PRIVACY POLICY

Introduction

At Barton Law Firm, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you provide to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or engage our legal services.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide to Us

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when contacting us, submitting forms, or engaging our services, including but not limited to:

• Full name, contact details, and address

• Information regarding your legal matter, including accident details, injury documentation, and medical records

• Insurance information and policy details

• Employment information when relevant to your case

• Financial information necessary for billing purposes

• Any other information you choose to provide

Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing actions, including:

• IP address and device identifiers

• Browser type and version

• Operating system

• Pages visited and time spent on those pages

• Referral sources

• Clickstream data

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and collect additional information. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, although this may limit functionality of certain features of our website.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide legal services to our clients

• To respond to inquiries and communicate with you

• To improve our website and services

• To comply with legal obligations

• To protect our rights and interests

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

• The performance of contracts with our clients

• Our legitimate interests in providing and improving our services

• Your consent, where applicable

• Compliance with legal obligations

Attorney-Client Privilege Statement

In addition to this Privacy Policy, the information you provide to Barton Law Firm may be protected by attorney-client privilege. This legal concept provides an additional layer of confidentiality beyond standard privacy protections.

Attorney-client privilege means that confidential communications between you and our attorneys for the purpose of seeking or providing legal advice are privileged and cannot be disclosed without your consent, except in very limited circumstances required by law or the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.

Please note that this privilege may be compromised if you share the communications with third parties. While our Privacy Policy governs how we handle all information you provide, attorney-client privilege specifically protects the confidentiality of legal advice and related communications.

Third-Party Service Providers

Smith.ai Services

We use a third-party service provider to facilitate initial information gathering from potential clients through website chat, virtual receptionist services, and other intake processes. Please note:

• Information collected through the provider is subject to this Privacy Policy

• Communications with the third-party representatives do not create an attorney-client relationship

• While no attorney-client privilege exists for these initial communications, we treat this information with the same level of confidentiality as other client communications

• On our behalf, the provider may collect additional technical information (such as device data or usage patterns) according to their own privacy policy

• The third-party provider representatives are bound by confidentiality agreements regarding all information they collect on our behalf

• Information gathered through the third-party provider is securely transferred to our firm for evaluation and follow-up

By engaging with our chat or receptionist services, you consent to this initial information gathering. You can review Smith.ai's privacy policy at their website for additional information about their data practices.

Personal Injury Practice Specific Considerations

As a law firm specializing in plaintiff's personal injury in Texas, we understand the sensitive nature of the information you share with us. This may include:

• Medical records and health information

• Accident reports and law enforcement documentation

• Insurance claims history

• Photographic evidence of injuries or accident scenes

• Witness statements and testimonies

• Employment and income records for loss of wages claims

We apply enhanced security measures to protect this sensitive information and only share it with third parties as necessary to advance your legal claims (such as with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, opposing counsel during discovery, or the court) and only with your knowledge and consent where required.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We will not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With trusted service providers who assist in operating our website and conducting our business, subject to confidentiality obligations

• With experts, consultants, and other professionals necessary for developing your case (such as medical experts, accident reconstructionists, or economists)

• With insurance companies, opposing counsel, and courts as necessary to pursue your legal claims

• When required by law or governmental authorities

• To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property

• In connection with a business transfer, merger, or acquisition

All service providers are required to use the information solely for providing specified services and to conform to the requirements of this Privacy Policy.

Client Portal Privacy

Our secure client portal allows you to monitor your case progress and share documents electronically. When using our client portal:

• All data is encrypted during transmission using industry-standard protocols

• Access is restricted through password protection and multi-factor authentication

• Documents are stored in secure cloud environments with appropriate access controls

• System activity is logged and monitored for unauthorized access attempts

• Automatic timeouts occur after periods of inactivity

We recommend you maintain the confidentiality of your portal credentials and access the portal only from secure devices and networks.

Texas Bar Association Compliance

Barton Law Firm adheres to all privacy-related requirements set forth by the State Bar of Texas, including:

• Maintaining client confidentiality in accordance with Rule 1.05 of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct

• Proper handling and retention of client files and records

• Appropriate safeguards for client trust accounts and financial information

• Ethical guidelines regarding client communications and advertising

Our attorneys regularly participate in continuing legal education to stay current on privacy laws and ethical obligations related to client information.

Video Consultation Privacy

For the convenience of our clients, we offer virtual consultations via secure video conferencing. When participating in video consultations:

• We use platforms with end-to-end encryption whenever possible

• No consultations are recorded without your explicit consent

• The same attorney-client privilege applies to virtual meetings as to in-person meetings

• We recommend you participate from a private location to maintain confidentiality

• Technical measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access to video sessions

If you have concerns about the privacy of remote consultations, we are happy to arrange in-person meetings at our office.

Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no data transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

• Access to your personal information

• Correction of inaccurate or incomplete information

• Deletion of your personal information

• Restriction or objection to processing

• Data portability

• Withdrawal of consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Retention of Information

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law or professional obligations.

Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 18 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

Barton Law Firm 

301 Junction Highway, Suite 100 

Kerrville, Texas 78028 

830-257-7575 

contact@amosbarton.com

Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Texas without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Last Updated: April 11, 2025