Midland-Odessa Personal Injury Attorneys

Accident Law Firm Serving Midland-Odessa & Beyond

When you or a loved one have been seriously injured, you can’t afford to work with an inexperienced attorney. You need someone who understands the law and can truly help you work toward the compensation you deserve. At Arnold & Itkin, our team of top-rated personal injury lawyers has helped countless individuals and families who have been affected by catastrophic circumstances. Regardless of whether they were involved in a trucking accident, injured offshore, or hurt while on the job, we've fought for our clients' rights and recoveries.

If you’ve been injured or if you’re unsure about the next steps to take, we encourage you to get in touch with a member of our legal team. Contact our Midland-Odessa accident lawyers for help with personal injury and wrongful death claims. We represent clients throughout Ector County, Midland County, and all of Texas. You can trust in our firm for the compassionate, powerful legal representation you truly deserve.

Call (888) 493-1629 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team!

Table of Contents

• Catastrophic Injuries
• Burn Injuries
• Work Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Oilfield Accidents
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Railroad Accidents
• Aviation Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Personal Injury FAQ

Midland-Odessa Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Serious Injury Law Firm in Midland-Odessa with a Reputation for Results

From amputation injuries to brain damage, our law firm has been there to help countless individuals with their recovery after catastrophic incidents ripped their future from them. From helping those suffering from serious burn injuries to those who are dealing with the consequences of a spinal cord injury, we have the experience, skill, and know-how needed to navigate complex cases. We take a comprehensive look at the case, fighting for compensation that will cover not only immediate costs, such as medical bills, but also long-term costs such as rehabilitation and the cost of lost wages, as well as intangible costs such as pain, suffering, and mental anguish.

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries

• Burn injuries are painful when they happen and difficult to heal from. Once they’ve finally healed as much as possible, a person might be permanently disfigured or scarred. Scars from serious burns can inhibit motion and cause tight, painful skin for survivors.
• Blunt force trauma occurs when any part of the body is hit with significant force by an object. It can cause head trauma that negatively impacts a person’s cognitive and motor functions.
• Vision and hearing loss mean difficult adjustments for survivors. if an accident causes a person to have impaired hearing or vision, they’re forced to readjust how they interact with the outside world. In many instances, they unfairly struggle to work as they once did.
• Spinal cord injuries are some of the most well-known types of catastrophic injuries. Depending on what part of a person’s spine is injured, they can be partially or fully paralyzed.
• Neck and back injuries can force survivors to live with chronic pain. Sometimes, this pain is only present during physical work. When a person can’t work without pain, they might have difficulties earning a wage as they did before an accident.

The injuries listed above are just a few examples of the serious challenges people with catastrophic injuries face. Importantly, those with these serious injuries can rebuild their lives and readjust. However, they require the funds required to do so. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we can fight to make sure clients have the compensation they need to move on after a serious accident.

What Are Catastrophic Injuries?

A catastrophic injury can be any type of injury that causes a person to experience a negative change to the quality of their life permanently. A catastrophic injury can be burn injuries, serious back injuries, or anything else that impacts a person’s life in a negative. Some catastrophic injuries mean that a person will require assistance for the rest of their life while others cause a person to live with lessened independence.

What Is Recoverable After a Serious Injury?

A catastrophic injury lawsuit should be focused on making sure a survivor has the funds they need to adjust to life with their injuries. While nothing can change what happened, many people with catastrophic injuries can adjust to their new way of life. Importantly, doing this often requires financial security. So, an attorney can work to make sure clients with serious injuries have the financial security they need to rebuild and adjust.

The following items may be recovered from negligent parties:

• Past and future medical care
• Lost wages
• Diminished future earnings
• Psychological trauma
• Pain and suffering
• And more

Calling Arnold & Itkin LLP means turning to a team that’s focused on helping you. We never accept settlements unless we’re certain they’re enough to help our clients meet the needs of their situation. If the other side isn’t being fair, we’ll take a case to court to fight for the damages listed above and more.

How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Midland-Odessa Cost?

Hiring a lawyer from Arnold & Itkin LLP costs nothing upfront. Since we work on something called a contingency fee, we cover all costs associated with a case and only collect a fee if we win results. Working this way makes our services accessible, shows clients that we’re dedicated to results, and helps alleviate financial pressure on people who are already experiencing enough of it.

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Midland-Odessa Burn Injury Lawyers

Representing Burn Survivors Nationwide. Over $10 Billion Won.

Burn injuries are painful, debilitating, and life-changing. They are expensive to treat. They can cause scarring and disfigurement, creating significant psychological side effects and physical limitations that can make it difficult to earn a living. Some burn survivors cannot return to work at all.

Arnold & Itkin has been representing the seriously injured since 2004. In that time, we have seen good people go through the worst situations. We have fought to improve their lives by finding answers, holding at-fault parties accountable, and securing the level of compensation that helps them rebuild. If you have been seriously burned or have lost someone you love, our Midland-Odessa burn injury lawyers are standing by to help. You have options. We are here to listen to your story and offer our insight into your rights and how to move forward.

Our Burn Injury Case Results

Primary healthcare to treat a burn injury ranges from about $3000 to $5000 per day in America. That initial treatment accounts for only about 23% of all medical costs a burn patient may face. In all, burn injury treatment may cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over the course of a patient’s life. This is why our Midland-Odessa burn injury attorneys take our case results so seriously. We know we need to secure maximum compensation for every client to pay for their initial treatment, surgery, therapy, ongoing care, and so much more.

The following are a few of our most notable burn injury case results:

• We secured a $92.7 million settlement for a man who was severely burned at work. This set a record for the highest settlement in a Texas burn injury case.
• We earned an $87 million settlement for a worker who suffered serious burn injuries in a fire. This was the highest settlement in a Texas burn injury case, before we beat our own record.
• We won a record-setting $39.7 million verdict for a client who was seriously burned in a dust fire and explosion at a plywood plant in Corrigan, Texas.
• We earned a $12.5 million settlement for a refinery worker in Corpus Christi who experienced electrical burns and other serious injuries.
• We secured a $12 million settlement on behalf of an industrial worker who was severely burned when a safety valve failed at the refinery where he was working.
• We secured a $9 million settlement for a Louisiana man who fell through an open hole at a Texas plant, suffering severe burn injuries as a result.

Our Midland-Odessa personal injury law firm has secured many more multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients, as well as hundreds of results of $1 million and above. Click here to learn more.

Burn Injury Accidents in Midland-Odessa

There are many scenarios and situations that can cause severe burns. Burn injuries can happen in the workplace, in motor vehicle accidents, at home, or as a result of defective or dangerous products.

