San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyers

Bexar County Accident Attorneys with a Proven Record. Billions Won.

From catastrophic injuries to wrongful death claims involving the loss of a loved one, the choice of a lawyer in personal injury cases is absolutely critical. This is more than just a minor legal case—this is a pinnacle moment that can determine the entire course of your future. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we represent clients throughout San Antonio, Bexar County, and the entire state of Texas who are facing terrible circumstances through no fault of their own. If you have been involved in an accident at work, were impacted by a motor vehicle accident, or even if you were affected by incidents such as plant explosions and offshore disasters, then we’re here to help.

Our lawyers bring years of experience in complex situations and have won powerful results. We have won billions, including record-breaking verdicts and premium settlements. From cases involving amputation to traumatic brain injury (TBI) to burn injuries to spinal cord injuries, we can be trusted to be there for you when you need us most. All you need to do to see for yourself the difference that genuine care can make in your case. We proudly serve clients throughout the San Antonio area, including Leon Valley, Canyon Lake, Kirby, New Braunfels, and more.

Call our San Antonio accident law firm at (888) 493-1629!

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San Antonio Wrongful Death Attorneys

Fighting for Grieving Families in San Antonio, TX

No words can express the feeling of losing a loved one—especially if their death was preventable. Over 80,000 deaths occurred because of another person’s negligence in 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you lost a loved one because of someone else’s carelessness, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable for your loss. Although monetary compensation won’t bring back your loved one, it can help you get justice for your loved one, make sure this never happens to anyone else, and give you the ability to grieve without fear of the future.

The San Antonio wrongful death lawyers at Arnold & Itkin are dedicated to helping grieving families obtain the compensation they deserve. We've won billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, including hundreds of results of $1 million or more. Our firm has proven that we are compassionate, dedicated, and effective advocates for our clients. We'll fight to ensure that what happened to you doesn’t happen again to other families.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim can be filed when a third party is responsible for the death of another person. Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to sue a negligent company or individual for the costs and losses incurred by a loved one's death. In these cases, the person responsible will be held liable under civil law. Even if the person responsible is already persecuted in the criminal courts for manslaughter, there is still room for a civil lawsuit involving a wrongful death claim. If the death was caused because of company negligence, the only way to make them answer for your loved one's death is to file a wrongful death claim.

What Types of Incidents May Qualify as Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death claims are filed for any death caused by another person’s negligence; however, it does not cover every kind of incident that causes the death of another.

The following are examples of what qualifies for wrongful death claims:

  • Car accidents caused by drunk driving, texting, or other careless distractions
  • Workplace accidents caused by lack of training or supervision
  • Assaults, attacks, or other criminal actions that led to death
  • Medical malpractice, including when a doctor fails to diagnose
  • Drowning accidents due to property damage/premises liability
  • Defective products or drugs that caused death

Can I File a San Antonio Wrongful Death Claim?

Who can file a wrongful death claim varies from state to state, but close family members of the victims are usually the only ones eligible to present a wrongful death claim. In every state, spouses and children are given the primary right to seek compensation for wrongful death. Another loved one or relative will not be able to file a claim if a child or spouse has already filed one. Contact an attorney to determine if you are eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

In Texas, the eligible beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim include the following:

  • Children (18 years or older)
  • Siblings
  • Parents
  • Parents of unmarried children
  • Spouses or life partners
  • Any other dependents

It is essential to keep in mind that there is a statute of limitations on wrongful death claims—this means that you only have two years to file a claim before it is too late. Contact our San Antonio wrongful death attorneys today for a free case review: (888) 493-1629!

To learn more about wrongful death in Texas, visit Sec. 71 of the Civil Practice & Remedies Code.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Texas Wrongful Death Claim?

The loss of a loved one exacts a steep and permanent cost on families. A wrongful death robs children of their parents, spouses of their partners, and parents of their children. In addition to the loss of an irreplaceable bond, the loss of a spouse often also means the loss of income and benefits that people rely on to survive. Recovering from those real costs is what a wrongful death claim is for.

You may have the right to recover financial compensation for three general types of damages:

  • Economic Damages—If you have funeral and medical expenses related to the death of your loved one, you have the right to receive compensation. You also have the right to receive compensation for the loss of the deceased’s future earnings and the loss of their future benefits.
  • Non-Economic Damages—This type of compensation includes damages like pain and suffering, along with mental anguish. It also covers loss of inheritance and loss of consortium.
  • Punitive Damages—In some cases, you might be eligible for additional compensation as a way of discouraging the at-fault company from allowing the same fatal accident to occur again.

