CALL (800) 863-5312 TODAY TO SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR ERCOT CLAIM ATTORNEYS
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (“ERCOT”) manages the flow of electricity to millions of Texans. When this corporation fails to adequately do its job, it may result in widespread blackouts. These blackouts may result in injury to the consumer.
If you have been injured due to the negligence of ERCOT, you may be entitled to compensation. Our injury attorneys may be able to help guide you through the entire legal process. We have the experience necessary to investigate your case, negotiate on your behalf, and much more. Call (800) 863-5312 to speak with one of our personal injury attorneys.
WHAT IS ERCOT?
ERCOT is the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. This corporation manages the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers. ERCOT represents approximately 90% of the entire state’s electric load and operates more than 46,500 miles of transmission lines. ERCOT is a membership-based nonprofit corporation, subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature.
ERCOT IN THE NEWS
In February 2021, Texas was hit by a deadly winter storm. On February 21, 2021, the Washington Post reported that at least 58 people in Texas have tragically died due to the record-breaking storm. Many of these deaths can be linked to a lack of electricity. For example, a woman and a girl passed away while in an attached garage in Houston, where a car was being run because of the lack of power, and, therefore, lack of heat. Authorities said the two individuals suffered carbon monoxide poisoning.
ABC News reported on February 25, 2021 that ERCOT is facing lawsuits and resignations after more than 4 million of their customers lost electricity during the deadly winter storm. One class-action lawsuit alleges the power corporation “utterly failed” to plan for the cold weather, despite multiple warnings. The lawsuit contends that this failure led to the collapse of ERCOT’s electrical network, resulting in widespread blackouts. These blackouts forced many of its customers to endure dangerously freezing temperatures for long periods of time.
The deadly storm, and resulting blackouts, have caused physical, emotional, and financial pain for millions of Americans. For example, it is estimated that the cost of insured damage from the freeze is $18 billion.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to ERCOT’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Zinda Law Group personal injury attorneys are nationwide and may be able to help you with your Texas ERCOT claim. We are here to help you and your family members through this difficult time by getting you the compensation you deserve. Call us today to discuss what your case may be worth.
Texas Winter Storm Infographic
HOW TO HANDLE YOUR TEXAS ERCOT CLAIM
If you were injured due to the recent blackout in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation from ERCOT. Below are the steps you should take to help you handle your Texas ERCOT claim:
1. Determine Negligence
The first thing you must establish is negligence on behalf of ERCOT or its employees. For example, you must be able to establish that your injuries would not have occurred but for the energy company’s negligence. You may be able to show this negligence by proving ERCOT failed to properly guard the energy grid against severe winter weather or has otherwise failed to follow established industry practices and procedures.
2. Document Your Claim
The next step is to properly document your claim. This includes taking pictures of your injuries, property damage, and anything else that may be relevant in your ERCOT lawsuit. You should also keep a detailed log of everything you can remember about the incident. You may not remember all of the important details later on, so it is important to write them down as soon as possible.
Further, you should receive immediate medical attention for any injuries you have sustained. Not only is this important for your personal well-being, but it may come in handy later on when negotiating a settlement. Medical professionals may prepare an official medical record of all of your injuries, as well as their costs. This medical record may be used as future evidence in your claim.
3. Call a Texas Blackout Personal Injury Lawyer
You should consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer who may be able to help you through every step of your lawsuit. Zinda Law Group attorneys have helped many individuals get their lives back on track after being injured due to the negligence of others. We may:
- Advise you on each step of the legal process
- Investigate your case
- Determine negligence
- Calculate the value of your case
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Fight for you in court
- And much more
Our personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and resources necessary to help build the strongest case possible in your ERCOT claim. We may be able to get you the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. Our Texas ERCOT personal injury attorneys are here for you and your family during this difficult time.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ATTORNEY FEES
Attorney fees and costs will vary from case to case. Further, there are different ways that an attorney may agree to be paid. It is important to always discuss attorney fees before hiring an attorney, as some may require an upfront retainer before they will begin your case. Some attorneys may also require payment for the initial consultation. Below are examples of different kinds of attorney’s fees:
Hourly Fees
An attorney who works on an hourly fee basis will require a certain amount of money for each hour he or she works on your case. For example, if an attorney’s hourly fee is $200, and he or she works on your case for a total of 40 hours, you will be responsible for paying the attorney $8,000. Attorneys who work on an hourly fee basis may also require a hefty retainer before they will even begin your case.
Attorneys who work on an hourly fee basis will typically require payment no matter if they win your case or not. This means that there is no additional incentive for them to work quickly, strategically, or aggressively on your case. Further, there is no guarantee that the attorney will spend his or her time wisely.
Payment Plan
Some attorneys may accept a payment plan instead of a retainer or hourly payment. This means that the attorney and client agree upon a certain amount of money to be paid in increments. For example, if you owe your attorney $30,000 in total, your attorney may agree to be paid $5,000 per month for 6 months. Keep in mind that interest rates may also apply.
With payment plans, as with paying hourly fees, you are responsible for paying your attorney whether or not they are successful in winning your case. Further, there is typically no additional incentive for the attorney to work quickly or strategically on your case.
Contingency Fee
Zinda Law Group’s personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only get paid if we are successful in winning your case. In other words, your responsibility to pay us is contingent upon a settlement or verdict.
Attorneys who work on a contingency fee basis have an added incentive to work quickly, and competitively, on each case. Our ERCOT personal injury attorneys in Texas have the knowledge, ability, and experience necessary to help you with each aspect of your case. Our goal is to provide each one of our clients with top-quality legal representation without the stress of having to pay immediate legal fees.
Contact a Zinda Law Group personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
CALL US TO SET UP A FREE CONSULTATION
ERCOT is responsible for approximately 90% of the state’s electricity. If they are negligent, therefore, millions of Texas residents will suffer, as was the case with the recent winter storm. Without power, millions of people went without heat, resulting in severe injury and even death.
If you suffered at the hands of ERCOT’s negligence, Zinda Law Group personal injury attorneys are here to help you. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to help guide you through the entire legal process. We may be able to help investigate your case, determine the at-fault party, and negotiate on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If you or your loved ones were injured due to ERCOT’s actions, we may be able to help. Contact us today at (800) 863-5312 for a consultation with one of our Texas attorneys. Consultations with our personal injury attorneys are always free to you. Further, you do not pay us a thing unless we win your case. That is our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
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