Frequently Asked Questions
This section is designed to answer some of your questions on the various areas of practice that The Pettitt Firm deals with in the Fort Worth area of Texas.
Personal injury
- What is personal injury?
- How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
Commercial litigation
- How long will a commercial litigation case take?
- Who will pay my expenses if I pursue commercial litigation?
Mediation
- What is mediation and should I seek it out for my business dispute?
- If I choose mediation, do I need a lawyer?
Wind energy
- What type of documentation do I need for a wind farm?
- What is involved in getting into wind energy?
Condemnation
- What is condemnation?
- How much money am I entitled to if the government condemns my property?
Contact us for more information
If you have more questions or are interested in retaining the services of The Pettitt Firm, contact us at 817-500-0419 or contact us online.
What is personal injury?
Personal injury is the legal term used for an emotional, physical or mental injury sustained as the result of the negligence or wrongful acts of another.
How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
If you’ve been injured and want to know if you have grounds for a personal injury case, consult an attorney. Our lawyers can provide you with clear information about Texas injury laws and let you know if you have a case worth pursuing.
How long will a commercial litigation case take?
There is no way to tell how long a case will take as no two cases are the same. If the parties can agree, it may take a few months. If the case proceeds to litigation, may take a year or more.
Who will pay my expenses if I pursue commercial litigation?
Generally each party pays its own expenses; however, some of those expenses may be recoverable if the party prevails.
What is mediation and should I seek it out for my business dispute?
Mediation is an attempt to bring about a peaceful settlement or compromise between litigants through the objective intervention of a neutral party and an alternative to trial. Mediation is a process sometimes ordered by the court in which a case is pending. Mediations are normally a full-day discussion of the case with a neutral party who attempts to bring the litigants closer together to settle the case without the large expense of trial. Each party pays its own mediation fee.
If I choose mediation, do I need a lawyer?
While not as formal as court proceedings, a mediated settlement agreement is still legally binding and you are best off having an attorney to represent you. We have helped numerous clients achieve satisfactory results through mediation.
Do I need a real estate lawyer?
The buying or selling of property is a major decision that should not be entered into without benefit of counsel. A real estate purchase contract is still a contract and realtors are not allowed to give legal advice surrounding that contract. If you are involved in a dispute over real estate, consult us to explain what the term and conditions mean to you.
What can a real estate lawyer help me with?
We handle a wide variety of real estate issues. We can help you with the buying, selling and leasing of property, as well as real estate disputes. Is there a fight over the property of a deceased family member? Are you having issues with titles and deeds? Is the government trying to condemn your property? We can guide you through these questions and more.
If I own the land, do I own the minerals found on it?
Not necessarily. If a previous owner “reserved” a portion or all of the mineral estate, you may need to consult an attorney to understand what a mineral lessee can do to your property.
How do I know if someone else owns the mineral rights to my land?
Most title companies can tell you if there was a mineral reservation in the last 25 years or so. This information is a matter of public record and can be found in the county public records office where your land is located. However, if you are considering purchasing a rural tract of land, you would need to contact an abstracting company. We can help you find out how your purchase is affected by mineral reservations.
What happens if I die without a will?
A Last Will and Testament lets you determine who gets your property after death. If you don’t have a will, Texas law determines how property is divided. The Pettitt Firm can help you determine your family’s estate planning needs.
Do I need anything other than a will?
Yes. If you become incapacitated, you will need other documents leaving someone in charge to carry out your wishes. We recommend that almost everyone execute a Medical Directive to Physicians and other documents, based on your individual needs.
What type of documentation do I need for a wind farm?
If you want to get into the business of wind energy, you may need wind leases and easement agreements, option and purchase agreements, crossing agreements, access, transmission, collection system and non-obstruction easements. We help you get the appropriate documentation.
What is involved in getting into wind energy?
There are many legal aspects involved that may include dealing with the energy company, investors, coordinating the real estate, government approvals, surveys, title policies and legal opinion letters. We take care of all the legal areas that come with starting this venture.
What is condemnation?
Condemnation is a process in which the government or other entities with condemnation authority desires a portion of your land for a public use. The condemning authority however, must pay you market value for your property. The Pettitt Firm can assist you with this process as soon as you receive a condemnation request.
How much money am I entitled to if the government condemns my property?
According to Texas law, you are entitled to fair market value for the land. The condemning authority provides an assessment and makes you an offer. You are entitled to have a private assessment done and can turn down the government’s offer. The Pettitt Firm can guide you through this process with its large source of appraisers and experts on land valuation.
