Charla Aldous Named 2026 Litigation Star for Another Year of Courtroom Success

Recognition highlights landmark verdicts and continued leadership in trial advocacy

At Aldous Law, passion fuels justice — and this year, that passion has been recognized once again. We’re thrilled to share that our founder, Charla Aldous, has been named a Litigation Star in the 2026 Benchmark Litigation rankings. This honor celebrates another year of outstanding courtroom success, landmark verdicts, and unwavering advocacy for those who need it most.

Standing Up for What Matters

The Benchmark Litigation guide identifies the nation’s top trial attorneys based on case performance, client feedback, and peer review. Recognition in the guide isn’t just about wins — it’s about impact, integrity, and consistency.

“For us, it’s always about the people we represent,” says Ms. Aldous, who was also selected among Texas Super Lawyers’ Top 10 Attorneys for 2025. “Every case we take on is about standing up for someone who’s been wronged and fighting to make sure their voice is heard. To be recognized by my peers for doing that work is humbling and deeply meaningful.”

At Aldous Law, that belief — clients first, always — drives everything we do. Every client. Every case. Every fight for justice.

A Legacy of Leadership and Results

Ms. Aldous is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most accomplished trial lawyers, with more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements earned for clients. Named a “Living Legend” by the Dallas Bar Association, she’s also a proud member of several of the legal profession’s most respected organizations, including:

The Inner Circle of Trial Advocates
The International Academy of Trial Lawyers
The American College of Trial Lawyers
The American Board of Trial Advocates

And 2026 continues to be a landmark year — Ms. Aldous was also named Lawyer of the Year by The Best Lawyers in America in Plaintiffs Medical Malpractice Law and Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation. She was the only personal injury attorney included in Forbes’ Best-in-State Lawyer list for Texas.

Recognition Rooted in Real Results

Benchmark Litigation’s research process is thorough and personal — involving in-depth interviews across the country to identify attorneys who demonstrate not only results but also respect from peers and clients alike. For Ms. Aldous, these honors reflect something deeper: a lifelong dedication to helping people find their voice in the courtroom. At Aldous Law, we’re proud to see our founder recognized for what we all believe in — fighting for those who deserve justice and creating meaningful change through the law.

Houston Hotel Explosion Leaves Workers Injured

On Thursday morning, tragedy struck in downtown Houston when a boiler exploded at a hotel construction site near Texas Avenue and Austin Street. According to the Houston Fire Department, the blast caused part of the building’s top floor to collapse.

At least five people suffered burn injuries, with several rushed to local hospitals for emergency treatment. The severity of their injuries is still being determined, but early reports suggest that many of the victims were construction workers who were inside the building at the time of the explosion.

These types of workplace explosions not only cause devastating physical harm but also leave victims and families facing lifelong medical, financial, and emotional struggles.

Explosion and Burn Injuries in Texas: A Legal Perspective

Explosions and fire-related accidents are unfortunately not rare in Texas, given the state’s high volume of industrial, construction, and energy-related work. Victims often suffer:

Severe burns requiring long-term medical care
Scarring and disfigurement
Respiratory injuries from smoke and chemicals
Emotional trauma from the event itself

When explosions happen because of unsafe work conditions, faulty equipment, or negligence, injured individuals and their families have the right to seek justice.

Aldous Law: Fighting for Burn and Explosion Injury Victims Across Texas

At Aldous Law, we have represented explosion and burn injury victims across Texas—from industrial accidents to catastrophic workplace injuries. Our founding attorney, Charla Aldous, is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who has taken more than 200 cases before juries and secured some of the largest verdicts in the state.

We believe that justice isn’t just about compensation—it’s about change. Our cases have not only helped victims recover the financial resources they need for treatment and recovery, but also pushed for systemic changes that make workplaces and communities safer.

What Victims and Families Should Do After an Explosion Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in an explosion or burn accident:

Seek immediate medical attention — your health comes first.
Document the scene if possible — photos, witness names, and details matter.
Do not speak with insurance companies before consulting an attorney — their goal is often to minimize payouts.
Call an experienced trial lawyer — having a seasoned team ensures your rights are protected.

Contact Aldous Law Today

The Houston hotel explosion is a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be changed. At Aldous Law, we are here to stand with you, fight for you, and make sure that what happened to you leads to meaningful accountability and justice.

Call us today for a confidential consultation. We fight for explosion and burn injury victims across Dallas, Houston, and throughout Texas.

Burn Injuries from Explosions: Who is Liable in Texas?

