Can You Sue for Minor Injuries in Texas?

If you’ve been hurt in Texas, even if the injury seems “minor,” you may be wondering whether it’s worth pursuing a lawsuit. Many people assume that only severe injuries like broken bones, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries can justify legal action.

The truth is, even seemingly minor injuries can result in medical bills, missed work, and long-term complications that deserve to be addressed. Texas law allows injured individuals to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence caused their harm, regardless of how big or small the injury might appear.

At Sellers Law Firm, we know that what may look like a small injury on the surface can disrupt your daily life and finances. The legal system doesn’t require a catastrophic injury to occur for you to pursue justice. Whether you slipped and fell in a store, suffered whiplash in a fender-bender, or endured a dog bite that required medical care, you may still be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain, and emotional distress.

This article breaks down what qualifies as a “minor injury” under Texas law, how severe an injury must be to justify a lawsuit, and what your legal options are if you’ve been hurt. If you believe your injuries were caused by another person’s carelessness, don’t assume they’re too small to matter. Contact Sellers Law Firm today at (817) 928-4222 for a consultation and let us evaluate your case.

What is an example of a minor injury under the law?

When we talk about “minor injuries,” the term doesn’t have an official legal definition in Texas. Instead, injuries are generally classified by their medical severity and the impact they have on the victim’s life. A minor injury is one that does not require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, or permanent lifestyle changes. However, just because an injury is classified as “minor” doesn’t mean it isn’t painful, costly, or disruptive.

Examples of minor injuries may include:

Whiplash or soft tissue damage from a low-speed car accident
Sprains and strains from a slip and fall
Cuts, scrapes, or bruises requiring medical attention but not surgery
Minor burns that heal within weeks without permanent scarring
Dog bites or scratches that require stitches or antibiotics

Though these injuries might not seem serious at first glance, they can still impact your life significantly. A sprained ankle could keep you off your feet for weeks, preventing you from working. A dog bite might leave a scar or cause lingering anxiety. Medical bills from even one urgent care visit or X-ray can add up quickly, leaving you frustrated and financially stressed.

Under Texas law, the issue is not whether an injury is “minor” or “major” but whether someone else’s negligence caused it. If another party’s carelessness created the circumstances that led to your harm, you may have the right to seek compensation — even for so-called minor injuries.

How bad does an injury have to be to claim a lawsuit?

A common misconception is that only life-altering injuries justify a personal injury lawsuit. In reality, Texas law does not set a minimum threshold for injury severity. The critical factor is proving liability (that another person or entity was at fault) and damages (the financial and personal losses you experienced as a result).

Damages can include:

Medical expenses: Even a single doctor’s visit or prescription medication counts.
Lost wages: Missing even a few days of work can qualify as damages.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress don’t need to be severe to be compensable.
Out-of-pocket costs: Bandages, physical therapy, or follow-up appointments can all add up.

For example, if you sprained your wrist because a store left a spill on the floor and failed to clean it up, you may be able to sue for your medical costs, time away from work, and the inconvenience it caused. The injury doesn’t have to be catastrophic; it just needs to have had a tangible effect on your life.

That said, the severity of an injury can influence the potential value of a claim. More serious injuries generally lead to higher settlements or verdicts, but that doesn’t mean minor injuries aren’t worth pursuing. Every case is unique, and even “small” injuries can result in compensation when properly documented and argued by an experienced Dallas–Fort Worth personal injury attorney.

Can I sue for minor injuries?

Yes, you can sue for minor injuries in Texas. The key is demonstrating that another party’s negligence caused the injury and that you suffered damages, even if those damages seem modest. For many people, the biggest question isn’t whether they can sue, but whether they should.

Injuries that appear minor at first sometimes develop into more serious conditions over time. A stiff neck from a car or truck wreck might later reveal itself as a herniated disc requiring months of treatment. By filing a claim early, you protect your right to compensation if the injury worsens.

The claims process typically involves:

Seeking medical care immediately to document your injuries
Gathering evidence like accident reports, witness statements, or photos
Consulting a personal injury attorney who can evaluate the value of your claim
Negotiating with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement

Insurance companies often dismiss minor injury claims as “not worth much,” but that’s where legal representation makes a difference. With a skilled personal injury attorney on your side, you can push back against unfair offers and make sure your injuries are taken seriously.

How long after an injury do you have to make a claim?

If you’re considering legal action for your injury, it’s important to act quickly. Texas law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.

This deadline is strict: if you wait too long, the court may dismiss your case entirely, no matter how strong your claim is. There are some exceptions, such as if the injured person is a minor or if the injury wasn’t discovered right away, but generally, time is not on your side.

In addition to the legal deadline, practical considerations also favor acting sooner rather than later:

Evidence fades: Witness memories fade, surveillance footage is deleted, and physical evidence disappears.
Medical records matter: Early medical documentation creates a clear link between the accident and your injury.
Insurance pressure: Insurance companies often try to delay claims until deadlines are close, hoping you’ll miss your chance to sue.

By contacting Sellers Law Firm as soon as possible after your injury, you give yourself the best chance at building a strong case. Even if your injuries seem minor now, documenting them early preserves your right to compensation if they turn out to be more serious than expected.

Injured? Don’t settle. Let Sellers Law Firm fight for you.

Insurance companies often pressure victims of minor injuries to accept lowball settlements. They may argue that your injury is too small to matter or offer just enough money to cover your immediate medical bills, leaving you without resources if complications arise later. Don’t fall into that trap.

At Sellers Law Firm, we believe every injury caused by negligence deserves to be taken seriously. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or the stress and frustration of being hurt, we will fight for your right to fair compensation. No case is too big or too small, and we’ve seen firsthand how so-called “minor injuries” can turn into long-term struggles without proper legal representation.

Our team handles the details, negotiates with insurance companies, and builds a case that fully reflects the impact of your injuries. You focus on healing; we’ll focus on fighting for justice.

If you’ve been injured in Texas, don’t assume your case isn’t worth pursuing. Contact Sellers Law Firm today at (817) 928-4222 for a consultation and let us help you understand your options.

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