Brownsville Personal Injury Attorneys

Abogados de lesiones personales en Brownsville

Tables of Contents

Brownsville Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Fighting for Full, Fair Compensation After Serious-Injury-Causing Accidents

The word catastrophe comes from a Greek word meaning “overturn,” referring to the disastrous finish of a drama—usually a tragedy. Perhaps that’s why the American Medical Association uses “catastrophic” to refer to severe injuries. They don’t use this word to describe the amount of pain experienced or where the damage occurred but to explain how injuries affect survivors’ lives. If you or a loved one have sustained catastrophic injuries, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages, which can help you cover your medical expenses, treatments, and overall care. The first step to seek compensation is by contacting an experienced Brownsville catastrophic injury lawyer who can guide you through the process every step of the way.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries usually require life-long treatments that can be extremely costly. Victims who suffer a lost limb or paralysis may have to pay for prostheses and equipment to accommodate their injuries. Medical treatment expenses vary depending on the type of catastrophic injury sustained.

Different types of catastrophic injuries include:

• Acoustic Trauma & Hearing Loss  
  Acoustic trauma can cause severe hearing disabilities that are permanent and life-changing. The sensory hearing is lost and damaged within the inner ear.
• Blunt Force Trauma  
  This type of injury is the initial trauma that can develop into contusions, abrasions, lacerations, and bone fractures. This occurs when the body is struck by an object, commonly on the head.
• Burns, Scars & Disfigurement  
  Burn injuries can lead to serious physical damage, loss of sensation, chronic pain, and scars.
• Neck & Back Injuries  
  These types of injuries can cause paralysis and other forms of permanent damage. Neck and back injuries are prevalent amongst injured workers.
• Neurological Injuries  
  This type of injury affects the neurological system and a person’s ability to think and form memories.
• Spinal Cord Injuries  
  This type of injury can damage any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. It affects a person’s ability to control their limbs.
• Vision Loss & Other Eye Injuries  
  Vision loss results in permanent disability and often results in the loss of a survivor’s career. It is one of the most common injuries in the workplace.

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Brownsville Wrongful Death Attorneys

Ready to Fight 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 to seek compensation. Arnold & Itkin serves clients from coast to coast, and we 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?

Wrongful death is when a third party is responsible for the death of a family member or spouse. Filing a wrongful death claim allows family members to sue for compensation for the loss of their loved one if their death was caused by another person’s negligence. The person responsible can then be held liable under common jurisdiction. Even if the person responsible is already being held accountable in a criminal court, wronged loved ones can seek compensation in a civil claim. Keep in mind that if a company is responsible for your loved one’s death, a wrongful death claim will be the only way they’ll be held accountable in court.

Types of Wrongful Death Incidents

Wrongful death claims cover virtually any situation where an organization or individual’s actions or inaction led to the death of another. However, wrongful death claims do not cover all deaths caused by someone else.

Below are some examples of what can qualify for a wrongful death claim:

• Car accidents caused by drunk or distracted driving
• Workplace accidents caused by a lack of training or supervision
• Assaults, murders, or other criminal actions on commercial premises
• When a doctor fails to diagnose or treat an illness (medical malpractice)
• Drowning accidents that occur due to premises liability
• Defective products or drugs that cause the consumer’s death

Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim in Brownsville?

Individuals eligible to file a wrongful death claim can vary from state to state. However, the law gives the primary right to the victim’s children and spouse. Contact a Brownsville wrongful death attorney for a free case review to find out if you can file a wrongful death claim.

The eligible beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim in Texas include the following:

• 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 Car Accident Lawyers

Hurt in a Brownsville Motor Vehicle Accident? We Have Recovered Billions!

The Texas Department of Transportation reported 7,015 automotive crashes in Cameron County in 2017, resulting in nearly 2,500 injuries. Many of these likely resulted in catastrophic injuries that left victims in physical distress and with expensive medical bills. If you were in a serious car accident, you may feel hopeless, but there is hope for recovery. Victims of car accidents are entitled to seek compensation for their losses.

At Arnold & Itkin, we help individuals who have been injured in catastrophic vehicle accidents, such as:

• Ambulance accidents
• Car accidents
• Bus accidents
• Boat accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents

If that’s you, we encourage you to contact our Brownsville, TX accident lawyers as soon as possible. We are here to help look out for your best interests, helping you recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Our car accident attorneys can work with you to help you understand what deadlines you’re facing, what paperwork needs to be filled out, and more. We help so you can focus on what’s truly important: recovering.

