Lubbock Personal Injury Lawyers

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Lubbock Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

Our serious injury law firm has assisted with cases of all kinds—many of which involved catastrophic injuries. These are injuries that resulted in lifelong consequences, leaving the victims unable to work and often requiring around-the-clock care. Often, what makes these already impossible situations even worse is the responsible party’s refusal to do what’s right. Instead of stepping up to help the injured, they instead focus on ways to reduce their own liability. 

Arnold & Itkin is here to level the playing field. We help after catastrophic injuries such as:

Lubbock Wrongful Death Attorneys

Losing a loved one is one of the worst experiences a family could endure. When the death was caused by negligence, the pain might be worse knowing that their loved one's death could have been prevented. In the midst of this, families often suffer other hardships, like the loss of household income, medical expenses, funeral expenses, and emotional trauma. When someone is killed by the negligence of another, the victim's family deserves answers. 

Our Lubbock wrongful death lawyers fight for grieving families, helping them get the money they need for basic needs, medical bills, and the future.

Wrongful Death Defined

A wrongful death occurs when a company or person exercises negligence that leads to the untimely death of another person. When someone is killed unexpectedly, they often leave people who depend on them for companionship, emotional support, and financial stability. Those suffering from the loss are entitled to compensation in certain instances.

Even if the at-fault person is already facing criminal charges, they may also face a civil suit from those their actions harmed. Wrongful death claims resemble personal injury claims. Just as with personal injury claims, wrongful death cases seek damages from neglect. However, these cases are filed by family members of the decedent.

Texas law specifically defines a wrongful death as caused by the “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default” that causes the death of another.

Texas law requires that claims be filed within two years of the day that the wrongful death occurred. Those seeking to file a wrongful death claim must be related to the person who was killed. These family members include spouses, children, parents, and grandparents of the deceased. In some instances, if no family members file a claim, the person in charge of the decedent’s estate may pursue a wrongful death case.

In Lubbock, Texas, family members of the deceased may be able to seek various damages for their loss:

• Medical costs incurred by the decedent's fatal injuries prior to death
• Funeral expenses
• Lost wages and benefits the individual would have made if still alive
• Services that the individual would have provided
• Emotional suffering of family members
• Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before their passing

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Lubbock Work Accident Lawyers

Any worker in any field may experience a work-related injury or illness. This is as true for an administrative assistant as it is for an industrial worker or a commercial farmer. While the risk is higher in certain fields, like offshore drilling or construction, the truth of the matter is this: all workers deserve the chance to rebuild their lives after sustaining serious on-the-job injuries. At Arnold & Itkin, we fight for injured workers and their families to make this chance a reality.

Our Lubbock work injury attorneys have taken on some of the most catastrophic industrial accident cases in the country, exposing employer wrongdoing and helping our clients recover the level of compensation that changes their lives for the better. When oil and gas companies, truck companies, insurance providers, and other large corporations try to sweep our clients’ cases under the rug, we take them to court. And win.

Our Lubbock work injury attorneys can handle workplace accident cases such as:

No two work injuries are the same. That is why it is critical to choose the best attorney for your case—a legal professional who has the know-how and resources to investigate what caused your accident and who is responsible.

Steps to Take After a Lubbock Industrial Accident

Industrial accidents are a primary focus of our firm. Workers in factories, plants, warehouses, and refineries across the U.S. play an integral role in helping our economy flourish, but their safety is too often placed second to profits. Some employers overlook safety standards, delay turnarounds, or fail to replace aging equipment—at the expense of their workers. Our Lubbock industrial accident attorneys expose such practices and help injured workers find justice.

