McAllen Personal Injury Lawyers

Table of Contents

McAllen Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Billions of Dollars Recovered for the Injured & Wronged

A catastrophic injury will change your life. It will change your family’s life. Temporarily or permanently, it will affect your ability to earn a living, to do the things you once loved, and perform normal, day-to-day activities. It may even affect your outlook on life. You will face new challenges after an injury, but our team at Arnold & Itkin is here to help. We represent people who have been seriously injured because of the carelessness, negligence, and wrongdoing of others. We hold corporations responsible for placing more importance on money than on the people they employ and the consumers who use their products. Our McAllen catastrophic injury attorneys are here to help you get the care and compensation you deserve—so you can reclaim your future.

Rebuilding After a Catastrophic Injury

Attempting to put the pieces back together after a catastrophic injury can seem impossible. By getting answers and seeing responsible parties brought to justice, however, you can experience much-needed peace of mind. By recovering fair compensation for your lifelong care, you can get the support it will take to achieve stability for yourself and your family.

At Arnold & Itkin, we fight for victims of catastrophic injuries such as:

• Amputation/loss of limb
• Severe burns
• Spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries
• Hearing and vision loss
• Broken bones

I Am Partially to Blame for My Injuries. Do I Still Have a Case?

If you were seriously injured, you may still have grounds for a claim or lawsuit—even if you believe you were to blame. There are some situations, such as workplace accidents, where you are entitled to benefits even if you were at fault. The only exceptions may be if you were under the influence of alcohol or intentionally caused yourself harm. There are other situations where you are entitled to compensation if another party was more than 50% to blame. In Texas, the rule of proportionate responsibility applies to personal injury lawsuits. If you experienced catastrophic injuries and were partially at fault, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage. For example, if your award would have been $100,000 and you were found to be 10% to blame for the accident that caused your injuries, you would receive 90% or that award, or $90,000. Our McAllen personal injury attorneys can talk to you more about proportionate responsibility and how it may affect your catastrophic injury case.

What Compensation Is Available in a Catastrophic Injury Case?

Serious burns, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and other catastrophic injuries will affect every part of a victim’s life. That’s why it is so important to recover compensation that addresses every expense and impact: financially, emotionally, and physically.

A catastrophic injury settlement or verdict may include compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Ongoing treatment and therapy
• Medical devices, supplies, and medication
• Modifications to your home to support your injury
• Lost income, including bonuses and benefits
• Loss of future earnings or potential earnings
• Emotional trauma, including pain and suffering
• Punitive damages, meant to punish the at-fault party

No amount of money can erase the pain and suffering you’ve experienced as a result of a catastrophic injury, but it can ease the burden you’re experiencing. It can help you work toward a more stable future.

When Should I Involve an Attorney After Experiencing a Catastrophic Injury?

When seriously injured, talking to an attorney may be the last thing on your mind. But you should know that your employer, the at-fault party, and/or the insurance company are already working to investigate your case and determine how they can avoid paying out a high settlement. They have teams of lawyers and investigators who will try to limit their liability, or legal responsibility, for what you’ve experienced.

It’s never too early to talk to an attorney about your rights and options. You deserve to have someone in your corner who can protect you, and that’s what our team at Arnold & Itkin does for the injured. We fight every single day to make sure people like you are given the support and care they need to move on with their lives.

Our Serious Injury Attorneys Serve Hidalgo County, TX & the Entire U.S.

Our injury lawyers serve McAllen, Hidalgo County, and all of Texas and the U.S. in any type of personal injury, product liability, or premises liability case. We have recovered billions of dollars for our clients.

We can handle catastrophic injury claims involving:

• On-the-job injuries affecting workers in all industries, including offshore workers, industrial workers, administrative employees, construction workers, plant and refinery workers, and warehouse employees.
• Injuries caused by motor vehicle collisions, including pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, car, SUV, and truck accidents.
• Injuries caused by defective and dangerous products, including prescription and over-the-counter medication, medical devices, children’s toys, appliances, electronics, and all other consumer products.
• Serious injuries caused by property owner negligence, including slip and fall accidents, drowning accidents, assaults, and animal attacks.
• Injuries caused by catastrophes like pipeline explosions, railroad accidents, airplane accidents, boat fires, and oil rig explosions.

Accidents don’t "just happen." They have specific causes and parties that should be held responsible. Our trial attorneys know how to recognize fault and build the cases that help our clients see justice served.

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McAllen Wrongful Death Attorneys

Helping Families in Hidalgo County, TX & Nationwide

Losing someone we love in an accident is the worst experience we can endure. This loss leaves us without the comfort or company of a loved one's presence, robs us of the financial security they provided, and saddles us with the medical debt they left behind. You deserve answers and to see at-fault parties held accountable.

You are not alone in this. Our firm stands ready to help families who have lost fathers, mothers, children, and other loved ones in preventable accidents and as a result of wrongdoing. Our McAllen wrongful death lawyers have secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements nationwide for grieving families, winning billions of dollars for our clients and changing the landscape of wrongful death cases in the U.S.

People turn to us when they’ve lost a loved one because:

• We have won dozens of results worth upwards of $10 million
• We have won hundreds of results worth upwards of $1 million
• We have won cases in all 50 states
• We've set state and national records with our verdicts and settlements
• Our attorneys take no fee unless we win your case

When a person loses their life in an accident, our legal experience tells us that their death was preventable. Whatever the accident—an oilfield accident, a truck accident, a plant explosion, a drowning in an apartment pool—the cause of death will be linked to someone’s negligent choice or inaction. In order to prevent your tragedy from repeating, we need to hold the at-fault parties accountable in court. That’s what Arnold & Itkin is known for: getting companies and people alike to answer for the pain they inflict on others.

How Wrongful Death Claims Work in McAllen, Texas

Civil law and criminal law treat a person’s death differently. In criminal law, individuals are charged with manslaughter by the state for causing someone’s death. If a person is found guilty of manslaughter, it does nothing to provide for the family of the deceased victim. And if a company is responsible for someone’s death? Companies virtually never face criminal charges.