Common Causes of Brownsville Car Accidents

• Poor vehicle maintenance  
  Cars that are not well maintained can cause devastating accidents. For example, improperly monitored tire pressure or failing to get regular checkups can create serious, life-threatening malfunctions.
• Aggressive driving or road rage  
  It is common for drivers to get angry, but this is no excuse for reckless driving. Aggressive driving can cause drivers to tailgate, change lanes without warning, and speed.
• Drunk driving  
  Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause a catastrophic accident. Drunk drivers don’t have the cognitive function to control their vehicles correctly.
• Unsafe roadways  
  If state-hired contractors fail to keep highways in good condition, it can cause accidents. Potholes, roads with limited visibility, and lack of traffic signs can lead drivers to collide with another vehicle.
• Distracted drivers  
  It only takes a few seconds to reply to a text message, but that’s all it takes to cause a tragic accident. Distracted driving is much more dangerous than drivers realize.
• Tired drivers  
  Driving for long periods or driving after a long day can make drivers fatigued. This is extremely dangerous because it makes drivers doze off while traveling at high speeds.

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Brownsville Bus Accident Attorneys

Our Bus Accident Lawyers Fight to Hold Negligent Parties Accountable

In August 2018, over 30 Brownsville Rivera High School volleyball players didn’t make it to their game because their school bus collided with five other vehicles. Although none of the students suffered serious injuries, 24 of them were all taken to the hospital as a precaution. This bus accident was a rare example of when an enormous, multi-vehicle bus accident wasn’t fatal or seriously life-threatening.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus accident, it is vital to contact our Brownsville bus accident lawyers as quickly as possible. We have represented thousands of injured victims and have recovered billions of dollars on their behalf. Contact our bus accident lawyers for a free case review: (888) 493-1629.

The Dangers of Public Transportation & Bus Accidents

Various factors can cause a bus accident and they frequently result in catastrophic injuries. Many of the factors that cause bus accidents can be prevented if companies implement the appropriate safety procedures.

Common accident factors include the following:

• Inadequately-trained drivers
• Bus drivers under the influence
• Improperly maintained buses
• Negligent bus drivers
• Lack of safety restraints

How Common Are Bus Accidents in Texas?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 4,440 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal accidents in 2016—a 2% increase from 2015. Most bus vehicles lack the safety equipment needed to keep passengers safe. Even though the law requires passengers to wear seat belts in all other vehicles, most buses lack seat belts. This lack of protection is why passengers are highly vulnerable in the event of an accident.

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Brownsville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Our 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 for riders 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 regard or awareness for motorcycles.

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 have represented thousands of injured motorists, and we can also help you recover maximum compensation for your losses. Arnold & Itkin attorneys are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for every client.

Common Cause of Motorcyle Accidents

• Negligent Drivers  
  “Negligent drivers” is a broad term because negligence can be classified in a hundred different ways. Any time a driver is not obeying traffic laws, they are driving negligently—this includes distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, and even poor blind spot awareness. Minor distractions lead to major accidents, like swerving into a lane abruptly and failing to check for a motorcycle.
• Driver Blind Spots  
  Motorcycles provide little protection in the event of an accident. One of the main driver errors resulting in motorcycle accidents involves blind spots. It is easy for motorcycles to go unnoticed if drivers fail to check their blind spots. This simple precaution can help prevent serious accidents.
• Dangerous Roadways  
  An overlooked cause of accidents is unmaintained roadways. These issues include potholes, uneven pavement, and other road hazards. This may seem like an inconvenience to vehicle drivers, but it’s deadly for motorcyclists. It can cause a motorcycle to lose control, swerve, and collide with a neighboring vehicle. It is the local government’s responsibility to keep roadways well maintained.
• Defective Equipment  
  Believe or not, defective equipment is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. If there is a defect in the design stage or during production, it might be poorly manufactured. This can cause a motorcycle to become “wobbly” at high speeds.

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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 or lost someone you love from a fatal work accident, we are here to help you recover. 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 you rebuild your life. At Arnold & Itkin, our Brownsville work accident attorneys help our clients fight for the compensation that will assist them in covering lost wages, paying for medical expenses, and more.

