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Will Your Lawyer Keep You Updated? Attorney911’s Texas Communication G
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Houston Personal Injury Lawyers

Will YourLawyer Keep You Updated? Attorney911’s Texas Communication G

Texas personal injury attorney Ralph Manginello reveals why lawyer communication is the #1 client complaint and how Attorney911's 25+ year policy of 24-hour res

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When Silence Is Golden for Insurance Companies—But Devastating for Your Texas Injury Case

You’ve just signed the retainer agreement with your new attorney. The paperwork is complete, the initial consultation is over, and now you’re left with that nagging question that keeps you up at night: “Will I ever hear from them again?” In that moment of vulnerability—when you’re dealing with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and insurance adjusters calling—the silence from your own legal representative can feel louder than any courtroom argument. At Attorney911, founding attorney Ralph Manginello has seen this scenario play out thousands of times across his 25+ years practicing in Houston, Austin, and throughout Texas. “What probably most people don’t know,” Ralph explains, “and not even lawyers or people in the legal industry, is that the most grievances that are filed against attorneys are for not keeping your client updated, not taking their calls.” This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s the leading cause of attorney disciplinary complaints in Texas and a systematic failure in our legal system that insurance companies exploit every single day.

When you’re recovering from a car accident on Houston’s I-10 or I-45, dealing with the aftermath of an 18-wheeler crash in Beaumont, or navigating criminal charges in Austin, your attorney’s communication style isn’t just about courtesy—it’s about strategy. Insurance defense firms know that when plaintiffs’ attorneys don’t communicate with their clients, those clients become desperate. They become willing to accept lowball settlements just to end the uncertainty. They miss critical deadlines for treatment or evidence preservation. They make statements to insurance adjusters that undermine their own cases. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, we’ve built our entire practice around reversing this dynamic. With a former insurance defense attorney on our team who knows exactly how insurance companies use communication gaps against victims, and with documented multi-million dollar settlements that prove our approach works, we’re changing what Texans expect from their legal representation.

The Texas Legal Landscape: Why Communication Failures Are Systemic, Not Accidental

The Ethical Duty That Most Texas Attorneys Neglect

Under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, attorneys have a clear ethical obligation to keep clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters and to promptly comply with reasonable requests for information (Rule 1.03). Yet as Ralph Manginello notes from his experience handling cases from the Texas coast to the Hill Country, “It’s pretty simple. I mean, if you’re a practicing attorney and you’re an ethical practicing attorney, it’s your job to not only do what you told your client you were going to do… but also you have to keep them abreast of what’s going on in their case.” The gap between this ethical mandate and actual practice creates what we call the “settlement mill trap”—high-volume practices that prioritize signing new cases over diligently working existing ones, leaving clients in the dark while insurance companies build defenses against them.

Consider the mathematics of a typical settlement mill operation: If an attorney has 500 active personal injury cases (a conservative estimate for many high-volume Texas firms), and each client calls just once per month, that’s 500 calls monthly. Without a systematic approach to communication, this becomes impossible to manage. The result? Clients become case numbers, not people. Important developments—like a surveillance video being available for only 30 days from a Houston intersection camera, or a critical medical treatment deadline under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.0105—get missed. Meanwhile, insurance companies with their sophisticated case management systems track every detail, knowing that their opponent’s communication breakdown gives them leverage. At Attorney911, Ralph’s 25+ years of experience have taught us that the solution isn’t taking fewer cases—it’s building better systems.

The Insurance Company Playbook: How Silence Becomes Their Weapon

Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who spent years working for national defense firms and learning firsthand how insurance companies exploit communication gaps. “When I was on the defense side,” Lupe explains, “we tracked how long it took plaintiffs’ attorneys to return client calls. If we saw a pattern of poor communication, we knew we could delay settlement negotiations, knowing the client would eventually pressure their own attorney to accept less just to get closure.” This insider knowledge is now your advantage at Attorney911. We know that insurance adjusters aren’t just being friendly when they call you directly—they’re testing whether you’re getting proper guidance from your attorney. They’re looking for inconsistencies between what you say and what your attorney has told you. They’re building what’s called a “file of confusion” that they can use later to argue you weren’t seriously injured or that your story has changed.

