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Massage parlor raids in Texas have become increasingly common as law enforcement agencies target businesses suspected of prostitution, solicitation, and human trafficking. These operations are often the result of long-term investigations involving local police, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) , and sometimes federal agencies. Whether you are a client, employee, or business owner, being implicated in one of these raids can carry severe legal and personal consequences.

In this article, the defense attorneys at Varghese Summersett explain massage parlor busts in Texas, the criminal charges that can result, and why it is critical to act immediately if you have been arrested or accused of a sex crime. We also outline the recent changes in Texas law that allow the TDLR to shut down businesses suspected of illegal activity — even before formal charges are filed.

massage parlor busts in Texas

 

Recent Massage Parlor Raids in Fort Worth

In recent months, multiple massage parlors in Fort Worth have been raided and shut down after investigations uncovered suspected illegal activity. Violations have included employees working without proper licenses, evidence of illegal services being offered to customers, and suggestive online advertising of illicit services. The ongoing crackdown has been led by the Fort Worth Police Department and TDLR, and similar enforcement actions have occurred in other Texas cities, including Round Rock and Houston.

A recent change in Texas law now allows TDLR to issue emergency closure orders for businesses suspected of illegal activity — even before any criminal charges are filed. These massage parlor stings are a preemptive tool when there is credible evidence of human trafficking, sexual misconduct, or criminal operations masked as legitimate business.

Massage Parlor Raids in Texas: Charges & Penaties

Common Charges From Massage Parlor Busts in Texas

When law enforcement raids a massage parlor suspected of illegal activity, it often leads to criminal charges. Below are the most common charges stemming from massage parlor investigations and raids in Texas — along with the potential penalties individuals may face under the law:

Prostitution – Texas Penal Code § 43.02

A person commits prostitution if they knowingly offer or agree to engage in sexual conduct for a fee. Both service providers and clients can be charged.

  • First offense: Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine
  • Second offense: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a maximum $4,000 fine
  • Third or subsequent offense: State jail felony, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and a maximum $10,000 fine

prostitution-charges-in-texas

Solicitation of Prostitution – Texas Penal Code § 43.021

A person commits solicitation of prostitution if he or she knowingly offers or agrees to pay a fee to another for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with that person or another.

  • First offense: State jail felony, punishable 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine
  • If the person solicited is under 18:  Second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Human Trafficking – Texas Penal Code § 20A.02

A person commits human trafficking if they knowingly traffic another person and use force, fraud, or coercion to cause them to engage in labor, services, or commercial sex acts. It is also a crime to knowingly benefit from participation in a trafficking venture.

In massage parlor investigations, this charge often arises when individuals — particularly undocumented immigrants — are found to be forced or coerced into sex work or labor under exploitative conditions.

  • Penalty: Second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine
  • If the victim is under 18 or suffers serious bodily injury: First-degree felony, punishable by  5 to 99 years or life in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine

Promotion of Prostitution – Texas Penal Code § 43.03

A person commits an offense if he or she receives money or other property pursuant to an agreement to participate in the proceeds of prostitution; or solicits another to engage in sexual conduct with another person for compensation.

  • Penalty: Third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine
  • With a prior conviction: Second-degree felony, punishable b y 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine
  • If the conduct involves a minor (under 18): First-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine, regardless of whether the accused knew the minor’s age.

Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution – Texas Penal Code § 43.04

A person commits aggravated promotion of prostitution if they knowingly own, invest in, finance, control, supervise, or manage a prostitution operation that involves two or more prostitutes. This charge is typically reserved for individuals operating or profiting from organized prostitution rings or massage parlors functioning as illicit enterprises.

  • Penalty: First-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine

Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – Texas Penal Code § 71.02

A person commits engaging in organized crime if they, with the intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a criminal combination or street gang, commit or conspire to commit certain specified crimes — such as prostitution, human trafficking, aggravated promotion of prostitution, or compelling prostitution.

This statute is often used to target criminal enterprises involving multiple actors, such as organized prostitution rings, trafficking networks, or coordinated illegal massage parlors. Individuals who finance, coordinate, or recruit others—even if they do not directly engage in the underlying crime—may be prosecuted under this law.

  • Penalty: The punishment is enhanced by one degree above the underlying offense
  • For example, if the base charge is a second-degree felony, the organized crime enhancement raises it to a first-degree felony.

Federal Charges After a Massage Parlor Bust

Massage parlor raids can escalate into federal cases, especially if:

  • The activity crosses state lines
  • Undocumented individuals are involved
  • There is evidence of wire fraud, money laundering, or social media-based trafficking

Federal convictions can carry mandatory minimum sentences and longer prison terms than state offenses. Agencies such as ICE, the FBI, and Homeland Security may become involved.

Massage Parlor Raids in Texas: Charges & Penaties

What to Expect During a Massage Parlor Raid

Massage parlor raids can be swift, intense, and legally complex. Law enforcement typically arrives with a search warrant, detains individuals on-site, and begins collecting evidence. Officers may question employees and clients, while state regulators like the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) assess licensing violations that can result in immediate business closures—even before any criminal charges are filed.

  • Search Warrants: Officers will enter with judicial authorization and may detain anyone on-site.
  • Interviews: Law enforcement may question employees and patrons. You have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney.
  • Evidence Collection: Phones, cash, business records, surveillance systems, and IDs may be seized.
  • TDLR Involvement: Inspectors can revoke licenses or issue an immediate closure, often before criminal charges are filed.
  • Arrests: Police may arrest individuals suspected of engaging in or facilitating illegal activity, such as prostitution or human trafficking. Those taken into custody may face serious misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the allegations and evidence gathered during the raid.

If you have been arrested or are under investigation following a massage parlor raid, it’s critical to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Early legal intervention can help protect your rights, limit exposure to criminal charges, and begin building a strong defense before formal accusations are filed.

How Investigators Build Their Case

Authorities typically spend months compiling evidence before a raid, including:

  • Undercover operations and stings to document illegal offers of sexual services
  • Surveillance of traffic, client interactions, and staff behavior
  • Audits of licenses, financials, and hiring records to detect money laundering or unlicensed operations

This multi-agency approach makes it easier to stack multiple charges –  and harder to fight without experienced legal counsel.

Massage Parlor Raids in Texas: Charges & Penaties

Common Misconceptions About Massage Parlor Offenses

“Everyone Consented.”
Consent does not negate trafficking, especially when the person is underage or coerced.

“It’s Just a Misdemeanor.”
Solicitation is now a felony, and promotion or trafficking can result in decades in prison.

“Only the Owners Get Charged.”
Not true. Employees, landlords, drivers, and even clients may face criminal charges or be listed as co-conspirators.

Immigration Risks for Non-Citizens

Massage parlor raids often involve individuals without legal status. Convictions for prostitution or trafficking may lead to:

  • Detention by ICE
  • Deportation proceedings
  • Loss of green card or asylum eligibility
  • Bars to reentry into the U.S.

Even without a conviction, ICE holds can delay release on bond or result in transfer to immigration detention.

Can the State Shut Down a Business Without a Conviction?

Yes. As of September 1, 2023, under House Bill 3579, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) can issue Emergency Orders of Closure against massage establishments suspected of human trafficking or related sexual offenses — even without criminal charges or a conviction.

The law allows TDLR’s executive director to halt operations if:

  • Law enforcement notifies TDLR that an establishment is under investigation for human trafficking or related sexual offenses.
  • TDLR has reasonable cause to believe such offenses are being committed at the business.

These closures can:

  • Be enforced immediately
  • Remain in place while investigations continue
  • Result in permanent loss of licensure
  • There is no requirement for criminal charges to be filed first

These emergency closure orders are typically effective for six months, giving authorities time to investigate further and provide support to potential victims. After this period, TDLR can either allow the business to reopen or revoke its license, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

The law does not broadly apply to every form of illegality, but focuses on combating human trafficking and sexual offenses within massage establishments. The law took effect on September 1, 2023, and has been actively used across Texas since then.

Criminal Defense Team

Questioned or Arrested in a Massage Parlor Raid?

Massage parlor raids can lead to life-altering consequences: felony records, sex offender registration, loss of business, immigration consequences, and permanent public stigma. If your name is tied to one of these operations, your next move is critical.

The criminal defense attorneys at Varghese Summersett have handled some of the most complex sex crimes and trafficking charges in North Texas. We act fast to protect your freedom, rights, and reputation. Call us today at 817-203-2220 or contact us online.

Our criminal defense attorneys stand between you and the government

Varghese Summersett

Swimming pools are a source of fun and relaxation in Texas, especially during our blistering summer months. But they also come with serious risks. Whether at a private residence, apartment complex, public pool, or hotel, a momentary lapse in safety can lead to catastrophic injury or even death.

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries or died due to a pool-related incident, a swimming pool accident lawyer at Varghese Summersett can help you pursue justice and compensation. In this article, our attorneys explain the various ways pool accidents occur, common injuries, who can be held liable, and how we can help.

Types of Swimming Pool Accidents

Types of Swimming Pool Accidents and How They Occur

Swimming pool accidents can happen in an instant and often result from preventable negligence. Common types of swimming pool accidents in Texas include:

Drowning and Near-Drowning

Drowning and near-drownings are the most severe and tragic pool-related incidents. Children are especially vulnerable, and lack of proper supervision or inadequate barriers (like fencing) are often contributing factors. According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services , drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among children in the state.

Slip and Falls

Pool decks, ladders, and diving boards can become slick with water, sunscreen, or algae, creating a hazardous environment. Property owners must regularly inspect and maintain walking surfaces to reduce slip hazards.

Diving Injuries

Improper signage or allowing diving in shallow areas can lead to spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or traumatic brain injuries. These cases frequently involve premises liability.

Entrapment or Suction Incidents

Defective or improperly maintained pool drains can trap swimmers, especially children, by their limbs or hair, sometimes resulting in serious injury or drowning.

Electrical Shock

Pools with faulty wiring or lighting can become a death trap. Electrocution is rare but deadly and usually results from code violations or negligent installation.

Chemical Burns and Respiratory Injuries

Improperly maintained chlorine levels or mixing of pool chemicals can cause skin irritation, burns, or respiratory damage from inhaling toxic fumes.