However, a wrongful death claim is a civil claim. That means plaintiffs can sue their wrongdoers directly, demanding that defendants compensate them for medical costs, lost wages, and other financial damages. Moreover, plaintiffs can sue companies and organizations as well as individuals. If an employer was responsible for your loved one’s death, a wrongful death claim may be the only significant accountability they’ll ever face.

Wrongful death claims can demand compensation for losses due to:

• Loss of income
• Loss of benefits
• Loss of inheritance
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium
• Mental and emotional anguish
• Medical costs incurred prior to death
• Funeral costs

These damages include both economic damages (losses that have an objective monetary value) and non-economic damages (losses that have a subjective value, i.e. mental anguish).

Wrongful death claims also allow plaintiffs to receive punitive damages—damages awarded to punish defendants for gross negligence and deter them from allowing another person to die due to unsafe or negligence action. In Texas, punitive damages are capped at the larger of two figures: $200,000, or twice the amount of economic damages plus non-economic damages (up to $750,000).

What Qualifies as a “Wrongful” Death

A wrongful death is any accident or event that results in someone’s death due to someone else’s action or inaction. The definition is broad enough to encompass virtually any situation where someone dies as a direct or indirect result of someone’s carelessness or poor choices.

For instance, the following events could lead to a wrongful death claim:

• Fatal car accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Assault or battery that led to fatal injury
• Medical malpractice
• Drowning accidents due to unsafe premises
• Defective products or medications

If multiple parties were responsible for someone’s death, they can both be made to compensate the loved ones left behind. For example, if your loved one was killed in a truck accident partially caused by a drowsy truck driver and by a faulty airbag, then both the trucking company and the auto manufacturer can be taken to court.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in McAllen

Strictly speaking, wrongful death claims are for the sake of the people left behind. Settlements and verdicts for wrongful death are intended to provide for grieving families, giving them the chance to grieve in peace while they figure out how to provide for themselves later. As a result, not everyone is eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

In Texas, only family members and household members can file a wrongful death claim:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents
• Siblings
• Dependents of any kind

Note that wrongful death law gives the primary right to sue to spouses and children. If a spouse or child has already filed a wrongful death claim, then siblings or parents are ineligible. If you have questions about whether you can file a claim, speak with our McAllen wrongful death attorneys at (888) 493-1629.

What Type of Damages Can I Get in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Depending on the case, a wrongful death lawsuit may allow you to recover financial compensation for all of your losses and trauma after losing a loved one. This might include medical expenses as well as burial and funeral costs, plus compensation for emotional trauma such as loss of companionship and support. You may be able to recover damages for what your loved one would have earned during his or her lifetime. Because there is no way to go back and prevent a loss in the first place, the goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to help a family rebuild toward a more stable future.

Do You Help People Who've Lost Loved Ones in Fatal Work Accidents?

Yes. At Arnold & Itkin, our McAllen wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience helping people who have lost family members in work-related accidents. We have faced off against some of the biggest corporations and workers' comp insurance providers after industrial accidents, plant explosions, truck driver fatalities, and other on-the-job deaths.

There is no excuse for unsafe workplaces. Our trial lawyers fight to expose the wrongdoing and carelessness that causes innocent workers' deaths.

I Don't Have Money to Hire an Attorney. What Can I Do If I Lost Someone I Love?

You don't have to pay upfront costs and only pay legal fees if we win your case. At Arnold & Itkin, our team handles McAllen wrongful death cases on a contingent fee basis. This means that we only get paid if and when we recover a settlement or award for a family that has lost a loved one. Because we also offer free consultations, there's absolutely no risk and no obligation when you contact our firm.

In Wrongful Death Cases, Results Matter

Arnold & Itkin LLP is the law firm of choice for people who have lost loved ones in fatal accidents for a simple reason: we get results. We’ve won billions in verdicts and settlements for our clients, often getting them far more than their insurers initially offered them.

For instance, we once filed a wrongful death claim against a company for allowing our client’s loved one to fall to his death while working in a parking lot. Our research found that the guardrail for the parking lot was missing, in violation of OSHA standards.

The initial offer was $200,000. After trying the case for 6 days, Attorney Jason Itkin got a verdict of $2.9 million.

We’ve won hundreds of cases like this one, helping families get justice for tragic and preventable deaths. Now is the time to see how we can help you. Call our McAllen wrongful death attorneys at (888) 493-1629.

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McAllen Burn Injury Attorneys

Helping Burn Injury Survivors in Hidalgo County, TX

Burn injuries can occur in many situations. Your vehicle may have caught fire after a car accident. You may have been involved in an explosion or chemical spill in your work offshore or at a plant. You may have had an appliance malfunction in your home. You may have been burned by an ungrounded wire. The causes can vary, but the outcome is almost always the same: you are left with life-changing injuries.

At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we understand the financial, emotional, and physical toll that a burn injury can have. Our McAllen burn injury attorneys want to help you rebuild your life. Let us fight for the compensation that you need.

Here are some of the results we’ve secured for clients like you:

• $92.7 million for a client who was seriously burned in a work accident.
• $87 million for a young man who suffered life-threatening burns in a refinery accident.
• $39.7 million for a worker who was severely burned in a plywood plant fire and explosion.
• $12.5 million for a refinery worker who suffered electrical burns.
• $12 million for a worker who was burned when a safety valve malfunctioned at a plant.
• $9 million for a man who suffered severe burns after falling through a hole at a plant.
• $7.4 million for a refinery worker who experienced serious burns.
• $7 million for individuals seriously burned in an oil refinery explosion.

Each of these verdicts represents a family whose lives were changed for the better. They walked into the future with financial security after the darkest moment of their lives.

What Steps Should I Take After Suffering Serious Burns?

The first and most important step to take after experiencing a serious burn is to seek medical attention. If necessary, call 9-1-1. Immediate treatment can make a huge difference, depending on the severity of your burns. Your health is the most important step.