In Texas personal injury cases, the insurance company’s strategy often follows a predictable pattern: initial friendliness, followed by delayed responses, then lowball offers timed to when you’re most desperate—often right before medical bills are due or when you’ve heard nothing from your own attorney for months. Having Lupe’s defense-side experience means we anticipate these tactics before they’re deployed. We know that State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, and other major insurers operating in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont have specific protocols for dealing with well-communicated versus poorly-communicated cases. When they see that our clients receive regular updates through our systematic approach—emails within 24 hours, scheduled follow-ups every two to three weeks, and immediate texting for urgent matters—they know they’re dealing with a firm that prepares every case for trial, not one that will pressure clients to settle cheaply to clear caseload.

Attorney911’s Communication Protocol: The 25-Year System That Puts You First

The 24-Hour Response Guarantee: More Than Just a Policy

“It’s been my standard policy at our firm for over 25 years now,” Ralph states, “We return calls and or emails. We return emails within 24 hours. Now, rarely, you know, it’ll be longer than that if we’re trying to get an answer to something or whatever occurs, but generally, that’s just a good practice.” This isn’t just a customer service platitude—it’s a strategic necessity in Texas injury law. Consider what happens in the first 24 hours after a critical development in your case: The insurance company makes their first settlement offer. A key witness is located. New medical records arrive that change your prognosis. In each scenario, time is evidence. Every hour of delay in communicating with you represents potential value lost from your case.

Our implementation of this policy goes beyond simple promises. Each client at Attorney911 is assigned a dedicated case manager—experienced professionals like Leonor (mentioned in 80+ Google reviews) or Leo Lopez—who becomes your primary point of contact. As client Brian Butchee noted in his review: “Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did.” This team approach, backed by Ralph’s 25+ years of litigation experience in Texas courts including the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, ensures that even when we’re in mediation for a multi-million dollar settlement or preparing for trial in a complex wrongful death case, your questions don’t wait. Our 4.9-star rating from 251+ Google reviews consistently highlights this commitment, with clients like Dame Haskett noting: “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.”

Technology-Driven Communication: Meeting Texans Where They Are

Ralph recognizes the changing landscape of communication: “You know, now with technology, I think it’s even easier than it was before, but no one, you know, really answers their phone anymore. So I suggest if something happens in a case, you just send a quick email to the client. This is what’s going on. Please call me if you have any questions. It seems to alleviate a lot of phone traffic and going back and forth.” At Attorney911, we’ve built a multi-channel communication system that respects how real people communicate in 2024 while maintaining the personal touch that legal emergencies demand.

Our approach includes:

  • Strategic Email Updates: Rather than waiting for you to call, we proactively email when developments occur—whether it’s receiving medical records, scheduling depositions, or receiving correspondence from defense counsel. This creates a written record you can reference and share with family members, eliminating the “he said, she said” that plagues many attorney-client relationships.
  • Secure Text Messaging for Urgent Matters: “We also text,” Ralph explains. “If it’s something that needs immediate attention, text the client. Say, this is what’s happening. Please give us a call or respond.” In today’s Texas, where people spend hours commuting on Houston’s highways or working in remote oil fields, text messaging ensures critical updates aren’t missed. Whether it’s a last-minute court date change or an urgent request from your treating physician, our text protocol keeps you informed in real-time.
  • Bilingual Communication Options: With attorney Lupe Peña fluent in Spanish and bilingual staff members like Zulema, we ensure language barriers never prevent understanding your case status. For Spanish-speaking families in Houston’s diverse communities or throughout South Texas, this isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for informed decision-making about settlement offers or trial strategies.

The Proactive Follow-Up System: Why Waiting for Your Call Is Professional Malpractice

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Attorney911’s communication philosophy is what Ralph describes as: “Another way that we have implemented, and I suggest other people implement it, is calendar two-week follow-ups on clients that are involved in the personal injury world. If they’re treating with doctors, you’re going to need to follow up with them every two or three weeks anyway to see how their treatment’s going and see if they need any help with anything.” This systematic approach transforms the attorney-client relationship from reactive to proactive, from crisis management to strategic partnership.