Common Swimming Pool Injuries

Common Swimming Pool Injuries

Swimming pool accidents often lead to serious, life-altering injuries — especially when negligence, inadequate supervision, or unsafe conditions are involved. These injuries can affect victims physically, emotionally, and financially for years to come. Some of the most common and devastating injuries include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A prolonged lack of oxygen during submersion can lead to severe brain damage. Victims of near-drowning incidents may suffer memory loss, cognitive impairment, developmental delays (in children), or permanent neurological damage. In the worst cases, the result is a persistent vegetative state or death.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Diving into shallow or poorly marked water can result in catastrophic spinal cord injuries. Victims may experience partial or total paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), requiring lifelong medical care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: Slip-and-fall accidents are common around wet pool decks. A simple fall can lead to broken arms, legs, hips, or even skull fractures — especially in children and elderly individuals. These injuries can require surgery, physical therapy, and extensive recovery time.
  • Lacerations and Soft Tissue Damage: Sharp pool edges, cracked tiles, and faulty drains can cause deep cuts, bruises, and other painful injuries. In some cases, these wounds can lead to disfigurement or infections, especially when water sanitation is poor.
  • Lung Damage from Near-Drowning: Survivors of near-drowning may experience “secondary drowning,” in which water in the lungs causes inflammation or infection hours after the incident. This can result in pneumonia, respiratory distress, or long-term lung damage.
  • Chemical Burns and Toxic Exposure: Improper handling or overuse of pool chemicals like chlorine and algaecides can cause chemical burns to the skin and eyes. Inhaling toxic fumes may also result in throat irritation, respiratory issues, or chemical pneumonitis.
  • Electrocution and Cardiac Arrest: Faulty wiring in pool lights, pumps, or other electrical components can cause electric shock. These incidents are often fatal or result in cardiac arrest, internal injuries, or severe nerve damage.

Swimming Pool Accidents and Wrongful Death

When drowning results in death, the emotional and financial toll on families is devastating. Lives are changed in an instant, often due to circumstances that were entirely preventable — such as inadequate supervision, broken gates, faulty pool equipment, or a lack of warning signs. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71, surviving family members have the legal right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the party whose negligence contributed to the tragedy. These claims seek compensation for loss of companionship, emotional pain and suffering, funeral and burial expenses, and the financial contributions the deceased would have made over their lifetime.

In Texas, wrongful death claims can be brought by the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents. If none of these individuals files within three months of the death, the executor or administrator of the estate may step in and file a claim on behalf of the estate. The goal is not only to ease the financial burden on surviving loved ones, but also to hold negligent parties accountable and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Establishing liability in swimming pool drowning cases often involves showing that the property owner, manager, or another responsible party failed to uphold a duty of care. For example, if a hotel pool was left unsecured or a lifeguard failed to act, those facts can form the foundation of a wrongful death case. These lawsuits can be complex, requiring expert testimony, thorough investigation, and careful legal strategy — all of which an experienced wrongful death attorney can provide.

Beyond the legal implications, these cases are deeply personal. No amount of compensation can bring a loved one back, but a successful claim can offer a measure of justice, closure, and financial stability in a family’s darkest moments. At Varghese Summersett, we approach these cases with compassion and commitment, fighting to ensure your loved one’s memory is honored and your family’s future is protected.

Texas Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers

Who Can Be Held Liable for Swimming Pool Accidents?

Liability depends on the circumstances of the accident and the type of property. Possible defendants include:

Property Owners and Managers

Whether it’s a homeowner, landlord, or hotel operator, the person responsible for the pool must maintain safe conditions and follow Texas premises liability laws.

Pool Maintenance Companies

If a contracted company failed to clean, inspect, or repair the pool properly, they could be held responsible for resulting injuries.

Product Manufacturers

When a pool-related injury is caused by a defective drain, ladder, diving board, or filtration system, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.

Lifeguards or Pool Staff

For public or commercial pools, lifeguards must be properly trained and attentive. A lapse in monitoring or rescue efforts could result in liability for the individual and their employer.

Proving Negligence in swimming pool accidents

Proving Negligence in Swimming Pool Accident Cases

To hold a party liable in a Texas swimming pool accident case, your lawyer must establish four legal elements:

  • Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty to maintain a reasonably safe pool environment.
  • Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to meet that standard, such as by ignoring hazards or failing to post warning signs.
  • Causation: The breach directly caused the accident or injury.
  • Damages: The victim suffered harm—physical, emotional, or financial—as a result.

Photos of the pool, eyewitness accounts, expert testimony, maintenance logs, and medical records can all help establish negligence.

The Attractive Nuisance Doctrine

In Texas, property owners can be held liable for injuries to children who access an unsecured pool — even if they were trespassing — under the “attractive nuisance doctrine.” The Attractive Nuisance Doctrine is a legal principle that holds property owners liable for injuries to children caused by hazardous features on their property that are likely to attract them. Swimming pools are one of the most common examples, especially relevant when they lack fencing, locks, or safety covers.

Under Texas law, if a landowner knows or should know that a condition on their property poses a danger to children — and fails to take reasonable steps to secure it — they may be held legally responsible for resulting injuries or deaths. To apply the doctrine, courts generally look at factors such as:

  • Whether the condition was likely to attract children.
  • Whether the child was too young to recognize the danger.
  • Whether the risk outweighed the burden of securing the hazard (e.g., installing a fence or gate).
  • Whether the landowner failed to take reasonable precautions.

Types of Compensation for a Texas Oilfield Accident
Types of Compensation Available

Victims of swimming pool accidents may be entitled to several forms of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and the level of negligence involved. Compensation is designed to help victims recover financially, emotionally, and physically after an accident.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the tangible, financial losses due to a swimming pool accident. These include:

  •  Medical bills (past and future)
  • Lost wages and future earning capacity
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that impact the victim’s quality of life. This includes:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of companionship or consortium

Punitive Damages

In egregious cases involving gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, Texas law allows courts to award punitive damages—also known as exemplary damages. Unlike compensatory damages, which are meant to reimburse victims for their losses, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
In the context of swimming pool accidents, punitive damages may be awarded if a property owner, pool operator, or other responsible party acted with extreme indifference to the safety of others. For example, parties may face punitive liability if they:

  • Knowingly ignored known safety violations or code infractions, such as failing to repair a broken pool gate or ignoring health department citations.
  • Failed to provide basic protective safeguards, such as secure fencing, self-latching gates, or pool covers in areas where children are present.
  • Removed or disabled safety features, such as drain covers, depth markers, or warning signs.
  • Operated a pool without trained lifeguards when required by law or knowingly hired unqualified staff.
  • Used faulty or unapproved electrical or chemical systems, creating a foreseeable risk of electrocution or toxic exposure.

Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, but when justified, they send a powerful message: cutting corners on safety — especially where children or the public are concerned — will not be tolerated.

Personal Injury Team

How an Experienced Swimming Pool Accident Attorney Can Help

Handling a swimming pool accident claim requires thorough investigation, strategic legal knowledge, and a willingness to take the case to trial, if necessary. At Varghese Summersett, our experienced swimming pool accident lawyers build strong cases by:

  • Gathering evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements
  • Consulting pool safety experts, engineers, or medical professionals
  • Calculating full damages, including long-term care costs
  • Negotiating with insurance companies that aim to minimize payouts
  • Taking your case to trial, if necessary, to achieve justice and fair compensation

We’ve handled complex premises liability and wrongful death claims across Texas and understand how to maximize compensation in pool injury cases.

Speak to a Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer Today

If you or your loved one was harmed or died in a swimming pool accident in Texas, don’t wait. These cases often involve critical evidence that can disappear quickly — like security footage or maintenance logs. Contact a swimming pool accident lawyer at Varghese Summersett for a free, no-obligation consultation. We don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.

Call us today at (817) 203-2220 or reach out online to speak directly with a seasoned Texas personal injury attorney. We’re here to provide answers, ease your burden, and help you move forward with the compensation you deserve. Don’t settle for less.

Hire our personal injury attorneys who do not settle for less.

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After an accident, it’s natural to want answers — especially when it comes to how much your case might be worth. That’s why online pain and suffering calculators are so popular. They offer quick estimates based on your medical bills, lost wages, and the severity of your injuries.

These tools can seem helpful in a moment of uncertainty. But relying on them can be misleading, and in many cases, downright harmful to your claim.

At Varghese Summersett, our experienced Texas personal injury attorneys take a personalized, strategic approach to every case. Below, we explain how pain and suffering is evaluated and why real legal guidance — not an online pain and suffering calculator  — is essential to truly understanding your case’s value.

What is Pain and Suffering

What is Pain and Suffering?

Pain and suffering refer to the physical discomfort and emotional distress a person endures as a result of an injury. Unlike economic damages, such as hospital bills or property repair costs, pain and suffering are intangible losses. They are subjective and vary greatly from person to person.

In Texas, pain and suffering damages are recognized under the umbrella of non-economic damages. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.001, non-economic damages include “physical pain and suffering, mental or emotional pain or anguish, loss of consortium, disfigurement, physical impairment, loss of companionship and society, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, and injury to reputation.”

Examples of pain and suffering could include chronic back pain from a car accident; anxiety or depression following a dog attack; PTSD after a serious motorcycle collision; and disfigurement or scarring resulting from a burn injury. We expand on the types of pain and suffering below.

Types of Pain and Sufffering

Types of Pain and Suffering in Texas

Pain and suffering damages in Texas are divided into two primary categories: physical and mental. Fully understanding these types helps ensure that every aspect of your suffering is properly valued and compensated.

Physical Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and suffering refer to the direct bodily injuries and the ongoing discomfort caused by the accident. Common examples include:

  • Immediate Pain from Broken Bones: The sudden, sharp pain of fractures can be debilitating, often requiring extensive treatment and long-term care.
  • Lingering Migraines After a Head Injury: Traumatic brain injuries can trigger severe, persistent headaches that interfere with concentration, work, and daily activities.
  • Surgical Pain and Recovery Discomfort: Post-operative pain from surgeries such as spinal fusion, joint repair, or internal injuries can linger for months, affecting mobility and quality of life.
  • Chronic Conditions Caused by Injury: Serious accidents can lead to permanent health problems like arthritis, nerve damage, or degenerative disc disease, which cause daily suffering and limit physical capabilities.

Physical pain is not just temporary. It often reshapes how victims live their lives, affecting everything from mobility to employment to relationships.

Mental Pain and Suffering

Mental pain and suffering focus on the emotional and psychological injuries stemming from the accident. These are just as real — and just as compensable — under Texas law:

  • Emotional Distress: Victims often experience overwhelming fear, shame, anger, or grief, sometimes requiring therapy to manage the emotional aftermath.
  • Anxiety: Persistent worry about safety, finances, or future health can dominate a victim’s life, preventing them from returning to normal routines.
  • Depression: A profound sense of sadness, hopelessness, and disconnection from loved ones is common after serious accidents, often requiring medication or counseling.
  • Insomnia: Sleepless nights caused by physical pain, nightmares, or emotional trauma can further damage physical health and mental well-being.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries prevent someone from engaging in hobbies, sports, social outings, or family activities, they suffer a significant, irreplaceable loss.

The emotional wounds left by an accident are often hidden but no less devastating than physical injuries. Proper compensation must recognize both.