Our burn injury attorneys in Midland-Odessa can handle cases involving:

• Work accidents
• Offshore injuries
• Plant accidents
• Factory accidents
• Refinery explosions
• Pipeline explosions
• Chemical plant fires
• Defective products
• Truck accidents
• Car accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Oilfield accidents
• Railroad accidents
• Boat accidents

No matter what you were doing or where you were, if someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused you harm, you may be entitled to compensation for what you’ve endured. We can get to the bottom of your case to see what caused your burn injuries and who should be held accountable.

Identifying Cause & Liability in a Midland-Odessa Burn Injury Case

We will have a few main goals in taking on a burn injury case. First, we want to make sure our client is safe and is getting the right treatment. Then, we will work to investigate what caused our client’s injuries in the first place. Was it a defective product? An employer who failed to implement proper safety practices? A drunk driver? Working with accident reconstruction specialists, investigators, and experts in fire safety, fire investigation, civil engineering, and other relevant fields, we will build a compelling case that identifies cause.

Once cause is established, our Midland-Odessa burn injury lawyers can determine what party (or parties) should be held legally responsible. We will also identify all potential sources of compensation. Building a strong burn injury claim will help us at the negotiating table or in the courtroom—wherever the case needs to go to secure the best possible outcome.

Who Can Be Sued in a Burn Injury Lawsuit?

The liable party in a burn injury lawsuit may be an individual or a business. One or more defendants can be named, depending on what caused the plaintiff’s injuries. The manufacturer of a dangerous consumer product, an oil company that put profits over safety, a truck driver who made an unsafe lane change—these are all examples of potentially at-fault parties. A complete investigation into your burn injury case can reveal who is accountable.

What Is My Burn Injury Case Worth?

The value of your case will depend on how serious your injuries are and the impact they have had and will have on your life. The purpose of a burn injury case is to help a survivor rebuild their life, as close as possible to where it was before the injury occurred. Any resulting settlement or verdict should cover all of the medical treatment associated with the burn injury, any lost earnings, loss of future earnings, ongoing treatment or therapy, and also emotional trauma like pain and suffering. This could result in a recovery of hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. If a Midland-Odessa burn injury attorney at our firm takes your case, you can rest assured that our team will do everything we can to maximize your compensation.

How Can I Afford a Midland-Odessa Burn Injury Lawyer?

You don’t have to worry about paying any upfront costs when you work with Arnold & Itkin. If we take on your burn injury claim, we will forward all the costs associated with investigating and building your case. We only collect our legal fees if and when we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Plus, there is no risk and no obligation when you call or contact us online for your free initial consultation. You don’t have to come up with any money ahead of time, and you do not have to worry about any of our fees unless we win.

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Midland-Odessa Work Accident Attorneys

Arnold & Itkin’s team of lawyers provides powerful legal representation to individuals who have been seriously injured or killed in work-related accidents in the Midland-Odessa area. We know that work-related accidents can leave you with a future that feels uncertain. That’s why we are so committed to helping our clients fight for full, fair financial compensation. Our Midland-Odessa law firm has earned a reputation for demanding justice in the most complex of cases, cutting through the red tape so our clients can recover and rebuild their lives.

Our Work Accident Lawyers Can Help You Find Answers & Recover

When Americans go to work, they should expect that they’ll be safe. Besides being the right thing to do, protecting workers is required by law and the regulations created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Since it was created, OSHA has helped make Americans safer as they work. Since the organization was started over 4 decades ago, worker deaths have gone from 38 to 14 a day. Yet, OSHA doesn’t have the resources to ensure all employers follow the rules—and some companies try to use this to their advantage.

When companies cut corners with safety to save money, Arnold & Itkin LLP is ready to hold them accountable. Our Midland-Odessa work accident lawyers are focused on demanding answers after accidents and helping industrial workers and all employees obtain the financial recovery they need. We’ve secured billions of dollars for clients by never backing down, always making the fight personal, and never settling for less than they deserve.

We represent all types of workers including:

• Administrative employees
• Agricultural workers
• Construction workers
• Consultants
• Contractors
• Dockworkers
• Industrial workers
• Loggers
• Maintenance and repair workers
• Maritime workers
• Mechanics
• Mining workers
• Office workers
• Offshore workers
• Oilfield workers
• Pilots and flight engineers
• Plant and refinery workers
• Railroad workers
• Retail employees
• Seasonal workers
• Truck drivers
• Warehouse employees

Filing a Claim for an Industrial Accident or Work Injury Near Midland-Odessa

First, you should find out if your employer has workers’ compensation insurance. The state of Texas is the only one in the nation that doesn’t require employers to carry this type of insurance. However, many employers in the state still carry a policy for their financial and legal protection. Finding out if your employer has workers’ compensation is important because workers have a certain amount of time to report their injuries if they wish to file a claim.

Whether your employer has insurance or not, you should call a lawyer to see if workers’ compensation or a work injury lawsuit will help you the most. Workers’ compensation payments are limited and frequently don’t account for the total financial loss created by work accidents. A personal injury lawsuit can help workers obtain the compensation they need rather than the compensation they’re offered by insurance. For example, a worker with severe burn injuries might need payment for the cost of future care and lost wages—something a typical workers’ compensation policy doesn’t cover. Our Midland-Odessa personal injury attorneys can help you consider your options and make the right choice for your unique situation.

Successful work accident cases are those that are filed because of the negligence of an employer or another party. If a worker can prove that their injuries were preventable, they can likely recover compensation.

What Are Common Causes of Work Accidents?

Negligence is the most common cause of work accidents. While every incident is unique, our team has noticed that a common set of factors trigger them. Poor equipment maintenance, equipment failures, falling objects and flying debris, failures to comply with safety regulations, inadequate inspections, and insufficient training can call cause serious on-the-job accidents, injuries, and illnesses.

I Was Injured in the Midland-Odessa Area. What Should I Do?

There are three important steps that every injured worker should take: getting medical care, informing their employer, and speaking to an attorney. Taking these steps is the best way to protect your interests and legal rights after any type of workplace accident or injury.

Why Should I Get Help from a Work Accident Lawyer?

Getting help from a work accident lawyer means having someone on your side who is dedicated to helping you recover from your accident. While no results are guaranteed, a work accident lawsuit is always focused on helping injured workers and their families have the financial stability they need during difficult moments. Lawsuits can help recover monetary losses for past, present, and future expenses caused by an accident.

Our Midland-Odessa work injury attorneys may be able to help you recover losses such as lost wages, medical bills, the cost of future care, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.

Is Hiring an Industrial Injury Lawyer Expensive?