Next, you will want to contact an attorney. If your burn injury was sustained on the job, you can’t trust that your employer will put your best interests before their bottom line. If you’ll be filing an insurance claim, you may find that your claim is delayed, denied, or severely undervalued. Having a McAllen burn injury lawyer behind you can ensure that your best interests—and your ability to recover—are not being jeopardized.

What Causes Burn Injuries?

Exposure to heat, fire, chemicals, electricity, or even the sun are some of the ways burn injuries can happen. Burns can be minor, severe, or even life-threatening. Serious burns can affect your muscles, nerve tissue, and bone. Infections and other complications are common, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Some common causes of burn injuries include:

What Are the Types of Burn Injuries?

The severity of your burn injury will place it into four categories. The most minor are first-degree burns. While they are painful, they do not require professional medical care. The other categories, beginning with second-degree burns, should be evaluated by a doctor. Second-degree burns extend beyond the first layer of skin. You may not need medical treatment, but infections—which would require professional care—are common.

Third- and fourth-degree burns are the most severe. They can be extremely painful, life-threatening, and require ongoing treatment. Multiple layers of skin are often damaged. In the most serious cases, muscle and tissue may also be affected. Even with the best medical care around, these burns have life-long repercussions. Even once the burns have healed, a person may have to deal with decreased mobility, scarring, and disfigurement.

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McAllen Brain Injury Lawyers

Our TBI Attorneys in Hidalgo County Have Won Billions of Dollars

After a traumatic brain injury, it may feel impossible to rebuild your life or to recover any sense of normalcy. You are left trying to make important decisions about healthcare, insurance, and more while medical bills continue to add up. Whether your injury was caused by a workplace accident, car accident, fall, or another type of accident, Arnold & Itkin can help you pick up the pieces of your life. Our McAllen brain injury attorneys can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve after another person’s negligence has caused such serious harm. We are committed to helping people after catastrophic injuries have thrown their lives into chaos. Let our team help you understand the lifetime cost of your injury and fight for everything you need to move forward.

Filing a TBI Claim in McAllen

A lawsuit is the best way for you to secure your future after a traumatic brain injury. These injuries often require a lifetime of care and the victims can rarely earn an income. You’ve been through enough. You need an advocate to fight for your financial future.

Arnold & Itkin LLP handles brain injury cases resulting from:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Construction accidents
• Industrial accidents
• Offshore injuries
• Slip & fall accidents
• Work accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Railroad accidents

We’ve gone up against some of the largest corporations in the world, securing billions of dollars for our clients. We are not afraid of complex cases, and we will fight for the compensation you deserve. No matter what.

What Causes TBI?

Often, brain injuries are caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. It is possible to have a minor brain injury. They require little medical care and resolve with time. However, many brain injuries have the ability to change lives. Severe brain injury can affect a person’s speech, cognition, and motor function.

TBI is often the result of:

• Falls
• Explosions
• Traffic accidents
• Sports-related trauma
• Physical assault

Negligence is at the heart of all of these causes. When you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, Arnold & Itkin LLP can get to the bottom of your case. We will investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury, determine the at-fault party, and fight to hold them accountable for the life-altering harm they’ve caused.

What Are the Common Symptoms of a Brain Injury?

Symptoms will vary depending on the individual as well as the nature and severity of the brain injury. There are, however, common signs that you should be aware of.

Common signs of brain injury include:

Seeking medical care as soon as you suspect a brain injury is important. A trained medical professional can help determine the extent of the damage, and in some cases, prevent it from getting worse.

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McAllen Work Accident Attorneys

Powerful, Proven Counsel for Survivors of On-the-Job Injuries

Every single day, thousands of workers throughout the nation go to their jobs without knowing that tragedy will strike before the day is up. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we have seen it happen time and time again. Commercial drivers who are involved in vehicle crashes through no fault of their own. Construction workers who experience catastrophic injuries when companies who corners. Oilfield workers who are not protected against disaster. What makes these situations worse is the fact that, far too often, these accidents could have been prevented had the companies involved taken the necessary precautions. Instead, companies too often prioritize their own profits—risking the safety, well-being, and even lives of those who work for them. If this happened to you and your family, we encourage you to contact our McAllen work accident law firm as soon as possible.

Our law firm handles a wide variety of work accident, injury, and death cases, including those involving:

Work injuries are devastating. People who are injured on the job experience more than just pain—they experience numerous hardships, from the physical to the financial. Work injuries cause severe pain while keeping people from earning income, making it harder to afford medical care as a result. The pressure produced by medical debt adds an extra hardship to the lives of employees who are already suffering because of employer negligence.

If you have been injured while working, it is important to contact an experienced work accident attorney in McAllen, TX. Employers who have caused injury through negligence may use frustrating tactics to prevent employees from obtaining the recovery to which they are entitled. Some employers, and their insurance companies, will purposely litter the claims process with obstacles to frustrate injured employees and force them to settle for less than they deserve.

Work Accidents by the Numbers

In 2016, 5,190 workers died while working in the United States. This means that more than 14 people lost their lives in workplace accidents each day. Each of these deaths represents an accident that could have been prevented. When a worker is killed or injured, it is almost always caused by negligence.

The Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) serves as the main regulatory body that protects workers in the United States. With only approximately 2,100 inspectors protecting over 130,000,000 workers, workplace negligence is bound to occur undetected. However, this does not relieve employers from the obligation to protect their employees.

Common Work Accidents

OSHA attempts to protect workers from common accidents by maintaining a list of the most common violations that they cite employers for.

The top 10 citations given by OSHA include the following:

These hazards, when left unaddressed, cause catastrophic injuries to workers. Catastrophic injuries permanently subject workers to pain, immobility, and diminished earning capacity, forcing an undue amount of hardship on honest and hardworking Americans.