Special Cases: Disfigurement and Physical Impairment

In addition to general pain and suffering, Texas law provides specific compensation for disfigurement and physical impairment:

  • Disfigurement: Permanent physical changes such as facial scars, burn marks, or amputation dramatically alter a person’s appearance. These injuries often result in emotional trauma, impacting social life, self-esteem, and employment opportunities.
  • Physical Impairment: This refers to lasting limitations in physical ability. For example, a spinal injury that forces someone to use a cane or wheelchair restricts mobility and independence, impacting every aspect of life even if the individual experiences minimal ongoing pain.

These special categories ensure that victims are fully compensated not only for what they feel but also for how their lives have been permanently changed.

Methods for Calculating Pain & Suffering

Methods for Calculating Pain and Suffering

Before we break down how pain and suffering is calculated, it’s important to understand this: no online pain and suffering calculator or formula can truly capture the personal, unique impact of your injuries. These methods are commonly referenced in legal discussions and insurance negotiations, but they are starting points — not definitive answers.

Online pain and suffering calculators often give accident victims false hope or unrealistic expectations. They oversimplify the process, ignore individual nuances, and fail to consider factors that truly influence compensation — like credibility, ongoing treatment, and future impact.

Unlike medical bills, there is no straightforward receipt that states the “price” of your pain and suffering. However, courts and insurance companies generally use two primary methods to calculate these damages. Here’s an overview below.

1. The Multiplier Method

This is the most common method. Here’s how it works:

  • Add up all your economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.).
  • Multiply that total by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of your injuries. The lower the number, the less severe the injuries. Keep in mind factors that influence the pain and suffering calculator include the severity of the injury, length of recovery, impact on daily life, degree of emotional distress, and whether permanent disability or scarring is involved.

Example:
Medical bills and lost wages = $50,000
Multiplier = 3 (for severe injuries)
Pain and suffering award = $150,000

Again, this method is just a framework. Insurance companies often apply low multipliers to minimize payouts — and even attorneys must adjust based on the specific details of your case.

2. The Per Diem Method

“Per diem” means “per day.” In this method, a daily dollar amount is assigned to your pain and suffering, and it’s multiplied by the number of days you have suffered or are expected to suffer.

Example: $200 per day x 365 days = $73,000

Assigning a reasonable per diem rate often involves considering your daily salary, daily inconvenience, or severity of pain. While more personalized than the multiplier method, this approach still requires interpretation and justification — especially when facing skeptical insurance adjusters or juries.

The Problem with Pain and Suffering Calculators

While it may feel satisfying to plug in a few numbers and get a dollar amount, pain and suffering calculators often oversimplify a highly complex process. Here’s why they don’t give you the full picture:

  • They use generic formulas. Real personal injury cases involve dozens of unique factors — not just bills and wages.
  • They ignore case-specific issues. Liability disputes, pre-existing conditions, and long-term impact on your life all dramatically affect compensation.
  • They don’t factor in negotiation. The skill and experience of your attorney, the attitude of the insurance company, and local jury verdicts matter far more than a calculator ever could.
  • They aren’t recognized in court. No judge or jury uses these tools. Your legal team builds a case based on evidence, expert testimony, and real-world damages.

Real Compensation Requires Real Analysis

Pain and suffering damage fall under non-economic damages — and calculating them isn’t as simple as using a multiplier. In Texas, courts consider:

  • The severity and duration of your physical injuries
  • Your emotional and mental distress
  • How your life, relationships, and career have been affected
  • Whether you’ve suffered permanent disfigurement or disability
  • The credibility of your medical documentation and testimony

Each of these elements requires legal interpretation, documentation, and often, expert insight. No online tool can accurately assess that for you.

Why We Don’t Offer a Pain and Suffering Calculator

We understand why people search for calculators. When you’ve been hurt, you want answers — fast. But the truth is, pain and suffering calculators can’t give you a reliable or realistic case value.

They don’t know your story. They don’t account for your pain, your missed moments, your emotional trauma, or how the injury has changed your life.

That’s why we made the decision not to include a calculator here. Instead, we invite you to contact Varghese Summersett directly at 817-203-2220. Our team will listen to your experience, review your case, and provide the guidance an algorithm never could.

How Insurance Minimize Pain & Suffering

How Insurance Companies Minimize Pain and Suffering Claims

Insurance companies are in the business of protecting their profits — not necessarily of providing fair compensation. That’s why they often work quickly to downplay or dispute pain and suffering claims. Some of their most common tactics include:

  • Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurers may argue that your pain stems from an old injury or pre-existing condition rather than the accident. This tactic is used to diminish the connection between the incident and your current suffering.
  • Minimizing the Severity of Your Pain: Adjusters often question whether you’re truly experiencing the level of discomfort you claim. They may point to gaps in treatment, lack of consistent medical records, or a return to work as evidence that your injuries are minor.
  • Disputing Emotional and Mental Distress: Pain and suffering isn’t just physical — it includes emotional trauma as well. Insurers often try to invalidate or undervalue emotional anguish by labeling it as subjective or exaggerated.
  • Using Unreasonably Low Multipliers: In calculating damages, insurers often apply unfairly low multiplier values — especially in soft tissue injury cases — to reduce your overall compensation offer.

At Varghese Summersett, we know these strategies inside and out — and we don’t let insurance companies get away with them. Our legal team pushes back against bad faith tactics and fights for the full and fair compensation our clients deserve.

Personal Injury Team

How Varghese Summersett Maximizes Your Compensation

When you work with Varghese Summersett, you gain a team that meticulously documents your physical and emotional hardships, consults with medical experts, and develops a compelling narrative to present to insurance companies, judges, or juries. We work tirelessly to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Future treatment costs
  • Permanent disabilities

Most importantly, we don’t rely on cookie-cutter formulas. We build each case from the ground up — because every client’s story, recovery, and suffering is different.

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t leave money on the table. Pain and suffering damages are real — and you deserve to be compensated for all you have endured. Forget the calculator. Call the team who will fight to make sure your story is heard — and valued. Contact Varghese Summersett today at 817-203-2220 or reach out through our online form. Our team of experienced Texas personal injury attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and fight relentlessly for the compensation you deserve.

dont suffer in silence our personal injury lawyers can help

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The Michael Morton Act Under Attack

In 2013, the Texas Legislature unanimously passed the Michael Morton Act , one of the most significant reforms to criminal procedure in state history. Signed into law by Republican Governor Rick Perry, the Act was designed to prevent wrongful convictions by requiring prosecutors to disclose all material evidence as soon as practicable after a timely request by the defense. This meant turning over all the evidence in the possession of prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, removing ambiguity about what must be turned over and when.

Its purpose was clear: to ensure that criminal trials are decided on all the facts, not just those the State chooses to disclose.

The law was passed in response to the wrongful conviction of Michael Morton, who spent nearly 25 years in prison for the murder of his wife, Christine Morton. Key evidence pointing to his innocence was withheld by the prosecution:

  • A neighbor reported seeing a suspicious man with a green van near the Morton home before the murder;
  • Morton’s young son told family members his father wasn’t home during the attack;
  • The victim’s credit card was used in San Antonio days after her death; and
  • A bloody bandana containing DNA from another man was found near the crime scene.

That other man, Mark Norwood, was later convicted not only for the murder of Christine Morton but also for a second murder — Debra Baker in 1988 — committed while he remained free due to the State’s suppression of evidence in Morton’s case.

The lead prosecutor, Ken Anderson, knowingly withheld this exculpatory evidence and falsely claimed in court that he possessed nothing favorable to the defense. A Court of Inquiry, convened by the Texas Supreme Court, found Anderson withheld exculpatory evidence from the defense. Anderson was criminally charged, pled guilty to contempt of court, surrendered his law license, resigned from the bench, and served jail time — making him the first prosecutor in Texas history to be jailed for misconduct in a wrongful conviction.

Now, House Bill 3330 and Senate Bill 1124 (identical bills) seek to undo key elements of the Michael Morton Act. They would narrow the State’s obligation to disclose evidence, allow prosecutors to unilaterally redact or withhold portions of materials, and shift the burden to defendants to justify requests for discovery. These proposals are not technical adjustments — they represent a rollback of the most important due process reform in Texas criminal law in a generation.

The Michael Morton Act: A Mandate for Transparency Born from Injustice

The Michael Morton Act: A Mandate for Transparency Born from Injustice

Prior to the Michael Morton Act, Texas law did not require prosecutors to disclose most evidence in their possession, and many jurisdictions operated with closed file policies. Disclosure was often selective and discretionary, leading to widespread concerns about trial by ambush and the routine withholding of potentially exculpatory evidence. The resulting system bred wrongful convictions and undermined public trust.

The Michael Morton Act addressed these failures by:

  • Requiring the disclosure of all material evidence, broadly defined;
  • Expanding “the State” to include law enforcement and all government agencies involved in investigations;
  • Creating a clear documentary trail for discovery compliance;
  • Empowering trial judges to sanction discovery violations, including by excluding improperly withheld evidence.

This represented not just a procedural change but a philosophical shift: from trial by ambush to trial by full disclosure.

HB 3330 and SB 1124 directly attack each of these pillars.

How HB 3330 and SB 1124 Undermine the Michael Morton Act

How HB 3330 and SB 1124 Undermine the Michael Morton Act

A. Redefining “The State” to Create Discovery Loopholes

Under the Michael Morton Act, and as confirmed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in State v. Heath (2024) , “the State” includes not just prosecutors but law enforcement officers and any agency involved in the investigation. This is essential to ensure that all relevant evidence, even if it never physically touches the prosecutor’s file, is turned over to the defense.

HB 3330 and SB 1124 would dramatically narrow this definition, limiting “the State” to only the prosecuting attorney and the specific agency that filed the charges. Under HB 3330 and SB 1124, evidence held by any government agency outside the prosecuting attorney’s office or the primary investigating agency could fall outside the scope of the State’s discovery obligations. That means a 911 recording stored by a regional communications center, an autopsy report at the medical examiner’s office, a toxicology analysis held by a lab under DPS contract, or even witness statements gathered during a parallel TABC investigation might not be disclosed—unless the defense happens to know of their existence and specifically requests them. The proposed definition encourages compartmentalization of evidence and invites prosecutors to claim ignorance of materials held by sister agencies, undermining the Morton Act’s goal of full and fair disclosure. This redefinition invites exactly the kind of “willful ignorance” the Michael Morton Act was meant to eliminate. Prosecutors could credibly claim they had no duty to seek out exculpatory or impeaching evidence beyond their own agency.

B. Letting Prosecutors Pre-Screen Relevance: A Built-In Conflict

The Michael Morton Act requires disclosure of anything material “to any matter involved in the action.” Courts, including in Watkins v. State (2021), have interpreted materiality broadly, noting that it includes anything logically connected to a consequential fact, even if not independently exculpatory.