Hiring an attorney from Arnold & Itkin LLP costs nothing upfront. We work on something called contingency fees, which means we’ll only collect a payment if we win results during a case. Our industrial accident team in Midland-Odessa covers all expenses as we work, including court fees and other costs associated with a claim. Working this way helps clients trust we’re working for the best results while also making our services attainable for people from all types of backgrounds.

Injured at Work? Here's What You Should Do:

• Seek medical care. Even if you’re not sure if you’ve been injured, it’s important to visit a doctor after an accident. Besides making sure your medical needs are met, seeing a doctor helps create an early record that links any injuries you might have to your accident. Workers have the right to see the doctor that they prefer. If a company has their doctor examine you, consider getting a second opinion. Often, company doctors work in the interest of their employer and might not always provide the best advice or care.
• Inform your employer of the accident. If your employer isn’t aware that you’ve been injured, inform them of the incident. Avoid signing any release documents they provide to you. Informing your employer of your accident will help you receive workers’ compensation benefits if possible.
• Speak to an attorney. Even if you don’t think you have a case, speaking with an attorney is important. Work accident lawyers know the law, understand what employers are liable for, and might be able to help you obtain the compensation that you need. They’ll also help you decide if any settlement offer you’ve received is fair or designed to get your company off the hook for as little as possible. Best of all, speaking with a Midland-Odessa work accident lawyer from Arnold & Itkin LLP is fast, free, and confidential

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Midland-Odessa Construction Accident Lawyers

When Midland-Odessa Workers Are Hurt, We’re the Team They Turn to

When it comes to dangerous jobs, few are as dangerous as construction work. Each day, companies, site managers, and other parties are supposed to protect construction workers. Most of the time, accidents don’t happen. However, when corners are cut with safety in the name of profits, construction workers suffer from preventable accidents. This isn’t just morally wrong, it’s illegal.

When negligence changes the lives of construction workers, Arnold & Itkin LLP is ready to help them. Our Midland-Odessa construction accident lawyers stand up for injured workers after their companies have failed them. We focus on helping clients rebuild their lives and we’ve done it to the tune of billions of dollars recovered for them! We’ve done this by making the fight personal, never settling for less, and being the advocates workers deserve inside and outside of the courtroom.

The Rights of Construction Workers

When workers are injured, they have rights. Specifically, regulations created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration hold employers and negligent parties legally accountable for the suffering of workers.

After construction accidents in Midland-Odessa, workers have the right to:

• Seek medical attention from their preferred doctor.
• Report their injuries and pursue compensation for them without the fear of retaliation.
• Pursue benefits or compensation for medical care, lost wages, and more.
• Wait until healing before returning to work.
• Seek retribution if an employer fires or demotes a person for reporting injuries.

In a perfect world, those who cause accidents would have these rights instantly offered to them. Unfortunately, it often takes the assistance of a construction accident attorney to make sure that workers are afforded these basic rights as well as the compensation they need to recover financially from an accident.

What Causes Construction Accidents?

Every accident is different. However, many have one thing in common: negligence. Some of the factors that commonly contribute to Midland-Odessa construction accidents include tired workers, undertrained or inexperienced workers, violations of state and federal safety laws, lack of fall protection, lack of protection for ground workers, and poorly maintained, defective, or dangerous machinery.

Those in charge of construction sites are required to eliminate these hazards from worksites by taking steps to stop them. Training, safety equipment, inspections, and responsibility are required at all times to do this.

What Is the Fatal Four?

The Fatal Four is a set of the most common fatal accidents in the construction industry. According to OSHA data, if these accidents were prevented, over half of construction-related fatalities would be prevented in the United States. In 2018, this would have meant that 591 lives would have been saved had these hazards been prevented as they should’ve been. Construction’s “Fatal Four" are: falls, struck by swinging, flying, or falling objects, electrocution, and caught-in/between accidents.

What Can You Recover After a Construction Accident?

If you’ve sustained serious injuries while working at a construction site, it’s important to find out if your company has a workers’ compensation policy. Importantly, Texas is the only state that doesn’t require employers to have this coverage. If your employer does have workers’ compensation, you can file a claim. However, you should also speak with an attorney before accepting any type of payment from your workers’ compensation claim.

Personal injury claims help recover economic damages such as lost wages, lost earning capacity, medical bills, costs of future medical care, and emotional trauma like pain and suffering. These recovery options listed above extend far beyond the payment provided by a workers’ compensation plan. A personal injury claim can help you pursue the full amount of compensation you need rather than only receiving the limits of workers' comp.

Our Midland-Odessa Construction Accident Firm Is Known for Results

When a work accident changes a person’s life, a lot more is at stake than just the cost of their wages and medical bills. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we focus on the full amount of recovery that people deserve. We can fight to recover the finances you need now and will need in the future. Over the years, we’ve recovered billions of dollars on behalf of clients. Our Midland-Odessa personal injury attorneys have done this by investigating their accident, refusing to back down when the other side isn’t fair, and making the fight personal.

Some notable results we’ve obtained after construction accidents include:

• $44 million for a construction superintendent who lost his leg in a crane collapse.
• $4.97 million for a worker who was injured during maintenance/construction at a plant.
• $2.7 million for a man who was seriously hurt working construction at a Louisiana plant.
• $2 million for a construction worker harmed while working on a jack-up rig in Singapore.

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Midland-Odessa Oilfield Accident Attorneys

Our West Texas Oilfield Accident Law Firm Stands Up for Workers

Thanks to the Permian Basin, the Midland-Odessa area has been experiencing an oil boom. Workers from all around the nation are coming to work in the area’s oilfields to make the living that the oil industry offers. With increased oil production, however, comes increases in oilfield accidents. While site operators would like people to think that accidents are a natural part of the oil industry, the truth is that they’re often preventable.

At Arnold & Itkin LLP, our oilfield injury lawyers have a reputation for challenging the negligent practices of oil and gas companies on behalf of injured workers. We’ve taken on BP after the Deepwater Horizon disaster and were there for workers after the Texas City refinery explosion. If you’re suffering after an accident, our Midland-Odessa oilfield accident lawyers are ready to see how we can help you.

Common Midland & Odessa Oilfield Accidents

Oilfield work is filled with heavy equipment, dangerous substances, and other serious hazards. Employers are required to protect workers from these hazards, even if the task is daunting and expensive.

