Table of Contents
- What Is Barratry in Texas?
- Why Hiring a Specialized Barratry Lawyer Matters
- Common Examples of Barratry in Texas
- Texas Laws Against Barratry
- Damages and Penalties for Barratry Victims
- How The Texas Bulldog Law Firm Can Help
- Questions to Ask a Houston Barratry Lawyer
- How to Protect Yourself From Illegal Solicitation
- Schedule Your Free Consultation
- Video: What Is Barratry?
- Find Us in Houston
- Recent Google Reviews
- Final Word
What Is Barratry in Texas?
Barratry happens when an attorney—or someone working for them—illegally solicits clients. In Texas, this often involves a lawyer contacting accident victims directly after a crash, through unsolicited calls, texts, or in-person visits.
At The Miller Law Firm – The Texas Bulldog, we see victims every year who were contacted by unethical lawyers promising “quick settlements.” Under Texas law, this kind of solicitation isn’t just unethical—it’s illegal.
You may have a civil claim for damages and be entitled to up to $50,000 in penalties under Texas Government Code §82.0651.
If you were approached by someone offering legal representation after a car wreck, medical emergency, or death in your family, speak with a Houston barratry attorney immediately. We’ll help you determine whether that contact violated Texas law.
Why Hiring a Specialized Barratry Lawyer Matters
Barratry cases require experience that most attorneys simply don’t have.
A general personal injury lawyer might not understand how to prove that the initial contact was illegal, or how to get your money back from the attorney who broke the law. That’s why it’s critical to hire a specialized Houston barratry lawyer like Adam H. Miller – The Texas Bulldog.
Here’s what sets our firm apart:
- We’ve handled hundreds of professional misconduct claims, including barratry, legal malpractice, and unethical referrals.
- We know how to track down evidence, including phone records, call logs, and witness statements showing improper contact.
- We fight for maximum penalties under Texas law—both civil damages and statutory fines.
Our team also understands how barratry can overlap with other legal issues like legal malpractice.
Common Examples of Barratry in Texas
Barratry can happen in many forms. Here are some of the most common ways it occurs across Houston and other Texas cities:
1. Unsolicited Calls After an Accident
If a lawyer or “investigator” calls you out of the blue after a car accident, that’s a red flag. They may claim they saw your crash report and want to “help” you—but this is classic illegal solicitation.
Many victims of Houston car accidents receive these calls within hours of their crash.
2. Case Runners at Hospitals or Tow Yards
Sometimes, lawyers pay “runners” (also called case finders) to approach accident victims in hospitals or tow yards. This is one of the clearest examples of barratry and can result in both civil and criminal penalties for the lawyer involved.
3. Paying for Referrals
If you were told that a friend, doctor, or body shop would “get a cut” for recommending a lawyer, that’s also barratry.
4. Signing Contracts Without Explanation
Some victims discover later that a case was filed or settled under their name without full consent. This kind of deception often stems from improper solicitation.
If any of these situations sound familiar, contact The Miller Law Firm – The Texas Bulldog today for a confidential review.
Texas Laws Against Barratry
Texas has some of the strictest barratry laws in the nation.
Under Texas Penal Code §38.12, it is a crime for anyone to solicit employment for a lawyer. This includes lawyers, employees, or anyone paid to find cases.
Additionally, Texas Government Code §82.0651 allows victims to file civil suits against attorneys who illegally solicited them.
Victims may be entitled to:
- $50,000 in statutory damages, per violation
- Refund of all attorney’s fees paid
- Compensation for any financial losses
These laws are designed to protect accident victims and consumers from being pressured or deceived into hiring unethical lawyers.
Damages and Penalties for Barratry Victims
If you were solicited illegally, Texas law may allow you to recover:
✅ Statutory Penalty: Up to $50,000 per violation.
✅ Refund of Legal Fees: You may get back every dollar you paid to the barratrous attorney.
✅ Emotional Damages: For the stress and deception you endured.
✅ Attorney’s Fees: If you hire a lawyer to pursue your claim, the wrongdoer may have to pay your legal fees too.
At Texas Bulldog Law, we handle these claims on a no-fee guarantee — you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
To learn more about how we handle injury-related misconduct, visit our guides on car accident settlements and insurance claim denials.
How The Texas Bulldog Law Firm Can Help
We’re more than personal injury lawyers — we’re watchdogs for justice.
When you hire The Miller Law Firm, you get:
If you’ve been approached after an accident, you may also have a valid injury claim. We can handle both your barratry lawsuit and your injury case, ensuring you’re protected from start to finish.
Our team has successfully represented victims in:
Questions to Ask a Houston Barratry Lawyer
Before hiring anyone to handle your case, ask these:
- How many barratry cases have you handled in Texas?
- What penalties can I recover under state law?
- Can I still get compensation if I already hired the soliciting lawyer?
- How long will the case take?
- What’s your fee arrangement?
At Texas Bulldog Law, we answer every question honestly and provide a free case evaluation before you commit to anything.
How to Protect Yourself From Illegal Solicitation
Here’s how to avoid becoming a target:
- Never sign paperwork from a stranger claiming to be “with a law firm.”
- Ask how they got your name and number.
- Don’t give your accident details to random callers.
- Report suspicious calls to the State Bar of Texas.
- Contact The Miller Law Firm – The Texas Bulldog immediately if you suspect misconduct.
If you want to learn about your rights after an accident, visit our popular blog: Is It Better to Settle Your Texas Car Accident Case Outside of Court?.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Were you approached by a lawyer after a wreck, injury, or death in your family?
You could be the victim of barratry — and you have the right to fight back.
Call 713-572-3333 or fill out our free case evaluation form today.
You may be entitled to thousands in damages and full reimbursement of fees paid to the unethical attorney.
Video: What Is Barratry?
Find Us in Houston
Recent Google Reviews
“Best law firm in Houston I recommend them to anyone who’s experienced any type of accident..”
— Ronald C. – Verified Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Excellent barratry attorney! The Texas Bulldog got me a settlement from an individual who illegally solicited me after a car accident and it only took a few months.”
— Miriam H. – Verified Google Review⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Final Word
Barratry isn’t just unethical—it’s illegal.
If you were contacted by a lawyer you didn’t reach out to first, let The Texas Bulldog fight for your rights.
We’ve built our reputation on standing up for everyday Texans who were wronged, whether by insurance companies, negligent drivers, or unethical attorneys.
Call 713-572-3333 or fill out our contact form for your free consultation today.
