Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of cases do you handle?

We handle a wide range of cases including breach of contract, business & commercial disputes, construction litigation, serious personal injury claims, and more.

2. Do you provide free telephone consultations?

No, but our website contains a wealth of information about the most common types of matters that fall within our areas of practice.

3. Do you handle cases outside of the North Texas area?

We have attorneys licensed to practice law throughout the State of Texas in both state and federal court; however, it is usually more cost effective for a client to hire an attorney with offices near the place where a lawsuit is or will be filed.

4. How much does a typical lawsuit cost?

There is no “typical” cost for a lawsuit. The cost of every case depends on the particular facts and issues, how quickly the case can be resolved, as well as how difficult and aggressive the other party and its attorney are.  We can help you plan a litigation budget that is right for your case.

5. How long does a typical lawsuit take start to finish?

It depends on the particular facts and issues and the willingness of the parties to settle. Many lawsuits settle within the first six months.  Others may take a year or more.  It is unlikely for a case to be reached for trial within the first year, and it is not unusual to take 2-3 years for an ordinary lawsuit to go to trial.

6. How much do you charge?

Our attorneys typically charge hourly rates between $350 and $500 depending on many factors including their experience, and our paraprofessionals typically charge between $100 and $150 per hour. These are customary and usual hourly rates for the North Texas area.

7. How to Sue a Company?

In most instances, you can sue a business organization like a company the same way you sue an individual: by filing a petition or complaint in a court correctly naming the company, corporation, or other business entity.

Because many businesses use trade names which are not the legal name of the company, it is important to first research to determine the correct legal name of the company. The Texas Secretary of State (SOS) maintains a database of every company and corporation formed in Texas or authorized to transact business in Texas. You can search for a business entity through its SOSDirect online access system. A company or corporation doing business in an assumed name registers that name with the SOS, so you can search the database for that name to determine the correct legal name of the business. This database also identifies the registered agent of the business for service of process and the address for service.

Some businesses operate using a franchise business model. For example, your local McDonalds is very likely owned and operated by a franchisee whose correct legal name may not even mention “McDonalds.” In many instances, the name of the franchisee appears on certificates of occupancy, sales tax permits, or other business licenses which are often framed and displayed on the wall at the business location.

While most brick-and-mortar businesses are required to register with the Texas Secretary of State, some businesses only conduct interstate business in Texas and are therefore not required to register. For example, a business which sells products or services on the internet which are shipped from or provided in another state may not be registered in Texas. In such cases, you may need to research record databases from another state to identify the correct legal name of the entity.

Sometimes, people assume that a business using a trade name is a company when, in fact, it is an individual or partnership. Unlike companies, an individual cannot register an assumed name with the SOS but must instead file an assumed name certificate with the county clerk of each county where that name is being used. While all counties maintain a database of such names (i.e., the assumed name index), such database may not be available online or may require users to register and pay a fee.

Suing the wrong business entity can have serious legal consequences particularly if the statute of limitations—the time you have to file a lawsuit—expires. If you intend to sue another company with whom you have done business, you ought to contact a litigation attorney like the ones at ReidDennisFrick for assistance

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