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San Antonio Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

Billions Won by Catastrophic Accident Lawyers in San Antonio, TX

The word catastrophe is an ancient word that means “a tragic turn of events,” and its meaning has remained unchanged for thousands of years. In legal and medical circles, a catastrophic accident is an event that robs someone of their physical or mental capabilities on a long-term (often permanent) basis. Catastrophic accidents leave people unemployed, unable to move or live independently, and perhaps unable to speak or think like they used to. People who survive catastrophic accidents often face enormous medical costs for the rest of their lives. That’s why people involved in catastrophic accidents call Arnold & Itkin.

What Is the Definition of a Catastrophic Injury?

Other kinds of injuries are categorized by where they occur, like head injuries or back injuries. Other injuries are defined by the damage they leave behind, like burn injuries or amputation injuries. Catastrophic injuries, however, aren’t defined by either one of those—instead, they’re defined by how they change the survivor’s life. Any injury that is expected to last permanently or semi-permanently and severely alters a person’s physical or mental faculties could be considered catastrophic. By that definition, any injury can have catastrophic effects if it’s severe enough.

Catastrophic injuries often result from:

  • Burn Injuries: With the highest cost of hospitalization of any injury, burn injuries leave survivors both physically and financially damaged. Nerve damage, scarring, and limb loss can all result from full-thickness burns.
  • Blunt Force Trauma: Force done to the body that is neither cutting nor slicing (i.e. blunt) can cause bruising, internal bleeding, and organ damage. Head injuries are among the most harmful types of blunt force trauma.
  • Loss of Vision or Hearing: Loss of your senses, particularly hearing or sight, forces you to reorient the way you interact with the world. For many people, loss of either would require a change in career or at least a costly change in lifestyle.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe injuries you can suffer. Damage to the spinal cord is irreparable, leading to permanent paralysis.
  • Orthopedic Injuries: Severe damage to joints and the musculoskeletal system can hamper someone’s mobility forever or at least make them unable to move without pain. This is as much a loss in quality of life as it is a loss of physical ability.

A catastrophic injury is as much about quality of life as it is about a person’s capabilities. Constant pain can rob us of our careers, our hobbies, and all the things that once made our lives enjoyable. To our catastrophic accident lawyers in San Antonio, compensation for those losses is as important as compensation for medical costs.

Can You Claim Pain & Suffering for a Catastrophic Injury?

Something else that distinguishes catastrophic injuries from non-catastrophic injuries is the ability to claim non-economic damages—also sometimes called “pain and suffering” damages. Noneconomic damages are damages for your losses that have no dollar value, like the ability to play with your children, play a musical instrument, or run unassisted. No one can deny that accident survivors lose these things, but how do you calculate a dollar amount for these things?

Noneconomic damages include compensation for (but are not limited to):

  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental and emotional pain
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of consortium

When assigning awards for these losses, juries are instructed to use their own judgment, which is why noneconomic damages can vary from case to case. As always, your lawyer’s ability to make your losses clear to a jury will affect how much you’ll receive in the final award. Juries may also assign larger damages that act as a deterrent against the negligent behavior of the defendant, especially if your accident was caused by preventable safety issues.

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San Antonio Burn Injury Lawyers

When Preventable Suffering Occurs, We Demand Answers. No Matter What.

While some burns are an inconvenience, others have the potential to change the rest of a person’s life. They're painful, can require extensive treatment, and, when they’re severe enough, burn injuries often have severe financial repercussions for those they harm. Frustratingly, burns are often preventable. Whether they’re caused during a refinery accident or after a car accident, our San Antonio burn injury lawyers have what it takes to help clients recover financially. We've earned a reputation for never backing down from a fight and refusing to let clients be mistreated. The result? Billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts recovered after preventable accidents.

How Burn Injuries Happen

Burn injuries can happen for multiple reasons and present in varying degrees of severity.

Generally, burns happen in three different ways:

  • Thermal burns occur from contact with flames, steam, hot liquids or metals, and other hot substances.
  • Chemical burns occur when a person is exposed to a harmful substance such as acid.
  • Flash burns occur when a person is close to an explosion or other source of extreme, sudden heat.

A person’s skin isn’t the only thing that’s harmed by extreme heat; the lungs are also at risk of injury. Inhalation injuries frequently accompany burn injuries as people who suffer from them inhale super-heated air, chemicals, and other harmful substances. Inhalation injuries can cause lasting damage to a person’s respiratory system and can also worsen preexisting conditions a person might have.

