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The Trial Stage of Your Texas Injury Claim

After you file your Texas injury claim and go through the fact-finding phase of discovery, the 3rd stage toward resolving your claim is the trial stage. While not all claims make it to this stage-some will settle out of court-the trial can be the most important part of your claim. There are 6 main parts to the trial stage: 

• Jury selection - Where the judge and both parties' attorneys question a pool of potential jurors and accept or dismiss them until the desired number remains (usually 12).
• Opening statements - The attorneys for each party present their side of the case to the jury. Normally, the plaintiff's attorney gives their account of the accident and the facts, and then the defense's attorney is given the chance to present their interpretation of the accident and facts.
• Witness testimony & cross-examination - Witnesses, including the plaintiff and defendant(s) are called to the stand to submit to questioning from both sides' attorneys. Physical evidence may also be introduced at this time.
• Closing arguments - The attorneys of both parties give their closing statements which summarize their arguments.
• Jury instruction - The judge gives the jury a set of legal standards for them to apply to the defendant's case. At this time, the case is now in the hands of the jury.
• Jury deliberation and verdict - The jurors are removed from the courtroom to review and discuss the details of the case, evidence, and instruction they have received. Once they have reached a consensus enough to have a majority vote of guilty or innocent, they present the verdict to the judge. This verdict includes the final decision of the jury, as well as terms for the settlement. 

There is more to a Texas injury case than just the trial. For more information on the stages of a Texas personal injury case, our article library expands on the process of filing, developing evidence, and settlement.  

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury, you have the right to the legal expertise of a Houston personal injury attorney to help you fight for fair compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Steven Lee, P.C. today at 713-921-4171 or 1-800-232-3711. Help is available 24 hours a day and the initial consultation is always FREE. We are also able to provide transportation options as well as home and hospital visits.