Philip G. Bernal
Janicek Law
Phil Bernal was born in Eagle Pass, Texas and speaks Spanish fluently. Phil graduated from Southside High School here in San Antonio, Texas. Phil has been practicing personal injury trial law for over 30 years in South Texas and the Hill Country. Phil graduated from St. Mary’s School of Law here in San Antonio, Texas. Phil has been Board Certified In Personal Injury Trial Law by The Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1998. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Phil practiced respiratory therapy where Phil treated and rehabilitated patients with pulmonary diseases and oversaw patients on short term and long term ventilators in the surgical intensive care unit, coronary intensive care units and medical intensive care unit.
Over the past 30 years, Phil has secured numerous settlements and jury verdicts in medical malpractice, commercial vehicle, auto accidents, premises and products liability, and police civil rights cases. Notably, he achieved a $37.8 million verdict in 2016—ranked 51st nationally and 6th in Texas (2016–2018)—against a commercial driver and company. In 2024, he won a $9.2 million federal verdict in San Antonio against two police officers for excessive force, marking the first such verdict in the Western District of Texas since 1989.
Phil has been consistently recognized by his peers by being selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Phil has also been nominated and been designated a SuperLawyer 2013, 2014 and 2016.
In his spare time, Phil is an avid endurance athlete and triathlete. Phil has completed 2 full Ironman Triathlons, 10 half Ironman triathlons, 9 marathons, and over 80 half marathons with multiple century cycle rides. Phil also enjoys ranching and horseback riding. Phil shares his life with the love of his life Michelle, his daughter Nicole and granddaughter Sabrina.
- Personal Injury
- Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
- Medical Malpractice
- Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Products Liability
- Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects
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Free Consultation
Free Consultation. - Contingent Fees
- Texas
- State Bar of Texas
- ID Number: 02208758
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- English
- Spanish
- Attorney
- Janicek Law
- Current
- Texas Tech University
- Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
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- St. Mary's University School of Law
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- Texas State Bar # 02208758
- Member
- - Current
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- Personal Injury Trial Law
- Texas State Bar
San Antonio Board Certified Trial Attorneys
If you or your loved one has been injured, you need an attorney who is Board-Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law. Many personal injury attorneys call themselves trial attorneys, but they have never actually been to trial. Insurance companies and opposing counsel know which attorneys are willing to go to trial & which ones are not. In order to garner the best recovery, you need a Board-Certified Trial Attorney representing you. At Janicek Law, we have three attorneys who are Board Certified in
Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured im an automobile accident, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your claim. The Janicek Law Firm has 30+ years of experience litigating motor vehicle accident claims. Contact the Janicek Law Firm at 210-366-4949 for your free consultation.
Dog Bite Injuries
Have you or someone you love been injured by a domesticated animal? Phil Bernal from Janicek Law Firm explains different types of dog and animal attacks and offers crucial steps to take if you're ever in that situation. Protect your rights and know what to do—watch now to stay informed! Call Janicek Law Firm at (210) 366-4949 for a free consultation.
Negligent Security Client Testimonial
At Janicek Law we provide tenacious legal representation and compassion to our clients. Ensuring our clients receive the justice and validation that they deserve. Contact the Janicek Law Firm at 210-366-4949 for your free consultation.
Spinal Cord Injury Client Testimonial
In 2024 a Federal Jury in the Western District of Texas returned a verdict for over $9.2 million against 2 San Antonio police officers who used excessive force in the arrest and seizure of Mr. Carlos. Mr. Carlos was completely innocent and minding his own business when he was viciously attacked. This verdict came after almost a month of trial in total. Phil’s verdict is the first verdict in the Federal Western District for an excessive force case by police officers since 1989.