Common Midland-Odessa oilfield accidents include:

• Explosions, Fires, and Toxic Exposure: Working with crude oil and natural gas means workers are consistently at risk of fires, explosions, and being in contact with dangerous substances. Even the smallest spark can cause a serious life-altering explosion. Poor planning, inadequate training, and a lack of properly working equipment are usually the cause of these accidents.
• Slip and Falls: Oilfield workers need to be protected from slip and falls because one normal mistake can result in death or serious injury. Employers can mitigate slip and fall risks by making sure worksites are properly maintained and safely designed.
• Falling Objects: Since working from a height isn’t uncommon in oilfields, site operators must make sure workers are protected from falling objects at all times. The fast pace of work at a drilling site means heavy objects might come crashing down without enough time for workers to find safety.
• Malfunctioning Equipment: When equipment doesn’t work as expected, it can be catastrophic for workers. Improperly working equipment can cause blowouts, explosions, and other serious accidents. Unfortunately, many employers risk accidents instead of maintaining equipment to save money.

West Texas Gas Truck Accidents Are Increasingly Common

As the Permian Basin attracted unprecedented amounts of workers to a rural area, its small roads have been unable to safely accommodate the influx of traffic on them. Oil tankers, commuting workers, and other vehicles related to oil production have created unforeseen dangers on the roads near oilfields. Now, about 450 traffic fatalities happen on the roads near the Permian Basin.

Why do these gas truck accidents happen? Besides roads that weren't designed to handle significant amounts of traffic, oilfield workers are often exhausted while driving. Long shifts and physically demanding work cause many drivers to be dangerously exhausted as they drive to and from the oilfield.

Inexperienced oilfield truck and 18-wheeler drivers can also cause serious injuries and deaths when they are involved in collisions. In fact, it's estimated that about 40% of all oilfield deaths are related to truck accidents. Whether these accidents are caused by inexperience, poorly maintained vehicles, or fatigue, the results are the same: they cause catastrophic harm and claim lives across Midland-Odessa and the Permian Basin.

Injuries Caused by Odessa & Midland Oilfield Accidents

Oilfield injuries are often serious because of the dangerous and violent nature of the accidents that cause them. Often, workers who sustain these injuries sustain life-changing trauma that alters their ability to work and even perform normal, daily activities.

Midland oilfield accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burns
• Toxic exposure
• Amputation
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

After a person sustains an injury at an oilfield worksite, they deserve compensation for their injuries. Companies are required to prevent accidents at their oilfield sites, and the occurrence of one is a sign of negligence. No one should suffer because of preventable accidents, and they deserve help after one.

Odessa oilfield workers and their families can seek compensation for damages such as:

• Medical bills
• The cost of future care
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral costs
• Loss of consortium
• And more

What You Should Do After an Oilfield Accident

Midland, Odessa, Pecos, and the surrounding communities are home to Permian Basin oilfield workers and their families. These good people sometimes face the worst situations because of preventable accidents at oilfields and processing plants. When this happens, it can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn.

After an oilfield accident:

• Get medical attention. You should see a doctor as soon as possible after any type of oilfield accident. Sometimes serious injuries can appear mild or minor just because shock and adrenaline are coursing through your body. Get medical attention and tell your doctor what happened so they know what type of injury to look for.
• Report your injury. You'll need to tell your employer about your accident. Try to keep it simple and stick to the facts, without letting your emotions or opinion enter into it. Inform your employer, in writing, and keep a copy for your records. This could prove useful later.
• Follow your treatment plan. You will need to follow your doctor's orders and treatment plan, attend all your appointments, and take any medicine that's prescribed to you. This will be a key part of healing and showing your employer that you are taking your recovery seriously. If you are unhappy with your treatment, remember that you have the right to seek a second opinion or see a specialist! Your health should always come first.
• Don't accept a settlement or sign a statement until you've talked to an attorney! After serious oilfield accidents, some companies try to limit their liability or avoid paying high claims by getting injured workers to accept low settlements or sign statements that limit their recovery. Don't sign anything or accept a settlement until you've had an experienced Midland-Odessa oilfield accident lawyer review your case. You deserve full compensation for your injuries.

No one should minimize your injuries, pressure you into returning to work before you feel ready, or make you accept a settlement that doesn't fully cover your losses. At Arnold & Itkin, we take oilfield accidents seriously. We fight for our clients inside and outside of the courtroom, helping them secure the types of recoveries that help them rebuild and create stable futures for themselves and their families.

Who Is Liable for Oilfield Accidents?

Oilfield accidents are always unique because they might involve multiple parties. Site owners, contractors, and even companies that own nearby pipelines have caused serious accidents. Our oilfield accident lawyers are ready to investigate your case to make sure all negligent parties are being held accountable.

Why File an Oilfield Accident Claim?

An oilfield accident claim helps workers recover the amount of compensation that they need rather than the amount they’re offered as a settlement from a company or insurer. If you’ve been in an accident, it’s important to call a law firm as soon as possible. Doing so will help you find out what your next steps should be.

Do Car Accidents Count as Oilfield Accidents?

The roads near Midland-Odessa have become an unexpected source of oilfield accidents thanks to increased traffic from the Permian Basin. If workers or residents are harmed by vehicles with ties to an oilfield, our oilfield accident lawyers might be able to help them.

Will Workers' Comp or Personal Injury Apply to My Oilfield Accident?

Because they happen at work, oilfield accidents may be covered by workers' compensation. This no-fault system helps injured workers get medical treatment and covers a portion of their lost wages, without having to prove that someone else was to blame for their injuries. It does not, however, cover as many losses and expenses as personal injury lawsuits do. In working with an oilfield accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin, you'll find that we'll take the approach that offers you the best opportunity at a full and complete recovery. No matter what.

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Midland-Odessa Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Auto Accident Attorneys in Midland-Odessa You Can Rely On

After a vehicle crash, you likely have a lot of questions. How are you going to pay for the damage? How are you going to afford the medical care you need? Is the insurance company going to take care of you like they promised they would? If you find yourself asking questions such as this, you can find the answers you need by contacting our Midland-Odessa auto accident attorneys. Over the years, we have represented clients throughout Texas and the entire nation—helping them recover the compensation that they need and demanding the justice they deserve. If you have been injured in a serious car crash of any kind, we’re the firm that you can trust.

Give our firm a call today if you or a loved one have been involved in an accident such as the following:

• ATV accidents
• Car accidents
• Bus accidents
• Boat accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents

These types of accidents have the potential to cause life-altering injuries. Severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and paralysis are just a few examples of the catastrophic harm that can be caused by motor vehicle collisions. By helping survivors and victims' families find answers and recover fair compensation, we work to minimize the negative impact these serious injuries have on their lives—and help them build stable futures.