Burn injuries from explosions can change lives in an instant, leaving survivors not only with physical scars but also with serious questions about who should be held responsible. Explosions can happen for many reasons, faulty equipment, poor maintenance, unsafe working conditions, or defective products. Those who might be liable include employers, property owners, manufacturers, or contractors. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an unexpected explosion, you may have the right to pursue compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and the emotional trauma you’ve endured.

At Aldous Law, we use our years of experience to guide clients through burn injury cases with care and attention. We dig deep to uncover what caused the explosion and identify every party that could be responsible, making sure your claim covers all possible avenues for recovery. Our Dallas injury lawyers focus on building strong, evidence-backed strategies that hold up whether your case is settled or goes to court. If you’re facing the aftermath of burn injuries from an explosion, Aldous Law is here to provide clear guidance, assertive advocacy, and dedicated support every step of the way. Contact us for a personalized consultation to discuss your options and start moving toward recovery.

Understanding Liability for Explosion-Related Burn Injuries

Burn injuries from explosions come with their own set of legal challenges, different from other types of burn cases. Unlike burns caused by fires, chemicals, or everyday accidents, explosions are sudden, violent events that often cause widespread damage along with serious personal injuries. These incidents can involve multiple factors and several parties who might be responsible. Figuring out liability means conducting a careful, detailed investigation into what caused the explosion, the environment where it happened, and whether proper safety measures were followed.

What Makes Explosion Injuries Different from Other Burn Cases

Explosions stand apart because of the sheer force and scale of destruction they bring. Victims may not only suffer severe burns but also injuries related to the blast, like fractures, amputations, or traumatic brain injuries. Unlike isolated burn incidents, explosions often:

Affect multiple victims within a wide blast area
Leave behind complex evidence that needs expert analysis
Result from a combination of causes, such as system failures, poor maintenance, or defective equipment
Involve multiple parties who may be at fault, including employers, manufacturers, contractors, or property owners

These layers of complexity make explosion-related burn cases particularly challenging, both for medical recovery and determining legal responsibility.

The Role of Negligence and Fault in Determining Liability

Negligence is often at the heart of explosion-related burn injury cases. Liability usually comes down to whether someone failed to meet their responsibility to keep others safe. Some key factors that can point to negligence include:

Failing to properly maintain or repair equipment
Not providing adequate safety protocols or training in hazardous workplaces
Using or producing defective or unsafe products
Improper storage or handling of flammable materials
Failing to warn about known dangers

Common Causes of Explosion-Related Burn Injuries

Explosions happen suddenly and without warning, releasing extreme heat, force, and fire that can cause serious burns in seconds. These incidents can occur almost anywhere, from industrial sites and workplaces to homes and public areas, making them unpredictable and dangerous. Knowing the common causes of explosion-related burn injuries helps highlight the range of situations that can lead to these life-changing events.

Workplace and Industrial Explosions

Industrial sites, like steel mills, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities, are some of the highest-risk environments for explosions. These incidents often happen because of:

Chemical reactions or spills igniting when hazardous materials are stored, mixed, or handled improperly
Gas leaks from pipelines or equipment that go unnoticed until a spark or flame triggers an explosion
Insufficient safety training or procedures, leaving workers unprepared to handle dangerous substances or emergencies

Because of the size and scale of these operations, explosions at industrial sites can injure multiple workers at once, cause significant property damage, and even affect entire communities.

Equipment and Machinery Malfunctions

Faulty or poorly maintained equipment is another major cause of explosions. In industrial and commercial settings, when critical machinery fails, the consequences can be severe. Some common examples include:

Electrical failures that spark fires or ignite nearby flammable materials
Boilers or pressure vessels rupturing due to extreme pressure or lack of proper maintenance
Mechanical breakdowns, such as overheating or sparking in conveyor belts, furnaces, or industrial tools

When machinery is built incorrectly, repaired improperly, or neglected during routine safety checks, the resulting explosions can leave workers with devastating, life-altering burn injuries.

Residential or Public Explosions

Explosions aren’t just a workplace danger—they can happen at home, in apartments, or in public spaces too. These incidents are especially dangerous because people often have no warning and little protection. Some common causes include:

Gas line or propane tank leaks in homes that ignite suddenly
Faulty consumer products, like defective appliances, batteries, or heating equipment
Failures in public infrastructure, including ruptured utility lines, construction accidents, or vehicle crashes that lead to fuel explosions

Explosions in these settings can seriously injure residents, bystanders, and entire neighborhoods. They also raise tough questions about product safety, property maintenance, and whether proper oversight was in place.

