Tables of Contents
Brownsville Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
Fighting for Full, Fair Compensation After Serious Injuries
Catastrophic injuries are severe injuries that have a profound and often permanent impact on a victim's life. These injuries typically result in long-term or permanent disability, significant medical treatment, and extensive rehabilitation. The consequences of such injuries extend to emotional distress, loss of income, and substantial financial burdens.
Catastrophic injuries can occur in various forms, each with unique challenges:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive functions, memory, and emotional stability. Victims may require lifelong care and rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, resulting in loss of mobility and independence. They often necessitate significant lifestyle adjustments and long-term medical care.
- Amputations: Losing a limb or part of a limb significantly impacts a person's ability to perform daily activities and maintain employment. Prosthetics and other assistive devices are often needed, which can be costly.
- Severe Burns: Burn injuries can cause extensive damage to the skin and underlying tissues, leading to disfigurement, chronic pain, and a need for multiple surgeries and skin grafts to treat the injury.
- Organ Damage: These injuries can result in life-threatening conditions and require ongoing medical treatment.
- Multiple Fractures: Severe fractures and broken bones, especially those breaks involving the bones in the pelvis, spine, or limbs, can lead to long-term disability and require extensive rehabilitation.
Impact of Catastrophic Injuries on Victims & Their Families
The aftermath of a catastrophic injury is often devastating for both the victim and their family.
The injured person may face:
- Loss of Independence: Many victims require daily assistance, impacting their ability to live independently.
- Emotional Distress: The psychological impact of severe injuries can lead to depression and anxiety.
- Financial Strain: There is a severe burden with the cost of medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
Legal Support for Catastrophic Injury Victims in Brownsville
It is crucial for victims to seek legal support to secure fair compensation. Experienced attorneys can help victims navigate the complex legal landscape, hold responsible parties accountable, and ensure their rights are protected. At Arnold & Itkin, we understand the profound impact catastrophic injuries have on victims and their families. Our dedicated team is committed to fighting for the maximum compensation our clients deserve, helping rebuild their lives.
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Brownsville Wrongful Death Attorneys
Fighting for the Answers Your Family Deserves After Losing a Loved One
No words can explain how difficult it is to lose a loved one—especially when their death could have been prevented. If you have lost someone you love, you can seek guidance from a Brownsville wrongful death attorney. Arnold & Itkin can help you through this challenging time. We understand what you are going through, and our wrongful death lawyers consider it our responsibility to make sure your and your family’s future is secure while you grieve your loss.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought by the surviving family members or beneficiaries of a person who has died due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. This type of claim seeks financial compensation for the losses suffered by the survivors, including financial support.
Key aspects of a wrongful death claim include:
- Duty of Care: This means that the defendant was required to act in a manner that would prevent harm to others.
- Breach of Duty: This breach could be due to negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.
- Causation: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant's breach of duty directly caused the death.
- Damages: The claim must detail the specific losses suffered by the survivors due to the wrongful death. These damages can include funeral and burial expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and more.
Wrongful death claims can arise from various situations, such as work accidents and defective products. Each state has specific statutes governing wrongful death claims, including who is eligible to file a claim and the time frame within which the claim must be filed, known as the statute of limitations. By pursuing a wrongful death claim, families can seek justice and financial relief to help them cope with the devastating impact of losing a loved one. Legal representation is often essential in navigating the complexities of these cases and ensuring that the rights of the survivors are protected.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim in Brownsville?
Individuals eligible to file a wrongful death claim can vary. However, the law gives the victim’s children and spouse the primary right. Contact a Brownsville wrongful death attorney for a free case review to find out if you can file a claim.
The eligible beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim in Texas:
- Spouses or life partners
- Children (18 years or older)
- Siblings
- Parents
- Any other dependents
To learn more about wrongful death in Texas, visit Sec. 71 of the Civil Practice & Remedies Code.
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Brownsville Work Injury Attorneys
Representing Those Injured While on the Job in Brownsville, TX
If you have been injured while on the job, we are here to help you. While no amount of money will ever fully compensate you for the loss of a loved one or the pain, suffering, and anguish experienced from a work-related injury, proper compensation can be invaluable in helping rebuild your life. At Arnold & Itkin, our Brownsville work accident attorneys help our clients fight for the compensation they need while fighting for the justice they deserve.
Work accidents can vary significantly in severity and type. Some of the most common:
- Vehicle accidents
- Machinery accidents
- Falling objects
- Overexertion accidents
- Fires & explosions
- Electrocution
Helping Brownsville Work Injury Victims Recover
Injured workers have the right to seek compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. Workers' compensation laws provide a no-fault system for employees to receive benefits, but navigating these claims can be complex. Additionally, in cases involving negligence or unsafe work conditions, workers may be entitled to further legal action against their employers or third parties. At Arnold & Itkin, our experienced work injury attorneys are dedicated to helping injured workers secure the compensation they deserve. We understand the challenges of workplace injuries and are committed to providing compassionate, aggressive representation to protect our clients' rights.