HB 3330 and SB 1124 shift the standard: only evidence “relevant to a fact of consequence” must be disclosed. Worse, prosecutors would have sole authority to initially decide relevance. Defense discovery requests would also have to be “timely and specific.”

The danger here is obvious. Prosecutors — incentivized to win convictions — would naturally under-assess the significance of information harmful to their case. This is precisely what happened in Michael Morton’s own prosecution. It would again allow prosecutors to self-censor evidence under the guise of subjective “relevance” determinations.

Further, the “specific request” requirement traps the defense: counsel cannot ask for an item by name if they do not know it exists. The result is that unknown evidence could legally remain hidden.

C. Weakening Judicial Remedies for Discovery Violations

Currently, trial courts can exclude undisclosed evidence as a remedy for discovery violations. This is essential to ensuring compliance: if the consequence for withholding evidence is merely a delay, there is little incentive to comply promptly.

HB 3330 and SB 1124 limit judicial power dramatically. Judges could exclude evidence only if:

  • The State knowingly withheld it, or
  • There is actual, incurable prejudice.

This standard would all but eliminate exclusion as a meaningful remedy. Most discovery violations stem from negligence or disorganization, not provable “bad faith.” Courts are historically reluctant to find actual prejudice if a continuance can arguably cure the problem.

State v. Heath shows why discretion matters. There, a 911 recording was discovered late. The trial court excluded it, and the CCA affirmed. Heath was not an outlier — it was a textbook application of the Michael Morton Act’s protections.

By gutting exclusion authority, these bills would greenlight sloppy or even tactical late disclosure.

D. Shifting Discovery Burdens Onto the Defense

The bills would flip the discovery dynamic: forcing the defense to initiate specific, justified requests rather than requiring the State to produce everything material.

This creates a serious constitutional concern. The Fifth Amendment protects not just against self-incrimination but against forced disclosure of defense theories. Forcing defense counsel to reveal strategy to justify discovery violates that principle. Moreover, it risks creating litigation over discovery itself — endless mini-hearings about the “necessity” of information before defense lawyers even know what exists.

These bills attempt to sneak reciprocal discovery in through the back door.

E. Allowing Redaction and Withholding Without Court Approval

In civil litigation under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 192.3, parties must produce entire relevant documents. Redactions must be justified and subject to court scrutiny. HB 3330 and SB 1124 would allow prosecutors, unilaterally, to redact parts of materials they deem irrelevant or privileged. The defense would only be able to challenge redactions after the fact.

Allowing unilateral prosecutorial redactions, especially of factual material, creates serious risk that crucial evidence will never be disclosed or will be so delayed as to be useless.

Rebutting the Justifications for HB 3330 and SB 1124

Rebutting the Justifications for HB 3330 and SB 1124

A. The Heath Decision Was a Reaffirmation, Not a Radical Shift

Supporters of HB 3330 point to State v. Heath as justification for rolling back discovery protections, claiming the case introduced unworkable burdens by holding prosecutors responsible for evidence they never personally reviewed.

This is a misreading of Heath. The Court of Criminal Appeals held that when a law enforcement agency involved in the investigation possesses evidence, that evidence is imputed to the State — even if the individual prosecutor didn’t know about it. That is not a novel legal principle. It is a faithful application of both the letter and the spirit of the Michael Morton Act.

The Court of Criminal Appeals recognized that the duty to disclose includes a duty to inquire. Prosecutors cannot blind themselves to relevant information simply because it is housed in a different branch of the government.

The “as soon as practicable” standard means that diligence is required, and delays caused by poor communication or bureaucratic silos are not acceptable excuses.

Heath did not expand the law; it enforced it. The problem wasn’t with the law — it was with the prosecution’s failure to meet it. Gutting the Michael Morton Act because the courts finally applied it correctly is both illogical and dangerous.

B. The “Defense Gamesmanship” Narrative Is a Red Herring

Some proponents argue that defense attorneys lie in wait — failing to alert prosecutors to overlooked evidence, only to spring an objection at trial. They frame this as a kind of trap.

But the responsibility to disclose evidence lies with the State. The defense has no legal or ethical duty to assist prosecutors in fulfilling their obligations. Suggesting otherwise flips the adversarial system on its head.

Delays and surprises do not help the defense — they lead to continuances, strained client relationships, and missed opportunities to prepare. The notion that defense attorneys are engaged in “gotcha” tactics is unsupported and distracts from the real problem: the State not following the law.

If prosecutors don’t want evidence excluded, the solution is simple: disclose it on time.

C. Complaints About Discovery Volume and Privacy Are Misleading

Another argument raised is that modern criminal cases involve enormous volumes of data — and that prosecutors are overwhelmed by having to review and produce it. But inconvenience is not a justification for denying defendants the right to a fair trial.

Technology has made disclosure easier, not harder. Digital portals, cloud-based discovery platforms, and metadata search tools allow offices to share entire case files efficiently. The burden argument rings hollow in a post-Michael Morton Act world where most large counties already operate with open file systems.

As for privacy, Texas law already contains tools to protect sensitive information. Articles 39.14 and 39.15 of the Code of Criminal Procedure allow redaction of victim contact information and shielding of sensitive personal records. Courts can issue protective orders when needed. The Michael Morton Act does not require reckless disclosure — it requires fair disclosure.

HB 3330 and SB 1124 go well beyond addressing legitimate privacy concerns. They give prosecutors a broad, unilateral veto over disclosure — one that can easily be abused or misapplied.

Why Texas Must Reject HB 3330 and SB 1124

Testimony on HB 3330

A summary of the testimony on House Bill 3330 is included below:

Supporters of HB 3330

Name Affiliation Stance Key Points
Rep. David Cook Author of HB 3330 Support Says the bill clarifies discovery responsibilities; claims it does not repeal the Michael Morton Act.
DA Brett Ligon Montgomery County District Attorney Support Frames the bill as a response to “gamesmanship” and lack of clear remedy post-Heath.
Jennifer Tharp Comal County District Attorney Support Supports most provisions of the bill, especially OP and Q; suggests future collaboration is welcome.

Opponents of HB 3330

Name Affiliation Stance Key Points
Michael Morton Wrongfully convicted exoneree Oppose By Letter. Believes HB 3330 would undo key protections of the Michael Morton Act.
Rep. Joe Moody Texas House of Representatives Oppose Presented Morton’s letter; warned of undermining discovery transparency.
Ginny Andrews Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Oppose Argues HB 3330 weakens safeguards against wrongful convictions.
Alan Place Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) Oppose Says the bill reverses 50 years of case law and limits defense access to evidence.
Mike Ware Innocence Project of Texas Oppose Warns the bill enables concealment of evidence and would lead to more wrongful convictions.
Burke Butler Texas Defender Service Oppose Calls HB 3330 a gutting of the Michael Morton Act; emphasizes transparency.
Richard Miles Exoneree; Founder of Miles of Freedom Oppose Points to his own wrongful conviction due to undisclosed evidence.
Amanda Marzullo Austin Community Law Center Oppose Criticizes the narrowing of discovery standards and burden shifting.
Sam Bassett TCDLA and Self Oppose Warns against diluting protections that prevent law enforcement cover-ups.
Joe Patton Dallas County Public Defender’s Office Oppose Concerned about vague standards and increased litigation over discovery disputes.
John Raley Attorney for Michael Morton Oppose Urges against letting prosecutors again become evidence gatekeepers.
Bay Scoggin Innocence Project Oppose Adds organizational opposition to the bill based on wrongful conviction risks.
Jeremy Rosenthal Criminal defense attorney, McKinney Oppose Stated the current discovery law is working; emphasized prosecutors should embrace disclosure as part of modern practice.
Nicole DeBorde Hochglaube Former President, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association Oppose Argued the bill weakens the Michael Morton Act by limiting judicial discretion and imposing unfair constraints on raising discovery violations; emphasized urgency by traveling from court to testify.

Why Texas Must Reject HB 3330 and SB 1124

The Michael Morton Act was not simply a legislative fix — it was a moral reckoning. It stood for the proposition that justice requires transparency, that the State cannot be trusted to self-police without accountability, and that a fair trial demands full disclosure of all relevant facts.

HB 3330 and SB 1124 threaten to undo this progress.

Texas already leads the nation in exonerations. The response to that sobering fact should be to strengthen safeguards, not dismantle them. The public deserves a system that values truth more than conviction rates, and defendants deserve a level playing field when their liberty is at stake.

The Fight Isn’t Over: Why Vigilance Still Matters

The Fight Isn’t Over: Why Vigilance Still Matters

Even if HB 3330 is left pending in committee this session, the threat it represents is very real — and growing. Its Senate companion, SB 1124 passed the Senate. On April 15, 2025, SB 1124 was approved and sent to the House the next day, where it was referred to the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. Considered as House Bill 3330, the legislation was left pending in committee on April 22, 2025 – at least for now.

If it advances, these sweeping changes to Texas discovery law could move quickly through the House and become law.

This is not the first attempt to roll back the Michael Morton Act. In 2019, Senator Joan Huffman introduced SB 2136, which, like the current bills, sought to limit courts’ ability to exclude evidence unless the State acted in bad faith and caused irreparable harm — the same high bar proposed now. That bill failed, but the strategy behind it has not gone away.

Even if HB 3330 and SB 1124 stall this year, they are part of a broader, persistent effort to narrow the State’s discovery duties and reduce the consequences for noncompliance. Each time these ideas are introduced — whether they pass or not — they gain traction and risk becoming the new norm if met with silence.

That’s why defense lawyers, judges, and the public must stay vigilant. The Michael Morton Act was a landmark reform rooted in the simple idea that fairness requires transparency. Letting this rollback quietly die without resistance only ensures it will return — maybe under a new number or hidden in broader legislation.

If Texas is serious about justice, it must remain serious about accountability. These bills deserve to fail — and to fail loudly.

Varghese Summersett

Varghese Summersett has received the Richard L. Knight Rotary Minority Business Award — a prestigious honor presented by the Rotary Club of Fort Worth to recognize minority-owned businesses that exemplify core values and best practices.

Out of 125 nominated businesses, six finalists were selected and recognized on April 25 during a special awards luncheon held at the Fort Worth Club. Moving videos showcasing the top three finalists — including Varghese Summersett — were played before the award was presented by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.

 

“It is an incredible honor to receive the Richard L. Knight Rotary Minority Business Award,” said Benson Varghese, founder and managing partner of Varghese Summersett. “To be recognized by a city and an organization that has given so much to businesses like ours is truly humbling. Fort Worth has embraced me and our firm from the very beginning, and I am deeply grateful. This award is a reflection not just of our team’s hard work, but of a community that believes in lifting up others. We are proud to call Fort Worth home.”

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Benson Varghese

The Rotary Minority Business Awards program was established five years ago by the Rotary Club of Fort Worth to honor minority-owned businesses that have demonstrated core elements of the Rotary through leadership, community engagement, and outstanding business practices in Fort Worth.