Who May Be Liable for Explosion-Related Burn Injuries

Figuring out liability for explosion-related burn injuries usually requires a careful, detailed investigation. Explosions often happen because of a mix of factors, and identifying who’s at fault means looking closely at everything leading up to the event. This process can uncover responsible parties that aren’t immediately obvious, even large companies or government entities responsible for safety regulations. Working with an experienced premises liability attorney gives you the guidance and resources you need to take on powerful organizations and fight for the compensation you deserve, no matter how complicated the case.

Those who may be held liable for explosion-related burn injuries include:

Utility companies or government agencies in charge of infrastructure safety
Employers and business owners who don’t maintain safe work environments
Manufacturers and product designers of defective or unsafe equipment or products
Contractors and maintenance providers who ignore safety standards
Property owners or landlords who overlook hazardous conditions or fail to warn

An experienced attorney can help you understand who might be responsible and guide you through the best legal options for your specific situation. With the right legal support, you have a trusted advocate focused on protecting your rights and helping you pursue the best possible outcome.

Legal Rights and Compensation for Burn Victims

Victims of explosion-related burn injuries often face serious physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At Aldous Law, we help clients explore options for compensation when injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence, unsafe products, or hazardous work conditions. Filing a personal injury claim can provide the resources you need for medical care and financial stability, while also holding those responsible accountable and helping prevent similar accidents in the future.

Types of Damages You May Recover

Types of damages you may recover include:

Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitative care
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering related to physical and emotional trauma
Property damage caused by the explosion
Costs for ongoing care or home modifications due to disability

Compensation can help cover the high costs of treatment and lost income while holding negligent parties responsible. It also provides a safety net, letting you focus on recovery while pursuing justice for the harm you’ve suffered.

How Liability Is Proven in Explosion Burn Cases

Proving liability in explosion-related burn injury cases takes a careful investigation and solid evidence showing that someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused the incident. This can include:

Accident reports and workplace records detailing what happened
Expert testimony from engineers, fire investigators, or product specialists who can analyze the cause of the explosion
Maintenance logs and safety inspections showing whether equipment, facilities, or products were properly checked and maintained
Witness statements from coworkers, residents, or bystanders who saw what happened
Product testing or analysis if defective equipment or consumer goods are involved

By putting this evidence together, attorneys can determine who’s responsible, whether it’s an employer, manufacturer, contractor, property owner, or another party. Establishing liability not only strengthens a personal injury claim but also helps encourage better safety practices to protect others.

Steps to Take After Suffering an Explosion-Related Burn Injury

If you or a loved one is hurt in an explosion, taking the right steps early can protect your health and your legal rights. Important steps include:

Get medical care right away: Burns and blast injuries can get worse quickly, so it’s important to get medical care right away.
Report the incident: Let your employer (for workplace accidents) or the proper authorities know what happened so there’s an official record.
Document your injuries and damages: Take photos of your burns, any damaged property, and the accident scene if you can. Keep copies of all medical records and bills.
Keep evidence: Don’t throw away clothing, equipment, or other items involved in the explosion, they could help prove liability.
Follow your doctor’s advice: Go to all appointments, treatments, and rehab sessions to support your recovery and your claim.
Talk to an experienced attorney: A lawyer who handles explosion and burn injury cases can investigate what happened, figure out who’s responsible, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Taking these steps not only supports your recovery but also strengthens your case, making it easier to hold negligent parties accountable and get the resources you need moving forward.

How an Attorney Can Help with Explosion-Related Burn Injury Claims

Recovering from burn injuries after an explosion can feel overwhelming with medical care, insurance issues, and uncertainty about the future. An attorney acts as a trusted guide, helping you gather evidence, talk with insurance companies, and hold those responsible accountable. From your first consultation to settlement talks or trial, a lawyer can make sure your rights are protected so you can focus on healing.

An attorney can help by:

Investigating to identify all responsible parties
Collecting and preserving evidence and expert testimony
Handling complex legal and procedural steps
Communicating with insurance companies and opposing counsel
Explaining the full range of damages you could recover
Fighting to get you the maximum compensation possible

With Aldous Law on your side, our attorneys aim to reduce stress and uncertainty so you can focus on recovery. We work to secure fair compensation as efficiently as possible, helping cover medical costs, lost income, and other expenses related to your injuries.

Aldous Law’s Experience with Explosion-Related Burn Injury Cases

Aldous Law has a strong track record of winning multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for clients hurt in complex explosion-related burn cases. With over 200 jury trials and more than $1 billion recovered for victims of serious injuries, our team knows how to take on big corporations, insurance companies, and negligent parties to fight for the compensation clients and their families deserve.

When you work with Aldous Law, you get experienced legal allies who are committed to helping you rebuild your life and pursue justice.