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Brownsville Construction Accident Lawyers
When Construction Workers Are Hurt, Our Attorneys Are Here to Help
The construction industry is one of the most diverse industries—employing tens of thousands of workers. Unfortunately, this industry is also one of the most dangerous. Out of all nationwide fatal injuries, 21% of them happen at construction sites, according to OSHA. Construction work is hazardous because it requires people to work at great heights, work with heavy objects, and risk exposure to toxic chemicals. Although this industry has inherent dangers, employers are required to keep workers as safe as possible. Industry regulations exist to prevent workers from getting seriously hurt or killed while on the job. Unfortunately, employers fail to follow these regulations, causing workers to suffer injuries.
Common Hazards Faced at Construction Sites
Human error is at the root of severe accidents. Whether it is negligence on the part of the supervisor or a co-worker's mistakes, human error makes construction one of the most dangerous lines of work. Self-inspection, good training, and accountability are key to preventing human errors from causing tragedies and significant injuries.
Hazards that cause construction accidents include:
- Improper site design or inspection
- Unmarked hazards (ex: uncovered holes)
- Safety code violations
- Improperly stored materials
- Using old or defective working materials
Most Common Accidents at Construction Sites
- Scaffolding Accidents
Scaffolding accidents cause more than 4,500 injuries annually. 70% of those injured said it occurred because their planking or support gave way, they slipped, or a falling object struck them. A common danger is that it is often erected incorrectly, making it unsteady. Scaffolds need to carry a person’s weight and four times its maximum load. - Ladder & Stairway Accidents
According to OSHA, more than 24,000 injuries and 35 fatalities occur annually because of a fall from a ladder or stairway. Ladder accidents reportedly occur because the wrong ladder was used, the ladder was in poor condition, or the ladder was misused. Lack of training can also contribute to these accidents. - Defective & Dangerous Equipment
Construction workers use complex machinery and equipment daily. If workers misuse these tools or if they are poorly maintained, accidents can occur. It is vital to train workers on using these tools and identifying defective tools. - Harmful Chemicals & Toxic Exposure
Toxic chemicals can lead to health risks for workers, including irritation, combustion, corrosion, and more. Employers must meet OSHA Hazard Communication Standards to ensure workers are protected.
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Brownsville Maritime & Offshore Injury Attorneys
Our Texas Lawyers Serve Injured Maritime Workers
Our Brownsville maritime attorneys are dedicated to helping injured seamen and dock workers secure the compensation they deserve after preventable accidents. We represent clients injured in navigable waters, harbors, and docks.
Our Brownsville maritime lawyers represent clients in various types of maritime accidents:
- Jack-up rig accidents
- Barge accidents
- Deck accidents
- Commercial fishing accidents
- Tugboat accidents
- Cargo ship accidents
- Oil platform accidents
- Shipyard accidents
With over $20 billion won for our clients, we have the experience and commitment to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you need.
What Is Maritime Law?
Maritime law is one of the oldest codes of conduct. Rules regarding the shipping industry can be traced back to the ancient Greeks in 900 B.C. While many countries have their own set maritime laws, many recognize the same laws thanks to treaties. The U.S. has its own set of maritime laws that descended from the British admiralty courts.
The following acts are foundational to maritime law:
Many offshore workers rely upon the Jones Act after an injury. In the past, vessel owners only had to pay for the cost of a worker’s medical care and living expenses until they reached maximum recovery. This is known as maintenance and cure. While helpful, this process failed to account for the long-term costs of injuries sustained by workers. Today, the Jones Act enables seamen to seek damages that extend beyond the capabilities of maintenance and cure.
Offshore Helicopter Accidents in Brownsville
While all aviation accidents are devastating, those that involve helicopters can be especially so. This is especially true for maritime workers injured while transported to and from offshore platforms. While convenient, the journey to and from work on a helicopter can be one of the most dangerous parts of the job. One report found 28 fatal accidents and 147 deaths between 2013 and 2018 in the offshore industry. Frustratingly, the report also found that most of these accidents were utterly preventable—a majority of them were caused by “controlled flight into terrain or water.” No matter whether you were injured in a helicopter accident during a tour, as part of your job, or while being transported offshore, you can turn to Arnold & Itkin for help. Our lawyers provide powerful legal help throughout the Brownsville area.
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Brownsville Bus Accident Attorneys
The Dangers of Public Transportation & Bus Accidents
Public transportation, particularly bus travel, poses significant risks to passengers due to the lack of essential safety equipment. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 4,440 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal accidents in 2016, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. Despite legal requirements for seat belts in most vehicles, many buses still lack this crucial safety feature, leaving passengers highly vulnerable in the event of an accident.