We recommend taking the following steps after an industrial accident:

• Get medical attention. Your well-being comes first. If you were involved in an industrial accident, seek medical care as quickly as possible. There may be a company doctor you can see, but remember that you have the right to seek a second opinion and that you should not return to work until you have clearance from a medical professional you trust.
• Report your injury. You have a responsibility to report any workplace or industrial injury to your employer, or your right to workers’ compensation or other benefits could be in jeopardy. Inform your manager or supervisor, in writing, and be sure to keep a copy of your report for your records.
• Talk to an attorney. One of the best ways to protect your interests is to involve a Lubbock industrial injury lawyer. If your employer is denying responsibility, the insurance company is offering an unfairly low settlement, if you’re being pressured to return to work, or if anything is happening that you’re not comfortable with, an attorney can help. 

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Lubbock Oilfield Accident Attorneys

Working on an oil rig pays well, even for entry-level positions like floorhands or roustabouts. Skilled workers can get higher-paying jobs as drillers and rig managers, but any of these positions can become dangerous when drilling contractors and oil and gas companies put production before safety. When oilfield accidents happen, workers and their families turn to Arnold & Itkin for powerful, proven counsel. 

Our Lubbock oilfield accident firm has a reputation for standing up to companies for regular people who need help after serious accidents. We represent all types of oilfield workers, including:

Oilfields in Lubbock, TX

Since the discovery of the Levelland field in 1945, the Lubbock area has been recognized as one of the major oil-producing regions in Texas. About 3.5 million barrels of oil were produced in Lubbock County in 2011 alone.

There are numerous oilfields in Lubbock County, including:

Lubbock Oilfield Explosion Attorneys Helping Injured Workers & Families

The volatility of extracting oil and gas from the ground is a well-known danger in oilfield work. However, this doesn't mean that companies shouldn't be held accountable after explosions. Every oilfield company has the responsibility to train workers, provide them with safety equipment, and ensure that work sites are safe and adequately maintained. Even the slightest lapse in any of these things can cause a serious explosion.

Common causes of Lubbock oilfield explosions include:

Our Lubbock oilfield explosion lawyers fight to make sure workers and their families don't have financial burdens so they can move forward after serious accidents.

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Lubbock Construction Accident Attorneys

Each day, construction workers walk into some of the most dangerous workplaces in America. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released data that reveals just how dangerous construction jobs are.

Construction workers make up 1 out of every 5 fatalities in private sector jobs.

Workers at a construction site face safety risks including heavy machinery, elevated heights, and hazardous materials. Though these things are necessary to have a functioning construction site, employers are legally obligated to mitigate workplace risks as much as possible. Any time a construction injury or death happens, it is a result of an employer's failure to provide a safe work environment. The Lubbock construction accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin have held some of the largest construction companies in Texas accountable for unsafe practices.

The Four Fatal Threats to Construction Workers

While examining the causes of workplace deaths, OSHA noticed a set of four common perils that commonly play a role in deadly accidents: falls, struck by object, electrocution, and caught-in/between. These “Fatal Four” have accounted for nearly two-thirds of all construction fatalities in the U.S. in the past 11 years.

Though deaths are not always the result of an accident, injury to workers can change their lives forever. After a serious accident, an individual may experience exorbitant debt, severe pain, and a decreased capacity to earn a living.

Common construction accidents include:

Recent Lubbock Construction Accidents

Lubbock is one of the largest cities in West Texas. With a population of about 250,000, the city is projected to have over 320,000 residents within the next few years. As more people decide to call Lubbock home, there will be more expansive construction projects. Without accountability, the growing city may be subject to construction accidents.

Recent construction accidents include the following:

• In July 2017, a worker who was paving the Marsha Sharp Freeway died after falling into the path of a machine.
• In October 2008, a construction worker was killed after a backhoe dropped a concrete block, crushing him.
• In March 2004, a construction worker’s pipe crane fell into a ditch. Medical workers were unable to save his life.

Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction work is hazardous, but this is no excuse for accidents that leave workers seriously injured or killed. Every accident can be traced to a specific cause, and as Lubbock construction injury lawyers, our goal is to identify that cause so we can seek answers and accountability for survivors and families.