This year, the award was renamed to honor the late Richard L. Knight, a respected community leader who passed away in the spring of 2024. Knight made significant and lasting contributions to Fort Worth’s minority business community, particularly through his visionary leadership and tireless advocacy.

Knight’s family was present at the event and paid tribute to his legacy, along with remarks from NBC5 anchor Deborah Ferguson, who emceed the program, and last year’s award recipient, Jeff Postell Jr., president and CEO of Post L. Group.

“Richard Knight was a great entrepreneur,” Postell said. “And as entrepreneurs, you are the fuel that powers the people in our community.”

Following the tributes and remarks, the six finalists were recognized for their outstanding achievements before the top honorees were announced. They included:

  • 6th Place: MOOV USA Inc.
  • 5th Place: iSalt (Institute for Success and Leadership Training)
  • 4th Place: HUSTLE-BLENDZ COFFEE
  • 3rd Place: Vasse Rendezvous
  • 2nd Place: CleanJet
  • 1st Place: Varghese Summersett

Benson Varghese Accepting Rotary Minority Business Award

After Varghese Summersett was announced as the winner, Benson Varghese took a few moments to express gratitude and reflect on his personal journey.

“I took my wife, Anna Summersett, and my three boys to India last month. It was their first time visiting where I was born and spent my formative years,” Varghese said. “I was born in a house without plaster on the walls, without running water. In South India, electricity comes and goes. To go from that to where we are today — to be blessed to work with amazing people and impact families — is incredible. It reminds me that it’s not just the United States that is the land of opportunity — Fort Worth is uniquely special.

“Eleven years ago, I decided to hang a shingle and start a law firm. There weren’t many people who looked like me doing what I was trying to do. But Fort Worth embraced me. I can’t think of a single instance where I wasn’t given an opportunity based on where I was from or what I looked like. What this Rotary Club and this community have built — a place where everyone is welcome and businesses are supported — is commendable. We are honored to be part of it.”

About Varghese Summersett

Varghese Summersett is a premier criminal defense, personal injury, and family law practice dedicated to helping people through life’s greatest challenges. The firm’s roster is full of highly experienced, award-winning attorneys committed to providing exceptional legal services. Varghese Summersett has been named a “Fort Worth Chamber Small Business of the Year,” a “DFW Favorite,” a “Best Place to Work in Fort Worth,” and a “Best Place for Working Parents,” among numerous other accolades. Learn more about Varghese Summersett at versustexas.com.

Varghese Summersett

Varghese Summersett received the Richard L. Knight Rotary Minority Business Award on Friday — a prestigious honor presented by the Rotary Club of Fort Worth to recognize minority-owned businesses that exemplify core values and best practices.

Out of 125 nominated businesses, six finalists were selected and recognized during a special awards luncheon held at the Fort Worth Club. Moving videos showcasing the top three finalists — including Varghese Summersett — were played before the winner was announced.

Varghese Summersett was ultimately named the recipient of the 2025 award, which was presented by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.

“It is an incredible honor to receive the Richard L. Knight Rotary Minority Business Award,” said Benson Varghese, founder and managing partner of Varghese Summersett. “To be recognized by a city and an organization that has given so much to businesses like ours is truly humbling. Fort Worth has embraced me and our firm from the very beginning, and I am deeply grateful. This award is a reflection not just of our team’s hard work, but of a community that believes in lifting up others. We are proud to call Fort Worth home.”

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Benson Varghese

The Rotary Minority Business Awards program was established five years ago by the Rotary Club of Fort Worth to honor minority-owned businesses that have demonstrated core elements of the Rotary through leadership, community engagement, and outstanding business practices in Fort Worth.

This year, the award was renamed to honor the late Richard L. Knight, a respected community leader who passed away in the spring of 2024. Knight made significant and lasting contributions to Fort Worth’s minority business community, particularly through his visionary leadership and tireless advocacy.

Knight’s family was present at the event and paid tribute to his legacy, along with remarks from NBC5 anchor Deborah Ferguson, who emceed the program, and last year’s award recipient, Jeff Postell Jr., president and CEO of Post L. Group.

“Richard Knight was a great entrepreneur,” Postell said. “And as entrepreneurs, you are the fuel that powers the people in our community.”

Following the tributes and remarks, the six finalists were recognized for their outstanding achievements before the top honorees were announced. They included:

  • 6th Place: MOOV USA Inc.
  • 5th Place: iSalt (Institute for Success and Leadership Training)
  • 4th Place: HUSTLE-BLENDZ COFFEE
  • 3rd Place: Vasse Rendezvous
  • 2nd Place: CleanJet
  • 1st Place: Varghese Summersett

Benson Varghese Accepting Rotary Minority Business Award

After Varghese Summersett was announced as the winner, Benson Varghese took a few moments to express gratitude and reflect on his personal journey.

“I took my wife, Anna Summersett, and my three boys to India last month. It was their first time visiting where I was born and spent my formative years,” Varghese said. “I was born in a house without plaster on the walls, without running water. In South India, electricity comes and goes. To go from that to where we are today — to be blessed to work with amazing people and impact families — is incredible. It reminds me that it’s not just the United States that is the land of opportunity — Fort Worth is uniquely special.

“Eleven years ago, I decided to hang a shingle and start a law firm. There weren’t many people who looked like me doing what I was trying to do. But Fort Worth embraced me. I can’t think of a single instance where I wasn’t given an opportunity based on where I was from or what I looked like. What this Rotary Club and this community have built — a place where everyone is welcome and businesses are supported — is commendable. We are honored to be part of it.”

About Varghese Summersett

Varghese Summersett is a premier criminal defense, personal injury, and family law practice dedicated to helping people through life’s greatest challenges. The firm’s roster is full of highly experienced, award-winning attorneys committed to providing exceptional legal services. Varghese Summersett has been named a “Fort Worth Chamber Small Business of the Year,” a “DFW Favorite,” a “Best Place to Work in Fort Worth,” and a “Best Place for Working Parents,” among numerous other accolades. Learn more about Varghese Summersett at versustexas.com.

Varghese Summersett

A living trust in Texas is a legal document that places your assets into a trust during your lifetime and allows those assets to be managed for your benefit while you’re alive — and then smoothly transferred to your chosen beneficiaries after your death. Unlike a will, which goes through probate, a living trust can bypass that process entirely, saving your loved ones time, money, and stress.

In this article, the estate planning attorneys at Varghese Summersett explain living trusts in Texas, including the types available, how they work, and how they can help protect your assets and provide for your loved ones.

How Does a Living Trust Work in Texas?

When you create a living trust, you (the grantor) transfer ownership of your property, such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, or even personal items, into the trust. You name a trustee (often yourself, initially) to manage the trust during your lifetime. You also designate a successor trustee who will take over if you become incapacitated or after your death. This allows your assets to be distributed directly to your beneficiaries without needing court involvement.

Example: If you own a house in Fort Worth and want your daughter to inherit it, placing it in a living trust means she can take ownership quickly after your death — without waiting on probate court proceedings.

Types of Living Trusts in Texas

Types of Living Trusts in Texas

While the term “living trust” often refers to a revocable living trust, Texas law recognizes several forms, each suited to different goals and circumstances. Understanding the distinctions can help you make the right decision for your estate planning needs.

Revocable Living Trust

A revocable living trust allows you to change or revoke the trust at any time. It offers flexibility, but does not shield assets from creditors. This type of trust is commonly used to avoid probate and maintain privacy in the management and distribution of your assets.

Irrevocable Living Trust

An irrevocable living trust cannot be changed or revoked without court approval or beneficiary consent. It offers greater protection from creditors and potential tax advantages. Because the assets are removed from your taxable estate, this type of trust is often used for advanced estate planning strategies.

Testamentary Trust

A testamentary trust is created through your will and becomes active after death. Unlike living trusts, these do go through probate but can still be used to control asset distribution. Testamentary trusts are often used to manage assets for minor children or beneficiaries who may not be ready to handle a large inheritance.

Special Needs Trust

A special needs trust preserves a disabled beneficiary’s eligibility for government benefits while providing supplemental financial support. This type of trust is carefully structured to avoid disqualifying the beneficiary from essential aid programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), while still enhancing their quality of life.

What is a Living Trust in Texas?

Who Needs a Living Trust in Texas?

A living trust isn’t just for the wealthy. In fact, it can be especially beneficial for:

  • Parents of young children who want to set specific terms for asset distribution
  • Individuals with blended families who need to ensure assets go to biological children
  • Elderly individuals who may become incapacitated and want seamless financial management
  • Business owners who wish to maintain operational continuity
  • High-asset individuals who want to minimize estate taxes and avoid probate
  • Military members who face deployment or high-risk environment and need a reliable plan for managing and transferring assets

Why Create a Living Trust?

There are many reasons why people should create a living trust. They include, but are not limited to:

1. Avoid Probate: Probate in Texas can be a costly and time-consuming court process. A living trust allows assets to be distributed immediately after death, skipping court delays and fees.

2. Maintain Privacy: Unlike a will, which becomes public record during probate, a living trust keeps your financial affairs confidential.

3. Plan for Incapacity: If you become mentally or physically unable to manage your finances, your successor trustee can step in without requiring court intervention.

4. Control Asset Distribution: You can outline specific instructions for when and how your beneficiaries receive their inheritance, whether it’s at a certain age or upon reaching a milestone like graduation.

5. Protect Loved Ones: A living trust can include protective language to help shield beneficiaries from creditors, lawsuits, or even themselves if they lack financial discipline.

What is a Living Trust in Texas?

Common Misconceptions About Living Trusts

Many people delay or avoid estate planning because of persistent myths and misunderstandings. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can lead to unnecessary legal complications, financial burdens, and stress for loved ones. Clearing up the confusion can help more families take timely, proactive steps toward peace of mind.

“Trusts are only for the wealthy.”

This is one of the most common myths. In reality, middle-class families often stand to gain the most from living trusts. They help avoid probate costs, protect young beneficiaries, and provide clear instructions for distributing assets—all of which can preserve family harmony and financial stability.

“I’m too young for a trust.”

Tragedy doesn’t follow a schedule, and neither should your planning. Accidents and medical emergencies can happen at any age. A living trust offers financial and legal protection no matter where you are in life, helping to ensure your wishes are followed and your assets are managed according to your terms.

“I already have a will—why would I need a trust?”

While a will is a key estate planning tool, it must go through probate, which can be time-consuming, public, and costly. A living trust allows your estate to bypass probate entirely and also provides a plan for managing your assets if you become incapacitated — something a will cannot do.

“Trusts are complicated.”

While trusts may seem intimidating at first, the process of creating one can be straightforward with the guidance of a knowledgeable estate planning attorney. A well-drafted trust simplifies matters for your family by outlining your intentions clearly and avoiding unnecessary legal entanglements.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Living Trust?