Signs of inhalation injuries include:

  • Coughing up phlegm
  • Irritated sinuses
  • Pain or tightness in the chest
  • Running nose
  • Scratchy, irritated throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headaches
  • Stinging eyes

Inhalation injuries happen in three common ways. First, heat inhalation injuries occur when a person is as dangerous substances burn during a fire, a person can sustain inhalation injuries from toxins. Finally, smoke inhalation causes serious injuries and causes about 60 to 80% of fatalities for burn victims.

Types of Burn Injuries

Medical professionals classify burns by degrees to communicate the extent of injury a person with them is experiencing. Distinguishing what type of burn a person has is important as doing so determines how much medical treatment a person needs. It also provides a basic idea for how much a person’s injuries might impact the rest of their life.

  • First-degree burn injuries are more common and less serious than other types of burn injuries. While they can be painful, first-degree burns only require minor treatment and bandaging.
  • Second-degree burns occur when an injury extends beyond the first layer of skin. They might require a medical assessment to decide if they require more care than a bandage. Importantly, those with second-degree burns should avoid using topical treatments until consulting with a doctor.
  • Third-degree and fourth-degree burns are always serious injuries and require urgent medical care. These burns go through multiple layers of skin and can even damage a person’s muscles and bones. Accident survivors with these burns often need surgery.

Signs of a third- and fourth-degree burn include:

  • Charring
  • White coloration
  • Smooth, waxy appearance of skin
  • Brown discoloration
  • Conspicuous lack of blisters

An in-depth guide to burn injuries can be found at Medlineplus.gov.

How Burn Injuries Are Treated

If a person suspects they have sustained burn injuries, they need to get medical attention as soon as possible. Cooling a burn with water is only a temporary solution that can assist with pain. Burn injuries require extensive medical care and can be excruciating for those suffering from them. Despite this, advances in medical technology mean that burn survivors have a better chance than ever for recovery.

Skin Grafts

Research and advancements in medical technology mean those with burns can live a less restrictive lifestyle after recovering from their injuries. Skin grafting helps burned skin heal by taking tissue from an unaffected portion of a person’s body and applying it to an area that needs to heal. With skin grafting, skin that would’ve never healed on its own can have a chance at recovery.

Types of skin grafts include:

  • Split-thickness grafts
  • Full-thickness grafts
  • Pinch grafts
  • Pedicle grafts

Each year, more Americans are killed or injured doing industrial work than any other nation in the world. Though government agencies such as OSHA have helped make American workers safer than others, they can’t watch every employer and job site. However, employers are still legally and morally responsible for protecting workers. When accidents happen, it’s often because a company cut corners to save money, failed to train employees, or disregarded basic safety processes. No one should have their life changed by an accident that others were supposed to prevent.

The Magellan Corpus Christi Explosion & Fire

On the morning of December 5, 2020, an explosion occurred at Magellan’s Corpus Christi petroleum storage facility. The incident occurred as crews from Shelton Services were cleaning a storage tank used for residual white crude oil. Seven workers required treatment at local hospitals, with five of them sent to a burn unit in San Antonio for their severe injuries. Currently, officials are investigating the accident to determine what caused it.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Burn Injury Lawyer?

Getting our help is free of charge because of our contingency fee basis. This means that we cover all costs associated with a case and only collect a payment if we secure results for a client. Doing this makes getting the help you deserve risk-free, stress-free, and allows you to focus on what matters: your recovery.

What Can I Recover with a Burn Injury Lawsuit?

Our team will focus on helping you recover the compensation you need for the full extent of your financial losses. This often includes medical treatment, lost wages, the lost ability to work, pain, suffering, and other complications associated with burn injuries. Ultimately, we’re always focused on fighting for the compensation that enables a person to move on after their accident.

Why Are Burn Injuries Serious?

Burn injuries are serious for two reasons. First, they’re incredibly painful and force a person to suffer significantly as they work towards recovery. Second, their recovery requires the best medical care, something that is expensive and not available to everyone. At Arnold & Itkin, it’s our mission to fight to help make sure the costs of a burn injury don’t prevent a client from healing.

Our San Antonio Burn Injury Lawyers Fight for Results. No Matter What.

When workers face conditions each day that put them at risk of burn injuries, employers should be especially focused on making sure they’re protected. Nothing excuses the preventable suffering of workers, and our San Antonio burn injury lawyers know this. While we can’t change what happened to you or your loved one, we can fight for the compensation needed to get the care you deserve and the chance to rebuild your life.

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San Antonio Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

Seek Fair Compensation After a San Antonio, TX Auto Accident

Not only can vehicle accidents result in physical damage, which can be costly, but the injuries can be life-altering. Survivors of serious car accidents are often left to pick up the pieces of their lives, dealing with expenses that range from medical bills to rehabilitation. Often, they are forced to do this while missing regular wages. Not to mention all of the less tangible costs, such as pain, suffering, and mental anguish. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, our San Antonio accident attorneys understand just how damaging such collisions can be, and we want you to know that we’re here to help you recover. If you have been injured or if you lost a loved one in a fatal crash, we’re here to help.

