Houston Brain Injury Lawyers

Houston Brain Injury Information Center

Proven Results & Compassionate Counsel for TBI Survivors

Not all head trauma leads to brain damage, but serious force or pressure to the head can cause life-altering injuries. The severity of a traumatic brain injury depends on the extent of the impact, and in Texas—especially in industries like oilfield work, shipping along the Houston Ship Channel, and construction—these risks are significant. TBIs can happen after falls from heights, being struck by falling equipment, or other violent impacts common in industrial environments. They also occur in serious truck accidents and other motor vehicle collisions in rural and urban areas alike.

In Houston and throughout Texas, we've seen brain injuries caused by collapsing equipment, motorcycle accidents, falls from scaffolding, or being trapped under heavy debris. Damage may come from the initial impact or secondary effects like swelling and restricted blood flow. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, our Houston personal injury attorneys can investigate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We have secured significant results for brain injury survivors nationwide:

• $557 million for a young woman who suffered severe brain injuries when she was struck by a train.
• $117 million for a pregnant mother left with brain and spinal cord injuries in an ambulance accident.
• $9.4 million for an oilfield worker who was struck in the head by a pipe that flew off a compressor unit.

One of our notable brain injury cases in Harris County involved a worker who was struck by a UPS truck that was delivering packages to his worksite. Our client was knocked unconscious by the impact and suffered a traumatic brain injury. When we confronted UPS with the case, the company's legal team tried to argue that our client was to blame for standing in the way of the truck. They also claimed that he had made significant progress in recovering from his injuries. 

Our Houston brain injury lawyers argued the case in front of a jury and secured a $12.4 million verdict on our client's behalf.

Why Choose a Local Houston Brain Injury Attorney?

Choosing a trusted, local Houston brain injury attorney brings distinct advantages. When a traumatic brain injury disrupts your life, you need someone who understands your world—at home, at work, and in court. Houston stands at the crossroads of oilfields, shipyards, and busy roadways, and local law firms must be equipped to navigate those environments to best serve their clients. That's where Arnold & Itkin excels. 

Headquartered in Houston since our establishment in 2004, we are fully committed to supporting the people who live and work in this area. Here's what this means for our clients:

• We have more industry-specific insight. Houston's common causes of TBIs (industrial accidents, construction site injuries, and traffic accidents on I-45 or I-10) shape both the lawsuits and the defense strategies. We've seen them all.
• We have built a strong community network. Our long-standing relationships with local medical professionals, vocational experts, investigators, and legal peers help us move cases efficiently and convincingly.
• We excel in court. Whether we're handling a jury trial in Harris County Courthouse or dealing with a magistrate in the Southern District of Texas, we know the judges, timing nuances, and local practices that make a difference. 

At Arnold & Itkin, we're not just Houston-based attorneys—we live here, too. We fight for your recovery and rights as our neighbors and fellow Texans, not just clients.

The Houston Brain Injury Claims Process: Step by Step

A brain injury lawsuit is more than paperwork. It's a fight for a better future. At Arnold & Itkin, we've guided countless Texans through this process, from Houston to the Panhandle, ensuring no step is overlooked and no right is forfeited. 

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention 
Your health is the priority. Even if symptoms seem minor, traumatic brain injuries can worsen rapidly. An early medical evaluation can improve treatment outcomes and creates a critical paper trail for your case.

2. Report the Incident 
Whether the injury occurred at a job site in the oilfields, on I-45 (the nation's deadliest highway), or during an offshore operation in the Gulf, report it to the proper authority—your employer, insurance provider, and/or law enforcement.

3. Preserve Evidence 
We can work to secure photos, accident reports, witness statements, and medical records before they can be lost or altered. In Texas brain injury claims, critical evidence can vanish quickly, especially in industrial and maritime settings.

4. Hire an Experienced Texas Brain Injury Attorney 
The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case becomes. We immediately investigate liability, consult with neurologists and life-care planners, and begin building the case as if it's going to trial. That's how you get the best results.

5. File Your Claim 
Depending on the case, we may file in Texas state court or federal court. We know the courts in Harris County, Galveston County, Bexar County, and beyond, and we tailor our approach to each jurisdiction's procedures and personnel.

