Personal Background
Lawrence (Larry) Wilson rejoined The Lanier Law Firm in 2003 and is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has tried approximately 38 jury trials to verdict and is among the most experienced trial attorneys at the firm. Mr. Wilson practices in the areas of 18-wheeler accidents, chemical plant explosions and toxic releases, product liability, FELA/railroad claims, and medical malpractice.
Mr. Wilson has also helped clients in numerous jury verdicts involving sexual assault, age discrimination, premises liability, automobile negligence and Jones Act and maritime negligence. He is known for his innovative trial themes and strategic approach to damages presentation.
Larry Wilson is a native of Lubbock, Texas. Mr. Wilson began his legal career at the law firm Fulbright & Jaworski and later was a name partner with Goforth Lewis Sanford Wilson, LLP. He and his wife, Susan, live in Houston, Texas, and attend the Church of Christ in Champions.
Representative Cases
Mr. Wilson has secured notable settlements and verdicts in the following cases:
Chemical Plant Explosion – $28 Million Settlement (2025)
Mr. Wilson represented several plaintiffs injured in a chemical plant explosion, securing combined settlements of over $28 million.
LaBella v. United States – $7.65 Million Settlement
Federal Tort Claims Act case involving a protester struck by a less-lethal munition during the 2020 Portland protests. The plaintiff suffered a fractured skull and brain injury. Mr. Wilson secured a $7.65 million settlement from the federal government.
Daycare Bus Death Case – Wrongful Death Settlement
A three-year-old child died after being left on a daycare bus. Despite limited insurance coverage, Mr. Wilson secured a significant settlement for the family.
Minto v. Helterbran – $350,000+ Verdict (2024)
In a case where the defense offered $50,000 for a torn meniscus in the knee and plaintiff demanded $100,000, Mr. Wilson secured a jury verdict exceeding $350,000, with prejudgment interest increasing the judgement to over $400,000.
Confidential Personal Injury Case
Mr. Wilson settled a personal injury case for 17.5 million. The name of the case and
specific facts are confidential.
Schwab v. Ford Motor Company
This case involved a defective Ford seatback. When the Ford vehicle was rear-ended, the front seat passenger’s head went back and over the front seat back and impacted the head of a young child behind him causing a serious brain injury to the child. The case was filed in Delaware federal court.
Riley v. AutoZone
Mr. Riley was driving with his wife to his old hometown. While slowing at an exit ramp, an AutoZone 18-wheeler struck the Rileys from behind. Mrs. Riley survived for an hour before succumbing to her injuries and Mr. Riley had many injuries including an amputated leg. The case was filed in Massachusetts federal court.
Christley v. Marine Drilling Company
Mr. Christley was a Jones Act Seaman, one of three men required to move 2,000 100-pound bags of salt during a night shift. He severely injured his lower back. When he returned with a light-duty work release, he was ordered to do regular duty work again. Mr. Christley was hurt severely and never again worked offshore.
Rogers v. Home Furniture Company
A small child pulled open drawers from a piece of furniture. With the drawers open, the furniture was no longer stable. It tipped forward onto the child and the child suffocated. The furniture lacked any anchoring device to keep it from tipping.
Ford v. International Harvester
A long-haul driver struck his head when driving on a highway with potholes. He suffered herniated discs in his neck and back. Mr. Ford contended that the cab of the 18-wheeler had both a manufacturing defect and marketing defect.
Fryar v. Bridgestone/Firestone
A passenger in a conversion van died from injuries sustained when a Firestone tire was partially de-treaded. As the driver tried to stop, the van began sliding sideways and struck a guard rail, causing fatal injuries to the passenger. The family of the driver contended that the tire had both a design and manufacturing defect that allowed the tread to separate from the steel belts during normal driving.
Henry v. San Angelo Community Medical Center
Due to a childhood injury, Ms. Henry had vision in only one eye. When hospitalized for suspected pneumonia, nurses elevated her bed for tests, lowered the side rail and then left her unattended. Ms. Henry fell from the bed and her unimpaired eye struck the corner of the side table. The impact ruptured her ocular globe and left her legally blind.
Sharp v. Shannon Medical Center
A male equipment technician of Shannon Medical Center started sexually assaulting a female patient whom he thought was fully sedated. When she awakened, she contacted the nursing staff. The nurses did not record the assault, notify the doctors or call security. The hospital staff washed her sheets and helped Ms. Sharp shower. The nurses approved Ms. Sharp for discharge from the hospital later that day. Three days later, Ms. Sharp went to the police. After first denying the assault, the equipment technician then signed a sworn confession.
Community and Professional Activities
- Larry teaches Bible classes at the church of Christ in Champions