While workers’ compensation covers many on-the-job injuries, we specialize in identifying opportunities for “third-party claims.”

Our Strategy: If you were injured on a construction site, you generally cannot sue your employer. However, construction sites typically involve multiple contractors, subcontractors, and vendors. If a third party’s negligence caused your injury, you can pursue a personal injury claim for compensation above and beyond your workers’ compensation benefits. This can include crane accidents, forklift incidents, falls from heights, or scaffolding collapses. We excel at examining complex construction accident cases to determine all liable parties, ensuring you receive comprehensive compensation. Our deep understanding of OSHA regulations and general contractor accountability strengthens these claims.

Refinery & Plant Accidents: Holding Corporations Accountable

Harris County and the surrounding Texas Gulf Coast host a significant concentration of manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, and chemical and oil refineries, such as those along the Houston Ship Channel in Pasadena and Baytown. These industries, while vital, can pose severe risks.

Our Proven Track Record: Our firm has handled numerous refinery and plant accident personal injury cases. Notably, we were one of the few firms in Texas involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, an event that tragically highlighted the devastating consequences of negligence. We firmly believe that individuals injured due to cost-cutting practices and other negligent actions deserve financial compensation, and that negligent parties must be held responsible.

Our invaluable experience has prepared us to provide immediate legal assistance against even the largest international industrial and refinery companies. If you’ve been injured in an on-the-job refinery or industrial accident, particularly in areas like Pasadena or Baytown, our expert lawyers are equipped to navigate this complex litigation. We understand the specific process safety management regulations involved and can ensure that your rights are vigorously defended.

Toxic Tort Claims: Seeking Justice for Harmful Exposures

Exposure to toxic chemicals, whether from water contamination, black mold, defective drugs, or chemical spills, can lead to lifelong injuries and disabilities. These “toxic tort” claims are often complex, requiring specialized legal knowledge to connect exposure to specific health consequences.

Our Comprehensive Approach: The most crucial step in any toxic tort claim is securing the medical care you need. We help you access necessary treatment and then work diligently to maximize your compensation. We analyze all your immediate and future costs, losses, and expenses to ensure they are fully considered in the demand for compensation. Given that the negative effects of toxic exposure can take years to develop, we are adept at proving the link between your injuries and the source of exposure. We handle both individual cases and larger class action toxic tort claims, providing formidable representation to ensure justice.

Wrongful Death Claims: Compassionate Advocacy in Tragic Times

Losing a loved one due to another’s negligence is an unimaginable tragedy, and the thought of legal proceedings can be overwhelming during such a profound time of grief. At Attorney911, our lawyers handle every aspect of your legal claim, allowing you to focus on healing.

Our Dedicated Support: We work with economists and other experts to meticulously quantify the financial impact of your loved one’s death. This includes not only lost wages but also the profound loss of companionship, mental anguish, and other non-economic damages. We handle wrongful death cases arising from drunk driving accidents, motorcycle and 18-wheeler truck accidents, and medical malpractice. In these sensitive cases, acting quickly is essential to preserve critical evidence, identify witnesses, and maintain the integrity of the accident scene. Our team offers compassionate yet aggressive advocacy for families across Harris County during these difficult moments, ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable.

Insurance Claims: Fighting for Fair Treatment

Insurance companies, based on Lupe Peña’s insider experience, often try to minimize payouts despite collecting substantial premiums. Whether it’s a dispute over a personal injury claim, a property damage claim, or a bad faith insurance practice, we are prepared to challenge insurers on your behalf. We understand how they value claims and their various strategies to deny or delay fair compensation.

Criminal Defense: Protecting Your Rights and Future in Harris County

Facing criminal charges in Harris County can be a terrifying experience, impacting your reputation, livelihood, and freedom. Whether you’re in the Houston Municipal Court, a Justice Court, or a District Court, the stakes are incredibly high. Our criminal defense team, led by Ralph Manginello, is dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights and securing the best possible outcome.