6. Negotiate or Litigate 
If the other side refuses to offer fair compensation, we're ready to present your case to a Texas jury. This may be the best way to secure a verdict that covers all of your losses, or to force the defendant to offer a fair settlement.

The Importance of Immediate Medical Care & Documentation

With brain injuries, time lost can mean function lost. Delayed treatment can lead to permanent impairments that could have been minimized with prompt care. Even if you feel “fine” after a fall, collision, or workplace accident, a TBI can be present without obvious symptoms. Swelling, bleeding, or nerve damage inside the skull may not show until hours—or even days—later. That's why medical professionals in Houston's top trauma centers, such as Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Hospital, urge immediate evaluation after any head injury.

Documentation is just as critical as treatment. Every doctor's note, diagnostic scan, and therapy record becomes part of the evidence that proves the extent of your injury. In Texas, this documentation can be the deciding factor in whether you recover enough compensation to cover a lifetime of medical costs.

We often advise our clients to:

• Keep copies of all medical records, bills, receipts, and prescriptions.
• Maintain a daily symptom journal, noting issues like headaches, dizziness, cognitive issues, etc.
• Save all correspondence with your employer, insurer, or any involved parties. 

This dual approach—swift treatment and meticulous documentation—safeguards your health and strengthens your case. When the stakes are high, you need a Houston brain injury lawyer who understands the urgency.

Rehabilitation of Brain Injuries

 After a traumatic brain injury, rehabilitation is essential. Even when initial medical treatment is successful, TBIs can leave lasting effects on movement, speech, memory, and behavior. Rehabilitation is designed to help patients relearn skills, adapt to physical and cognitive changes, and maximize independence. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may involve regaining basic motor functions, improving problem-solving skills, or learning new strategies to navigate daily life. 

A comprehensive rehabilitation plan can include:

• Physical therapy to restore mobility, strength, and balance.
• Occupational therapy to rebuild everyday living skills.
• Speech-language therapy to improve communication and swallowing. 
• Neuropsychological support to address changes in thinking, mood, or behavior. 
• Vocational therapy to help patients return to work or transition to new careers.

Houston is home to some of the most advanced brain injury rehabilitation programs in Texas. 

TIRR Memorial Hermann is consistently ranked among the top rehabilitation hospitals in the nation, offering inpatient and outpatient TBI care. Houston Methodist offers a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation services by highly trained specialists using state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods. Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Houston provides specialized brain injury programs tailored to long-term recovery needs.

The right care and ongoing support can give a patient the best chance at regaining independence, and a key part of this is ensuring that a brain injury survivor has the financial means to provide for ongoing care, home modifications, assistive devices, and everything else they need. Our Houston brain injury law firm fights to secure that level of compensation.

Closed Head Injury Claims

Closed head injuries are a common form of traumatic brain injury in which the skull and the dura mater (the protective membrane around the brain and spinal cord) remain intact. These injuries may result from falls, vehicle accidents, occupational incidents, or explosions— all of which are risks in Houston’s industrial sectors. Closed head injuries can vary from mild concussions to debilitating trauma, potentially leading to lifelong impairment or, in tragic cases, wrongful death.

Diagnosing closed head injuries can be challenging because symptoms are not always immediately clear. For this reason, Houston’s leading emergency care centers use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools, like MRIs and CT scans, to detect hidden injuries and inform early treatment planning. If you suffer any significant impact—regardless of visible wounds—immediate medical assessment is critical. The sooner a Houston brain injury lawyer is involved after a closed head injury, the stronger your claim will be against negligent parties.

Common types of closed head injuries include the following:

• Concussions: Temporary disruptions to normal brain function
• Intracranial Hematomas: Blood vessels rupture, causing a pool of blood to form
• Cerebral Contusions: Bruises to brain tissue
• Diffuse Axonal Injuries: Injuries to the axons (nerve fibers) of the neurons (nerve cells of the brain)

Symptoms of a closed head injury may appear right away, but sometimes do not emerge until days or weeks after the incident. They can range from mild to life-threatening. After an accident, anyone showing signs of brain injury should seek emergency medical care and contact a Houston brain injury attorney promptly for legal guidance.

