A Guide to Lubbock’s Court System for Injury Victims

Find out where to file your personal injury case

If you’re getting ready to file a personal injury claim in Lubbock, Texas, one of the first things you’ll need to understand is how the court system works. Where your case is heard, the rules you’ll have to follow, and even the tendencies of local juries can all play a big role in the outcome of your lawsuit.

Texas has one of the largest and most complex court systems in the country, and the courts in Lubbock function as part of this system—with a few local quirks to keep in mind.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the Texas court system is structured, then zoom in on Lubbock to give you the details you need. We’ll cover where to file your case, what to expect from local judges and juries, and how to find helpful resources like process servers and court rules.

Understanding the Texas court system 

Before focusing on the court system in Lubbock, it may be helpful to understand how Texas courts are structured. Texas has a tiered court system, with different courts handling different types of cases based on factors like the amount of damages involved and the nature of the dispute 

Here’s an overview of the main courts you may encounter when pursuing a personal injury case in Texas: 

• Justice of the peace courts: Justice of the peace courts (sometimes called “small claims courts”) have limited jurisdiction and primarily handle small civil matters. These courts only have authority to hear cases involving claims up to $20,000, such as minor accidents or disputes. 
• County courts: County courts generally handle civil cases where the plaintiff is seeking damages between $200 and $200,000. There are two main types of county courts that may have jurisdiction over personal injury cases:
  • Constitutional county courts: These courts exist in every county but typically focus on criminal misdemeanors and appeals from justice courts. They have limited jurisdiction in civil matters and usually handle smaller, less complex cases.
  • Statutory county courts at law: Created by statute to support constitutional county courts, these courts have broader jurisdiction, especially in more populous areas. They can handle civil cases involving claims up to $200,000. In some situations, they share jurisdiction with district courts over civil matters, including personal injury cases.
• District courts: District courts are the primary trial courts in Texas and have general jurisdiction, meaning they can hear both civil and criminal cases, regardless of the amount of money involved, unless another court has exclusive jurisdiction. Personal injury cases involving damages over $200,000 are typically filed in district courts, but they also handle claims below this amount when the case involves complex legal issues or if it's a larger or more serious injury case.
• Texas courts of appeals: If you’re unsatisfied with the outcome of your case at the trial court level, you can appeal to one of Texas’ 14 courts of appeals. These intermediate appellate courts hear cases from the district and county courts within their respective regions.
• Texas Supreme Court: For civil matters, including personal injury cases, the Texas Supreme Court is the highest court in the state. This court has final appellate jurisdiction in civil and juvenile cases, meaning it can hear appeals from the courts of appeals if further review is warranted. 

Where will your personal injury lawsuit be filed in Lubbock?

For a court in Lubbock to hear your case, it must have jurisdiction. In personal injury cases, Lubbock courts typically have jurisdiction in two situations:

1. The defendant resides in Lubbock: If the person or entity you’re suing lives or operates in Lubbock, the courts there will generally have jurisdiction.
2. The accident occurred in Lubbock: Even if the defendant resides elsewhere, if your accident occurred in Lubbock, you can file your lawsuit in a Lubbock court. 

Once you've determined that a Lubbock court has jurisdiction, the next step is identifying the correct court based on the amount of damages you're seeking. The amount of your claim will determine whether your case qualifies for a justice court, county court, or district court.

Justice of the peace courts for small claims 

If your claim is under $20,000, you may file your lawsuit in a justice of the peace court. These courts handle smaller civil matters, and while they aren't typically used for personal injury cases, they can be an option if you're seeking a small amount in damages. The justice of the peace courts in Lubbock County are divided into four precincts, and the correct precinct for your case is typically determined by where the accident occurred or where the defendant resides within the county. 

