About Michael S. Tilton
Michael S. Tilton, the Lone Star Accident Lawyer, is a trial lawyer and a founding partner of Tilton & Tilton LLP. He is a fearless and relentless lawyer for his clients. Mike has helped to obtain millions of dollars for injured clients, taking on oil companies, railroads, trucking companies, drug manufacturers, and some of the largest corporations to ensure that his clients receive the justice they deserve.
Growing up as the son of a military father and school teacher mother, Mike learned early on that hard work, preparation, and dedication are the keys to success. He takes these skills and applies them to all areas of trial practice, whether it is negotiating a settlement with insurance adjusters or battling some if the biggest defense firms in the court room.
Mike received his bachelor’s degree with honors in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Houston and earned his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. While in law school, Mike honed his courtroom skills by excelling in numerous advocacy programs and serving as a member of the interscholastic Moot Court team and the Board of Advocates.
Immediately following law school, Mike worked at one of the oldest and most prestigious litigation firms in Houston where he participated in his first trial immediately after being sworn in as a lawyer. He later joined another successful plaintiff’s practice where he helped obtain millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for his clients. Mike has gone to trial and handled cases throughout Texas and in almost a dozen different states
Throughout his legal career, Mike has worked on a wide variety of cases, ranging from automobile accidents to complex pharmaceutical litigation with millions of dollars at stake. No matter the size, Mike treats every case with the attention it deserves. He realizes that an injury is one of the most traumatic events his clients will suffer, and therefore fights tooth and nail to get his clients the justice they deserve.
Mike’s commitment to his clients and professionalism has earned him numerous accolades. In 2012 and 2013, Mike’s colleagues voted him as a Texas Super Lawyer Rising Star, an honor bestowed to only 2.5% of all attorneys in Texas. Mike was also nominated as a “Top 40 under 40” by the National Trial Lawyers, an honor given to only 40 trial lawyers in Texas every year.
Education
University of Houston
B.S. in Political Science and Psychology, cum laude
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
Delta Upsilon International Fraternity
University of Houston Law Center
Interscholastic Moot Court Team
Board of Advocates Vice-Chair
Awards and Accolades
Texas Super Lawyer Rising Star | 2015, 2014, 2013, & 2012
National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 | 2015 & 2012
Eagle Scout
Publications
Author, Prepare Your Client For Mediation, Trial Magazine, 2015
Author, Keeping the Maritime Injury Case Afloat, Trial Magazine, 2011
Author, A Step-by-Step Analysis of Medical Malpractice Claims Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, Advanced Medical Malpractice Course, 2008
Practice Areas
100% of practice devoted to Civil Litigation
Memberships and Associations
Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Houston Trial Lawyers Association
Houston Bar Association
The following are examples of cases in which attorneys with Tilton & Tilton have served as lead counsel or had significant responsibility for the verdict or settlement and include cases from work at prior firms. The client’s portion of the total recovery may have been subject to medical liens and other third-party claims. These past results are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of any other claims. Each case presents its own unique facts and legal issues.
$1.1 Million Recovered for Jones Act Seamen Injured in Middle East
Mike Tilton successfully settled a maritime case on behalf of a Jones Act seaman who fractured his elbow and arm. The client suffered the injuries after falling from an unsafe and unsecured ladder. The injury occurred in the Middle East and the lawsuit was filed in Florida. After numerous depositions, including many of the client’s treating physicians, the case settled just prior to trial.
Attorney’s fees and expenses totaled $485,934.01.
$1,050,000 Partial Settlement for Industrial Worker
Houston industrial injury lawyer Mike Tilton reached a partial settlement of $1,050,000 for a client who suffered a herniated disk in a crane collapse industrial accident. The horrific incident occurred when the cab of a crawler crane sheared away from the crane’s base forcefully ejecting the terrified occupant. The crane operator was lucky to survive. Because the workers’ compensation carrier refused the injury claim and would not pay the plaintiff’s medical bills, Mike Tilton helped his client survive during the pendency of the lawsuit. The firm’s innovative approach to establishing liability and circumventing the workers’ compensation bar allowed the plaintiff to recover a substantial award.
Attorney’s fees and expenses totaled $570,446.00.
$935,000 Settlement for Accident Victim
Houston truck accident lawyer Mike Tilton settled a commercial truck accident case for $935,000. The clients suffered herniated discs when an 18-wheeler truck slammed into a sedan driven by the plaintiff. The suit claimed that the driver of the semi-truck caused the accident when she went straight in a “turn only” lane. Even though the plaintiff was cited by police for the accident, Mike was able to show that the defendants were at fault by tracking down several eye witnesses who blamed the driver of the semi-truck for causing the accident.
Attorney’s fees and expenses totaled $534,628.00.
$768,788 Jury Verdict for Injured Jones Act Seaman
Houston Jones Act attorney Mike Tilton went to trial in this case in Virginia. The seaman was injured after jumping from a fishing vessel to the dock. The fall on the dock required the seaman to undergo back surgery. The trial lasted over one week and jury awarded every dollar requested.
Appeal pending.
$750,000 for Victim of Elevator Accident
The client was in an elevator when it dropped at a fast rate then bungeed, leaving her caught between floors for 45 minutes. The next day her neck and arm were in pain; the emergency room diagnosed whiplash and shock, and her injuries eventually required surgery. The personal injury attorneys at Tilton & Tilton settled the case for $750,000.
Attorney’s fees and expenses totaled $429,949.57.
$700,000 for Injured Maritime Worker
A worker was injured while performing his duties as an offshore worksite. The plaintiff slipped and fell on board his ship, striking his head on the corner of a metal desk. Mike was proud to represent this man and settled the case for $706,000.
Attorney’s fees and expenses totaled $361,077.52.
$675,000 Settlement for Seaman Who Suffered Back Injury
Mike Tilton helped this settlement for a Jones Act seaman who had a back injury that did not require surgery. The client hurt his back when he fell approximately three feet while working alone. The defendant refused to pay maintenance and cure because the client failed a post-accident drug screen. As a result of the company’s failure to honor its cure obligations, Mike worked hard to make sure the client still received proper medical care. The case settled just days before trial.
$646,000 Settlement for Truck Accident Victim
The client was driving an 18 wheeler when another 18 wheeler ran a stop sign and hit him. His 18 wheeler flipped and caught on fire. Mike only had to take one deposition of the defendant driver before negotiating a $646,000 settlement.
Attorney’s fees and expenses totaled $374,211.07.
*Client’s portion of total recovery may be subject to Medicare / Medicaid reimbursement claims, Medicare / Medicaid liens or other third-party claims or liens. These listings are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of any other claims.