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Midland-Odessa Truck Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Victims of Big Rig Crashes in Midland-Odessa & Beyond

Of the 253 million vehicles on the road today, fewer than 5 percent are commercial vehicles—and even fewer are large trucks. Despite making up a small number of vehicles on the road, large trucks take up a lot of room: they weigh between 10,000 and 80,000 pounds. Their large weight and size ensure that every truck accident is life-changing. That's why our Midland-Odessa trucking lawyers represent truck crash victims and survivors.

Our Midland-Odessa truck accident attorneys have represented accident survivors who have suffered from catastrophic injuries, the loss of a loved one, or post-traumatic stress. People who get hurt in big rig accidents are left with serious medical needs, no income, and little hope of a stable future. By holding trucking companies accountable for 18-wheeler accidents, we help our clients get what they need to restart their lives.

The Reason 18-Wheeler Trucking Accidents Are Common

With unprecedented safety technology at our fingertips, why are trucking accidents not decreasing as they should? The issue might be with the industry itself.

Trucking companies set up the industry so that drivers work themselves to exhaustion just to make ends meet. As tired drivers get behind the wheel by the thousands, motorists everywhere, in Midland-Odessa and nationwide, are in danger—including the truckers themselves. The major issue is that drivers are paid by the mile, meaning they're not paid for all of the vital work that truckers have always had to do: wait for rig inspections, wait for loading and unloading, resting for at least 10 hours a day, driving "flying canaries" (empty trailers) to new jobs.

Some companies even give their implied approval to practices that help truckers violate hours of service regulations without discovery—an illegal practice. New drivers often "learn" bad habits, like keeping two logbooks that allow them to drive big rigs and 18-wheelers 15 hours or longer without alerting federal regulators.

Some trucking companies encourage "hard-driving" like this, but the consequences are steep. The data suggests that 13 percent of truck crashes are directly caused by fatigue—although the experts believe 13 percent is far too low, as fatigue is underreported as a crash factor. As many as 1 in 4 trucking crashes happened when a driver was hauling for 17 hours or longer. Sleep debt experts believe that driving while tired can impair your driving as much as drinking alcohol. As a result, trucking is one of the deadliest jobs in the United States.

Our Midland Odessa truck accident lawyers have represented people injured by:

• Box truck crashes
• Flatbed truck accidents
• Garbage truck accidents
• Jackknife accidents
• Underride accidents
• Gas truck crashes
• Tow truck collisions
• Tanker truck accidents

Cause & Liability: Big Rig Truck Accidents in Midland-Odessa

An in-depth truck accident investigation is one of the most important parts of handling a case of this kind. We need to know what caused the accident in the first place. Once we know this, we can determine who should be held liable, or legally responsible, for the victim's injuries. A personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit for a Midland-Odessa trucking accident will give a survivor or victim's family the opportunity to see justice served. The determination of fault and proof of liability will be essential to securing a settlement or award.

The following are examples of circumstances or behavior that can cause 18-wheeler accidents:

• Overloaded trucks
• Improperly secured truck cargo
• Unbalanced truck loads
• Fatigued truck drivers
• Inexperienced truckers
• Hours-of-service violations
• Poorly maintained trucks
• Defective truck or auto parts
• Dangerous roadways
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Heavy weather

A truck driver, loading company, shipping company, manufacturer, truck company, or any other party responsible for causing a truck accident may be held liable in civil court for the harm the collision caused. Our Midland-Odessa big rig accident attorneys know how to expose cause and establish liability so we can see justice served.

Midland-Odessa UPS & FedEx Accident Lawyers

In the freight delivery world, UPS and FedEx rank near the top in terms of volume and market share. Together, they command 50 percent of the market and utilize a fleet of 210,000 vehicles. FedEx is a major industry leader in another way: it alone employed 51 lobbyists in 2014, 37 of whom once held positions in the federal government.

Unfortunately, FedEx and UPS have not used their position as leaders to make the roads safer for motorists. From 2015 to 2017, UPS was involved in more than 2,000 crashes, injuring 689 people and killing 49. Each of those numbers represents an increase from the same period 5 years before. FedEx may have caused less damage, but its accident rate is far more alarming: crashes, injuries, and deaths have increased by 254 percent, 192 percent, and 273 percent respectively.

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

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Midland-Odessa Car Accident Attorneys

Billions Won by Our Car Crash Lawyers in Midland-Odessa, TX

After a car accident, many drivers and their passengers must deal with losses and injuries caused by the mistakes of another person. These injuries can cause a lifetime of loss, either through wrongful death, lifelong injury, or the loss of a career. When unsafe drivers fail to share the road responsibly, they must be held accountable.

If you’ve sustained injuries or losses in a car accident, there is hope for recovery. The Midland-Odessa car accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin have built a law firm dedicated to helping those who have experienced hardship caused by the reckless behavior of others. We've won billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, including hundreds of results worth $1 million or more. No one should be forced to deal with injury and debt because someone failed to drive responsibly. We've fought time and again to make sure our clients recovered everything they needed to move forward.

Car Accidents in Midland-Odessa

Texas has the most total miles of highway in the nation as of 2016. The Texas Department of Transportation has found that there is a car accident every 59 seconds in Texas. These accidents cause more than 250,000 injuries each year. Often, these injuries are preventable and are caused by the negligent behavior of another driver.

Injuries that a Midland-Odessa car accident attorney may help recover damages for include:

• Blunt force trauma
• Neck and back injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Scarring and disfigurement (including loss of limb)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burn injuries

Serious injuries like the ones listed above are often permanent and come with hefty hospital bills. As a result, car accident survivors may experience a loss in their quality of life and their ability to make a living. Additionally, their injuries may require expensive ongoing medical treatment, putting them in serious financial jeopardy both now and in the future. That's why our Midland-Odessa personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.

Do I Need an Attorney After a Car Accident?

An experienced attorney will be able to pursue the compensation that you need after an accident—whether it’s from an insurance company or the at-fault party. In many cases, an attorney will be able to make a claim for a wide variety of damages not initially offered by an insurance company’s original settlement. This requires knowing the proper questions to ask about the accident.

Questions an attorney may ask to maximize your compensation 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?

If you’re struggling to receive a proper settlement from an insurance claim, our Midland-Odessa car accident attorneys have the experience needed to help you. Because insurance companies prioritize shareholders over claimants, insurers often delay or deny claims to frustrate claimants and make them more likely to accept a low settlement. Our attorneys will seek to prevent that from happening.

What Can Midland-Odessa Car Accident Victims Claim?