Here’s how it works in practice: When you become a client at The Manginello Law Firm, your case is entered into our calendaring system with automatic follow-up triggers. Every two to three weeks—depending on your treatment schedule and case complexity—your case manager will reach out. This isn’t random checking-in; it’s strategic case management. We’re tracking:

  • Medical Treatment Progress: Are you attending all prescribed physical therapy sessions in Houston? Have you followed up with the neurologist for that concussion from your Austin car accident? Gaps in treatment become ammunition for insurance companies to argue your injuries aren’t serious.
  • Evidence Preservation Status: Has the black box data from the 18-wheeler that hit you in Beaumont been secured? Were surveillance cameras at the Houston intersection where you were hit checked before footage was automatically deleted?
  • Financial Pressure Points: Are medical bills beginning to accumulate? Has the insurance company made an offer directly to you (which they often do when they know your attorney isn’t communicating regularly)?
  • Strategic Decision Points: Have you reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)—the point where further treatment won’t substantially improve your condition? This critical milestone determines when we can accurately value your case and begin serious settlement negotiations or trial preparation.

Client Tymesha Galloway experienced this system firsthand: “Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.” Unlike settlement mills that let cases languish for years, our proactive follow-up system ensures momentum is maintained, evidence is preserved, and your case moves efficiently toward resolution.

Your Role as Client: How Proactive Partnership Maximizes Your Recovery

“It’s the Client’s Case”: Why Your Engagement Matters

Ralph concludes with a crucial perspective shift: “But let me finish by saying this. It’s the client’s case. The lawyers and their staff work for the client. So if you’re a client and you want to know what’s going on, contact your lawyer and ask. I don’t think it’s unreasonable for a client to contact their attorney’s office once a month… and say, hey, I haven’t spoken to you in about a month. Tell me what’s going on.” This statement represents a fundamental truth that many Texas injury victims don’t realize: While your attorney has ethical obligations to communicate, you retain ultimate control over your case. You’re not just a passive recipient of legal services—you’re the director of your own legal strategy.

At Attorney911, we educate our clients from day one about their rights and responsibilities in the attorney-client relationship. This includes understanding:

  • The Right to Regular Updates: Under Texas law, you’re entitled to be kept reasonably informed. If weeks or months pass without communication, that’s not normal—it’s a red flag.
  • The Power to Make Decisions: Only YOU can decide whether to accept a settlement offer, proceed to trial, or change legal strategy. Our job is to provide the information and advice you need to make those decisions intelligently.
  • The Importance of Your Active Participation: Your case’s success depends on your timely responses to our requests—whether it’s signing authorization forms for medical records, attending independent medical examinations (IMEs), or providing documentation of lost wages from your Houston employer.

Client Jamin Marroquin described this partnership approach: “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise… tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.” This collaborative model stands in stark contrast to the “trust us, we’ll handle everything” approach of settlement mills that often leaves clients feeling powerless and uninformed.

When to Be Concerned: Red Flags That Your Texas Attorney Isn’t Communicating Properly

Based on our experience handling thousands of Texas injury cases and hearing from clients who switched to us from other firms, here are warning signs that communication has broken down:

  • Consistent 48+ Hour Delays in Returning Calls/Emails: While occasional delays happen during trials or mediations, consistent unresponsiveness suggests your case isn’t a priority.
  • Learning About Case Developments from the Insurance Company: If the adjuster calls to discuss a settlement offer before your attorney has mentioned it, that’s a serious breakdown.
  • Vague, Non-Specific Updates: “Things are moving along” or “we’re working on it” without specific details about what was done, when, and what comes next.
  • Missing Critical Deadlines: The two-year statute of limitations under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 is absolute. If your attorney seems unaware of this deadline or other procedural timelines, that’s malpractice.
  • Staff Turnover Without Proper Handoff: If your case manager changes multiple times without proper introduction and case review, information gets lost.

Client Greg Garcia experienced this before switching to Attorney911: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.” Similarly, Angel Walle noted: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” If you’re experiencing these red flags, it’s not too late to switch attorneys. In Texas, you have the right to change representation at any time, and contingency fee arrangements typically transfer between firms.