The following are common causes of construction site accidents:

• Inadequate or incorrect fall protection for workers on scaffolding or other elevated structures
• Inadequate protection for ground workers to prevent falling objects or debris
• Slip and trip hazards caused by debris, materials, or other substances at the construction site
• Missing or defective guards or protection on power tools and heavy machinery
• Defective or dangerous machinery, tools, or equipment

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Lubbock Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers

While motor vehicle accidents can sometimes be "fender benders"—resulting in sore necks and dented bumpers—they can also be catastrophic. When vehicles collide head-on, when they roll, or when a car strikes another on the side (a “T-bone”), for example, the damage can be long-lasting. Even life-threatening. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we’re here to help people throughout the Lubbock area who have had this happen to them.

We help with motor vehicle accident cases of all kinds, including the following:

We understand how damaging these accidents can be and the need for comprehensive compensation. That's why our Lubbock motor vehicle accident lawyers always work to diligently investigate every accident case that they handle.

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Lubbock Car Accident Lawyers

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the monthly average of fatal crashes in Lubbock has increased since 2017. Additionally, Lubbock has a higher average of fatal car crashes than the state average. These accidents have a terrible effect on our neighbors and our community. Car accidents leave people with serious injuries, leading to significant medical costs and income loss. Serious or fatal car accidents can make a family financially insecure, leaving them without money for medical care, funeral expenses, or basic needs.

Common Causes of Lubbock Car Accidents

Any car accident can be caused by a variety of factors, but almost every accident occurs as a result of someone driving recklessly or negligently. Negligent driving is more dangerous than it seems—it only takes a second of distraction to cause a fatal car accident. Accidents can also be caused by negligent maintenance or manufacturing, but proving who is at fault for an accident requires an experienced car accident attorney.

Common causes of Lubbock car accidents include the following:

The First Step in Pursuing Compensation After a Lubbock Car Crash

The first step in seeking compensation for your losses is to contact an attorney who can thoroughly investigate your accident to determine who should be held liable for the accident. An attorney will also be able to handle all communication with your insurance company to ensure they provide you with a fair payout on your claim. If a negligent party was at fault for your injuries, an attorney will also be able to file a lawsuit against them.

Below are helpful questions to ask after being in a car accident:

• Could the accident have been prevented?
• Was the other driver operating his/her vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
• Was the other driver talking or texting on his/her cell phone?
• Was the other driver driving faster than the posted speed limit, or too fast for weather conditions?
• Was the driver distracting in some way other than those listed above?

If the car accident could have been prevented and was caused because of another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim and hold the person responsible for their actions. We can explain the different legal options.

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Lubbock Truck Accident Attorneys

The latest truck accident statistics reveal that 1 in 10 vehicle fatalities involve trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Commercial vehicles comprise only 5 percent of the vehicles on the road, but their fatality rate is more than double that.

FedEx & UPS Accident Law Firm in Lubbock, TX

Together, FedEx and UPS own 50 percent of the market share for the U.S. general freight delivery industry. Their vehicles number in the hundreds of thousands, and their earnings go toward maintaining their profit margin—one report revealed FedEx had 51 paid lobbyists, 37 of whom once worked in federal positions. Where FedEx and UPS go, so goes the industry. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that they're going anywhere good.

From 2015 to 2017, UPS was in 2,003 crashes that injured 689 people and killed 49. UPS crashes, injuries, and fatalities have all increased by at least 25 percent since 2012. In the same period, FedEx was in slightly fewer crashes, but compared to 2012? The FedEx crash rate jumped by 254 percent and fatalities increased by 273 percent. If you were injured by a delivery truck, call the Lubbock UPS and FedEx accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin.