Without a living trust, your estate may be subject to:

  • Texas Probate Court, which can delay the distribution of your assets
  • Higher legal and administrative costs
  • Public exposure of your estate and beneficiaries
  • Inflexibility in dealing with sudden incapacity
  • Potential disputes among family members

Assets held solely in your name without proper beneficiary designations will be frozen until the probate process is complete. In Texas, even with a will, this can take months — or longer if contested.

What is a Living Trust in Texas?

Assets Commonly Placed in a Living Trust

Understanding what can (and can’t) go into a trust helps you make the most of this tool. Assets typically included are:

  • Real estate (your home, investment properties, land)
  • Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
  • Investment accounts (brokerage, mutual funds)
  • Business interests (LLC shares, partnerships)
  • Personal property (jewelry, art, firearms)
  • Life insurance policies (when coordinated with a trust-owned policy or pour-over will)

Note: Retirement accounts (like IRAs or 401(k)s) typically stay outside the trust due to tax considerations but can be coordinated with beneficiary designations.

How to Fund a Living Trust in Texas

Creating a trust is just the beginning. Funding it — transferring ownership of your assets — is essential for it to work. Here are the steps to fund a living trust:

  • Retitle assets (e.g., change deed on your home to show trust as owner)
  • Update beneficiary designations for life insurance or retirement accounts
  • Assign personal property using a trust schedule or assignment
  • Open trust bank accounts or retitle existing accounts

Many trusts fail not because of bad drafting — but because they were never properly funded. That’s why the attorneys at Varghese Summersett walk clients through this critical step in detail.

How a Living Trust Fits Into a Broader Estate Plan

A living trust is only one component of a comprehensive estate plan. To truly protect your wishes and family, you should also consider:

  • Last Will and Testament (to catch any assets not in the trust)
  • Durable Power of Attorney (for managing financial affairs if incapacitated)
  • Medical Power of Attorney and Advance Directive (for healthcare decisions)
  • HIPAA Authorization (to grant access to medical records)

Varghese Summersett Attorney Michael A. Levins works closely with clients to build personalized plans that bring all of these elements together.

Can a living trust impact divorce

Can a Living Trust Impact Divorce?

If you are going through a divorce, a living trust may or may not be considered community property depending on when and how it was funded. Assets acquired during marriage and transferred into the trust may be subject to division. However, if the trust was created before the marriage and funded with separate property, it may remain separate under Texas Family Code § 3.001 . It’s crucial to update your trust after divorce to remove your ex-spouse as a beneficiary or trustee, if applicable.

A living trust does not directly influence child custody arrangements, but it can indirectly impact your children’s welfare. For example, if you name a trustee to manage funds for your children, you can ensure financial stability regardless of who is awarded custody. If you pass away while your child is a minor, the trustee can manage the assets in the trust to provide for the child’s health, education, and general needs.

Southlake Legal Team

Interested in a Living Trust? Varghese Summersett Can Help

At Varghese Summersett, attorney Michael A. Levins brings vast experience in estate planning and family law to help Texas families craft strategic, personalized living trusts.

Known for his sharp financial acumen, Michael A. Levins advises clients on building estate plans that are both practical and protective. With a finance degree, law degree, and MBA, he is uniquely equipped to address complex family dynamics, asset protection strategies, and long-term wealth preservation goals.

He can help:

  • Determine whether a revocable or irrevocable trust suits your needs
  • Fund the trust with proper titling of assets
  • Coordinate with wills, powers of attorney, and guardianship designations
  • Update your trust after divorce, remarriage, or major life changes

Start Protecting Your Legacy Today

The attorneys at Varghese Summersett understand the importance of planning for the future. Whether you’re safeguarding your children, avoiding probate, or protecting hard-earned assets, our team will walk you through every step with clarity and care. For your convenience, we have offices in Fort Worth, Dallas and Southlake.

Call 817-203-2220 today to schedule a confidential consultation with Michael A. Levins. Let us help you protect your legacy—your way.

knowledge is power

Varghese Summersett

When you’re injured in an accident, you may assume that any insurance coverage you have—health, auto, or otherwise—will take care of your bills without strings attached. But if another party is responsible for your injuries, your insurance company may seek repayment through a process known as subrogation.

In Texas, subrogation in personal injury cases can significantly impact the amount of compensation you receive. In this article, the personal injury attorneys at Varghese Summersett explain subrogation, how it could impact your settlement, and why an experienced attorney is vital in subrogation matters.

Subrogation in Texas Personal Injury Claims

What is Subrogation in Personal Injury Claims in Texas?

Subrogation is a legal right that allows an insurance company to seek reimbursement for money it has paid on your behalf from a third party who is legally responsible for your loss. In the context of a personal injury case, this typically means your insurer wants to be paid back from the compensation you receive—either through a settlement or a court award.

Here’s a common example: Suppose your health insurance pays $15,000 in medical expenses after you’re injured in a car accident. Later, you receive a $100,000 settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Your health insurer may then assert a subrogation claim to recoup the $15,000 it paid for your treatment.

When an insurance company exercises its right of subrogation, it essentially steps into your shoes to pursue repayment from the person or party that caused the harm—most often the at-fault driver or their insurer. The primary goal is to shift the financial burden back to the responsible party and recover the funds the insurer advanced on your behalf, which may include medical bills, property damage, or other covered losses.

Subrogation can take different forms depending on the circumstances. Sometimes, the insurance company goes directly after the at-fault party or their insurer. However, more commonly, the insurer asserts its subrogation rights against you, the injured party, by placing a lien on your legal recovery. That means when you receive compensation, a portion of it may be earmarked to reimburse your insurance company for the expenses it already paid.

While this process helps ensure that the party at fault ultimately bears the financial responsibility, it can reduce the amount you actually take home from your settlement. That’s why it’s important to understand how subrogation works and how it may impact your personal injury recovery.

How Subrogation Works in Personal Injury Cases

Subrogation in personal injury cases comes into play after you receive medical care and your insurance company pays your bills. If a third party is liable for your injuries, your insurer may notify you of its intent to pursue subrogation. Once you receive compensation from the at-fault party—either through a settlement or court award—your insurer may demand reimbursement for the amount it paid on your behalf.

This is common in:

Subrogation typically occurs behind the scenes, but it can delay the disbursement of your settlement funds if not handled properly. In some cases, your attorney may need to negotiate with the insurer to reduce the reimbursement amount, especially if the total settlement is insufficient to cover all of your damages. Failing to address subrogation claims early in the process can lead to unexpected deductions and complications when it comes time to receive your share of the compensation.

Types of Insurance that May Assert Subrogation

Types of Insurance that May Assert Subrogation Claims

Several types of insurance carriers may have subrogation rights:

  • Health Insurance: Private health insurers often include subrogation clauses in their policies.
  • Auto Insurance: If your policy includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (Med Pay), your auto insurer may seek reimbursement.
  • Workers’ Compensation: If you were injured on the job due to a third party’s negligence, the workers’ comp insurer may subrogate.
  • Government Programs: Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE have subrogation rights under federal and state law. These liens must be satisfied before funds can be disbursed.

Subrogation vs. Reimbursemen

Subrogation vs. Reimbursement: What’s the Difference?

While often used interchangeably, subrogation and reimbursement are distinct legal concepts—each with unique implications for personal injury claimants.

Subrogation occurs when your insurance company steps into your legal shoes and asserts a right to recover money from the party responsible for your injuries. In this scenario, the insurer may file a claim or take legal action directly against the at-fault party or their insurer to recoup the amount it paid on your behalf. You are not necessarily involved in the pursuit, but your insurer is acting based on your legal right to recovery.

Reimbursement, on the other hand, typically involves your insurer seeking repayment from you—specifically, from the settlement or court award you receive. Instead of pursuing the at-fault party directly, the insurer asserts a right to be paid back from your financial recovery. This often takes the form of a lien on your personal injury settlement.

In Texas, courts may treat these concepts differently depending on a number of factors, including the language in your insurance policy, the type of insurance plan involved (such as private insurance vs. an ERISA-governed plan), and applicable state or federal laws

Do I Have to Pay My Insurance Company Back?

If your insurer has a valid subrogation clause in your policy, the answer is usually yes. Ignoring a subrogation claim can result in legal action or delays in the release of your settlement funds.

However, the amount owed can often be reduced through negotiation, especially if:

  • Your recovery is limited.
  • You were not made whole.
  • Your attorney assisted in securing the settlement.

How Subrogation May Affect Your Settlement

Subrogation can take a sizeable bite out of your settlement—and if you’re not prepared, the final amount you receive may be much less than you anticipated. When your insurance company asserts a subrogation claim, they are seeking repayment for the benefits they provided during your treatment. This repayment typically comes directly from your personal injury settlement or court award.

Let’s break it down with a simple example:

Settlement Breakdown Example:

  • Total Settlement: $75,000
  • Attorney’s Fees (33%): $25,000
  • Subrogation Lien: $20,000
  • Net to Client: $30,000

In this scenario, although the headline settlement amount is $75,000, your actual take-home amount is only $30,000 after legal fees and the insurer’s lien are paid. That can be a surprising and disappointing outcome for many injury victims who were counting on a larger recovery—especially if the settlement also needs to cover future care, lost wages, or non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Fortunately, an experienced personal injury attorney can play a crucial role in protecting your recovery. Attorneys often negotiate with insurance companies to reduce subrogation liens, arguing factors such as the extent of the injury, the limited size of the settlement, or the degree to which the insurer benefited from the attorney’s efforts. In many cases, these negotiations can result in substantial reductions, putting more money back in your pocket.

It’s also worth noting that some liens—particularly those from government programs like Medicaid or Medicare—are governed by specific statutes and procedures. These require careful handling to avoid delays or legal complications, making skilled legal representation even more important.

Can Subrogation be Negotiated?

Can Subrogation Claims Be Negotiated?

Yes—subrogation claims can, and often should, be negotiated. In many personal injury cases, your attorney can work to reduce the amount your insurance company seeks to recover, ultimately increasing your net settlement. Several legal doctrines come into play when evaluating and negotiating subrogation claims.

The Made Whole Doctrine (Texas Law)

Under Texas law, the Made Whole Doctrine holds that an insurer generally cannot enforce its subrogation rights unless the injured party has been fully compensated—or “made whole”—for all losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In other words, your insurer typically has to wait its turn until you are completely reimbursed for your damages.

However, there’s an important caveat: this doctrine can be contractually waived. Many insurance policies—especially those governed by federal ERISA law—include language that explicitly overrides the Made Whole Doctrine. If the plan waives this protection, the insurer may be entitled to reimbursement even if you have not been fully compensated.

