I was in an accident with an 18-wheeler.I was searching for a good lawyer on the web and I came to Mr. Grossman's website. I read it and I thought 'This is who I need.'

-J. D. Dodd
Commercial Vehicle Accident

Proximate Cause

What Does Proximate Cause Mean in a Houston Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Civil Suit?

Proximate cause describes the event without which an accident causing injury or loss of life would not have happened. In other words, if such an event had not occurred, it’s likely that the accident itself would not have occurred.

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A proximate cause is not an initial event, although it can be, nor is it the event the immediately precedes an accident, although it can be that event as well. As a general example, when a truck driver collides with a motorcyclist, resulting in severe injury to the motorcyclist, the proximate cause of the motorcyclist’s injuries is the truck driver’s careless driving.

However, proximate cause is often not so clear. If the same truck driver was drunk at the time of the accident, two liable parties could be identified as a proximate cause to the accident. Had the drunk driver chosen not to drive, then the accident more than likely would have happened. However, Texas dram shop law also works to hold a negligent bar or restaurant liable for a drunk driving accident. If the drunk truck driver was allowed to become intoxicated at an alcohol-serving establishment prior to causing the wreck, the bar or restaurant would also be considered a proximate cause to the accident. In other words, had the bar not over-served the truck driver, it’s more than likely that a drunk driving accident would not have occurred.

For a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit to result in a successful outcome for an injured victim, the victim’s legal representation must be able to prove that the liable party or parties were a proximate cause to the accident. A case must be built in which a judge or jury agrees that a defendant’s actions were a contributing factor to the accident that caused injury or loss to be experienced by the plaintiff. With over two decades of experience in both personal injury and wrongful death law, Houston civil lawsuit attorney Michael Grossman has the experience and knowledge that can help you identify the liable parties responsible for your injury or loss.


Some of Our Most Recent Successful Cases
$30,000.00 Recovery - Medical Malpractice (Incorrect Dosage Resulting in Dizzy Spells)
Recovery for client who suffered dizzy spells as a result of being given incorrect dosage of prescribed medication.
Total Recovery:
$30,000.00
Attorney Fees:
$10,000.00
Litigation Expenses:
$500.00
$875,000.00 Recovery - Commercial Vehicle Accident (Back Injury Requiring Surgery)
Plaintiff suffered a back injury resulting in spinal fusion surgery when her car was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler. The defendants argued that the accident was unavoidable, thus denying liability. Litigation commenced and the case was satisfactorily resolved soon thereafter.
Total Recovery:
$875,000.00
Attorney Fees:
$288,750.00
Litigation Expenses:
$2,500.00
$350,000.00 Recovery - Product Liability (Back Injury Resulting in Surgery)
A young woman suffered a back injury that required corrective surgery following a boating accident. The boat in question sped out of control and crashed into a landmass, throwing our client from the boat, as the result of a stuck throttle. Upon inspection of the boat, it was determined that a poor design led to the malfunction and a product liability lawsuit was brought against the manufacturer. The defendants argued that the boat was inappropriately piloted, however, the physical evidence depicted the cause of the accident quite clearly and the case was successfully resolved.
Total Recovery:
$350,000.00
Attorney Fees:
$100,000.00
Litigation Expenses:
$100.00
$71,197.00 Recovery - Automobile Accident (Soft-Tissue Neck Injury)
(policy limits + UIM claim) Recovery for client who sustained soft tissue injuries to neck which required steroid injections and chiropractic treatment.
Total Recovery:
$71,197.00
Attorney Fees:
$23,852.00
Litigation Expenses:
$125.00
$700,000.00 Recovery - Commercial Vehicle Accident / Work Injury (Fractured Pelvis, Other Internal Injuries)
A loading dock employee suffered a fractured and damage to internal organs as the result of a crushing injury sustained when an 18-wheeler backed into him and crushed him between the trailer and loading dock.
Total Recovery:
$700,000.00
Attorney Fees:
$175,000.00
Litigation Expenses:
$1,084.00
$100,000.00 Recovery - Motorcycle Accident (Broken Femur)
(policy limits) Recovery for victim who sustained a broken femur in a motorcycle accident.
Total Recovery:
$100,000.00
Attorney Fees:
$33,000.00
Litigation Expenses:
$0.00
$30,000.00 Recovery - Commercial Vehicle Accident (Muscle Aches, Pains & Dizziness)
Recovery for the driver of car that was side-swiped by an 18-wheeler. Plaintiff suffered muscle aches, pains & dizziness.
Total Recovery:
$30,000.00
Attorney Fees:
$10,000.00
Litigation Expenses:
$500.00
$125,000.00 Recovery - Medical Malpractice (Improper Dental Surgery Resulting in Infection)
Recovery for victim of dental malpractice. Plaintiff suffered infection after wrong surgery was performed.
Total Recovery:
$125,000.00
Attorney Fees:
$41,250.00
Litigation Expenses:
$5,000.00
$100,000.00 Recovery - Third-Party Dram Shop Accident (Broken Leg)
(policy limits) Recovery for pedestrian who suffered a broken leg when he was hit by a drunken driver.
Total Recovery:
$100,000.00
Attorney Fees:
$33,000.00
Litigation Expenses:
$1,000.00
$80,000.00 Recovery - Automobile Accident (Closed-Head Injury)
Recovered for client who suffered a closed-head injury in a car accident.
Total Recovery:
$80,000.00
Attorney Fees:
$26,666.00
Litigation Expenses:
$200.00

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