DWI/DUI Defense: Strategic Representation Against Drunk Driving Charges

Harris County has some of the busiest courts for DWI cases in Texas. A charge of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) carries serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Many people feel that a conviction is inevitable, especially after a breath test. We challenge that notion head-on.

Our Aggressive Defense: We have successfully defended hundreds of DWI/DUI cases across Texas. Before you consider pleading guilty, incurring fines, higher insurance premiums, and a criminal record, contact us. We employ a broad range of defense tactics designed to prevent license suspension and fight for your rights, even if you refused a breath test. Our meticulous investigation can uncover critical flaws in the prosecution’s case.

Consider these powerful examples of our victories:

• Breath Test Dismissal: Our client faced drunk driving charges based on a breath test. Our investigation revealed the police department’s breathalyzer machines were not properly maintained, leading to the dismissal of all charges. No reliable breath test meant no case.
• Scene Investigation Dismissal: Another client, after rolling his car and injuring a passenger, was arrested without a breath or blood test. On-scene emergency staff noted no signs of intoxication, and crucial hospital nurse notes were missing. The case was dismissed on the day of trial.
• Field Sobriety Test Challenge: When the state’s primary evidence against our client was a video field sobriety test, we successfully had the case dismissed by demonstrating our client did not appear drunk in the video.

Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership and federal court experience provide a significant advantage in these intricate cases, ensuring a robust defense tailored to the specifics of Harris County’s judicial system.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense: Fighting for Your Freedom

Our firm handles a wide array of criminal charges, understanding that an arrest can throw your life into disarray. From drug offenses to assault and more serious felonies, the legal system can be intimidating.

Our In-Depth Approach: We have handled countless drug cases, successfully fighting charges of drug possession, trafficking, and manufacturing across the state, including in Harris County. We employ sophisticated defense strategies, including challenging probable cause, illegal search and seizure, and other constitutional violations.

In a compelling case, our client faced 5 to 99 years in jail after police illegally entered his home and found a large quantity of drugs. Through our detailed case analysis, we identified crucial weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument, successfully arranging for deferred adjudication. Our client will avoid jail time, and his charges will be dismissed upon adherence to court rules.

Our full range of criminal defense services for Harris County residents includes:

• Drug Crimes: Possession of Marijuana, Cocaine, Crystal Meth, Heroin, Ecstasy, and other controlled substances.
• Assault Crimes: Assault, Assault Family Violence, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence.
• Driving Offenses: Driving with an Invalid License, Hit and Run.
• Serious Felonies: Homicide/Murder, Kidnapping, Sexual Assault.
• Other Charges: Animal Cruelty, DUI/DWI Defense, Elder Abuse, Expunctions, Extortion, Fake I.D./False Impersonation, Firearms Offenses, Fraud, Internet Crimes, Public Intoxication, Theft Crimes, Vandalism.

No matter the charge, our commitment is to provide an aggressive, professional defense that protects your rights and future.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Harris County Legal Needs?

In a county as vast and diverse as Harris, with its complex legal landscape, choosing the right legal representation is a critical decision. Here’s why Attorney911 stands out as your trusted legal partner:

1. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Lupe Peña’s invaluable experience working for national defense firms means we understand how insurance companies operate from the inside out. We know their strategies for minimizing payouts, how they value claims, and the tactics they employ to delay or deny fair compensation. This unique insight allows us to anticipate their moves, counter their arguments effectively, and build cases from a position of strength, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

2. Unparalleled Complex Litigation Experience

Our firm possesses extensive experience in complex litigation that few others can match. Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation showcases our capability to handle the most intricate industrial accident cases, confronting multi-billion dollar corporations. Furthermore, our deep expertise in maritime law, encompassing the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Death on the High Seas Act, positions us as leaders in offshore injury claims. Coupled with federal court experience for both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, we are uniquely equipped for high-stakes, multi-faceted legal battles.

