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:
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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.
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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.
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Burns, Scars & Disfigurement
Burn injuries can lead to serious physical damage, loss of sensation, chronic
pain, and scars.
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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.
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Neurological Injuries
This type of injury affects the neurological system and a person’s
ability to think and form memories.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Construction accidents
- Crane accidents
- Forklift accidents
- Gas truck accidents
- Oilfield accidents
- Plant & refinery accidents
- Plant & refinery explosions
- Scaffolding accidents
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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:
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Falls: 39.9% of construction fatalities
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Struck by Object: 8.4% of construction fatalities
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Electrocution: 8.5% of construction fatalities
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Jack-up rig accidents
- Barge accidents
- Deck accidents
- Commercial fishing accidents
- Tugboat accidents
- Cargo ship accidents
- Oil platform accidents
- Shipyard accidents
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:
- Diving accidents
- Dangerous equipment
- Crane failures
- Explosions and fires
- Vessel collisions
- Lifting accidents
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:
- Oil rigs
- Shipping vessels
- Barges
- Dredges
- Tugboats
- Fishing boats
Brownsville LHWCA 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
Our 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
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