How Communication Impacts Your Case Value: The Direct Connection Between Updates and Outcomes

The Settlement Negotiation Advantage: Knowledge as Power

Effective communication does more than just reduce anxiety—it directly increases the value of your Texas personal injury case. When insurance companies know your attorney maintains regular contact with you, they understand several critical facts:

  1. You Won’t Accept Lowball Offers Out of Desperation: Regular updates mean you understand the true value of your case and won’t panic-settle when bills mount.
  2. Your Case Is Being Actively Managed: Insurance defense firms track which plaintiffs’ attorneys let cases stagnate. Active communication signals diligent preparation.
  3. You’re Informed About Trial Realities: When you understand both the strengths AND weaknesses of your case (which ethical attorneys should communicate), you make better decisions about when to settle versus when to fight.

Our multi-million dollar settlement results prove this approach works. In one recent case, our client suffered a leg injury in a car accident that led to partial amputation due to staff infections during treatment. Through constant communication with the client about medical developments and strategic updates about negotiation progress, we secured a settlement in the millions. The client was never in the dark about settlement offers or medical developments—they were an informed partner every step of the way.

The Trial Preparation Imperative: Why Silence Before Trial Is Dangerous

While most Texas personal injury cases settle before trial (approximately 95%), the cases that don’t settle require intense preparation. Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas and his involvement in complex litigation like the BP Texas City explosion case have taught him that trial preparation begins on day one—and communication is its foundation. “We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial,” Ralph explains, “because when insurance companies know you’re not bluffing, settlement offers improve dramatically.”

Consider what happens in the months leading up to a Texas personal injury trial:

  • Deposition Preparation: You’ll need multiple sessions to prepare for questioning by defense attorneys. Poor communication means inadequate preparation.
  • Expert Witness Coordination: Medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and economic damage experts must be consulted and prepared. You should understand each expert’s role and opinion.
  • Settlement Conference Decisions: As trial approaches, judges often push for settlement. You need clear, timely communication about last-minute offers versus trial risks.

Our current $10 million litigation against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity (Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.) demonstrates this principle in action. With 13 individual defendants and complex institutional liability issues, communication with our client isn’t optional—it’s essential for navigating procedural complexities and making strategic decisions about settlement versus trial. This case, like all our litigation, benefits from our systematic communication protocols that ensure clients understand each development and its implications.

The Attorney911 Difference: Former Insurance Defense Insight Meets 25+ Years of Texas Results

Lupe Peña’s Insider Knowledge: How Defense Experience Becomes Your Advantage

The most significant differentiator at Attorney911 isn’t just that we communicate—it’s what we communicate and why. With associate attorney Lupe Peña’s background working for national insurance defense firms, we bring insider knowledge to every client update. “Lupe spent years taking recorded statements FOR insurance companies,” Ralph notes. “He knows which questions are traps designed to minimize your injuries or shift blame.” This means when we update you about defense strategies or settlement offers, we’re not just telling you what happened—we’re explaining the insurance company’s playbook and how we’re countering it.

Consider how this plays out in real Texas injury cases:

  • Understanding Colossus and Claims Software: Insurance companies use sophisticated software like Colossus to value claims. Lupe knows how these systems work because he used them. When we explain why an offer is low, we can identify exactly which factors the software is weighting improperly—and how to adjust our strategy to increase valuation.
  • Anticipating Surveillance and IME Tactics: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney,” Lupe explains. “Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context.” When we update you about potential surveillance, we provide specific, actionable guidance—not vague warnings.
  • Navigating Texas-Specific Defense Strategies: From modified comparative fault arguments (Texas follows the 51% bar rule under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001) to medical billing disputes under Texas’ unique medical lien laws, Lupe’s defense experience means we anticipate arguments before they’re made.

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Year Track Record: Communication Backed by Results

Ralph’s quarter-century of experience handling catastrophic injury cases across Texas provides the foundation for our communication philosophy. When Ralph explains case developments to clients, he’s drawing not just from legal knowledge but from practical experience with:

  • Federal Court Complexities: As one of few Texas firms involved in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations, Ralph understands how complex cases require more detailed client communication about procedural steps and strategic decisions.
  • Multi-Million Dollar Valuation: From brain injury cases with vision loss to wrongful death trucking accidents, Ralph’s experience with high-value cases means he communicates not just about what’s happening, but about what each development means for potential recovery.
  • Texas Community Roots: Born in New York but raised in Houston’s Memorial area since age five, Ralph understands Texas values and communicates in ways that resonate with local clients. His education at University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law Houston, combined with his family life in Texas, means he speaks as a fellow Texan, not just as an attorney.