Bus accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, many of which could be prevented with proper safety measures. Various factors contribute to these accidents, including:
- Inadequately trained drivers
- Bus drivers under the influence
- Improperly maintained buses
- Negligent Bus drivers
- Lack of safety restraints
Implementing stringent safety protocols and regular maintenance schedules can mitigate many of these risks. Bus companies must prioritize passenger safety to prevent these avoidable accidents.
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Brownsville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Our Brownsville Motorcycle Crash Law Firm Fights for Our Clients
Driving a motorcycle is a symbol of speed and freedom. However, driving a motorcycle isn’t always safe. Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic because there’s zero separation between the rider and the hazards of impact. NHTSA studies revealed that motorcycle fatalities occur 28 times more frequently than car fatalities.
Much of this has to do with vehicle drivers having little awareness of motorcycles.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Negligent Drivers: This includes distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, and poor blind spot awareness.
- Driver Blind Spots: When drivers fail to check for motorcyclists in their blind spots, it can cause serious accidents.
- Dangerous Roadways: This includes unmaintained roadways with hazards such as potholes and uneven pavement.
- Defective Equipment: If a defect occurs in the design stage or during production, it might be poorly manufactured.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident because of another person’s negligence or wrongful action, you are entitled to seek compensation. Our Brownsville motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help you.
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Brownsville Railroad Accident Attorneys
Railroad & Train Accidents: A Growing Concern in Brownsville & All of Texas
Railroad accidents remain a significant safety concern, with consequences that can be devastating. Railroad and train accidents all too often lead to numerous deaths among passengers and railroad workers, as well as severe injuries such as fractures, burns, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. In addition, victims and their families often experience significant emotional distress and trauma following a train accident. The costs associated with medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and legal expenses can be overwhelming for victims and their families.
Some of the most common causes of railroad and train accidents include:
- Human Error: This includes miscommunication, failure to adhere to safety protocols, and operational errors.
- Mechanical Failures: This includes brake failures, signal problems, or defective tracks.
- Infrastructure Issues: This includes poorly maintained tracks, bridges, and crossings.
- Obstructions on the Tracks: This includes vehicles, debris, or pedestrians on the tracks.
- Weather Conditions: This includes heavy rain, snow, or fog, which can impair visibility and track conditions.
Our Brownsville railroad accident attorneys are here to help those affected by catastrophic train accidents. Not only can we help railroad employees facing cases involving FELA, but we also provide representation to passengers and crew who were seriously injured in train accidents such as derailment, trains colliding with other trains, and trains crashing into other vehicles. Regardless of the cause of the incident or what occurred, you do not have to face this alone. Call us today.
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About Brownsville
Situated at the southern tip of Texas, Brownsville is a bastion of rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The city, steeped in events from the American Civil War, the Texas Revolution, and the Mexican-American War, boasts a unique blend of historical sites and protected parks under the stewardship of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. As Cameron County's seat, Brownsville's population stood at 186,738 as of 2020. It has the moniker "Chess Capital of Texas.”
Founded in 1848 by Charles Stillman, a visionary entrepreneur with a riverboat company, Brownsville derives its name from the storied Fort Brown, honoring the memory of Major Jacob Brown, a fallen hero of the Mexican-American War. Initially propelled by agricultural pursuits, the city witnessed exponential growth in the early 1900s, buoyed by a surge in agricultural activity. Presently, Brownsville's economic landscape thrives on robust international trade with Mexico, supplemented by vibrant service, manufacturing, and educational sectors. The recent advent of SpaceX's private space launch facility has expanded the city's economic horizons to encompass aerospace and space transportation.
Visitors and Brownsville residents can enjoy the city’s cultural influences at the Sombrero Festival, Latin Jazz Festival, and the Historic Brownsville Museum. The city also boasts numerous art galleries, including the Rusteberg Art Gallery and the Puente Art Studio. In addition to visiting historic sites like Fort Brown or the Rabb Plantation House, people can enjoy the great outdoors at the Gladys Porter Zoo, Cascade Park, or the Resaca de la Palma State Park & World Birding Center.
Brownsville, TX: Links & Resources
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Receive a Free Consultation from Trial Attorneys: (888) 493-1629
Our team is available to listen to your story and discuss the next steps during a 100% free consultation. If we proceed and you are unable to get to us, we can even come to you—whether that be in the hospital or at home. We are passionate about protecting the rights of injury victims and those affected by wrongful death. We’ll do everything we can to fight for full compensation. So don’t wait. Contact us to learn more about how our law firm can help you.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (888) 493-1629!