The Common Fund Doctrine

Another important principle is the Common Fund Doctrine, which may require your insurer to share in the cost of recovering the settlement. If your attorney’s efforts resulted in the financial recovery from which the insurer wants repayment, the insurer may have to reduce its lien by a proportionate share of your legal fees. This ensures that the burden of legal costs isn’t unfairly placed solely on you while the insurer benefits from the outcome.

Bottom Line
Subrogation claims are rarely set in stone. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the insurance plan language, and apply these doctrines to negotiate a more favorable resolution—helping you keep more of your settlement where it belongs: in your hands.

What Happens if I Ignore a Subrogation Claim?

Ignoring a subrogation claim is risky and can have serious financial and legal consequences. If you fail to address the claim, the insurance company may file a lawsuit against you to recover the money it paid, potentially dragging you into costly litigation. In some cases, they may delay or block the disbursement of your settlement until the lien is resolved. If the claim involves government benefits—such as Medicare or Medicaid—noncompliance can trigger penalties, interest, or even future benefit denials. Resolving subrogation claims promptly helps protect your recovery and ensures compliance with both legal and contractual obligations.

Tips for Dealing with Subrogation In Personal Injury Cases

Tips for Dealing with Subrogation in Personal Injury Cases

Navigating a personal injury claim is challenging enough without the added layer of subrogation. Yet, understanding and addressing subrogation early in the process is essential to protect your financial recovery. Insurance companies are often quick to assert their rights to reimbursement, and if you’re not careful, a large portion of your settlement could end up going back to your insurer. Fortunately, with proactive steps and the right legal guidance, you can minimize the impact of subrogation on your case.

Here are some key tips to help you manage subrogation effectively:

  • Hire a personal injury attorney early. Subrogation claims can be legally complex and full of fine print. An experienced attorney knows how to interpret insurance policies, apply relevant legal doctrines, and negotiate reductions.
  • Request a copy of your insurance policy. Review it carefully, or have your attorney do so, to identify subrogation clauses or language that waives protections like the Made Whole Doctrine.
  • Keep track of medical bills. Maintain detailed records of all medical expenses paid by you or your insurer. This documentation is crucial for validating or disputing a subrogation lien.
  • Don’t settle without addressing subrogation. Before finalizing any settlement, ensure all subrogation claims have been identified and negotiated. Failing to do so can lead to legal action or withheld funds.

By staying organized, informed, and proactive, you can avoid costly mistakes and reduce the amount you may owe back to your insurer. Partnering with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney ensures that subrogation is handled properly—giving you the best chance of maximizing your settlement and moving forward with peace of mind.

how a texas broken bone lawyer can help

Why a Personal Injury Attorney is Crucial in Subrogation Matters

Subrogation can significantly reduce your final settlement if not properly addressed. That’s why having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential. At Varghese Summersett, we take a strategic, proactive approach to protect your financial recovery. Our attorneys:

  • Carefully analyze insurance policies for subrogation and reimbursement provisions
  • Aggressively negotiate lien reductions with insurers and benefit providers
  • Challenge improper, overstated, or unenforceable subrogation claims
  • Ensure full compliance with Texas and federal laws, including ERISA and Medicaid/Medicare regulations

We’ve helped countless clients maximize their settlements by tackling subrogation issues head-on—before they become costly obstacles.

How Varghese Summersett Can Help

At Varghese Summersett, we understand that every dollar matters after a serious injury. Subrogation isn’t just legal jargon—it’s a critical part of the settlement process that can directly impact your financial future. We don’t just explain how subrogation works—we actively work to minimize its effect on your recovery.

If you’ve been injured and are concerned about how subrogation could affect your case, we’re here to help. Call us today at 817-203-2220 for a free consultation. Our team will fight to ensure you keep as much of your settlement as possible, so you can focus on what truly matters: healing and moving forward.

Hire our personal injury attorneys who do not settle for less.

Varghese Summersett

When you’re injured in an accident, you may assume that any insurance coverage you have—health, auto, or otherwise—will take care of your bills without strings attached. But if another party is responsible for your injuries, your insurance company may seek repayment through a process known as subrogation.

In Texas, subrogation in personal injury cases can significantly impact the amount of compensation you receive. In this article, the personal injury attorneys at Varghese Summersett explain subrogation, how it could impact your settlement, and why an experienced attorney is vital in subrogation matters.

Subrogation in Texas Personal Injury Claims

What is Subrogation in Personal Injury Claims in Texas?

Subrogation is a legal right that allows an insurance company to seek reimbursement for money it has paid on your behalf from a third party who is legally responsible for your loss. In the context of a personal injury case, this typically means your insurer wants to be paid back from the compensation you receive—either through a settlement or a court award.

Here’s a common example: Suppose your health insurance pays $15,000 in medical expenses after you’re injured in a car accident. Later, you receive a $100,000 settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Your health insurer may then assert a subrogation claim to recoup the $15,000 it paid for your treatment.

When an insurance company exercises its right of subrogation, it essentially steps into your shoes to pursue repayment from the person or party that caused the harm—most often the at-fault driver or their insurer. The primary goal is to shift the financial burden back to the responsible party and recover the funds the insurer advanced on your behalf, which may include medical bills, property damage, or other covered losses.

Subrogation can take different forms depending on the circumstances. Sometimes, the insurance company goes directly after the at-fault party or their insurer. However, more commonly, the insurer asserts its subrogation rights against you, the injured party, by placing a lien on your legal recovery. That means when you receive compensation, a portion of it may be earmarked to reimburse your insurance company for the expenses it already paid.

While this process helps ensure that the party at fault ultimately bears the financial responsibility, it can reduce the amount you actually take home from your settlement. That’s why it’s important to understand how subrogation works and how it may impact your personal injury recovery.

How Subrogation Works in Personal Injury Cases

Subrogation in personal injury cases comes into play after you receive medical care and your insurance company pays your bills. If a third party is liable for your injuries, your insurer may notify you of its intent to pursue subrogation. Once you receive compensation from the at-fault party—either through a settlement or court award—your insurer may demand reimbursement for the amount it paid on your behalf.

This is common in:

Subrogation typically occurs behind the scenes, but it can delay the disbursement of your settlement funds if not handled properly. In some cases, your attorney may need to negotiate with the insurer to reduce the reimbursement amount, especially if the total settlement is insufficient to cover all of your damages. Failing to address subrogation claims early in the process can lead to unexpected deductions and complications when it comes time to receive your share of the compensation.

Types of Insurance that May Assert Subrogation

Types of Insurance that May Assert Subrogation Claims

Several types of insurance carriers may have subrogation rights:

  • Health Insurance: Private health insurers often include subrogation clauses in their policies.
  • Auto Insurance: If your policy includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (Med Pay), your auto insurer may seek reimbursement.
  • Workers’ Compensation: If you were injured on the job due to a third party’s negligence, the workers’ comp insurer may subrogate.
  • Government Programs: Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE have subrogation rights under federal and state law. These liens must be satisfied before funds can be disbursed.

Subrogation vs. Reimbursemen

Subrogation vs. Reimbursement: What’s the Difference?

While often used interchangeably, subrogation and reimbursement are distinct legal concepts—each with unique implications for personal injury claimants.

Subrogation occurs when your insurance company steps into your legal shoes and asserts a right to recover money from the party responsible for your injuries. In this scenario, the insurer may file a claim or take legal action directly against the at-fault party or their insurer to recoup the amount it paid on your behalf. You are not necessarily involved in the pursuit, but your insurer is acting based on your legal right to recovery.

Reimbursement, on the other hand, typically involves your insurer seeking repayment from you—specifically, from the settlement or court award you receive. Instead of pursuing the at-fault party directly, the insurer asserts a right to be paid back from your financial recovery. This often takes the form of a lien on your personal injury settlement.

In Texas, courts may treat these concepts differently depending on a number of factors, including the language in your insurance policy, the type of insurance plan involved (such as private insurance vs. an ERISA-governed plan), and applicable state or federal laws

Do I Have to Pay My Insurance Company Back?

If your insurer has a valid subrogation clause in your policy, the answer is usually yes. Ignoring a subrogation claim can result in legal action or delays in the release of your settlement funds.

However, the amount owed can often be reduced through negotiation, especially if:

  • Your recovery is limited.
  • You were not made whole.
  • Your attorney assisted in securing the settlement.

How Subrogation May Affect Your Settlement

Subrogation can take a sizeable bite out of your settlement—and if you’re not prepared, the final amount you receive may be much less than you anticipated. When your insurance company asserts a subrogation claim, they are seeking repayment for the benefits they provided during your treatment. This repayment typically comes directly from your personal injury settlement or court award.

Let’s break it down with a simple example:

Settlement Breakdown Example:

  • Total Settlement: $75,000
  • Attorney’s Fees (33%): $25,000
  • Subrogation Lien: $20,000
  • Net to Client: $30,000

In this scenario, although the headline settlement amount is $75,000, your actual take-home amount is only $30,000 after legal fees and the insurer’s lien are paid. That can be a surprising and disappointing outcome for many injury victims who were counting on a larger recovery—especially if the settlement also needs to cover future care, lost wages, or non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Fortunately, an experienced personal injury attorney can play a crucial role in protecting your recovery. Attorneys often negotiate with insurance companies to reduce subrogation liens, arguing factors such as the extent of the injury, the limited size of the settlement, or the degree to which the insurer benefited from the attorney’s efforts. In many cases, these negotiations can result in substantial reductions, putting more money back in your pocket.

It’s also worth noting that some liens—particularly those from government programs like Medicaid or Medicare—are governed by specific statutes and procedures. These require careful handling to avoid delays or legal complications, making skilled legal representation even more important.

Can Subrogation be Negotiated?

Can Subrogation Claims Be Negotiated?

Yes—subrogation claims can, and often should, be negotiated. In many personal injury cases, your attorney can work to reduce the amount your insurance company seeks to recover, ultimately increasing your net settlement. Several legal doctrines come into play when evaluating and negotiating subrogation claims.

The Made Whole Doctrine (Texas Law)

Under Texas law, the Made Whole Doctrine holds that an insurer generally cannot enforce its subrogation rights unless the injured party has been fully compensated—or “made whole”—for all losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In other words, your insurer typically has to wait its turn until you are completely reimbursed for your damages.

However, there’s an important caveat: this doctrine can be contractually waived. Many insurance policies—especially those governed by federal ERISA law—include language that explicitly overrides the Made Whole Doctrine. If the plan waives this protection, the insurer may be entitled to reimbursement even if you have not been fully compensated.

The Common Fund Doctrine

Another important principle is the Common Fund Doctrine, which may require your insurer to share in the cost of recovering the settlement. If your attorney’s efforts resulted in the financial recovery from which the insurer wants repayment, the insurer may have to reduce its lien by a proportionate share of your legal fees. This ensures that the burden of legal costs isn’t unfairly placed solely on you while the insurer benefits from the outcome.