This combination of insider defense knowledge and plaintiff-side experience creates what client Ernest Cano described as: “Mr. Maginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” Our 4.9-star Google rating with 251+ reviews consistently highlights this dual commitment to communication and results, with clients like Glenda Walker noting: “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.”

Your Next Step: How to Ensure Your Texas Attorney Communicates Effectively

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Texas Personal Injury Attorney

Based on our 25+ years of experience and thousands of cases handled across Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, here are critical questions to ask any attorney before hiring them:

  1. “What is your firm’s specific policy for returning client calls and emails?” Listen for specifics—”within 24 hours” versus vague promises.
  2. “Will I have a dedicated case manager, and what is their experience?” At Attorney911, clients like Chelsea Martinez appreciate that “Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.”
  3. “How often will you proactively update me without me having to call?” Our two-to-three week scheduled follow-ups ensure you’re never wondering.
  4. “What is your experience with cases like mine in Texas courts?” Ralph’s federal court admission and Lupe’s defense experience provide concrete credentials.
  5. “Can I speak with former clients about their communication experience?” Our 251+ Google reviews provide transparent feedback from real Texans.

The Attorney911 Guarantee: What You Can Expect from Our Legal Emergency Lawyers™

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation, here’s our commitment:

  • Immediate Response: Our emergency line is answered by professionals who understand legal emergencies don’t wait for business hours.
  • Clear Communication from Day One: We’ll explain exactly how our communication system works, who your contacts will be, and what to expect.
  • No Fee Unless We Win: We work on contingency (33.33% before trial, 40% if trial)—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
  • Bilingual Services Available: Consultations available in Spanish with attorney Lupe Peña or bilingual staff.
  • Proven Results: From multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries and amputations to complex litigation like our active $10 million case against University of Houston, our results speak for themselves.

As Houston celebrity Trae Tha Truth has recognized by recommending our firm, and as client Jacqueline Johnson noted: “One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Attorney Communication in Texas Injury Cases

Q: How often should my attorney update me about my Texas personal injury case?

A: While there’s no legal minimum frequency, ethical Texas attorneys should provide updates whenever there are significant developments and at least monthly even during quiet periods. At Attorney911, we implement scheduled follow-ups every two to three weeks for personal injury clients and immediate updates for any case developments. As Ralph Manginello notes, “I don’t think it’s unreasonable for a client to contact their attorney’s office once a month… and say, hey, I haven’t spoken to you in about a month. Tell me what’s going on.”

Q: What if my current attorney isn’t returning my calls or emails?

A: First, document your attempts to contact them. Then consider contacting another attorney for a second opinion. In Texas, you have the right to switch attorneys at any time, and contingency fees typically transfer between firms. Clients like Greg Garcia and Angel Walle switched to Attorney911 after experiencing poor communication elsewhere, with Angel noting we “solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation about your options.

Q: Will I always speak directly with Attorney Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña?

A> While Ralph and Lupe are personally involved in every case strategy and major decision, our team approach ensures you have consistent access through dedicated case managers like Leonor (mentioned in 80+ reviews). As client Brian Butchee experienced: “I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.” This balance ensures attorney expertise guides your case while maintaining responsive daily communication.

Q: How does Attorney911 handle communication during settlement negotiations?

A> We provide transparent, real-time updates about all settlement offers, explaining not just the amount but the strategy behind them. With Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background, we can explain how insurance companies value claims and why particular offers are made. Client Tracey White experienced this when her case manager “had received a offer but she told me to give her one more week because she knew she could get a better offer.” You’ll never be pressured to accept an offer without full understanding of its implications.

Q: What communication methods does Attorney911 use for Texas clients?

A> We employ a multi-channel approach: phone calls for complex discussions, emails for detailed updates and documentation, and text messaging for urgent matters. As Ralph explains, “We also text. If it’s something that needs immediate attention, text the client.” For Spanish-speaking clients, all communication is available in Spanish through attorney Lupe Peña and bilingual staff members like Zulema.

