Chad Parker. Photo credit: Michael Cavazos Photography.

“The business is more than just a job. It’s our life, and the people that come in here that we help is what it is all about.”

Chad Parker – Personal Injury Attorney

By Paula Jimenez

Chad Parker is a notable personal injury attorney based in Tyler, Texas. Since launching his self-branded trademark “Don’t Get Hurt Twice, DGH2” in 2016. Chad’s innovative approach has gained him significant visibility. Board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1998, he is recognized for his no-nonsense, direct consultations with clients, which he offers free of charge.

Beyond his legal practice, Chad cherishes time spent with his wife of seventeen years, Rebecca Parker, and their three children, Jake, Zach, and Kate. Rebecca also contributes her dedication and passion to the law firm, reinforcing their strong family-oriented ethos. Chad emphasizes, “The business is more than just a job. It’s our life, and the people that come in here that we help is what it is all about, and that is what we have in common.”

Family is extremely important to him.

Chad’s deep affection for his parents is truly boundless. He believes he has inherited the best traits from both of them. His mother, Linda Parker, is characterized by her remarkable empathy and compassion. Chad attributes these qualities to her challenging upbringing in poverty, which offered her a unique perspective on life, distinct from those who haven’t faced similar struggles or pondered where their next meal might come from. Linda’s kind-hearted nature and optimistic outlook illuminate the beauty found in life’s simplest pleasures, often overlooked by others.

On the other hand, Chad’s father, Jerry Parker, provides a complementary balance to his wife. Jerry’s straightforward approach adds a contrasting dynamic to their family life, which led Jerry to become a successful defense attorney.  Chad says,” I am a work in progress, but I am trying to use the best parts of them.”

Chad’s journey from collegiate athlete to respected personal injury attorney is a compelling narrative of career reinvention. Initially recruited as a quarterback at SMU, he soon discovered that his true passion lay beyond the football field.

After earning his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas in Austin, he spent two decades working alongside his father as a defense attorney, primarily representing insurance companies. However, Chad found himself conflicted; while he enjoyed practicing law, he struggled with the ethical implications of defending entities that often disregarded the human impact of their decisions.

Hence, in 2013, a career change propelled Chad toward his lifelong ambition of advocating for plaintiffs. Grateful for the mentorship of personal injury attorney Jeff Batters from Nacogdoches, Texas, Chad sought Jeff’s guidance after he departed from defense work. Jeff welcomed him with open arms, and what started as a collaboration on a few cases blossomed into a fruitful partnership lasting three and a half years.

During this period, Chad developed his trademark phrase, “Don’t Get Hurt Twice,” which he first showcased in 2016. Chad and his wife, Rebecca, credit Jeff as instrumental in Chad’s transition to the plaintiffs’ side, a move they believe was pivotal for his career. “Without him, it would have been very difficult for me to get to where I am now. He gave me a chance, and I gave him 100%,” he acknowledges.

His determination to shift away from the defense sector stemmed from a fundamental desire to support real people facing genuine hardships. Chad’s drive was not without sacrifices.  He made a three-day-a-week commute from Nacogdoches to Lufkin for years, underscoring the perseverance required to establish his new practice. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and staying engaged with clients, asserting, “If people didn’t come to see me, I wouldn’t be in business.”

His tenacity of purpose paid off and greatly changed his role for plaintiffs.

A pivotal moment in Chad’s defense career occurred during a case involving an injured worker in the oil and gas sector in Center, Texas. Despite winning the case, the man left the courtroom with nothing—an experience that deeply unsettled Chad. The plaintiff and Chad were the only two left walking in the parking lot, and Chad observed the plaintiff limping the entirety of the walk to his vehicle. As he drove home, he reflected on the emotional toll of the victory, realizing to a great extent that personal triumph at the expense of someone’s misfortune was not a sustainable or morally acceptable practice for him. Today, embracing his role on the plaintiffs’ side has brought Chad profound satisfaction. “Practicing this side of the law has made me the happiest in my life, separate and apart from my wife,” he shares, illustrating his dedication to helping others rather than profiting from their pain.

Chad Parker meticulously prepares demands for each of his clients and thoroughly reviews their medical records. He likens himself to Robin Hood, taking from insurance companies to provide support to those in need, a cause he is deeply passionate about.

For example, his latest victory resulted in a life-altering settlement of $492,000 which significantly transformed a client’s life thereby highlighting the firm’s commitment to securing financial compensation. But wait, that is not all.

Chad assists his clients with practical matters such as opening bank accounts when necessary.  Thus, he finds that the most fulfilling aspect of his work is fostering financial stability for clients during their most challenging times. Legal cases can span months to several years, leaving clients to navigate substantial life changes, often dealing with physical or mental challenges that impede their ability to work, drive, or support their families. The stress of such situations extends beyond the clients, impacting their families as well.

For this reason, Chad’s firm goes the extra mile by connecting clients with crucial resources, making their lives more manageable and comfortable during these trying times.

He gets emotional when speaking about his parents and grandfather. Chad’s personal experiences, shaped by his mother’s struggles with poverty and his grandfather’s paralysis, fuel his empathy and understanding for those less fortunate. These influences allow him to forge deeper connections with his clients and their families, driving his commitment to fight for justice on their behalf.

His tender side knows no bounds.

Chad has noted the surprised expressions on people’s faces when he acknowledges them in public or offers to hold the door. He takes pleasure in surprising others with gestures of kindness, especially since many assume he doesn’t have that disposition due to his polished appearance.  That is far from the truth. To Chad, every individual is deserving of equal respect and care.

His appreciation for people extends beyond public interactions.

For example, stepping into his office reveals a remarkable glass sign above the meeting rooms labeled “Victory Team.” Chad emphasizes that his work is less about legalities and more centered on the people he engages with. Therefore, Chad has a deep-rooted connection with the Tyler community, where he actively gives back and fosters strong relationships. He understands the importance of community support and strives to repay the trust placed in him by residents. Among the organizations he passionately supports is PATH (People Attempting To Help), which recently honored him with the “Trudy Richardson Community Impact Award” for his financial contributions.

Even more, he advocates for others to support PATH through donations or volunteering their time emphasizing its vital role in providing resources for the Tyler community. In an ambitious initiative, he is personally donating $30,000 to PATH this year and invites other community members – business owners, attorneys, and individuals – to match his contribution. There is more.

This past Thanksgiving, Chad, in partnership with local entities, distributed a thousand turkeys to Tyler residents, with his children volunteering alongside him as a family affair. He recognizes the profound significance of this initiative, understanding that for some families, a forty-dollar turkey could mean the difference between a holiday meal and paying a utility bill. In all this, Chad humbly reflects on his success, attributing it to his gratitude for where he stands today and the opportunities he’s been given.

In addition to advocating for his clients, he also takes a stand against cyber bullying. His 30-second YouTube video, “It’s Never Cool To Be Cruel,” promotes the importance of kindness in the digital age.

J. Chad Parker, PLLC boasts numerous accolades, reflecting a solid track record of successfully settling cases outside of court and achieving favorable outcomes when cases proceed to trial.

For aspiring personal injury attorneys, Chad offers this sage advice: pursue a career driven by genuine passion. The law degree equips you with knowledge essential to understanding the intricacies of the world, but cultivating a love for the practice is crucial for long-term satisfaction and success.