Contact Aldous Law for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in an explosion, Aldous Law is here to help you navigate your case with confidence. Our compassionate team will work closely with you to protect your rights and make sure your injuries and losses are fully addressed. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the support and compensation you deserve.

Understanding Trey’s Law: A Game Changer for Sexual Assault Survivors in Texas

Trey’s Law is a major milestone in Texas, offering real hope and protection for survivors of sexual assault. This new law strengthens legal rights and opens clearer paths for survivors to seek justice. It removes barriers that have often kept survivors from holding institutions accountable. Now, survivors can take civil action against those who failed to prevent abuse or created unsafe environments, sending a clear message that negligence and silence will no longer be tolerated in Texas.

For survivors, Trey’s Law isn’t just legislation, it’s a lifeline. It gives survivors greater access to the courtroom, the ability to demand accountability, and the chance to spark systemic change. If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual assault, the legal system now has stronger tools to support you.

Aldous Law’s nationally recognized team is dedicated to helping survivors navigate these changes. We listen closely to every client, build strategies based on your story, and advocate tirelessly from start to finish. For honest guidance about your legal options under Trey’s Law, reach out to Aldous Law to schedule a free consultation.

What is Trey’s Law?

Trey’s Law, officially Senate Bill 835, was created to free survivors from the legal silence often enforced through nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). These agreements previously forced victims to choose between compensation and their voice. Trey’s Law changes that, banning NDAs in settlements related to sexual abuse. Importantly, the law also applies retroactively, giving survivors who were previously silenced the chance to speak out. Both adults and children are protected under this law.

Key Points of Trey’s Law:

Bans NDAs: Any agreement that stops a survivor from talking about sexual abuse is now void and unenforceable.
Retroactive Protection: Past NDAs can be challenged, empowering survivors who were previously silenced.
Broad Definition of Abuse: Covers indecency with a child, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual performance by a child, human trafficking, and compelling prostitution.
Protects Adults and Children: Every victim is covered, regardless of age.
Financial Privacy Allowed: Settlements can keep financial details private, but survivors cannot be silenced about the abuse itself.

Aldous Law is here to help survivors understand how Trey’s Law may apply to their situation, offering clear guidance and advocacy every step of the way.

How Trey’s Law Stops NDAs From Silencing Survivors

Before Trey’s Law, organizations and individuals could use NDAs to hide abuse and avoid accountability. Survivors were often forced into silence in exchange for settlements. Trey’s Law ends that practice. Now, survivors cannot be legally prevented from sharing their story, even after a settlement. This is a big step toward transparency, justice, and holding abusers and negligent institutions accountable in Texas.

Retroactive Application: Voiding Old NDAs

One of the most powerful parts of Trey’s Law is its retroactive effect. NDAs from old cases are presumed void unless a court rules otherwise. This means survivors who felt trapped by prior settlements can now reclaim their right to speak out, no matter when the NDA was signed. The law covers a wide range of abuse cases, including sexual assault, aggravated assault, trafficking, and more, and protects both adults and children.

By removing these restrictive agreements, Trey’s Law restores autonomy to survivors. It allows them to tell their story, pursue healing, and push for justice, turning personal pain into action that can protect others.

Why Trey’s Law Matters for Survivors

Trey’s Law is about more than legal rights, it’s about healing, empowerment, and justice. Survivors who have carried the burden of silence now have the right to speak openly and hold those responsible accountable.

How Trey’s Law Supports Healing and Justice:

Frees survivors to share their stories without fear of legal consequences.
Breaks down barriers to mental health support and community healing.
Helps uncover patterns of institutional silence and negligence.
Increases public awareness, turning individual experiences into systemic change.
Deters future abuse by removing the tools used to hide misconduct.

Aldous Law Weighs In: What This Law Means for Survivors

Attorney Eleanor Aldous was recently asked about Trey’s Law in the Dallas Morning News. She said:

“This is such a weight lifted,” regarding survivors.

Her words highlight the relief and empowerment survivors feel under this new law - a sense that they no longer have to choose silence over justice.

How Aldous Law Can Help Survivors

At Aldous Law, we guide survivors every step of the way, especially as they navigate the opportunities Trey’s Law provides. Our team can help:

Explain how Trey’s Law applies to your situation
Review and challenge NDAs that may silence your story
Collect evidence and witness statements to strengthen your claim
Represent you in negotiations, settlements, and court proceedings
Ensure institutions and individuals are held accountable

Take the First Step Toward Reclaiming Your Voice

If Trey’s Law might affect your case, Aldous Law encourages you to give our team a call to explore your options. Our experienced trial team has a track record of life-changing results and landmark verdicts. We’re ready to fight for your rights and help you reclaim your voice. Contact Aldous Law today to start your journey toward justice and healing.