The Trucking Industry's Secret Problem

Most truck carriers pay their drivers by the mile. The Bureau of Labor Statistics keeps track of labor costs and reports that most companies pay between 28 and 40 cents per mile. These companies will train new drivers and convince them that if they simply drive "hard enough," they'll be able to make a good living. Never mind that much of trucking is unpaid hours—waiting in traffic, getting the rig inspected, driving a "flying canary" to pick up a new load, waiting for loading and unloading, and resting. Never mind that paying by the mile barely keeps drivers afloat, and on many days drivers will end up spending more than they make.

The hard reality of living on the road (a reality designed by the trucking industry) practically forces drivers to use dishonest methods of getting around federal regulations—especially hours of service. Trucking school instructors will (unofficially) imply that drivers need to keep two logbooks so that they always have a compliant record to show regulators.

With the means of fooling federal regulations, drivers are "free" to drive for 15, 16, or 19-hour shifts, all to make ends meet. One driver was killed after a 34-hour marathon drive—a drive that would have only netted him $1,000 total. Thanks to trucking company practices of encouraging unsafe driving habits, thousands of big rig truckers are getting behind the wheel while exhausted. That has serious consequences for motorists all over Texas.

See for yourself—find out how often trucking companies get into accidents on the FMCSA website.

Driving While Sleepy Kills Motorists

Tired truckers are harming themselves and others. Experts believe that at least 13 percent of trucking accidents are caused by fatigue—if not more since fatigue goes unreported when it contributes to a crash. At least 25 percent of crashes occurred when a driver was hauling for 17 hours or more.

Sleep deprivation researchers believe that even moderate tiredness has the same effect on our driving that drinking does. The hardships of long-haul trucking—a direct result of trucking company practices that keep people trapped in a cycle of driving long stretches in order to make a few dollars more—are life-threatening.

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Lubbock Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

The freedom of riding on the road with two wheels is an aesthetic that lures many Lubbock residents to purchase a motorcycle of their own. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders experience a high rate of devastating accidents on the road. According to NHTSA data, there were 5,286 fatalities nationwide among motorcycle riders in 2016.

Though motorcycles only account for 3 percent of all registered vehicles, 14 percent of traffic deaths were motorcycle riders.

Studying motorcycle accident data from 2016 reveals even more lopsided statistics. Though motorcycles only travel 0.6 percent of the miles traveled by vehicles in the United States, their accidents still represent an overwhelmingly high rate of death. In fact, motorcycles are 6 times more likely to be in an accident when compared to other registered vehicles.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

After over 100 years of production, very little has changed regarding the general design of a motorcycle. The vehicles still (mostly) travel on two wheels, are powered by small engines, and are lightweight in comparison to other vehicles. Though effective, these qualities contribute to the risks motorcycle owners face. A motorcycle’s small design and lack of safety features make it a mismatched opponent for a larger vehicle in a collision.

Right Turn Accidents 
Many accidents involving motorcycles are caused by someone making a right turn into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorists often only scan for other cars when deciding if a turn is safe to make. A motorcycle’s small size and speed often cause drivers to misjudge how much time they have to make a turn, causing a serious or fatal collision.

Blind Spots 
Motorcycles are small and fit perfectly into a car’s blind spot. When a driver doesn't check their blind spot for motorcycles specifically, they might fail to see the rider in the next lane over. With a lack of awareness, there is a heightened risk of motorcycle riders getting sideswiped or pushed off the road by negligent drivers.

Lane Splitting 
A motorcycle's size gives them the agility needed to quickly move between cars. However, inattentive drivers may not look for riders before changing lanes, causing a potentially devastating collision. As Lubbock’s population grows, so will its traffic. Without accountability, more bikes will be hit by inattentive drivers.

Highway Hazards 
Highways across the nation are aging, accommodating an ever-increasing volume of traffic and becoming increasingly worn down. While potholes and bumps provide for a rough ride in four-wheeled vehicles, these hazards can be deadly to a motorcycle rider. Other hazards that pose a threat to motorcyclists include gravel, wet or icy weather, and roadkill.