Our work accident lawyers help in claims involving Brownsville, TX accidents such as the following:

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Brownsville Construction Accident Lawyers

When Workers Are Hurt, Our Brownsville Attorneys Are Here to Help

The construction industry is one of the most diverse industries—employing tens of thousands of workers with a diverse range of skills and interests. 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 the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (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 hurt. Unfortunately, employers fail to follow these regulations, causing workers to suffer injuries.

The "Fatal Four" Construction Accidents

The annual research conducted by OSHA—specifically the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries—identifies the most common construction accidents that occur every year. Annually, the same four causes are responsible for hundreds of deaths, which is why OSHA dubbed the group of them the “Fatal Four.”

The Fatal Four is comprised of:

• Falls: 39.9% of construction fatalities
• Struck by Object: 8.4% of construction fatalities
• Electrocution: 8.5% of construction fatalities
• Caught In-Between: 4.3% of construction fatalities

The most tragic part of fatal construction accidents is they are preventable. Over 500 lives could be saved every year if companies followed established safety procedures.

Common Hazards Faced at Construction Sites

Human error is also at the root of severe accidents. Whether it is negligence on the part of the supervisor or the mistakes of a co-worker, 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.

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. More than 70% of those who were injured in a scaffolding accident said it occurred because their planking or support gave way, they slipped, or because a falling object struck them. A common danger with scaffolding is that it is often erected incorrectly, making it shaky and unsteady. Scaffolds need to carry not only a person’s weight but four times its maximum intended load without settling or moving.
• Falling from a Height  
  A common cause of injury for construction workers is falling from a height. Construction workers are often asked to work at high elevations, whether on a roof, scaffolding, or ladder.
• Ladder & Stairway Accidents  
  Per OSHA, more than 24,000 injuries and 35 fatalities occur annually because of a fall from a ladder or stairway. The injuries are often severe enough to require survivors to take time off work. Ladder accidents reportedly occur because the wrong ladder was used for the job, the ladder was in poor condition, or the ladder was misused. Lack of training can contribute to these types of 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 if they are defective—especially on dangerous machinery such as cranes and forklifts.
• Harmful Chemicals & Toxic Exposure  
  Toxic chemicals can lead to serious health risks for construction workers, including irritation, combustion, corrosion, and much more. There are OSHA Hazard Communication Standards that employers must meet to ensure workers are protected from toxic exposure.

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Brownsville Maritime & Offshore Injury Attorneys

Our Texas Lawyers Proudly Serve Injured Maritime Workers. Billions Won.

Maritime law has evolved and changed for hundreds of years. Initially, offshore work was viewed as something inherently different. Yet, as time passed, one thing became clear: offshore workers deserved the same protections that their onshore counterparts enjoyed. Today, American maritime workers are protected by multiple laws.

The following acts are foundational to maritime law:

• Jones Act
• Death on the High Seas Act
• Limitation of Liability Act
• Longshoreman & Harbor Workers Compensation Act

A maritime attorney works to help injured seaman and dock workers obtain the compensation they deserve after a preventable accident. They help clients cover the costs of medical bills, lost wages, lost ability to work, and much more. Maritime lawyers often help those injured on navigable waters, harbors, and docks.

Our Brownsville maritime lawyers have represented clients who were injured in:

At Arnold & Itkin, our reputation for earning results for offshore workers is well-earned. Our team represented over a third of the Deepwater Horizon crew and more family members of victims of the El Faro disaster than any other firm. When large companies cause accidents that kill or injure offshore workers, we’re there to make sure they don’t get away with changing lives forever.

What Causes Offshore Accidents?

At Arnold & Itkin, we’ve learned one crucial fact over the years: offshore accidents are almost always caused by the negligence of one or more parties. Sometimes, a reckless employer fails to provide a safe environment for workers. Other times, a company manufacturers unsafe parts that eventually cause an accident. Other times, it’s a combination of negligence by multiple parties that causes an accident.

Common types of offshore accidents include the following:

Maritime Law & How It Applies Today

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, is one of the oldest codes of conduct. For centuries, it has governed vessels and incidents at sea. 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 United States has its own set of maritime laws that descended from the British admiralty courts.

Many offshore workers rely on a law called the Jones Act after they’ve suffered from a preventable accident. 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 with their injuries. This is known as maintenance and cure. While helpful, this process failed to account for the long-term costs of injuries sustained by offshore workers. Today, the Jones Act enables seamen to seek damages that extend far beyond the capabilities of maintenance and cure.