3. Deep Texas and Harris County Roots

We are not just attorneys practicing in Texas; we are part of the Texas and Harris County community. Ralph Manginello grew up in Houston’s Memorial area, and Lupe Peña was raised in nearby Sugar Land. Our physical offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont provide a statewide reach with localized expertise. This deep understanding of local courts, nuances of the Harris County judicial system, and the specific challenges faced by residents and industries here, allows us to provide targeted and effective legal strategies. We understand the specific Texas laws that impact your case, from the 51% Modified Comparative Fault rule in personal injury to the intricacies of Texas Workers’ Compensation non-subscriber cases and enhanced DWI penalties.

4. Bilingual Advocacy and Cultural Sensitivity

Lupe Peña’s fluency in Spanish is a tremendous asset, ensuring that Hispanic communities in Harris County have access to dedicated and clear legal representation. We pride ourselves on cultural sensitivity and providing accessible communication for all our clients, bridging language barriers to ensure everyone understands their rights and legal options completely.

5. A Track Record of Proven Results

Our success is measured by the justice and compensation we secure for our clients. We have a consistent track record of achieving multi-million dollar settlements in complex cases, including logging accidents leading to brain injuries, car accidents resulting in amputations, and trucking-related wrongful death claims. In criminal defense, we’ve secured numerous case dismissals and favorable outcomes like deferred adjudication, even in cases where clients faced decades in prison. Our case examples are a testament to our aggressive, strategic, and successful advocacy.

6. Extensive Expert Network

Crafting a winning case often requires more than just legal acumen. We leverage an extensive network of highly respected professionals, including medical care providers, accident reconstructionists, economists, life care planners, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and safety experts. These professionals provide crucial testimony and analysis, strengthening your claim and accurately quantifying your losses.

7. Client-Centered Approach

At Attorney911, you are not just a case number. We prioritize keeping you informed at every stage of your legal journey. We understand the emotional and financial toll legal emergencies take, and we strive to alleviate your burden by handling the complexities, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life. Our “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” brand promise means we are always ready to respond to your urgent needs with professionalism and empathy.

Responding to Harris County’s Unique Challenges

Harris County is a place of immense dynamism, and with that comes specific legal needs related to its geography, economy, and population.

• Industrial Hub: The Houston Ship Channel, with its vast collection of refineries and chemical plants, brings with it a higher risk of industrial accidents. Our specialized expertise in refinery and plant accidents, including our experience with the BP Texas City litigation, makes us a critical resource for workers in these industries across Pasadena, Baytown, and other industrial strongholds.
• Major Transportation Corridors: I-10, I-45, I-69, and Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway) are arteries of commerce and travel, but also sites of frequent accidents, particularly those involving large commercial trucks. Our 18-wheeler accident specialists are intimately familiar with these routes and the specific accident patterns that occur here.
• Maritime Activity: As home to the Port of Houston, maritime incidents are a distinct concern for many residents. Our deep knowledge of the Jones Act and other maritime laws is essential for seafarers and offshore workers seeking justice for injuries sustained on the water or at port.
• Growing Population & Diverse Demographics: Harris County is one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties, with a rich tapestry of communities. This growth often corresponds with increased traffic accidents and a greater need for criminal defense services. Our bilingual capabilities and cultural understanding allow us to serve this diverse population effectively.

Taking Action: Your Free Consultation Awaits

A legal emergency demands immediate attention. Every moment counts, whether it’s preserving critical evidence, adhering to strict legal deadlines, or protecting your rights from being compromised. Our “Immediate help. FAST WINS.” philosophy is a cornerstone of our commitment to you.

We offer a FREE CONSULTATION to all prospective clients in Harris County. This is your opportunity to discuss the specifics of your situation with an experienced attorney, understand your legal options, and learn how we can aggressively advocate on your behalf, all without any upfront financial commitment.

Don’t face your legal emergency alone. Empower yourself with experienced legal counsel. Our team at Attorney911 is ready to listen, strategize, and fight for the justice you deserve.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or schedule your free consultation through our website.

We protect the injured and fight for the rights of defendants throughout Texas, with a steadfast commitment to our neighbors here in Harris County. Let us be your trusted advocates in your time of need.