Business Details
29 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Legal Advocacy for Personal Injury Victims
Underwood Law Office was founded in 1997 by Mark Underwood, whose lifelong commitment to justice stems from his family's history of workplace injustice. Our firm specializes in representing individuals harmed by negligence, focusing on personal injury, disability claims, criminal defense, family law, workers' compensation, and mass tort litigation. With decades of combined experience, we advocate for clients in catastrophic cases including coal mine explosions, chemical spills, and wrongful death.Our practice spans Texas, West Virginia, California, and Washington, D.C., with a proven track record of multi-million dollar settlements. We maintain a client-centered approach, offering 24/7 availability and contingency fee arrangements to ensure access to justice regardless of financial circumstances.
Services
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
ERISA Claims
Medical Malpractice
Wrongful Death
Truck Accidents
Family Law
Mass Torts
Social Security Disability
Premises Liability
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Proven success in high-profile cases like the Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion
- Committed to jury trials that empower accident victims against corporations
- 24/7 client access with attorneys licensed in four jurisdictions
- Recognized legal expertise through national publications and media appearances
- Contingency fee structure with no upfront costs for personal injury cases
Associations and certifications
- Super Lawyers
- Marquis Who's Who
What people say
Excellent legal representation
Fantastic advice
Kept informed throughout
Compassionate support
Successful settlement
Services
Personal Injury
Our personal injury attorneys represent clients harmed by negligence in car accidents, industrial disasters, and medical malpractice. We handle complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and mass tort litigation. Our team secures compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering through settlements or jury trials.
Criminal Defense
We defend clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges including DWI, drug crimes, and domestic violence. Our approach challenges evidence admissibility, investigates procedural violations, and negotiates plea agreements when appropriate. We protect clients' rights during police interrogations and court proceedings across Texas and West Virginia.
ERISA Claims
Our ERISA specialists handle denied disability insurance claims and retirement benefit disputes. We navigate federal regulations to recover wrongfully withheld 401(k), pension, and long-term disability payments. Our contingency fee model ensures access to justice regardless of financial situation.
Medical Malpractice
We pursue compensation for victims of surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and substandard care. Our cases involve hospital negligence, birth injuries, and medication mistakes. We work with medical experts to prove duty of care breaches that cause permanent harm or death.
Mass Torts
Our firm represents large groups affected by corporate negligence in cases like chemical spills and pharmaceutical defects. We coordinate complex litigation across jurisdictions, as demonstrated in the Freedom Industries MCHM water contamination case affecting 300,000 residents.
People
Mark Forest Underwood
Principal Shareholder
Mark Underwood founded Underwood Law Office after serving in the West Virginia legislature. With 30+ years of trial experience, he represents victims in catastrophic cases including the West Fertilizer Plant explosion. Licensed in four jurisdictions, he combines legislative insight with courtroom expertise.
Cynthia Underwood
Staff Member
Cynthia Underwood provides administrative support to the legal team, ensuring smooth case management and client communication.
Natalie Hall
Staff Member
Natalie Hall assists with case preparation and client coordination, bringing organizational expertise to complex legal proceedings.
John Patrick L. Stephens
Attorney
John Stephens represents clients in personal injury and criminal defense matters, applying strategic legal analysis to achieve favorable outcomes.
Grace Callard
Scholarship Recipient
Grace Callard received the Underwood Law Community Leadership Scholarship for her community service initiatives that improve lives through service projects.
Questions
What types of personal injury cases do you handle?
We handle car accidents, truck collisions, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and catastrophic industrial accidents.
How are attorney fees structured for injury cases?
Most personal injury cases operate on contingency fees - we only collect payment if we win your case.
Can I file an ERISA claim appeal?
Yes, our attorneys specialize in ERISA claims denials and can help navigate the appeals process.
What constitutes medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare providers deviate from accepted standards of care causing patient harm.
Do you handle out-of-state cases?
Our licensed attorneys represent clients in Texas, West Virginia, California, and Washington, D.C.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas?
Texas generally allows two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim.