Texas requires car accident survivors to make their personal injury claims within two years of the date of their injury. The state also employs a way of assigning fault called modified comparative fault. This means that every party involved with an accident is liable to receive a percentage of the blame. How much compensation you will be entitled to will depend on what extent the accident was the fault of the other parties; for instance, if you're found 10% at fault, your final compensation would be 90% of the total damages you've suffered.

Negligence that causes accidents includes the following:

• Improper vehicle maintenance
• Reckless driving
• Impairment by drugs/alcohol
• Poorly maintained roads
• Distracted drivers
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Speeding
• Defective vehicle parts

An attorney can fight to prove that the other party is chiefly at fault, entitling you to the compensation you need to move forward. Hiring a Midland-Odessa car accident attorney will help you navigate the comparative fault laws of Texas and increase your chances of getting what you need.

We can help you obtain compensation for losses including but not limited to:

• Medical bills caused by the accident
• Future medical costs
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages or earning capacity
• The wrongful death of a spouse, child, or parent

If you’ve suffered injuries in a Midland-Odessa car accident, help is available. Arnold & Itkin provides the advocacy that clients need to recover after a serious car accident. We’ve earned billions of dollars for those who have been injured by the negligent actions of others. Our attorneys can provide you with the help that you need during this difficult time. We often settle with negligent parties before a case heads to a courtroom. However, if litigation is required, every attorney at Arnold & Itkin has extensive trial experience and will aggressively fight on your behalf.

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Midland-Odessa Bus Accident Lawyers

After Bus Accidents Change Everything, We Fight for What Clients Need

Since buses are large, they offer a false sense of security to the people onboard. Yet, they have fewer safety restraints and features than other vehicles that they share the road with. Compounding the dangers of buses are negligent bus operations, maintenance, and driving practices that place others on the road at risk. When a bus accident happens, it has the potential to change dozens of lives at once, causing catastrophic injury or death.

Why Midland-Odessa Bus Accidents Happen

Bus accidents are almost always preventable and happen because of the negligence of one or more parties. When operated safely, buses are a great form of mass transit. When operated unsafely, tragic and preventable accidents occur. Several factors are frequent contributors to serious bus accidents.

Common causes or factors that can lead to bus accidents include:

• No safety restraints for passengers
• Poorly trained bus drivers
• Lack of regular bus maintenance
• Reckless or negligent bus driving
• Bus driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

After a bus accident, multiple parties might be responsible. First, the bus operator might be liable for failing to maintain vehicles and training safe drivers. Next, bus drivers can be found negligent for driving under the influence, driving while exhausted, or being generally unsafe. Occasionally, manufacturers are responsible for making faulty parts that trigger accidents or failing to design a bus that protects occupants.

In other words, bus accidents are usually preventable, and someone should be held accountable after one happens.

Why Buses Are Dangerous During Accidents

Besides semi-trucks, buses are some of the largest vehicles on the road. Their large size and heavy weight combine to have a devastating effect on bus passengers as well as the occupants of smaller vehicles. Since buses can carry dozens of people at once, all factors combine to make an accident that can change the lives and well-being of countless people at once.

When we get into a car, one of the first things we do is put on our seatbelts. Yet, we don’t have this same habit when it comes to buses. Often bus passengers are not wearing safety restraints during accidents, even if their vehicle is equipped with them. The weak roof of a bus, large windows, and the forces exerted during an accident often mean that riders are at the mercy of physics during an accident.

What Can I Recover with the Help of a Midland-Odessa Bus Accident Lawyer?

When you turn to a Midland-Odessa bus accident lawyer, they’ll work to make sure your finances are secure after a bus accident. Bus accident attorneys help survivors and the families of victims recover the costs related to an accident while holding the parties that caused it accountable. Often, a bus accident lawyer will work to recover compensation that extends far beyond a typical insurance policy. A Midland-Odessa bus accident lawyer can pursue compensation for lost wages, medical bills, the cost of future treatment, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and possibly more.

How Much Is it to Hire a Midland-Odessa Bus Accident Lawyer?

Hiring an attorney from our firm is affordable for anyone because we use contingency fees. This means that we cover all costs associated with a case and only collect a payment for our work if we obtain results. We cover court fees, costs associated with investigations, and other financial aspects a case needs for results.

Who Is Responsible for Bus Accidents?

This depends on your situation. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we use an investigative approach with every case. Being thorough means we work to identify all parties that contributed to an accident, ensuring that our clients are receiving answers from all people and companies that might have caused their suffering.

Call a Midland-Odessa Bus Accident Firm That Fights for Clients

At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we’re proud of our reputation for being a Midland-Odessa personal injury firm that fights for the results that clients need. By never settling for less, we’ve held negligent companies and individuals accountable by recovering billions of dollars on behalf of clients. We know the people who come to us are going through one of the most difficult moments they’ll ever experience. We’re never satisfied until we’re convinced what we’re doing is making a difference for them. We fight for results because they mean the rebuilding of lives.

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Midland-Odessa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

When Motorcycle Crashes Destroy Lives, We Fight to Rebuild Them

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 55 fatal accidents for every 100,000 registered motorcycles. It has also been found that motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in an accident than occupants of typical cars. These facts mean one thing: motorists have the obligation—both legally and morally—to prevent traffic accidents involving motorcycles.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Every motorcycle accident is different. However, they all share a set of preventable causes. If all drivers on the road avoided these common forms of negligence, motorcycle accidents would probably never happen at all. When drivers fail to prevent an accident, it’s likely they were being negligent.

On the road, negligence means failing to fulfill any traffic laws. Driving negligently might mean something as simple as failing to use signals or something as serious as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Common motorcycle accident causes include:

• Failure to check blind spots
• Misjudging the speed of a motorcycle
• Dangerous roads
• Defective parts

Types of Midland-Odessa Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycles lack the safety restraints and protective cage that the occupants of other vehicles receive protection from during an accident. This makes even a minor motorcycle accident a potential cause of serious injury or even death for riders. Potential motorcycle accident injuries include road rash, burns, broken bones, spinal cord trauma, head trauma, amputation, brain injuries, and paralysis.

Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer If My Injuries Are Minor?

Calling a lawyer after an accident is never a bad idea. Though your injuries might seem minor or even non-existent, you might have problems that will become more obvious with time. Additionally, a motorcycle accident can help you keep the insurance company you’re working with fair and honest. Importantly, you should also see a doctor immediately after an accident, even if you’re not sure if you’ve sustained injuries.

Why Should I Call an Attorney Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?

The sooner you call an attorney after a motorcycle accident, the stronger your case will be. After an accident, you can be certain that an insurance company will be collecting evidence about it. Having an attorney means someone will also be investigating your case that’s invested in your recovery. We’ll gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and visit the scene of your accident as soon as possible.

