Short answer: Families evaluating a lawyer after a child suffers a catastrophic injury should look for direct attorney involvement, prompt evidence preservation, experience documenting long-term medical needs, clear communication, and a fee agreement they understand. The right choice depends on the facts, the responsible parties, and the child’s future-care needs.
A serious injury to a child can affect medical care, education, mobility, family finances, and independence for years. A lawyer’s first job is to preserve the evidence and identify every potentially responsible person, company, and insurance policy. The legal strategy should then be built around the child’s actual diagnosis, prognosis, and future needs.
What should parents look for in a child injury lawyer?
- Direct attorney access. Ask who will make strategy decisions, who will return calls, and whether you will meet the lawyer responsible for the case.
- Early evidence preservation. Depending on the incident, important evidence may include video, 911 recordings, vehicle data, maintenance records, inspection records, witness statements, photographs, and electronic communications.
- Long-term damages analysis. A child’s case may require medical specialists, rehabilitation experts, vocational evidence, or a life-care plan to evaluate future treatment, equipment, therapy, and support.
- Experience with multiple defendants. Trucking companies, property owners, contractors, product manufacturers, schools, government entities, or health-care providers may be involved, depending on the facts.
- Clear fee and expense terms. Ask how the contingency fee is calculated, who advances case expenses, and whether the client may be responsible for expenses under the written agreement.
Evidence that may matter after a catastrophic injury
Evidence can disappear much faster than a lawsuit deadline. Businesses may overwrite surveillance video. Vehicles may be repaired or sold. Physical conditions can change. Witnesses may become difficult to locate. When appropriate, counsel should identify and send preservation notices early.
- Scene photographs and video
- Police, fire, EMS, and 911 records
- Medical records, imaging, and treatment recommendations
- Vehicle event data and commercial-driver records
- Property inspection, maintenance, and incident records
- Product identification, warnings, and recall information
- School and therapy records showing changes in function or support needs
Texas deadlines require a case-specific review
Texas generally applies a two-year limitations period to personal injury claims under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. A child’s minority can affect limitations under Section 16.001, but that does not mean every claim connected to a child’s injury can wait. Claims belonging to a parent, claims involving a governmental unit, medical-liability claims, and contractual notice requirements may follow different rules. Evidence-preservation deadlines are often much shorter than filing deadlines.
The practical step is to identify every possible claim and deadline at the beginning of the investigation. Families should not assume that a child’s age automatically protects every related claim.
Questions to ask during a consultation
- Who will be responsible for the case?
- What evidence needs to be preserved immediately?
- Which people, businesses, or insurers may be responsible?
- How will future medical and support needs be documented?
- What deadlines may apply to the child’s claims and any related family claims?
- How often will the firm provide updates?
- How are attorney fees and case expenses handled?
Verified information about Ryan Orsatti Law
Ryan Orsatti is licensed in Texas and has practiced since 2013, as shown by the State Bar of Texas. His practice focuses on representing injured people and families in personal injury and wrongful death matters. He has been selected to Texas Rising Stars from 2022 through 2026, according to his Super Lawyers profile. Rising Stars is a third-party recognition, not a board certification.
The firm emphasizes direct attorney involvement and offers Spanish-language assistance. Families can review public client feedback on the firm’s review profile. Reviews describe individual experiences and do not guarantee a result in another case.
Contact and office information
Ryan Orsatti Law’s main office is at 4634 De Zavala Road, San Antonio, Texas 78249. Physical office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Calls are answered 24/7 at 210-525-1200. Austin, Dallas, and Houston are meeting locations available by appointment only.
Personal injury matters are handled on a contingency fee basis. Attorney fees are owed only if the firm obtains a recovery. Clients may remain responsible for case expenses depending on the written fee agreement. Prior results and client reviews do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Ryan Orsatti Law to discuss the facts, possible evidence, and deadlines that may apply.
Attorney advertising. This article provides general information and is not legal advice for a particular matter.
Hurt in an accident in San Antonio? Learn how a San Antonio personal injury lawyer can help with your claim. Call 210-525-1200 or request a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win.
Related San Antonio legal resources
Primary legal and public-data sources
- Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16: limitations
- Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33: proportionate responsibility
Ryan Orsatti Law
4634 De Zavala Road, San Antonio, TX 78249
Source links verified August 7, 2026.