Business Details
Your Corpus Christi Legal Advocates for Justice
Founded to serve the legal needs of South Texas, Bonilla & Chapa has built a reputation for dedicated client advocacy and community engagement. Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in personal injury, immigration, social security, and maritime law, with a focus on delivering tailored legal solutions. We prioritize client concerns, ensuring access to medical care for accident victims and guiding families through complex legal processes.With offices in Corpus Christi and satellite locations, we combine decades of local knowledge with a commitment to improving regional quality of life. Our practice extends to criminal defense, family law, and probate matters, emphasizing transparency and ethical representation. By maintaining strong ties to the medical district and offering bilingual services, we bridge critical community needs with professional legal expertise.
Services
Personal Injury
Wrongful Death
Family Law
Immigration
Social Security
Criminal Defense
Probate
Maritime Law
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined experience in South Texas legal matters
- Our team secures medical treatment for accident victims before insurance negotiations
- Bilingual attorneys serve English and Spanish-speaking clients effectively
- We maintain direct connections to local medical providers for client care coordination
- Proven track record in complex 18-wheeler and maritime industry cases
What people say
Secured fair settlement
Compassionate legal guidance
Bilingual support available
Experienced trial attorneys
Community-focused practice
Services
Personal Injury
We represent clients injured in auto accidents, 18-wheeler collisions, and defective equipment cases. Our attorneys investigate fault, document damages, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation. Clients receive medical care coordination and guidance through complex legal processes.
Wrongful Death
Our team assists families pursuing justice for loved ones lost to negligence. We handle evidence collection, liability determination, and damages calculation while providing compassionate support. Legal strategies focus on holding responsible parties accountable for preventable fatalities.
Immigration
We guide clients through immigration processes including residency applications, work permits, and citizenship pathways. Bilingual attorneys provide clear counsel on documentation requirements and represent clients in immigration court proceedings when necessary.
Family Law
Our practice covers divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and property division matters. We prioritize amicable resolutions while preparing for litigation when required. Services include drafting prenuptial agreements and modifying existing court orders.
Social Security
We assist clients with initial SSDI applications and appeals for denied claims. Our representation includes medical documentation gathering and administrative law judge hearings. We focus on demonstrating disability's impact on work capacity.
People
Tony Bonilla
Attorney
Specializing in personal injury law with 25+ years of trial experience. Graduated from St. Mary's University School of Law. Focuses on commercial vehicle accident litigation and client advocacy in South Texas.
Ruben Bonilla
Attorney
Handles immigration cases and maritime law matters. 30-year track record in Corpus Christi legal community. Operates bilingual (English/Spanish) practice serving diverse client needs across South Texas.
Ed Chapa
Attorney
Family law specialist with extensive courtroom experience. Mediation-certified practitioner focusing on child custody disputes and complex property division cases. Active in local bar associations.
Mary Helen Berlanga
Attorney
Social security disability expert with 20+ years of claims representation. Assists clients with initial applications through appeals process. Maintains high success rate in administrative law judge hearings.
Richard Stevens
Of Counsel
Senior attorney providing strategic guidance on complex litigation matters. Former judge with deep understanding of Texas civil procedure. Specializes in case evaluation and trial strategy development.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, collect witness information, and contact our office before speaking with insurance companies.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
Texas generally allows two years from the injury date, but exceptions exist for government claims and minors. Consult our attorneys promptly.
Can I apply for Social Security disability benefits while working?
Benefit eligibility requires substantial gainful activity limitations. Our attorneys can assess your specific work capacity and application viability.
Do you handle immigration cases outside Texas?
While based in Corpus Christi, we represent clients nationwide in immigration matters including deportation defense and visa applications.
What constitutes a wrongful death claim?
These claims arise when negligence causes a fatality, allowing surviving family members to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional damages.