Bottom Line
Subrogation claims are rarely set in stone. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the insurance plan language, and apply these doctrines to negotiate a more favorable resolution—helping you keep more of your settlement where it belongs: in your hands.

What Happens if I Ignore a Subrogation Claim?

Ignoring a subrogation claim is risky and can have serious financial and legal consequences. If you fail to address the claim, the insurance company may file a lawsuit against you to recover the money it paid, potentially dragging you into costly litigation. In some cases, they may delay or block the disbursement of your settlement until the lien is resolved. If the claim involves government benefits—such as Medicare or Medicaid—noncompliance can trigger penalties, interest, or even future benefit denials. Resolving subrogation claims promptly helps protect your recovery and ensures compliance with both legal and contractual obligations.

Tips for Dealing with Subrogation In Personal Injury Cases

Tips for Dealing with Subrogation in Personal Injury Cases

Navigating a personal injury claim is challenging enough without the added layer of subrogation. Yet, understanding and addressing subrogation early in the process is essential to protect your financial recovery. Insurance companies are often quick to assert their rights to reimbursement, and if you’re not careful, a large portion of your settlement could end up going back to your insurer. Fortunately, with proactive steps and the right legal guidance, you can minimize the impact of subrogation on your case.

Here are some key tips to help you manage subrogation effectively:

  • Hire a personal injury attorney early. Subrogation claims can be legally complex and full of fine print. An experienced attorney knows how to interpret insurance policies, apply relevant legal doctrines, and negotiate reductions.
  • Request a copy of your insurance policy. Review it carefully, or have your attorney do so, to identify subrogation clauses or language that waives protections like the Made Whole Doctrine.
  • Keep track of medical bills. Maintain detailed records of all medical expenses paid by you or your insurer. This documentation is crucial for validating or disputing a subrogation lien.
  • Don’t settle without addressing subrogation. Before finalizing any settlement, ensure all subrogation claims have been identified and negotiated. Failing to do so can lead to legal action or withheld funds.

By staying organized, informed, and proactive, you can avoid costly mistakes and reduce the amount you may owe back to your insurer. Partnering with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney ensures that subrogation is handled properly—giving you the best chance of maximizing your settlement and moving forward with peace of mind.

how a texas broken bone lawyer can help

Why a Personal Injury Attorney is Crucial in Subrogation Matters

Subrogation can significantly reduce your final settlement if not properly addressed. That’s why having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential. At Varghese Summersett, we take a strategic, proactive approach to protect your financial recovery. Our attorneys:

  • Carefully analyze insurance policies for subrogation and reimbursement provisions
  • Aggressively negotiate lien reductions with insurers and benefit providers
  • Challenge improper, overstated, or unenforceable subrogation claims
  • Ensure full compliance with Texas and federal laws, including ERISA and Medicaid/Medicare regulations

We’ve helped countless clients maximize their settlements by tackling subrogation issues head-on—before they become costly obstacles.

How Varghese Summersett Can Help

At Varghese Summersett, we understand that every dollar matters after a serious injury. Subrogation isn’t just legal jargon—it’s a critical part of the settlement process that can directly impact your financial future. We don’t just explain how subrogation works—we actively work to minimize its effect on your recovery.

If you’ve been injured and are concerned about how subrogation could affect your case, we’re here to help. Call us today at 817-203-2220 for a free consultation. Our team will fight to ensure you keep as much of your settlement as possible, so you can focus on what truly matters: healing and moving forward.

Hire our personal injury attorneys who do not settle for less.

Varghese Summersett

On April 2, 2025, a devastating incident during a high school track meet in Frisco left a community in mourning and raised difficult questions about youth violence and the fragile line between rivalry and real-life consequences.

Austin Metcalf, 17, a beloved student-athlete at Frisco Memorial High School, was fatally stabbed in the chest in front of teammates, family members, and spectators. The accused: another 17-year-old student, Karmelo Anthony, from Frisco Centennial High School. The fatal confrontation unfolded under Memorial’s team tent in the stands at Kuykendall Stadium—a place where spirited cheers suddenly turned to chaos and sorrow.

In this article, the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Varghese Summersett break down the tragic events, the criminal charge Anthony is now facing, and the legal defenses that may be raised under Texas law—including the concept of self-defense.

The Track Meet Murder: What Happened?

According to news reports and public documents, Anthony was seated near or under the Memorial High School tent when Metcalf asked him to leave because he didn’t go to their school. The situation escalated when Anthony allegedly became aggressive, reached into his bag, and warned, “Touch me and see what happens.” When Metcalf reportedly either pushed, touched, or grabbed Anthony to make him move, Anthony allegedly pulled out a black knife and stabbed him once in the chest.

Metcalf collapsed in the arms of his twin brother, Hunter Metcalf, who tried desperately to save his life by applying pressure to the wound. CPR was administered by athletic trainers, and EMS rushed him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Anthony fled the scene, but was quickly apprehended. In his initial statements to police, he admitted to the stabbing, saying, “I’m not alleged—I did it,” and questioned whether his actions could be considered self-defense.

He is now charged with first-degree murder and is being held in Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond.

Track Meet Murder: A Legal Look at a Tragic Encounter Between Two Texas TeensAustin Metcalf: A Life Lost Too Soon

Austin Metcalf was more than just a student—he was a star athlete and a role model. The 17-year-old linebacker, recently named MVP of his football team, was known for his integrity, leadership, and a 4.0 GPA. He dreamed of playing college football and had a promising future ahead. His death has left the community, especially his twin brother Hunter and his parents Jeff and Meagan Metcalf, utterly heartbroken.

A GoFundMe campaign supporting the Metcalf family has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, a testament to the widespread grief and support from across Texas and beyond.

Karmelo Anthony: Now the Center of a Legal FirestormKarmelo Anthony

Karmelo Anthony, also 17, was a junior at Frisco Centennial High School. Described by classmates as quiet, he attended the track meet to support his school team, but he did not compete.

Since the incident, his name has become synonymous with a tragic moment that has gripped the Frisco community and ignited debate over intent, provocation, and the right to self-defense. Now facing a first-degree murder charge, Anthony’s fate lies in the hands of the criminal justice system—a sharp and sobering contrast to what should have been an ordinary spring day for two high school students.
murder in texas explained

What Constitutes Murder in Texas?

Under Texas Penal Code § 19.02, a person commits murder if they:

  • Intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another person;
  • Intend to cause serious bodily injury and commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that results in death; or
  • Cause a death while committing or attempting to commit another felony (known as felony murder).

Murder in Texas is classified as a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years—or life—in prison, along with a fine of up to $10,000. However, under certain circumstances, the charge may be reduced or reclassified, depending on factors like the defendant’s intent, mental state, and any applicable defenses such as self-defense or sudden passion.

What is Self-Defense in Texas?

Anthony’s legal team issued a public statement acknowledging the tragedy and asserting Anthony’s right to a fair and impartial legal process. It has been suggested that Anthony acted in self-defense, a claim that will be at the heart of the case.

Under Texas Penal Code  9.31 and 9.32, self-defense is justified when:

  • The person reasonably believes force is immediately necessary to protect themselves from another’s use of unlawful force;
  • Deadly force is necessary to prevent death, serious bodily injury, or certain violent crimes;
  • The person did not provoke the incident and was not engaged in criminal activity.

To succeed, Anthony’s legal team must prove that he:

  • Reasonably believed he was in imminent danger;
  • Used proportional force in response;
  • Did not provoke the altercation;
  • Was legally present and not engaged in a crime at the time.

Challenges to the Track Meet Murder Self-Defense Claim

Prosecutors will likely argue that Anthony’s use of a knife—deadly force—against an unarmed teen during a verbal and minor physical dispute was excessive and disproportional. Further complicating the self-defense claim in the track meet murder:

  • Witnesses report that Anthony was the one sitting under Memorial’s tent and may have escalated the confrontation with threatening words.
  • One account suggests Anthony opened his bag first, reached inside, and issued a warning—actions that could be viewed as provocative.
  • Moreover, there is no indication that Metcalf had a weapon or made any overt threats beyond trying to remove Anthony from a restricted area.

Other Possible Legal Outcomes in the Track Meet Murder

While Anthony is currently charged with first-degree murder, Texas law may allow for lesser offenses if supported by evidence including:

  • Manslaughter: Involves recklessly causing death. If Anthony’s lawyers can prove he didn’t intend to kill Austin but acted recklessly in a heated moment, this could reduce the charge.
  • Criminally Negligent Homicide: Applies when death results from negligence rather than intentional or reckless conduct. However, the use of a knife makes this charge less likely.
  • Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon: This charge may apply if Anthony is found to have caused serious bodily injury with a knife but without intent to kill. Since Metcalf died, however, the state opted for a murder charge.

Possible Defenses for the Track Meet Murder

Karmelo Anthony’s legal team may raise several key defenses in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf:

  1. Self-Defense
    Anthony has already suggested that he acted in self-defense after being physically confronted by Metcalf. Under Texas law, the use of deadly force is justified if a person reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to prevent serious harm. His attorneys will argue that he perceived an imminent threat and responded accordingly. However, the prosecution may contend that using a knife against an unarmed teen was excessive and that Anthony may have provoked the encounter.

  2. Lack of Intent
    To secure a murder conviction, prosecutors must prove Anthony acted intentionally or knowingly to cause death. His defense may argue the stabbing was a panicked, impulsive reaction—not a deliberate act—which could support a lesser charge such as manslaughter or aggravated assault.

  3. Sudden Passion
    If convicted of murder, Anthony’s attorneys could seek a reduced sentence by claiming he acted in “sudden passion”—an intense emotional response to provocation. If accepted, this could reduce the charge from a first-degree to a second-degree felony, significantly lowering the potential prison term.

Ultimately, the strongest defenses likely center around self-defense and lack of intent. If convicted, his legal team may seek leniency by presenting sudden passion as a mitigating factor during sentencing.

The Broader Legal and Social Impact

The track meet murder has sparked a media firestorm, polarized public opinion, and generated substantial online misinformation, including fabricated police documents. The Frisco Police Department and FBI are actively investigating these fake posts.

Two crowdfunding campaigns reflect the divided public response. While the Metcalf family’s fundraiser has exceeded a quarter of a million dollars, Anthony’s legal defense fund briefly reached $140,000 before being taken offline.

A Community in Mourning and Uncertainty

As both families prepare for a long legal battle, the Frisco community continues to grieve. For Austin’s family, no legal outcome will bring their son back. For Anthony’s family, the fight for justice and understanding has just begun. The track meet murder case is far from over—and the legal questions it raises will continue to evolve as new facts emerge and court proceedings unfold.

Track Meet Murder: A Legal Look at a Tragic Encounter Between Two Texas Teens