All justice courts are located at the Lubbock County Courthouse. Here are the details: 

Justice of the peace courts in Lubbock, Texas
Justice of the peace court	Location	Contact information
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 110 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: 806-775-1547 Fax: 806-775-7956 E-mail: [email protected] Hours of Operation: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 113 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: 806-775-1556 Fax: 806-775-7972 E-mail: [email protected] Hours of Operation: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday Closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 111 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: 806-775-1328 Fax: 806-775-7937 E-mail: [email protected] Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM Monday - Friday Open during lunch
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 121 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: 806-775-1540 Fax: 806-775-7941 Hours of Operation: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday Open during lunch

County courts for mid-range claims

If your claim involves damages between $200 and $200,000, your case may be eligible for County court. There are two types of county courts in Lubbock:

1. Constitutional county courts: While these courts exist in every county in Texas, they primarily handle criminal misdemeanors and smaller civil cases. They are not typically used for personal injury claims unless the amount in dispute is relatively small (under $10,000) or the case involves an appeal from a justice court.
2. Statutory county courts at law: These courts were created to relieve the workload of constitutional county courts, and they have broader jurisdiction. They can handle personal injury cases with damages up to $200,000. 

If your personal injury claim falls within the $200,000 limit, you can file in a county court at law. However, many plaintiffs seeking higher damages or dealing with complex legal issues will file in district court instead.

All county courts are located at the Lubbock County Courthouse. Here are the details: 

County courts in Lubbock, Texas
Country court	Location	Contact information
County Court at Law #1	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 401 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: (806) 775-1355 Email: [email protected]
County Court at Law #2	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 401 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: (806) 775-1355 Email: [email protected]
County Court at Law #3	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 403 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: (806) 775-1355 Email: [email protected]

District courts for larger or complex claims

If your personal injury claim involves damages over $200,000, or if the case is legally complex, it will most likely be filed in a district court. District courts have general jurisdiction, meaning they can handle civil and criminal matters, including most personal injury lawsuits.

Lubbock County is served by several district courts, all of which are located at the Lubbock County Courthouse. District courts hear cases involving substantial amounts of money, and they are where most personal injury lawsuits are filed.

Cases are assigned on a rotating basis, meaning your case will be randomly assigned to one of these courts upon filing. 

The district courts in Lubbock County include:

District courts in Lubbock, Texas
District court	Location	Contact information
72nd District Court	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 320 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: (806) 775-1355 Email: [email protected]
99th District Court	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 332 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: (806) 775-1355 Email: [email protected]
137th District Court	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 300 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: (806) 775-1355 Email: [email protected]
140th District Court	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 349 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: (806) 775-1355 Email: [email protected]
237th District Court	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 606 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: (806) 775-1355 Email: [email protected]
364th District Court	Lubbock County Courthouse 904 Broadway, Suite 307 Lubbock, TX 79401	Phone: (806) 775-1355 Email: [email protected]

Special considerations: Government entities and notice of claim

If your personal injury claim involves a government entity, such as the City of Lubbock, the jurisdiction and damage amount will still determine which court your claim is filed in, similar to other personal injury cases. However, there are important additional steps and requirements when suing a governmental body under the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA).

Unlike standard personal injury claims, lawsuits against government entities must follow specific procedural rules under the TTCA, including the requirement to file a notice of claim. This step is mandatory and serves to inform the government of the incident and the intent to seek damages.

The notice of claim must be filed within a set time frame, typically within six months of the injury, though this timeline may vary depending on the specific government entity involved. 

If you are suing the City of Lubbock, your notice of claim must be submitted directly to the city and must include:

• A detailed description of the incident
• The damages you’re seeking
• Any additional relevant information

Failure to file this notice within the required time frame can result in your case being dismissed, meaning you may lose the ability to recover any damages. After filing the notice of claim, if the government entity denies your claim or fails to respond within the legally mandated period, you may then proceed with filing your lawsuit in the appropriate court, based on the jurisdiction and damage amount involved.

What to expect at the courthouse 

Approaching the steps of the Lubbock County Courthouse at 904 Broadway Street can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. The imposing façade and towering vertical windows give the courthouse a commanding presence. 

But as you approach, remember: knowledge is power, and understanding the courthouse and its services can ease the process. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the courthouse with confidence.

Where is the Lubbock County Courthouse located?