How Much Is Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Our firm works on something known as a contingency fee. This means that our services are available to anyone who needs our help. Contingency fees mean that we’ll cover all costs associated with your case. Whether we need to hire investigators, experts, or any other step for your case's success, you won’t have to worry about it. Best of all, we only collect a fee if we win results for you. This way, you can be certain that we’re working for your recovery and you won’t be left on the hook.

Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim if I Lost a Relative in a Motorcycle Accident?

Yes. If an immediate family member was killed in a motorcycle accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim. People who are most often able to file a wrongful death claim include spouses, parents, and children of those killed in an accident.

Call Our Midland-Odessa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at (888) 493-1629

When you call our firm, you’re reaching out to a team that’s been the difference-makers for thousands of people and their families. Our Midland-Odessa personal injury firm takes every case personally and makes sure our clients receive the medical attention they need as we fight for their compensation. We’ve secured billions of dollars for clients by never settling for less than they need and leveling the playing field when the other side isn’t being fair.

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Midland-Odessa Railroad Accident Attorneys

Billions Won by Train Accident Lawyers in Midland-Odessa

During the earliest days of America’s economy as a growing world power, it built a network of railroads across the nation. These trains created the economic opportunity that a country the size of the United States needed. As the industrial revolution transformed America into an economic powerhouse, the nation’s trains carried prosperity to nearly every corner. Today, the Midland-Odessa area is placed centrally in one of the most oil-rich regions in the U.S. Its network of trains transports materials to and from oilfields. Sadly, high train activity can mean a higher rate of train and railroad accidents.

Common train accidents include the following:

• Railroad crossing accidents
• Reckless operation
• Improper maintenance
• Collisions between trains
• Overloaded trains
• Derailments

Train-related accidents are often serious. A train's size makes them almost automatically deadly in collisions with cars, pedestrians, or other trains—they devastate anything in their path. In a train derailment, damage spreads across a wide area and increases the risk of nearby injuries. The Midland-Odessa railroad accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP have represented thousands of injured people, helping them pay for medical care, recoup lost wages, and rebuild their lives. We've won billions in verdicts and settlements. If you want to know your legal or financial options after a train accident, call us for a free consultation.

Train Accident FAQ

How Common Are Train Accidents?

Many regard trains as being a very safe form of transportation. However, with trains constantly running across thousands of miles of train tracks in the United States, accidents are more frequent than many people realize. In fact, a train collision or derailment occurs every 90 minutes in the U.S. A train carrying hazardous chemicals derails every 2 weeks. The FRA reports that 80% of railroad crossings are not adequate to protect bystanders, and more than 7,000 pedestrians have been killed by trains since 1997.

What Causes Train Accidents in Midland-Odessa?

Train accidents are often caused by train manufacturers, owners, or their operators. Trains require precision, skill, and focus to safely operate, and accidents are often a signal of a misstep by someone in charge of its operation. Track maintenance is also a major factor in train accidents; U.S. tracks are infamously lacking in maintenance.

Train accidents may be caused by worn and broken switch points, defective and missing crossties, traveling at an unsafe speed, unsafe shove movements, improper hand brake use, and reckless operation by conductors. Train accidents are virtually always caused by predictable and preventable causes, and they should be blamed on the irresponsible behavior of railroads and train companies. If an accident occurs, all at-fault parties must be held accountable. Our Midland-Odessa train accident lawyers help the injured determine who is at fault and fight to get compensation for our clients' medical costs, lost wages, and ongoing care.

The Midland Train Crash

On November 15, 2012, a parade in Midland ended in tragedy. A flatbed truck was carrying 12 wounded veterans through the parade route when it was struck by a freight train. Unable to escape to safety, 4 of the injured veterans were killed by the collision and 16 other people were injured. The accident showed the need for better safety equipment at train crossings in the area.

Contact a Midland-Odessa Train Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve suffered because of a train accident, you do not have to go through this difficult time alone. The Midland-Odessa train accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin are ready to hold negligent parties responsible and get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Whether you have been injured while riding a train or being near one, we are ready to fight for your recovery.

Arnold & Itkin has won billions of dollars in settlements for clients. We understand the toll that accidents take on the lives of those they harm. As a result, we seek to take every step needed to help you through this difficult time. Our Midland-Odessa personal injury lawyers do not take a fee unless we win your case, so there's no risk to working with us. Speak with us in a free consultation to learn your legal and financial options.

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Midland-Odessa Aviation Accident Attorneys

Helping After Helicopter & Plane Accidents in Midland-Odessa & Nationwide

Those affected by tragic aviation accidents can find the help they need from Arnold & Itkin. We help passengers, crew, and those employed at airports who've been severely injured, as well as families of those who’ve been lost to wrongful death. In addition to commercial airplane accidents, we also help offshore workers who are injured in serious helicopter accidents that occur during transportation to and from oil rigs and platforms. This is often the most dangerous time for a maritime worker. The accidents that occur can be severe. We help these injured workers look out for their legal rights and demand the compensation they need to look out for their best interests.

After an aviation accident or any catastrophe, you need the best personal injury lawyers in your corner. That's the level of counsel we strive to deliver to each of our clients.

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Midland-Odessa Wrongful Death Lawyers

Fighting for Families in Midland-Odessa, TX & Nationwide

The loss of someone you love is a horrific blow. It is difficult enough in situations where nothing could have been done to save them. But in cases where their death can be traced back to a decision or action someone made, whether that's a drunk driver who decided to get behind the wheel, a company that prioritized profits over safety, or a manufacturer that released a defective product, that loss is so much worse.

Our Midland-Odessa wrongful death attorneys are here to help. Losing a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or other family member leaves an irreplaceable void in your life. Finding answers and holding at-fault parties accountable can start to fill that void, bringing peace of mind with the knowledge that justice has been served. A successful wrongful death case can help a family with medical bills, funeral costs, loss of support, loss of companionship, and the many other losses and expenses they've experienced and may endure in the future.

When we take on a wrongful death case, it's personal. It's personal to us because our clients are like family, and we do everything in our power to help them see justice served.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Midland-Odessa

A wrongful death occurs when a person is killed by the negligence of another person or entity. Wrongful death claims are handled similarly to personal injury cases, except they are brought by the relatives and dependents of the deceased person. Damages sought in wrongful death claims often include lost wages that would otherwise have been earned by the deceased person, medical costs if the person required treatment before their death, and some measure of compensation for grief (e.g. loss of companionship, loss of consortium). In many cases, wrongful death can also result in punitive damages or damages for emotional distress.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Midland-Odessa, TX?