Q: How does good attorney communication actually increase my case value?

A> Effective communication creates several advantages: 1) It prevents desperation settlements by keeping you informed about case progress; 2) It ensures you provide timely information and evidence that strengthens your case; 3) It signals to insurance companies that your attorney is diligently preparing for trial, increasing settlement leverage; 4) It helps you make better decisions about medical treatment and case strategy. Our multi-million dollar settlements prove this approach works.

Take Control of Your Texas Injury Case Today

Your attorney’s communication style isn’t just about courtesy—it’s about case strategy, evidence preservation, and ultimately, your financial recovery. At Attorney911, we’ve built a 25-year reputation across Texas not just on results (though our multi-million dollar settlements speak for themselves), but on a communication philosophy that treats clients as partners, not case numbers. From Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas to Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge from years working for insurance defense firms, our team brings unparalleled expertise to every client update.

If you’re currently represented by an attorney who isn’t communicating, or if you’re navigating a new injury case in Houston, Austin, Beaumont, or anywhere in Texas, don’t settle for silence. Insurance companies count on communication breakdowns to minimize your recovery. Take control by calling the legal emergency line that answers: 1-888-ATTY-911. Your free consultation includes a clear explanation of our communication protocols, an assessment of your case’s strengths, and honest advice about your next steps. Remember: It’s your case. You deserve to know what’s happening with it every step of the way.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit attorney911.com today. We’re your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, serving Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Hablamos Español. No fee unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my Texas personal injury attorney update me about my case?

Ethical Texas attorneys should provide updates whenever significant developments occur and at least monthly during quiet periods. At Attorney911, we implement scheduled follow-ups every two to three weeks for personal injury clients, plus immediate updates for any case developments. As Ralph Manginello explains, regular communication is both an ethical duty and a strategic advantage in maximizing your recovery.

What should I do if my current attorney isn’t returning my calls or emails?

Document your contact attempts, then seek a second opinion from another firm. In Texas, you have the right to switch attorneys, and contingency fees typically transfer. Clients like Angel Walle switched to Attorney911 after poor communication elsewhere, noting we ‘solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.’ Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation about your options.

Will I always speak directly with Attorney Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña?

While Ralph and Lupe oversee every case strategy, our team approach ensures consistent access through dedicated case managers like Leonor (mentioned in 80+ Google reviews). As client Brian Butchee experienced, this balance provides attorney expertise for major decisions while maintaining responsive daily communication about your Texas injury case.

How does Attorney911 handle communication during settlement negotiations?

We provide transparent, real-time updates about all offers, explaining both amounts and the strategy behind them. With Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background, we explain how insurance companies value claims. Client Tracey White experienced this when her case manager secured a better offer by requesting one more week. You’ll never be pressured to accept without full understanding.

What communication methods does Attorney911 use for Texas clients?

We use a multi-channel approach: phone for complex discussions, email for detailed updates, and text for urgent matters. As Ralph notes, ‘We also text. If it’s something that needs immediate attention, text the client.’ For Spanish-speaking clients, all communication is available in Spanish through attorney Lupe Peña and bilingual staff.

How does good attorney communication actually increase my case value?

Effective communication prevents desperation settlements, ensures timely evidence collection, signals trial preparation to insurance companies (increasing leverage), and helps you make better medical and strategic decisions. Our multi-million dollar settlements—like our recent amputation case that settled in the millions—prove this approach maximizes recovery for Texas injury victims.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911
Frequently Asked Questions

COMMON QUESTIONS

Your consultation is 100% FREE with no obligation. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you'll speak with our team — not an answering service. Managing Partner Ralph Manginello (25+ years experience, Texas Bar since 1998) personally reviews cases. With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating, we've built our reputation on giving real answers, not sales pitches. Call anytime — we answer 24/7 because legal emergencies don't wait.

You pay nothing unless we win. We work on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if your case goes to trial. We front ALL costs — medical records, expert witnesses, court fees, everything. As one client (Donald Wilcox) said: "One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello... I got a call to come pick up this handsome check." We've recovered multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases. Your fight is our fight.