Work Injuries in McAllen, TX

• In 2013, a worker at a Mission Home Depot was killed in a forklift accident. He was crushed by large metal doors that fell from the forklift.
• In 2017, a man was killed while operating a forklift at the McAllen produce terminal. He was crushed when his forklift fell from a concrete platform.
• OSHA fined McAllen company Lineage Logistics $58,000 after it found numerous violations at the business’ worksite. The company received 9 violations for neglecting health and safety standards.
• OSHA fined Cinch Connectors Inc., a McAllen telecommunications company, for neglecting employee safety. The fines totaled $41,000 and came after an employee was injured while working.

If you want to make sure your accident never happens again, you may need to take your employer to court. A jury verdict or a settlement is the only thing that motivates companies to change. Often, fines and fees are simply not large enough to compel employers to change their policies. A lawsuit, however, can create lasting change.

What Are the First Steps I Should Take After a Work Accident?

• The first thing you should do after a workplace accident—or any accident—is seek medical attention. Call 911 if someone has been seriously injured and requires emergency care. If injuries are moderate, an emergency room visit may be in order. For minor injuries, you can schedule an appointment with your doctor or visit your local urgent care clinic.
• After you've seen the doctor, you should make sure that your employer knows of your work accident. In McAllen and across the state, you have 30 days to report an on-the-job injury to your employer. Make your report in writing and keep a copy for your records.
• If you were seriously injured or if you are having any problems filing a workers' compensation claim or getting help from your employer, you should talk to an attorney. You have the right to receive medical care and financial support if you're injured on the job. An experienced work accident attorney can protect your rights and interests if your employer or their insurance company is trying to delay or deny your claim.

Is My McAllen Work Accident Covered By Workers' Compensation?

Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that covers on-the-job injuries and illnesses. In Texas, employers have the option not to carry this type of insurance, which means they would be liable (legally responsible) for paying injured workers' medical bills and lost earnings. Whether your McAllen work accident is covered by workers' comp will depend on your employer's status as a subscriber or non-subscriber, as well as your role and whether you're classified as an employee or an independent contractor.

There's a lot to consider when it comes to workers' compensation and whether individual workplace accidents are covered. Our attorneys can review your situation to determine what applies and how to help you get the help you need. All you have to do is call (888) 493-1629 for a free consultation!

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McAllen Construction Accident Lawyers

Serving Injured Construction Workers & Families in Hidalgo County, TX

The construction industry provides some of the most hazardous workplaces in the American economy. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists construction jobs as being the most dangerous jobs in the private sector. In 2016, 991 of 4,693 work fatalities happened in construction. 1 out of every 5 fatalities in the private sector happened to construction workers.

OSHA regulations are designed to protect workers from harm. Since 1970, these regulations have successfully helped lower the death rate for workers from 38 workers a day to 14. However, with a small group of OSHA inspectors managing 8 million workplaces, employers must take responsibility for the safety of their workplaces, even if they are not being inspected. When an injury or death occurs, it is often a direct result of employers neglecting important safety regulations.

That's when workers call Arnold & Itkin. Our construction accident attorneys in McAllen make sure negligent employers provide for their injured workers, paying for the damage they caused. We've won billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements as a result, including hundreds of results worth $1 million or more. Speak with us in a free consultation to learn how we might be able to help you get back on your feet.

The Four Most Dangerous Threats to Construction Workers

Data collected by the federal government reveals how dangerous construction work is. Each year, OSHA records statistics for annual fatal injuries in construction. Since so many construction workers sustain serious injuries on the job, the organization has grouped together a specific set of data and refers to them as the Fatal Four. These accidents happen most frequently and should be the most predictable and preventable as a result.

The Fatal Four consists of the following:

• Falls (38.7%)
• Struck by object (9.4%)
• Electrocutions (8.3%)
• Caught-in/between (7.3%)

Construction workers spend their days in a hazard-filled environment. Working underground, on high buildings, around deep trenches, or next to busy streets are examples of the dangerous conditions that construction workers face each day. Compounding these dangers is the presence of dangerous equipment, hazardous materials, and heavy objects. However, just because construction is inherently dangerous does not mean that accidents are acceptable. Since these hazards are a known issue, employers have a duty to mitigate their risks. If these accident sources were successfully eliminated, 631 workers that died in 2016 may still be alive today.

Causes of Construction Site Accidents

An employer’s neglect of safety plays a significant role in workplace accidents. To save costs, managers and business owners sometimes ignore safety issues that they consider too expensive to fix. Cutting corners has a dramatic effect on the culture and health of the worksite, from encouraging new workers to embrace unsafe practices to putting workers at risk with defective or poorly-maintained equipment.

Common safety violations include the following:

• Poor worksite design
• Improperly secured equipment
• Failing to mark hazards such as holes or trenches
• Malfunctioning and improperly maintained equipment

When safety issues such as the ones listed above occur, workers pay the steepest price. Workers suffer life-altering injuries, the loss of the ability to earn money, and even death because of safety oversights.

Construction site accidents include the following:

Are Construction Workers in McAllen, TX Covered By Workers' Compensation?

Virtually all employees in Texas are eligible for workers' compensation coverage, but some companies choose to forgo workers' comp insurance. These "non-subscribers" are not afforded the protection that workers' compensation has to offer, which is against lawsuits from employees who have been injured on the job. It will be important to find out if your employer carries workers' comp insurance to determine whether you should file a claim or pursue another avenue of compensation, such as a personal injury lawsuit.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Construction Site Injury?

You may be entitled to financial compensation to cover all expenses and losses related to your injury. For workers' compensation claims, you can receive medical benefits and a portion of your lost earnings. If you file a personal injury lawsuit, you can be entitled to more.

A settlement or award for a construction site injury lawsuit may include money for:

• Medical expenses, including ongoing treatment or therapy
• Lost wages, including loss of future earnings
• Emotional trauma, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life

Every construction accident case is different and will have a varying impact on a survivor and his or her family. That's why we recommend choosing a legal team that has experience with these complex claims.

Do I Need an Attorney After a Construction Injury or the Loss of a Loved One?

For very minor injuries, you may not need an attorney's help in recovering a fair settlement that gets you back on your feet. For catastrophic injuries or the death of a loved one, however, you may have trouble getting the assistance you so desperately need. Workers' comp insurance companies and big corporations that employ construction workers are notorious for delaying and denying claims or offering extremely low settlements that do nothing to help workers and families recover.