Not everyone can file a claim. Only close relatives can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Midland-Odessa:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents and grandparents
• The person in charge of the decedent’s estate

Grounds for a Midland-Odessa Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Texas law dictates that a wrongful death must be caused by the “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default” of a person or entity. If a person needs to file a wrongful death lawsuit, they must do so within two years of the victim’s death.

There are two keys to a wrongful death lawsuit, which the plaintiff must prove:

• The victim's death was caused by the defendant, through negligence or an intentional act; and
• The victim's family suffered financial and/or emotional damages as a result.

The burden of proof in a wrongful death lawsuit in Midland-Odessa is not as strict as it is for a criminal case. You have probably heard of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, but this only applies in criminal court. In civil court, where wrongful death lawsuits are filed, the burden of proof is based on a preponderance of the evidence. The plaintiff (in this case, the family of the decedent) must prove it is more than likely true that their loss was caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of the defendant (the at-fault party). If a jury is involved, the verdict does not need to be unanimous. The wrongful death ruling will be determined by the majority of jurors.

What Can Be Claimed in a Wrongful Death Suit?

Since wrongful deaths are treated similarly to Midland-Odessa personal injury cases, economic losses are a part of the claim. However, family members may also claim emotional distress during a wrongful death claim, as well as punitive damages in order to incentivize the at-fault party to change their ways. Damages that can be claimed in a wrongful death case may include medical costs related to the cause of their death, funeral expenses, lost wages and benefits that the individual would have made if still alive, services that the individual would have provided, and the emotional suffering of surviving family members.

What Are the Causes of a Wrongful Death?

Midland-Odessa has a booming oil economy. Each day, workers are placed at risk from toxic substances and dangerous machinery. Workers may die in the oilfield because their employers or other people act negligently, either by failing to provide maintenance or training or through unsafe practices. However, wrongful death isn't limited to dangerous occupations; people can die from negligence in nearly any context. Car accidents, workplace accidents, unsafe property grounds, defective drugs, and defective products can all cause wrongful deaths.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Midland-Odessa?

If you want to take legal action after the loss of a loved one, your best bet is to work with an attorney who has experience with wrongful death lawsuits in your area. Trying to deal with the insurance company and other parties can be frustrating, overwhelming, and downright impossible. A competent wrongful death lawyer will know exactly how to deal with the insurance adjuster and all other interested parties, so you and your family have the opportunity to get the answers you need and the full compensation you deserve.

Is There a Time Limit That Applies to Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Midland, TX?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations on wrongful death lawsuits in Texas, which will apply to a case filed in Midland, Odessa, or the surrounding areas. Your wrongful death attorney should take the necessary steps to make sure you do not miss this deadline, as that could nullify your ability to file your case. You have two years from the date of your loved one's death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Midland-Odessa.

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Midland-Odessa Personal Injury FAQ

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About Midland & Odessa, TX

Located in West Texas at about the halfway point between El Paso and Fort Worth, Midland-Odessa is a metropolitan area made of the cities of Midland and Odessa. It is known informally as The Petroplex and encompasses a total area of 2,720 square miles, 6.6 square miles of which are water. While Midland and Odessa initially had quite a rivalry, the two cities are now supportive of one another and engage in friendly competition. Today, Midland-Odessa goes by the motto, “Two Cities, No Limits.”

With the motto “Feel the Energy!” Midland is considered a primary hub for natural gas and oil production. The city was founded in 1881 as Midway Station on the Texas and Pacific Railway, but the city changed its name to Midland in 1884 when it got its first post office. While Midland experienced steady growth in its early years, its first real boom came in the 1920s when oil was discovered in the Permian Basin. Another discovery in 1943, the Spraberry Trend, contributed to Midland’s continued growth. Midland remains a key player in the oil and gas industry but has diversified into a regional telecommunications and distribution center. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Midland covered an area of 71.5 square miles and had an estimated population of 131,325 people as of July 2021.

Reportedly named after Odesa, Ukraine, for the local prairies’ similarity in appearance to the steppes in Ukraine, Odessa was founded in 1881 as a stopping point for water and cattle shipping on the Texas and Pacific Railway. In 1891, Odessa became the seat of Ector County, and it was incorporated as a city in 1927. As in Midland, the oil industry provided the means for much of the city’s growth. The opening of Penn Field and Cowden Field in 1920 and 1930, respectively, brought thousands of new residents. Growth continued along with oil booms in the area. Odessa’s top employers are petrochemical processing and oilfield supply companies, but recent attention has been placed on diversifying energy, including a wind farm that was constructed in the northern part of Ector County in 2009. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Odessa covered an area of 41.95 square miles and had an estimated population of 112,483 in July 2021.

Largely because of the area’s location in the Permian Basin, the Midland-Odessa economy relies heavily on the petroleum industry. The cities of Midland and Odessa have played individual roles in this. Midland is known more for corporate offices and operations and white-collar workers, whereas Odessa is known for its blue-collar residents and industrial facilities. The Midland-Odessa metropolitan area is home to two natural gas power plants, with an intended focus on alternative energy sources in the future.

Visitors to Midland-Odessa can learn more about the history of the oil industry at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland, get to know former President George W. Bush by visiting his childhood home, or see the second largest meteor crater in the United States and learn about it at the Odessa Meteor Crater Museum. The I-20 Wildlife Preserve and Sibley Nature Center offer ways to reconnect with nature, and the Museum of the Southwest covers the archaeology, art, science, and history of West Texas. For entertainment and sports, visitors and residents can attend the Midland Community Theatre, Scharbauer Sports Complex, or The Globe Theatre.

Midland-Odessa Links & Resources

• City of Midland, TX
• City of Odessa, TX
• Midland-Odessa Wikipedia Page
• National Weather Service: Midland-Odessa
• Visit Midland, TX
• Midland Health
• Midland Memorial Hospital
• Medical Center Hospital Odessa
• Odessa Regional Medical Center
• Discover Odessa
• Midland Fire Department
• Odessa Fire Rescue

Call (888) 493-1629 to Request a Free Case Evaluation

The first step toward justice could be as simple as a phone call. All you need to do to get in touch with skilled trial lawyers from the Arnold & Itkin LLP legal team is call (888) 493-1629 or fill out our online form. By reaching out to us with what happened to you and telling us your story, you can start a dialogue about your legal options and the next steps that you should take. Our personal injury law firm is proud to have helped change the future of countless individuals and families in Texas, and their road to recovery often started where you are now.

Get in touch with Arnold & Itkin’s Midland-Odessa accident lawyers to request your free consultation: (888) 493-1629. We can answer your questions and offer experienced insight.