Timelines vary, but we move fast. Client Tymesha Galloway: "Leonor got my case resolved within 6 months." Chavodrian Miles: "Leonor got me into the doctor the same day... it only took 6 months, amazing." Complex cases like our $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston take longer. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of experience knowing when to push and when to build. We'll give you an honest timeline upfront and keep you informed every step — our clients consistently praise our communication.

We come to YOU. Hospital visits, home visits, video calls — whatever works. Client Stephanie Hernandez: "When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me... She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders." With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, plus virtual consultations statewide, distance is never a barrier. Seriously injured clients often can't travel — we understand. Ralph Manginello personally reaches out to clients who need it.

Sí, hablamos español. Attorney Lupe Peña is completely fluent in Spanish and conducts full consultations in Spanish. Our bilingual staff members — including Zulema, who clients specifically praise for her kindness and translation skills — ensure nothing gets lost. Client Celia Dominguez: "Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates." Client Angel Walle: "They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years." La comunidad hispana de Houston merece representación de primera clase.

We serve all of Texas from three office locations:

Houston (Primary): Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston Counties
Austin: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop Counties
Beaumont: Jefferson, Orange, Hardin Counties (Golden Triangle)

Ralph Manginello is admitted to U.S. Federal Court (Southern District of Texas) and the New York State Bar, handling cases that cross state lines. We've litigated against major corporations including BP in the Texas City explosion case.

We know how insurance companies think — because we used to work for them. Attorney Lupe Peña spent years at a national insurance defense firm learning exactly how they undervalue claims. Now he fights FOR you with that insider knowledge.

Our track record speaks: Multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, maritime injuries, and wrongful death. We're one of the few Texas firms involved in BP explosion litigation. Ralph Manginello has been inducted into the Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame and has 25+ years of courtroom experience. Client Chad Harris said it best: "You are NOT just some client... You are FAMILY to them."

Personal Injury: Car accidents, 18-wheeler/truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents, hit & run, drunk driving accidents, maritime/offshore injuries (Jones Act), construction accidents, refinery accidents, workers' compensation, wrongful death, product liability, and fraternity/sorority hazing cases (currently litigating a $10M case against University of Houston).

Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI defense, drug charges, and general criminal defense. We've had DWI cases dismissed by exposing improperly maintained breathalyzers and missing evidence.

People Are Talking...

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Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had. He cares greatly about his results.

- AMAZIAH A.T
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Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise... tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.

- Jamin Marroquin
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Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer... Ralph reached out personally.

- Dame Haskett
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Leonor got me into the doctor the same day... it only took 6 months amazing.

- Chavodrian Miles
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Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.

- Tymesha Galloway
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I was rear-ended and the team got right to work... I also got a very nice settlement.

- MONGO SLADE
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One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello... I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.

- Donald Wilcox
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You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client... You are FAMILY to them.

- Chad Harris
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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.

- Glenda Walker
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Mr. Maginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.

- Ernest Cano
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Ralph took his bogus case and had it dismissed within a WEEK! I have been trying for over 2 years.

- Beth Bonds
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In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.

- Greg Garcia
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When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me... She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.

- Stephanie Hernandez
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Melanie kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.

- Brian Butchee
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Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.

- Celia Dominguez
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They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.

- Angel Walle
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One of Houston's Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.

- Jacqueline Johnson
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PROVEN RESULTS. REAL RECOVERIES.

We've recovered millions for Texas families. Here are some of our victories.

Multi-Million
Personal Injury
Client suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.
Multi-Million
Personal Injury
Client's leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation.
Significant Settlement
Maritime
Client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Investigation revealed he should have been assisted.
$10,000,000
Hazing Litigation
Active lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Harris County, November 2025.

YOUR LEGAL EMERGENCY TEAM.

Ralph Manginello - Houston Personal Injury Lawyer

RALPH MANGINELLO

Managing Partner
  • TX Bar 1998 (25+ yrs)
  • NY Bar, Federal Court (S.D. TX)
  • B.A. UT Austin, J.D. South TX
Lupe Peña - Houston Personal Injury Attorney

LUPE PEÑA

Associate Attorney
  • TX Bar 2012 (12+ yrs)
  • Former Insurance Defense Atty
  • FLUENT SPANISH

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911