What Are Jones Act Vessels?

Workers protected by the Jones Act must be employed on a vessel operating in navigable waters. However, workers injured on piers, wharfs, dry docks, or terminals might qualify for compensation under the Jones Act.

Common Jones Act vessels include:

Brownsville LMCA Attorneys Fighting for Harbor Workers & Longshoremen

Just as the Jones Act protects offshore workers from accidents, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) protects workers who don’t venture over water for their job. Notably, the LHWCA helps workers recover losses associated with their accident that extend beyond typical workers’ compensation.

The LHWCA can help recover losses associated with:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical care

Helping After Brownsville Cruise Ship Accidents

When people go on vacation, they shouldn’t have to worry about their life-changing because of the actions of negligent cruise ship operators. All cruise companies must train workers, provide the proper safety equipment, and ensure that all guests are safe while on their vessels. Yet, in some instances, accidents happen before the fun even starts. Gangway accidents and other boarding incidents are just two ways guests are harmed by negligence. Our Brownsville cruise ship accident lawyers are ready to help clients recover.

Helping After Boating Accidents in Brownsville

Texas is a great place for boating. Unfortunately, that means that it’s also a place where negligent parties cause preventable boat accidents. In fact, Texas Parks & Wildlife has found that 50% of all boating incidents involve the influence of alcohol. To make matter worse, the state has relaxed requirements that mean most boat renters can operate a boat with no license. If you’ve been involved in a preventable vessel collision, our Brownsville boat accident lawyers are ready to help. No one should have their life changed because someone else couldn’t have fun responsibly, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

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Brownsville Helicopter Accident Lawyers

Brownsville Aviation Accident Attorneys Can Help You Demand Justice

While all aviation accidents are devastating, those that involve helicopters can be especially so. 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 the experienced trial attorneys at Arnold & Itkin for the help you deserve. Our serious injury and wrongful death lawyers provide powerful legal representation to individuals and families throughout Brownsville, Cameron County, and all of Texas. We have an in-depth understanding of how complicated cases work, and we have the resources necessary to handle them. If you would like to learn more, or if you simply want to discuss your case to determine your legal options, we encourage you to contact us at (888) 493-1629.

Helping Families After Offshore Helicopter Crashes

Sometimes, offshore accidents involve an unexpected factor: helicopters. Helicopters help quickly transport workers to and from their 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.”

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Brownsville Railroad Accident Attorneys

Our Brownsville railroad accident attorneys are here to help those affected by catastrophic train and other railroad-related accidents. Not only can we help railroad employees facing cases involving FELA, but we 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, we want you to know that you do not have to face this alone. We have the experience, skill, and resources necessary to take on these complicated cases, and we’re ready to help you.

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About Brownsville

Located at the southernmost tip of Texas on the Gulf Coast, Brownsville is known for its rich culture and history. It was the site of several key events in the American Civil War, Texas Revolution, and Mexican-American War. Its location and climate have also made it a refuge for wildlife, and several historical sites and parks are protected by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Brownsville is the seat of Cameron County and, as of 2020, had a population of 186,738. The city goes by the nickname “Chess Capital of Texas,” and its motto is “On the Border, By the Sea!” due to its proximity to Mexico and the Gulf.

Brownsville was founded in 1848 by Charles Stillman, an entrepreneur who owned a riverboat company. The city was named after Fort Brown, which got its name from Major Jacob Brown, a U.S. soldier who died during the Mexican-American War. In its earlier years, the Brownsville economy was primarily supported by agriculture, owing its first significant population increase to a boom in the industry in the early 1900s. Today, the city’s economy relies heavily on international trade with Mexico. Other key industries include service, manufacturing, and education. With the nearby construction of SpaceX, a private space launch facility, the economy of Brownsville now also includes 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

• City of Brownsville
• Brownsville Wikipedia Page
• Brownsville Local News
• Brownsville Weather
• Brownsville Chamber of Commerce
• Visit Brownsville
• Cameron County, TX
• History of Brownsville

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Receive a Free Consultation from Proven Trial Attorneys: (888) 493-1629

The first step to justice could be as simple as giving us a call or filling out our online form. Our team is available to listen to your story and discuss next steps during a 100% free, no-obligation 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!