At Arnold & Itkin, we have faced off against some of the most formidable opponents—multi-million dollar and billion-dollar corporations and their teams of defense attorneys—and won record results for our clients. We fight to make sure these businesses are forced to do the right thing, no matter what.

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McAllen Maritime Law Attorneys

Our Hidalgo County Maritime Law Firm Fights for What's Right

For centuries, people have taken to the water to make a living. Since the maritime industry is one of the oldest in the world, it has its own set of laws that govern it. From these laws, modern American acts have been created to enhance them and bring them up to date. For example, vessel owners used to be required to pay only for the living expenses and care injured workers need until they reached maximum recovery. This is known as maintenance and cure. Today, maintenance and cure has been enhanced with the Jones Act, a law that allows workers to seek compensation for the full extent of their injuries if they were caused by the negligence of another.

Since maritime law isn’t simple, it requires a law firm that has experience dealing with matters that involve. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, our McAllen maritime lawyers are known for getting the results that injured seamen, harbor workers, and other members of the offshore industry need after serious accidents.

Important Maritime Laws for Injured McAllen Workers

The maritime industry is one of the most important economies in Texas. Each day, the men and women who work offshore face treacherous conditions to support the economy and make an honest living for themselves and their loved ones. When one of these people suffer from a preventable accident, everything is at stake for them.

This should never happen.

At Arnold & Itkin, our McAllen offshore injury lawyers are focused on making a difference for workers suffering after a preventable accident. Time and time again, we’ve heard it before: the accident wasn’t preventable. Yet, over the years, we’ve recovered billions of dollars for clients after showing it was. We help clients recover the finances that accidents have taken away and hold companies accountable, so they don’t make even more people suffer.

Important United States maritime laws include:

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

Importantly, the existence of the laws means one important thing: employers must prevent accidents or face accountability for the damage they cause to workers. Injured harbor workers, seamen, and other workers shouldn’t be left to handle the financial burden on accidents they didn’t cause.

Causes of Offshore Accidents

At Arnold & Itkin, our team has heard large companies deny responsibility for accidents they could have prevented. When a reckless employer fails to train employees, we’ve heard them try to shift the blame. When a manufacturer makes unsafe equipment, we’ve heard them deny that it’s their fault. Yet, we’ve shown that their negligence is usually the only thing that caused an accident.

When innocent offshore workers are blamed for accidents that change their lives, they should be defended. No company should be allowed to get away with failing to provide safe workplaces, neglecting the maintenance of vessels, or blaming their employees for accidents that cause serious injuries and, in the worst cases, death.

Why Offshore & Maritime Injuries Are Serious

When a person sustains an offshore injury, it isn’t something that goes away after a little time and minimal medical treatment. Offshore work is dangerous, and the injuries workers suffer when something goes wrong are often very serious. In fact, they’re so serious that many workers face a lifetime of medical care, lost wages, and the inability to make a living as they once did.

Common offshore injuries include the following:

• Burns
• Back injuries
• Loss of a limb
• Broken bones
• Disfigurement
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Head trauma
• Crush injuries and impalement

Ultimately, oil and gas companies have a responsibility to protect their workers from these injuries. In a perfect world, when an injury does happen, these companies would do what’s right and provide the compensation that injured offshore workers deserve. Yet, instead of doing this, they try to shift blame and protect their profits as much as possible by paying survivors little to nothing.

The Jones Act & Recovering from Offshore Injures

In 1920, a law that would forever change the maritime industry was passed. Among other things, the Merchant Marine Act, commonly known as the Jones Act, protected offshore workers from negligence. For the first time in the history of the nation’s offshore economy, employers became accountable for financial damages their employees suffered because of their negligence. The Jones Act continues to protect workers to this day.

Damages that can be recovered by the Jones Act include:

• Loss of current/future wages
• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• The cost of future care
• Funeral expenses
• Loss of consortium

How Can a McAllen Maritime Law Firm Help?

At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we focus on making sure workers don’t have to suffer financially after accidents they didn’t cause. We’ve helped workers find a path forward after oil rig explosions, boat collisions, and accidents caused by unseaworthy vessels. We help recover damages such as medical bills, lost wages, the cost of future care, pain and suffering, and more. Notably, the companies involved in the maritime industry are some of the largest in the world. We never back down a fight and level the playing field for our clients. When the other side sees we’re involved with a case, they know they won’t be able to get away with treating our clients poorly.

What Accidents Do Your Maritime Lawyers Handle?

A maritime lawyer can help with almost any type of accident that involves vessels or work that involves bodies of water. They also help people who support the maritime industry such as longshoremen and harbor workers. Common accidents our McAllen maritime law firm helps people recover from include: diving accidents, vessel collisions, slips and falls, explosions and fires, lift accidents, blowouts, and harbor accidents.

How Much Does Hiring a Maritime Lawyer in McAllen Cost?

Hiring a maritime lawyer from our firm costs nothing up front. Arnold & Itkin LLP works on something known as a contingency fee. This means that we cover all costs associated with a case and will only collect a payment if we win results for our clients. Working like this makes our services attainable and stress-free for those who need us.

What Is a Jones Act Vessel & Seaman?

Simply put, a Jones Act vessel is one that operates in navigable waters between United States ports. A Jones Act vessel can be a fishing boat, cargo ship, or even an offshore oil rig. Jones Act seamen are the people who work on these vessels and contribute to their overall function and mission. For example, an engineer who works on an offshore oil rig would be considered a Jones Act seaman because they contribute to the vessel’s mission.

What Are Common Types of Offshore Accidents?

Unfortunately, offshore work is dangerous, and accidents are a constant threat to safety. While there are many types of offshore accidents, the most important aspect of them is liability. Since all accidents are preventable, vessel owners and employers are required to prevent them.

Common types of offshore accidents include the following:

Will My Company Help Me After an Offshore Accident?