Symptoms of a closed head injury include:

During their recovery, many brain injury victims develop secondary symptoms, such as loss of social skills, changes in mood or personality, cognitive disabilities, anxiety, and impaired perception. Based on the injury’s severity, treatment might include inpatient rehabilitation, medication, surgery, or intensive cognitive therapy. While many people recover fully from mild closed head injuries, others face lifelong challenges—making early advocacy from a proven Texas brain injury lawyer essential for a better long-term outcome.

Skull Fractures & Brain Injuries: What Bone Injuries Can Tell Us

Brain injuries are serious and are caused by blunt force trauma to the head. Sometimes trauma can cause the skull to fracture, causing damage to membranes, blood vessels, and the brain. Often in the workplace, workers receive brain injuries after falling or being struck by a heavy object. Mine, offshore, and construction workers are a few examples of workers who may have a higher likelihood of receiving a skull fracture.

There are four different types of skull fractures:

• Linear Fractures: These fractures spread through the entire thickness of the skull, from the outer to inner table. They are usually straight, hence the name. Although all skull fractures are serious, linear fractures are usually not as damaging and are only a cause for serious concern if the fracture comes close to a vascular channel or a suture (joint) in the skull. If this is the case, you may face complications such as a buildup of blood called an epidural hematoma, a type of stroke called venous sinus thrombosis, or an abnormal separation called diastasis.
• Depressed Fractures: In these, the blunt force trauma to the head caused some of the skull bone to be displaced inward. They carry with them a higher risk of pressure on the brain, which could crush tissue and blood vessels. The internal cranial cavity is protected from the outside environment by the skull. If a depressed fracture fractures the skull, it comes into contact with the outside environment and can become infected. These often require surgery.
• Diastatic Fractures: This type of fracture is common in infants because sutures in the head are not yet fused, but it is still possible that adults can be affected by it. Diastatic fractures are usually caused when the fracture line goes across at least one suture of the skull.
• Basilar Fractures: These types of fractures occur at the base of the skull. The signs to watch for are fluid leaking from nose and ears, as well as eye bruising. These fractures may tear the pituitary gland. With that comes the risk of diabetes, impotence, or reduced libido.

Learn more about brain injuries by visiting the Brain Injury Association of America online.

Neurological Injuries & Cognitive Disorders

Cognition describes the brain's ability to think, process, store information, and solve problems. A cognitive disorder is a condition where cognitive functioning becomes limited. Cognitive disorders originate from interruptions in basic cognitive functions such as memory processing, perception, problem-solving, and language development. They range in character from amnesia, dementia, and delirium to mental retardation, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Certain psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and delusion disorder are also classified as cognitive mental disorders because they affect memory, attention, and other areas.

Some symptoms that are indicative of a cognitive disorder:

Cognitive disorders often have profound impacts not just on the individuals affected, but also on their families and support networks. Techniques for assisting those with cognitive issues include creating structured environments and employing memory aids. Researchers continuously work on developing new therapies to help manage these conditions, aiming to improve quality of life and facilitate greater independence.

What Causes Neurological Injuries?

Neurological injuries can be caused by physical trauma, genetic diseases, or infection. When neurological harm is caused by negligence or wrongdoing, victims can seek justice. A strong blow to the head, a near-drowning, a car accident, or a fall could cause neurological injuries that affect a victim’s life in many ways. By holding the responsible party accountable, a victim of a neurological injury can recover compensation for his or her care.

What Are Symptoms of Neurological Injuries?

Neurological injuries affect the brain and spinal cord, which make up the nervous system and are responsible for thought, movement, and sensation. The symptoms of neurological injuries may vary in severity and type, depending on their cause and a number of other factors. Although they may differ from patient to patient, they are likely to have dramatic effects on a person’s ability to read, write, speak, move, and remember.

Early identification of neurological symptoms can significantly enhance recovery prospects. Patients are encouraged to maintain detailed logs of their symptoms and any potential triggers to aid healthcare professionals in tailoring effective treatment strategies. Mental and emotional support are crucial components in the recovery process.

How Do Cognitive Disorders Affect Daily Life?

Impaired brain function can cause a person to forget important dates, have trouble meeting obligations, and develop a reputation for being unreliable. In some environments, cognitive impairment may create serious safety concerns and endanger employment. On a personal level, brain injury survivors can have difficulty forming deep relationships or staying engaged in conversation. This can significantly impact self-esteem and daily enjoyment, making early legal and medical intervention in Houston particularly important for both practical and emotional recovery.

