Todd Elias

About Todd

Todd Elias is a highly accomplished personal injury attorney based in Houston, Texas, with significant expertise in various practice areas, including maritime law, railroad injuries under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), and general personal injury claims. As a partner at Gordon & Elias, LLP, Todd has represented many clients and secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. A graduate of Texas Tech University School of Law in 1993, Todd is licensed to practice in Texas and admitted to several U.S. District Courts, including the Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas, as well as Arkansas. His diverse practice areas cover everything from automobile accidents and workplace injuries to toxic exposure and industrial site accidents. Throughout his career, Todd has been repeatedly recognized for his legal excellence. He has been selected multiple times for the prestigious Super Lawyers list, including in 2012 and 2024, which identifies the top 5% of attorneys. He was also honored with the Elite Lawyer Award in 2020, underscoring his commitment to providing exceptional legal service. In addition to personal injury, Todd has handled high-profile cases under FELA, where he represents injured railroad workers. One notable case involved a 2004 train collision in Macdona, Texas. This accident resulted in the release of toxic chlorine gas, which caused multiple fatalities and injuries. In the incident, a Union Pacific train collided with a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train, releasing chlorine gas from a breached tank car. The collision led to the deaths of three people, including the train's engineer, and injured over 50 others. Gordon & Elias, LLP successfully represented workers in this case, demonstrating his expertise in complex FELA litigation and his dedication to worker safety. Todd Elias played a prominent role in representing victims of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. He represented several survivors and the family of Karl D. Kleppinger Jr., one of the eleven workers killed during the explosion. Todd also represented 10 other injured rig workers, including Douglas Brown, during the investigation led by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement. Following the disaster, Todd Elias advocated for these victims and their families to receive compensation from BP's $20 billion fund. However, the process was fraught with complications as BP contested liability in certain cases. Despite these challenges, Todd sought justice under the Jones Act, emphasizing that BP and Transocean’s negligence contributed to the tragedy​. His work underscores his commitment to fighting for the rights of injured workers, particularly in the complex legal environment of maritime and offshore injuries. In addition to handling high-profile cases, Todd Elias and his firm take on significant wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims. Todd is an active member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Houston Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice, which demonstrates his commitment to staying at the forefront of personal injury law. These organizations advocate for the rights of individuals harmed by negligence or misconduct, and through his membership, Todd aligns with their advocacy goals. This includes contributing to legislative efforts aimed at protecting personal injury victims and upholding civil justice. Through his focus on client success, expert litigation skills, and a deep understanding of personal injury law, Todd Elias has built a highly respected career in Texas and beyond.

Licensed States

Education

Colleagues at Gordon & Elias LLP

Steve Gordon

Partner