While a company might promise to help injured workers after an accident, it’s important to approach them with skepticism. Often, a company will surprise an injured worker by offering a settlement. However, this seemingly generous offer is not always what it seems. Initial settlements are usually much lower than a worker deserves and, once a settlement is accepted, the injured person receiving it will not be able to pursue the compensation they really deserve. It’s always best to speak with Arnold & Itkin LLP during a free consultation before trusting a company’s settlement offer is fair.

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McAllen Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Experienced Counsel for Traffic Accident Victims in Hidalgo County, TX

At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we have helped countless people throughout Texas recover after motor vehicle accidents. For example, we once represented a young woman who was catastrophically injured in an ambulance accident. In the end, our McAllen ambulance accident lawyers successfully recovered $117 million on her behalf, setting a state record for the largest single-event personal injury verdict at the time.

If you browse through our case results, you can see countless stories just like this: stories of our firm coming alongside individuals and families to help them recover from disastrous circumstances. If you find yourself in a situation like this, then do not hesitate to reach out to our law firm. We offer free consultations where you can discuss your options.

Injured in an accident such as the following? Contact our McAllen injury lawyers for help!

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

After a motor vehicle accident, you shouldn't turn to any firm that says it can help. Instead, you should turn to one that has a history of getting the best results possible for clients. For example, bus accidents often involve multiple negligent parties that should be held accountable for failing to prevent an accident. Our McAllen bus accident lawyers make sure they investigate all aspects of a case before accepting a settlement or fighting for justice in a courtroom. Client recovery is always our focus, and we never give up until we're satisfied it has happened.

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McAllen Car Accident Attorneys

Our Trial Lawyers Never Settle for Less Than Our Clients Deserve

Texas is huge, and much of it is covered with highways and roads that connect its 29,000,000 residents. As of 2016, Texas leads the nation in total lane-miles. Texas has a lot of space for cars —and that means a lot of risk for car accidents.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Texans were in a car accident every 59 seconds in 2017. 3,721 people lost their lives and 254,853 people were injured in just 1 year.

After a car accident, recovery can be a long and difficult process. Injuries sustained from the collision can cause physical pain, inhibit a person’s ability to work, and saddle families with enormous medical debt. If you’ve been injured, the McAllen car accident lawyers of Arnold & Itkin may be able to help you get back on your feet. Our firm has won billions in verdicts and settlements, getting medical care and replacing lost wages for thousands of people. If you need financial relief after a car accident, speak with us as soon as possible!

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Every car accident is unique. There are a wide variety of factors and components that cause each car accident; many of those factors are preventable causes. Just preventing one of those factors from being unsafe could have prevented your car accident; that's why our firm is committed to investigating every aspect of your accident to figure out who is at fault and who needs to be held accountable.

The common factors that cause most car accidents include:

• Improper vehicle maintenance
• Reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Poorly maintained roads
• Distracted drivers
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Defective vehicle parts
• Drugged driving

What to Do After a Car Accident

After an accident, you must be careful with what you say to the other driver's insurance company. Do not admit any fault or discuss any details other than the facts of the accident. Speak with a car accident attorney before speaking to any parties regarding recovery and liability; if you retain an attorney, they can speak on your behalf with all parties. This will prevent you from accepting a low settlement offer or mistakenly saying something that harms your claim. An attorney can also help you with more complicated claims such as lost wages, medical expenses, and mental trauma experienced after the car accident while you focus on recovering.

Our McAllen car accident lawyers can help you claim:

• Medical bills from doctor visits and surgeries relating to the accident
• Future medical expenses and long-term care
• Physical and mental pain and suffering
• Mental distress such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
• The loss of earning capacity and wages due to injury
• Wrongful death of a spouse
• Loss of property

Obtaining Compensation

The first step in obtaining maximum compensation is an investigation. Your attorney should be prepared to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident and build a strong case for you.

Common questions an attorney might investigate include:

• Was the accident preventable?
• Was the other driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
• Was the other driver distracted by their cell phone?
• Was the other driver speeding or driving recklessly?

An experienced attorney will seek answers to these questions. If the other driver was at fault, you may be able to seek damages amounting to more than an insurance company will initially offer. Because insurance companies are primarily obligated to their shareholders, initial offers to claimants are often low and designed to get you to settle for as little as possible. A lawyer will know what aspects of an accident to investigate so they may send a reasonable demand to insurance companies on your behalf. If an attorney’s demands are denied, a good attorney will be prepared to take your claim to court.

What Symptoms Should I Watch for After a Car Accident?

The tricky thing about car accidents is that they can cause serious injuries that are not immediately apparent to a victim. Whiplash is the most common, followed by brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. You may feel sore after a crash and think that you just need a day or two to rest, and then you'll feel better. However, you could be suffering from a serious injury that requires medical attention. For this reason, it's important to see a doctor after any car accident, even a minor collision.

The following are potential symptoms of a car accident injury:

• Pain or stiffness in the neck or back
• Numbness in the arms and hands
• Headache
• Dizziness and nausea
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss

How Can a McAllen Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Insurance companies promise to be a "good neighbor." They say you're in "good hands." But when push comes to shove, they frequently undervalue, delay, and deny car accident claims, leaving people wondering how they'll pay their bills and move on with their lives. A lawyer who has experience with car accident cases can protect your interests, putting pressure on the insurance company to pay your claim fairly. And if you've been treated in bad faith, you may even be able to recover the full value of your claim plus additional damages.

While you focus on healing, your attorney can handle every part of your claim—and maximize your recovery.

Why Do Car Accidents Happen So Frequently?

According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, there are over 22 million vehicles registered in the state. When you consider the sheer amount of cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles on the road at any given moment, it's easy to see why collisions happen so frequently. It only takes a second or two for a driver to make a mistake that causes a serious accident. Distractions, texting, heavy weather, ice, and hazardous roads can all cause crashes that leave people with severe injuries. It is up to each driver to be aware, drive defensively, and obey traffic laws to try to lower the number of accidents on McAllen roads.