Motorcycle Crash Injuries

Motorcycles lack the protective features that most automobiles have—there are no airbags, safety belts, or other systems designed to save lives. Motorcycles also lack a “cage.” This is the term used to describe the structure of a vehicle that protects occupants in an accident. There are usually hundreds of pounds in difference between a car and a motorcycle, this puts a motorcyclist's safety at a fundamentally higher risk in an accident.

Serious motorcycle accident injuries include the following:

Motorcycle Accident Fatalities in Lubbock, TX

According to the Lubbock Police Department, there are between 20 and 30 fatal accidents in Lubbock each year. When fatal car accidents spiked in January of 2018, a spokesperson for the police department mentioned that many fatal accidents in the Lubbock area involved motorcycles. In fact, the department revealed that of Lubbock’s 26 fatal accidents in 2017, 23 percent involved a motorcycle.

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Lubbock Train Accident Lawyers

Accidents involving railroads and trains are almost always destructive and devastating for victims and survivors. Whether you've been hurt because of a crossing accident or are suffering because of a derailment, our Lubbock train accident lawyers are ready to help you.

At Arnold & Itkin, we have a reputation for handling complex cases such as those involving train accidents. For example, our Lubbock railroad accident lawyers held Union Pacific accountable for failing to make a safe crossing. Our team fought to help a family receive the $10.9 million settlement that they deserved. When the other side wasn't being fair, we pressed harder to make sure our clients received the justice they needed.

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Lubbock Aviation Accident Attorneys

We provide powerful representation for individuals affected by catastrophic aviation accidents. Regardless of whether you were injured while on the job at the airport or as a passenger of an airplane, we can help you fight for full, fair compensation that will provide the security that you and your family deserve. In addition to commercial and private plane accidents, we also represent offshore workers who are injured in helicopter accidents that occur while being transported to and from oil rigs. No matter the circumstances surrounding your case, you can trust in our legal team.

You can't rely on the insurance company, your employer, or any large corporation to treat you fairly after a serious injury. Put a powerful team of trial attorneys in your corner, and you'll have the best opportunity to get the care and support you deserve.

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About Lubbock, TX

Lubbock is the 11th most populous city in Texas and is the seat of Lubbock County. As of July 2021, the city had an estimated population of 260,993 residents. Nicknamed “Hub City,” Lubbock is known as a center of economy, education, and healthcare in the South Plains, which is an area encompassing the region south of the Texas Panhandle and north of the Permian Basin. The Lubbock area is the largest cotton-producing region in the world.

Named after Thomas S. Lubbock, a Texas Ranger, Lubbock County was established before the city. The county was founded in 1876, and a small town named Old Lubbock was settled soon thereafter. Old Lubbock merged with Monterey and became the county seat in 1891. The city was incorporated in 1909. It was the site of a Quaker Colony established by the Paris Cox family and began to grow steadily as stores opened and cattle ranchers saw Lubbock as an ideal site for their trade. Around the same time, the Santa Fe Railroad expanded through Lubbock, spurring even more growth.

The city’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, primarily cotton, and the top employers in the area are Texas Tech University, Covenant Health System, United Supermarkets, AT&T, and Lubbock Independent School District. Texas Tech University, which was established in 1923, is one of the largest in the state. The TTU System had a record 63,498 students in 2021. Its students and faculty play an important role in supporting the Lubbock economy.

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Request a Free Consultation with Our Lubbock Injury Law Firm

You likely have a lot of questions surrounding your case if you or a loved one have been seriously injured. You deserve to have the best Lubbock injury lawyers on your side. We want you to know that we are here to help you through. If you’re unsure about where to turn or what to do next, get in touch with our law firm today. We offer completely free consultations where we can review your case, listen to your story, and provide insight into your different legal options.

Take the first step by calling (888) 493-1629 or filling out our online form. Your consultation is free!