The Lubbock County Courthouse is located at 904 Broadway Street, Lubbock, TX 79401, in the heart of downtown Lubbock. The courthouse is just a few blocks from Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, and the Buddy Holly Center, two notable landmarks in the area. In addition, the courthouse is close to several other county and municipal buildings, including the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office and the Lubbock Municipal Court, as well as several downtown restaurants and small businesses.

Can I file my personal injury lawsuit at the courthouse?

Yes, you can file your personal injury lawsuit at the District Clerk’s Office within the courthouse. The clerk’s office is responsible for managing and processing court records, including the filing of new lawsuits. Keep in mind that there will be a filing fee, which depends on the nature of your case. It’s a good idea to contact the clerk’s office or visit the Lubbock County website ahead of time for fee schedules and additional information.

Do I need to serve the lawsuit after filing it at the courthouse?

Yes, even after filing your lawsuit at the courthouse, you are still responsible for serving the legal papers to the defendant. This is usually done through a process server or certified mail. The court will not serve the papers for you, so it’s important to make arrangements for the defendant to be notified of the lawsuit.

Can I ask legal questions at the courthouse?

No, the courthouse staff, including clerks and other personnel, are prohibited from giving legal advice. While they can assist you with procedural questions, such as how to file documents or navigate the court system, they cannot offer advice on legal strategies or specifics about your case. If you have legal questions, it’s recommended that you consult an attorney.

Who can I talk to if I need help at the courthouse?

If you need assistance while at the courthouse, the best place to start is the District Clerk’s Office. The staff there can provide guidance on court procedures, filing processes, and access to court records. Additionally, there is a staff directory available online on the Lubbock County website where you can find contact information for judges and other court officials.

Does the courthouse have a law library?

Yes, the Lubbock County Courthouse has a law library that is open to the public. The library offers access to a range of legal materials, including statutes, case law, and legal reference books. This is a great resource for anyone doing legal research, particularly pro se litigants (those representing themselves in court). While the staff can help you locate materials, they cannot provide legal advice.

Is there parking available at the courthouse?

Parking is available around the courthouse, but it can be limited depending on the time of day and other events in the area. It’s advisable to arrive early to ensure you have enough time to find parking before your scheduled court appearance or appointment.

Can I file documents online, or do I have to visit the courthouse in person?

Some court filings may be done electronically through e-filing systems in Texas. However, for certain filings, especially those involving civil matters like personal injury claims, you may need to file in person at the District Clerk’s Office. Be sure to check the Lubbock County website or contact the courthouse to see which documents can be e-filed.

What should I know before attending a court hearing?

If you’re attending a court hearing at the Lubbock County Courthouse, make sure to bring any necessary documents with you and arrive early. The courthouse operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but there are often security checks and long lines at the entrance, so plan accordingly. Additionally, the courthouse does not allow certain items, such as weapons or large bags, so be mindful of what you bring.

Finding local legal services: process servers, attorneys, and court resources

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, you'll need to ensure the defendant is properly notified, usually through a process server. Lubbock has a number of reputable process servers who can help with this task. When choosing a process server, you’ll want to find someone who is registered with the Judicial Branch Certification Commission.

While we have a separate article that covers how to find a local attorney in Lubbock, be sure to consult it for detailed guidance on selecting the right legal representation for your case.

If you're representing yourself or just want to know more about the court system in Lubbock, the Lubbock County District Clerk’s office offers resources on their website, including court calendars, filing instructions, and tx-downloadable forms.

For litigants unfamiliar with the Lubbock court system, the following resources can be extremely helpful:

• Lubbock County District Clerk Website: Offers information on filing procedures, fee schedules, and downloadable court forms.
• Texas Rules of Civil Procedure: Available online at the Texas Courts website, these rules govern the legal process for civil cases in the state.
• Lubbock County Court Calendars: Check your case’s schedule and court dates.

By familiarizing yourself with the court system and resources in Lubbock, you'll be better prepared for your personal injury case. Whether you’re working with a Lubbock attorney or navigating the process on your own, knowing what to expect can make all the difference.