Aldous Law Attorneys Earn Top Honors from The Best Lawyers in America

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from Aldous Law! Our attorneys have once again been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, and our founder, Charla Aldous, has earned the prestigious title of 2026 Dallas-Fort Worth Lawyer of the Year in two categories: plaintiffs’ medical malpractice law and plaintiffs’ personal injury litigation.

Joining Charla on this year’s list are our very own Caleb Miller and Eleanor Aldous, who have also received repeat recognition for their outstanding legal work.

“My entire team and I are blown away by the recognition this year,” Charla said. “The work we do here drives us. It's a real treat to have our community honor us for it.”

In addition to her Lawyer of the Year accolades, Charla was recognized for excellence in product liability litigation and has been included on the Best Lawyers list annually since 2003. She also serves on the Best Lawyers advisory board. Earlier this year, she was featured on Forbes’ Best-in-State Lawyer List, the only personal injury attorney in Texas to receive that honor.

Caleb Miller earned his third Best Lawyers citation for plaintiffs’ personal injury litigation, while Eleanor Aldous was named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list for the second consecutive year, highlighting up-and-coming attorneys. Both Caleb and Eleanor were also recently featured in Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation, a guide to the nation’s leading young lawyers.

Aldous Law continues to make a difference for our clients, including a recent $71.95 million jury verdict on behalf of a family who tragically lost a loved one in a scissor lift accident. This verdict was recognized by Law.com and ALM in their Top 100 Verdicts of 2024.

At Aldous Law, we specialize in high-stakes personal injury cases, including wrongful death, trucking collisions, medical malpractice, product liability, and sexual assault cases. We’re proud that our team’s dedication and results are recognized by our peers and the legal community.

1 Dead, Several Injured in DART Bus and Semi-Truck Crash in Dallas

Aldous Law – Trusted Dallas Truck Accident Attorneys

A tragic crash occurred on Monday afternoon in northeast Dallas, leaving one person dead and at least five others injured. The incident involved a semi-truck, a DART bus, and several other vehicles at the intersection of Plano Road and Miller Road. According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, the driver of the semi lost consciousness, ran through the intersection, and struck four vehicles, including:

Another semi-truck
A DART bus
A box truck
A car

The semi-truck driver was transported to a hospital, where they later died from their injuries. One other person remains in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing, and details are still emerging.

If You Were Involved or Know Someone Affected — Call Aldous Law Today

If you or a loved one was injured in this devastating truck accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Aldous Law, we have decades of experience fighting for victims of serious truck crashes in Dallas and throughout Texas. Our Dallas truck accident attorneys are ready to investigate your case, determine liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why Truck Accidents Like This Happen – And Who May Be Liable

Collisions involving 18-wheelers or commercial vehicles often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These massive trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, meaning even minor negligence can cause devastating harm.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Crashes:

Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel with little rest, often in violation of federal Hours of Service rules.
Medical Episodes: Like in this crash, drivers may lose consciousness due to underlying health conditions.
Mechanical Failures: Poorly maintained brakes or under-inflated tires can lead to uncontrollable vehicles.
Distracted Driving: Texting or even using GPS while driving can take a driver's eyes off the road for critical seconds.

Who Can Be Held Accountable?

Multiple parties may be held legally responsible after a crash like this, including:

The truck driver
The trucking company that employs the driver
Vehicle maintenance providers
Third-party contractors or manufacturers (in the case of brake/tire failure)

How Aldous Law Has Helped Truck Accident Victims Like You

We’ve recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, including major victories for victims of trucking negligence:

$35 Million for a mother and daughter killed by an 18-wheeler failing to yield
$12.5 Million for the family of a man killed by a distracted truck driver
$9 Million for catastrophic injuries caused by a speeding 18-wheeler in the rain

These aren’t just numbers — they’re stories of justice.

Injured in a Truck or DART Bus Crash in Dallas? Let Us Fight for You

If you or someone you know was impacted by the Plano Road and Miller Road crash, don’t wait for insurance companies to offer less than what your case is worth. Trucking companies and public transit entities like DART have strong legal teams protecting their interests. You need an experienced legal team who can stand up to them.

We’ll Help You Understand:

Who’s at fault
How to secure compensation
What evidence matters
What medical documentation you’ll need
What your case might be worth

Call Aldous Law Today – Speak With a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer

At Aldous Law, we believe every victim deserves justice, and no family should suffer silently after a tragedy caused by negligence. We are trial-tested, compassionate advocates who know how to take on corporations and trucking companies when lives are on the line.

Based in Dallas, Serving All of Texas