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McAllen Truck Accident Attorneys

Billions Won by Trucking Lawyers Serving Hidalgo County, TX

Large commercial vehicles only make up 5% of the vehicles on U.S. highways, but they're involved in 11% of fatalities each year. Weighing in between 10,000 and 80,000 pounds, these road behemoths are often driven by tired truckers. Tired drivers are more likely to make mistakes, and shipping companies have designed it this way.

When big rig crashes cause catastrophic injuries, post-traumatic stress, or wrongful deaths, our McAllen trucking lawyers at Arnold & Itkin help the victims pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. Our clients have won billions of dollars with our team's help because we poured our resources and experience into getting answers and holding trucking companies accountable. We know hundreds of victims of trucking accidents are truck drivers themselves so we represent all injured parties—from employees to independent contractors to innocent bystanders.

Trucking Companies Have a 'Problem' They Won't Solve

Drivers are overworked, underpaid, and putting themselves—and others—at unnecessary risk. Shipping companies know it; in fact, that's how they designed the industry. New drivers come in, knowing nothing about trucking, and leave trucking 'school' thinking that a.) getting paid by the mile is fair pay, b.) federal regulations only get in the way of making good money, and c.) they need to bend or break the rules to make ends meet.

Carriers encourage this culture of "hard driving," putting drivers' health and public safety at risk—all while drivers struggle to make ends meet. As a result, new drivers quickly learn to keep two logbooks to flout hours of service regulations while operating for far longer than the daily limit of 14 hours. That has a serious effect on the safety of our roads—the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration suggests that 13 percent of truck crashes are caused by fatigue, while 25 percent occurred when a driver was hauling for longer than 17 hours.

Truck accidents we've represented include:

McAllen FedEx & UPS Accident Attorneys

The two leaders of the general freight industry in the United States, FedEx and UPS, collectively own 50 percent of the industry's market share. FedEx employs dozens of lobbyists in Washington—most of them have held federal government positions. FedEx and UPS employ 90,000 and 119,000 delivery vehicles in their fleet, respectively. Our FedEx accident lawyers also know that FedEx has seen its crash rate rise by 254 percent since 2012, with its injury rate increasing by 192 percent and their fatality rate increasing by 273 percent. Our UPS accident attorneys have seen the parcel service involved with 2,003 crashes from 2015 to 2017, causing 689 injuries and 49 deaths.

Find out how often trucking companies get into accidents on the FMCSA website.

One Free Consultation Could Change Everything

Truck accidents are major traffic events—which means the shipping company has already sent its own investigator to gather evidence that puts everyone but the company at fault. Injured people deserve the same resources that massive companies utilize. Our firm puts our own trucking investigators and experts on the case, putting pressure on trucking companies to do right by the people they hurt. If we can help you, our firm covers the cost of the case. If you don't win, we absorb the costs. If you do, we make sure everything is paid for while ensuring you get enough money for medical care, replacement income, groceries, and whatever else you need to rebuild your life.

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McAllen Train Accident Attorneys

Representing Railroad Passengers & Workers in Hidalgo County & Nationwide

Trains made the United States an economic powerhouse. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Americans built a complex network of train systems through this expansive country. Trains revolutionized our ability to travel quickly and transformed our economy by changing the way that goods were traded and transported.

In 1836, ambitious Texans began building their own railroads to solve transportation issues across what was then a sovereign state. Modern Americans still benefit from the dynasty of transportation created by these early trains. Today, Texans utilize services by the Texas Eagle and other trains that connect them to other parts of the state and enable them to travel throughout the country. As one of the largest states, Texas also relies on railways to transport goods and materials across its vast lands. But the power of the railroads comes with responsibility: train companies need to ensure the safety of their employees and passengers on every trip. When railroad accidents happen, the consequences are devastating for dozens, even hundreds of people. Additionally, a train’s large size makes it a hazard to bystanders when an accident occurs.

After a train crash, it is important to hold those at fault accountable. Doing so provides for those who are suffering from an accident and prevents future railroad accidents from happening. At Arnold & Itkin, our McAllen train accident lawyers have won billions of dollars for the injured and wronged. Our knowledge and experience with train collisions make us the ideal advocate for you after a railroad accident.

Railroad Accidents in the United States

Railroad accidents are more common than many people realize: a train collision happens every 90 minutes in the United States. Many of these accidents occur because of the nation’s aging and worn railroad infrastructure. Train passengers are not the only individuals at risk of injury from a train accident. About 400 people are killed by trains each year. Since 1997, over 7,000 pedestrians have been killed by trains.

What Causes Train Accidents?

Train accidents are often caused by maintenance issues with the track. Railroad companies are required to keep tracks free of debris, vegetation, or defects that might cause a train to derail. Railroad accidents are also often caused by a combination of defective tracks and excessive speeds.

Common causes of railroad accidents include the following:

• Worn and broken switch points
• Defective and missing crossties
• Traveling at an unsafe speed
• Unsafe shove movements
• Improper hand brake use
• Speeding
• Reckless conductor operation
• Debris or objects on tracks

Though trains are regarded as a generally safe form of transportation, accidents involving these large vehicles are often serious and destructive. Every part of a train requires maintenance; from the tracks to the engine, these behemoths require time and attention to operate safely.

Types of Train Accidents

Collisions with Pedestrians

If someone is hit directly by a train, their injuries are almost guaranteed to be life-altering, if not fatal. Often, a failure to properly mark railroad tracks results in collisions with pedestrians who are unaware of approaching trains. In some instances, a derailed train can collide with pedestrians.

Reckless Operation

Just like motorists, train conductors are required to abide by strict rules while operating a train. Unfortunately, just like motorists, train conductors sometimes use their phones while on the job; this is both dangerous and illegal. Distracted conductors miss important signals or take corners at unsafe speeds, leading to devastating accidents.

Accidents from Poor Maintenance

Train networks are vast and contain thousands of miles of railway. Companies have a responsibility to maintain every inch of their tracks and make sure every component of each car is in safe operating condition.