How Do You Treat Cognitive Disorders?

When a person develops a cognitive disorder—whether due to brain injury, degenerative conditions, or sudden trauma—their memory, judgment, and concentration may all be compromised. Depending on the root cause, doctors may suggest medication, environmental adjustments, or therapies focused on rebuilding connections. In Texas, innovative care centers are expanding access to programs that promote cognitive function and facilitate daily life adaptations. Legal support helps secure financial recovery to pay for required treatment, especially where an injury was caused by another party’s negligence or misconduct.

Trauma-Induced Memory Loss & Amnesia

Memory loss from a traumatic brain injury can make it difficult—or even impossible—to recall past events, perform daily duties, or keep track of long-term commitments. Amnesia can affect memories from recent weeks or years, strike suddenly or develop gradually, and may be temporary or permanent. Memory loss has profound effects on a person’s quality of life and may complicate return to work, personal relationships, and regaining independence.

Victims who lose memory after brain injury in Texas may experience frustration, depression, or anxiety due to the unpredictable nature of their symptoms. Support from neuropsychologists and therapy programs, as well as access to educational materials through associations like the Texas branch of the Brain Injury Association of America or the Texas Brain Injury Alliance, can help restore a sense of hope and control. Legal services play a key role in bridging medical needs with fair compensation, helping clients adjust to and overcome memory-related challenges.

There are several different types of amnesia, explained in more detail below:

• Transient Global Amnesia: Temporary, total loss of short-term memory without loss of consciousness or other neurological impairment. Victims may lose the ability to form new memories briefly but generally recover with no lasting effects. Temporary blockage of blood vessels is believed to be a cause.
• Anterograde (or Antegrade) Amnesia: This is a type of memory loss that affects new learning after trauma, while pre-injury memories remain. Commonly seen after brain injury or toxic exposures, anterograde amnesia often results in gaps in recall following the incident.
• Retrograde Amnesia: Inability to recall events occurring before the trauma took place. Often, memory of events after the TBI remains intact, allowing for the formation of new memories moving forward.

Symptoms of memory loss can include confusion, decreased alertness, getting lost easily, repeating things over, starting tasks but losing track, forgetting names and dates, or having difficulties with familiar activities and words. Addressing these symptoms quickly with proper care and constructive legal intervention supports better recovery and quality of life.

Memory loss and amnesia present in many different ways and may be influenced by stress, depression, medical complications, or ongoing medication. Adopting coping mechanisms with the help of rehabilitation professionals and working closely with a Houston brain injury lawyer supports both legal and medical recovery goals.

Recovering Full Compensation After a Brain Injury in Texas

Living with a traumatic brain injury is expensive, and the costs don't necessarily diminish with time. The costs go far beyond the first hospital bill. Patients may face ongoing rehabilitation, multiple surgeries, assistive technology, in-home care, and modifications to make their homes or vehicles accessible. For many, a TBI also means a permanent loss of earning capacity, creating a lifetime of financial strain. 

Brain injuries can cause profound, lasting changes: memory loss, difficulty concentrating, loss of motor skills, mood swings, impaired judgment, and even personality changes. These challenges affect not just the survivor, but also their family—forcing loved ones to take on caregiving responsibilities and adapt to a completely different way of life.

We fight to make sure our clients have the resources to handle every challenge a brain injury brings—not just for immediate medical expenses, but for lifelong care and support, including:

• Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• 24/7 in-home nursing or attendant care
• Pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life

Our Texas brain injury attorneys know how to prove the full value of a case, often working with medical economists, life care planners, and rehabilitation experts to calculate exactly what’s needed for a lifetime of security. We prepare every case for trial, ensuring insurance companies and defendants know we’re ready to fight for what our clients need.

Call a Houston Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer: (888) 493-1629

Each year, more than 1.7 million people in the United States suffer a TBI. Often called the “Silent Epidemic,” these injuries can go unnoticed at first, only to have devastating long-term effects. If you have suffered a TBI, you should consult with a Houston brain injury attorney. Treatment can add up to millions of dollars, and many people never fully recover to lead a normal life. If another party was responsible for the accident that caused your brain injury, you could be entitled to full financial compensation. We can review the facts of your case and help you determine what legal options are available.

Call (888) 493-1629 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Houston, Texas brain injury lawyer who can help.