Should I Sue in Texas?
The short answer in Texas: under $20,000 (justice court, TRCP Rule 500.3) you can file in small claims without a lawyer; over that threshold, you're in regular civil court where representation matters. The personal-injury statute of limitations is 2 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003) — miss it and the claim is dead, no exceptions.
Texas — at a glance
- Small-claims cap: $20,000 (TRCP Rule 500.3).
- Personal-injury SOL: 2 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003).
- Contract SOL: 4 years written / 4 years oral.
- Demand letter: DTPA (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.505) requires a 60-day written demand before filing a consumer-protection claim.
- Free legal aid: TexasLawHelp.org.
Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer
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Key Takeaways for Texas
- If your claim is under the small-claims cap. File in Texas small claims yourself. The cap is $20,000 (TRCP Rule 500.3). No attorney required, filing fees typically $30-$75.
- Watch the statute of limitations. Personal injury is 2 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003). Contract claims follow 4 years written / 4 years oral. Once expired, the claim is barred — no judge has discretion to revive it.
- Contingency-fee norms. 33% to 40% sliding by case stage; med-mal contingency uncapped but governed by Tex. Gov. Code § 82.0651 review
- Texas litigation reality. The 2003 medical-malpractice cap of $250,000 per defendant ($500K aggregate against healthcare institutions) still controls non-economic damages
When small claims is the right call in Texas
Small claims exists for disputes that aren't worth a lawyer's billable hour. In Texas, the justice court jurisdictional limit is $20,000 (TRCP Rule 500.3). Filing fees run $30–$75 in most counties, and the process is built for pro-se litigants — the judge will help you cite the right rule.
Common cases: unpaid invoices, security-deposit recovery, minor property damage, breach of a service agreement under the cap. Common bad fits: anything requiring expert testimony (med-mal, complex contract disputes), claims that need injunctive relief, or defendants who've already hired counsel.
Demand letter first?
In Texas, DTPA (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.505) requires a 60-day written demand before filing a consumer-protection claim. Even when not legally required, a demand letter signals seriousness, creates a paper trail, and often produces a settlement before any court fees are spent. If the dispute survives a 30-day demand letter — that's the signal you need actual counsel, not just a threat.
Free or low-cost help
Income-qualified residents (typically at or below 125% of the federal poverty line) can access free civil legal help through TexasLawHelp.org. Every Texas county also runs a court self-help center for procedural questions — free, no income test.
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Try the calculator — freeSources cited inline. Last verified May 2026. Statutes change — confirm with the official state bar before filing.