Train Collisions

When two trains collide, the resulting destruction is devastating. Train-on-train collisions usually occur from a severe lapse in safety practices. When two trains collide while traveling at speed, mass injury, death, and destruction are almost guaranteed. These types of accidents are almost always preventable and represent severe negligence along some part of the system.

Overloaded Trains

Numerous industries use trains to transport large amounts of supplies at as fast a rate as possible. When a train is overloaded, it becomes difficult to control. Overloaded trains are at an increased risk of derailment and are harder to stop—a recipe for disaster.

Tragic Train Accident Near McAllen, Texas

On March 14, 1940, a train accident occurred in McAllen’s neighboring city, Alamo. A train collided with a truck carrying over 40 agricultural workers. When the chaos subsided, 34 people had lost their lives.

The accident remains the deadliest highway accident in the history of Texas. In the years following the accident, changes were made to motor vehicle transportation laws and railroad safety policies. Though no laws were officially broken that day, it was a tragedy that could have been prevented with better safety practices.

Can I Sue the Railroad After a Train Accident?

Railroad companies can be held legally responsible for injuries and deaths that occur on their trains or tracks, if their negligence or wrong1doing was the cause of the incident. This means that you could potentially sue the railroad company in civil court for medical expenses, emotional trauma, financial losses, and other damages you've experienced as a result of a train accident. The process is complex, so it's important to talk to a lawyer about your options. Our team offers a free, private consultation to help you get started!

What Should I Do After a Railroad Accident?

If you were injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or railroad worker, you should first seek medical attention. Once you've seen a doctor, find a local attorney who knows the ins and outs of railroad accident cases. Whether you were working at the time or were injured in another way, you have the right to recover financial compensation from the party (or parties) behind the accident.

Every railroad accident can be traced to a specific cause. An experienced attorney can help identify that cause so you can recover the complete compensation you deserve.

What Can a McAllen Railroad Accident Lawyer Do to Help Me?

Big corporations like railroad companies and insurance providers have a history of putting their interests above all else. They cut corners in replacing aging equipment and tracks, ignore safety regulations, and take other steps that line their pockets at the expense of their employees, passengers, motorists, and pedestrians. These companies have teams of attorneys ready to defend their interests when someone is injured or killed in a railroad accident. A McAllen railroad accident lawyer can level the playing field, pressuring the railroad company and their insurance provider to do the right thing. Successful train accident lawsuits help survivors and victims' families rebuild. They also expose wrongdoing and improve conditions for future generations.

Claiming Compensation for a McAllen, Texas Train Accident

Operating a train is a multi-person operation. Trains require mechanics, engineers, conductors, railroad operators, and many other individuals that work together to make rail transportation possible. If you’ve suffered because of a train accident, it’s very likely that someone could have prevented it and failed to do so. Hiring an experienced railroad accident attorney will help you fight for the compensation that you deserve from at-fault parties.

When you have an attorney, they will be able to navigate the investigating of your railroad accident. Whether the incident is the fault of a parts manufacturer, train owner, track owner, train operator, or a combination of all these, an attorney can build your case in a way that seeks the proper amount of compensation from all negligent parties.

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About McAllen

McAllen is the largest city in Hidalgo County, located close to the United States-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley at the southern tip of Texas. As of July 2021, McAllen’s estimated population was 143,920; the city encompassed 48.34 square miles of land. McAllen is known by the nickname “The City of Palms” because of the numerous palm trees located throughout. While McAllen was first established as an agricultural and rural area, today it is a bustling metropolis and is recognized as a hub for international trade and commerce. The implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994 contributed to McAllen becoming a primary gateway to Mexico and Central America.

The first ranches and homes in the area now known as McAllen were built by Spanish settlers. The great-granddaughter of one of the Spanish landowners inherited some of this land in the early 1800s and married an American businessman named John Young in about 1848. They acquired more land, but Young passed away in 1859. His assets passed to his wife and their son. In 1861, Young’s widow married his assistant, John McAllen. They continued to add land, and the ranch was renamed McAllen Ranch.

John McAllen and his son donated land to the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway to ensure it would reach their community, and in 1904 the line was built. That December, the town site for McAllen was developed. Early growth in the area was the result of cotton, alfalfa, figs, grapes, and citrus fruits. By the 1930s, McAllen boasted canning, woodworking, and tortilla plants as well as a winery. In 1947, oil was discovered in the area, and the population of McAllen experienced another boost. Growth continued through the 1980s when a freeze took out many citrus crops in the area and tourism and trade slowed as the Mexican peso lost much of its value. McAllen quickly recovered, however, and today it is recognized as a major center for international trade.

McAllen is known for its rich history and culture, and tourists and residents can enjoy the city’s many restaurants, museums, and art galleries. McAllen is also known as a prime birdwatching location because it lies in the migratory path of birds flying between North and South America. The historic site Quinta Mazatlan in McAllan serves as one of the locations of the World Birding Center. Some of McAllen’s other main attractions include La Plaza Mall, the International Museum of Art & Science, the McAllen Nature Center, Nuevo Santadar Gallery, and the 17th Street Entertainment District.

McAllen, TX Resources & Links

• City of McAllen, TX
• Explore McAllen
• McAllen Chamber of Commerce
• McAllen Fire Stations
• South Texas Health System McAllen
• Rio Grande Regional Hospital McAllen
• McAllen Wikipedia Page
• Texas State Historical Association: McAllen

Put Your Case into the Hands of Proven Courtroom Warriors: (888) 493-1629

Having won cases for clients from all 50 states, our firm has earned a reputation of being unafraid of a challenge. We don’t back down from a fight, and we’re not scared to take a case to trial. Although we are skilled negotiators and are often able to reach premium settlements for our clients outside of the courtroom, we also know that trial is one of the most effective places for us to represent our clients’ rights. If the other side is unwilling to listen and is unwilling to do what’s right, they know that we’re willing and able to prepare for court to let a jury of our client’s peers decide what’s just. If you have been injured or lost someone you love, the time to act is now.

Call (888) 493-1629 to schedule a free consultation!