University of Texas Law School Launches Personal Injury Course

Austin, TX, September 23, 2025

News Summary

The University of Texas School of Law will introduce a groundbreaking course titled ‘Texas Personal Injury Trial Law’ this fall, led by Ronald Rodriguez. This course, the first of its kind in Texas, will cover the personal injury trial process comprehensively, equipping students with essential strategies and tools for effective advocacy. With 30 years of trial experience, Rodriguez brings significant expertise, having achieved notable verdicts, including a $47.5 million civil rights case and a $281 million trucking accident verdict.

AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas School of Law is set to introduce an innovative course, Texas Personal Injury Trial Law, this fall. The course is distinguished as the first of its kind in Texas, focusing exclusively on the intricacies of personal injury trial practice.

The course will be led by Laredo native Ronald Rodriguez, who is also the author of a comprehensive 700-page textbook that will serve as the primary resource for the class. Drawing from his extensive experience, Rodriguez has participated in landmark personal injury cases that have shaped his approach to legal education.

Rodriguez’s professional background features 30 years of trial experience, including two significant cases that have garnered national attention. He aims to utilize this experience to equip his students with essential tools and strategies necessary for effective advocacy in personal injury law.

The Texas Personal Injury Trial Law course will cover the entire personal injury trial process, from client intake to the appeal stage, highlighting the specific rules and courtroom strategies applicable in Texas.

Among Rodriguez’s notable achievements is a landmark $47.5 million civil rights wrongful-death verdict awarded in 2010 against Wackenhut Corrections. This case centered on the wrongful death of Gregorio De La Rosa Jr., who was killed by fellow inmates while prison guards failed to intervene. This verdict was regarded as the largest against a private prison company at the time and much of it was upheld on appeal.

In another significant case, Rodriguez achieved a $281 million verdict in 2013 related to an oilfield trucking accident, marking the largest personal injury verdict in Texas for that year. His expertise in personal injury law, supported by his certifications in Civil Appellate Law and Personal Injury Trial Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, positions him as a prominent figure in the field.

Rodriguez is a proud graduate of United High School and went on to earn both his finance and law degrees from UT Austin. His contributions to the legal profession have led to his induction into the Texas Lawyer Jury Verdict Hall of Fame and recognition in national media.

With the introduction of the Texas Personal Injury Trial Law course, Rodriguez aims to have a lasting impact on the next generation of Texas lawyers by providing them with a robust foundation in personal injury law, ethics, and advocacy strategies. The course will officially begin this fall semester.

About the Course

• Instructor: Ronald Rodriguez
• Textbook: Texas Personal Injury Trial Law Handbook (700 pages)
• Course Structure: Covers the personal injury trial process from intake to appeal, focusing on Texas specific rules
• Experience: 30 years of trial experience, with notable cases in personal injury law

Key Achievements of Ronald Rodriguez

• 2010: $47.5 million verdict in a civil rights wrongful-death case against Wackenhut Corrections
• 2013: $281 million verdict in an oilfield trucking accident case, largest personal injury verdict in Texas that year
• Certifications: Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Appellate Law and Personal Injury Trial Law
• Induction: Texas Lawyer Jury Verdict Hall of Fame

Conclusion

With the launch of the Texas Personal Injury Trial Law course, the University of Texas School of Law is making strides to pioneer legal education in personal injury law, preparing students for the challenges and complexities of trial practice in the state.

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Additional Resources

• Laredo Morning Times: South Texas Lawyer’s Historic Fall Class
• Wikipedia: Personal Injury Lawyer
• Laredo Morning Times: University of Texas Law School
• Google Search: Ronald Rodriguez Lawyer
• Laredo Morning Times: Wrongful Death in Webb County Jail
• Google Scholar: Texas Trial Law
• Laredo Morning Times: Attorney Claims Against Webb CISD
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Law
• Laredo Morning Times: Family Remembers Educator and Law Figure
• Google News: Texas Law Education

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