Our firm offers legal assistance for vehicle accident claims of all kinds, such as:

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

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San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyers

Hundreds of Cases Won by Our Trucking Lawyers. Nationwide Representation.

According to the most recent figures, there are 12.6 million commercial vehicles on the road—roughly 5 percent of all vehicles on U.S. highways. That relatively small portion of vehicles, however, is responsible for more than 10 percent of the traffic fatalities every year. Truck accidents are responsible for thousands of catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths every year. People's lives are left in disarray after big rig crashes—unable to work, provide for kids, or even afford good medical care. Our San Antonio truck accident lawyers fight to hold trucking companies accountable for the damage their policies cause, forcing them to pay for our clients' losses.

What Causes San Antonio Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents have various causes. Some collisions can be attributed to more than one contributing factor, and determining liability (legal responsibility) after a trucking accident can be difficult because there are so many different parties involved: the truck driver, the trucking company, the other motorist, loading companies, and others. As San Antonio truck accident lawyers, we know how to uncover what caused a crash and who's to blame.

Some potential causes of 18-wheeler accidents include:

  • Tired truck drivers
  • Drunk driving
  • Speeding
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Unsafe merges
  • Inexperienced truck drivers
  • Heavy weather
  • Dangerous roads
  • Defective truck parts
  • Overloaded trucks
  • Improperly secured cargo
  • Unbalanced truck loads

Sometimes it is a combination of these things that will cause a serious trucking accident. Heavy weather and faulty brakes, for example, could lead to a deadly collision between a tractor-trailer and another vehicle. Accident reconstruction specialists, investigators, and other experts can help us find the underlying cause.

Truck Drivers Are Overworked & Underpaid

Every morning, thousands of exhausted drivers get behind the wheel of their big rigs, each of which weighs tens of thousands of pounds. These drivers are encouraged to drive for far longer than the legal limit, to falsify their logbooks, to drive faster and harder while their bodies get more and more tired. Why? Because they're only paid by the mile—every minute they spend sleeping, waiting for loading or unloading, or getting a rig inspection is another minute they're not making a living. It forces them to abide by a grueling work schedule.

Unfortunately for all of us, hauling while tired is dangerous.

Experts estimate that 13 percent of trucking crashes are directly caused by fatigue (not to mention all the crashes that are affected by fatigue or list it as a secondary cause). As many as 1 in 4 crashes happen after more than 17 hours of non-stop hauling. Trucking company policies and culture are directly contributing to unsafe highways. It affects truckers too–of the 5,000 trucking fatalities every year, at least 700 are truck drivers.

Injuries in a San Antonio 18-Wheeler Accident

An accident involving an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or other large commercial vehicle is likely to cause significant damage. People in smaller vehicles stand little chance of avoiding harm, and the injuries they experience can be life-threatening. This is because of the sheer size and weight of a commercial truck. Pitted against a typical sedan, car, or even an SUV or light truck, the results can be catastrophic.

The injuries experienced in a truck accident may include:

  • Whiplash
  • Burn injuries
  • Amputation
  • Crush injuries
  • Airbag and seatbelt injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries

Rebuilding after any of the above injuries may seem impossible, but our San Antonio truck accident law firm is here to help survivors and victims' families recover compensation for all of their medical treatment, ongoing care, lost earnings, and even emotional trauma. This can make a big difference in putting the pieces back together.

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle

Our San Antonio truck accident lawyers represent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists who have been injured in collisions with large trucks. We also help truck drivers who have been injured because their employers put production and profits above all else. Regardless of the type of collision and who was involved, we are confident in our ability to seek answers and accountability. No matter what.

We can take on truck accident cases in San Antonio, Texas, and nationwide involving:

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

UPS & FedEx Truck Accident Attorneys

FedEx and UPS collectively own 50 percent of the general freight industry's market share.

They collectively utilize a fleet of 210,000 vehicles, and FedEx alone has employed more than 50 lobbyists to fight for their ability to operate with fewer regulations and restrictions—at least 37 of these lobbyists once held positions in the federal government. Their leadership of the industry, however, has not translated into leadership as its safest operators. FedEx accidents have happened 254 percent more often since 2012 according to FMCSA data, and UPS has been in 2,003 crashes in the same time period. FedEx and UPS trucks have been involved with 41 and 49 deaths respectively from 2015 to 2017.

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

Free Consultation with San Antonio Trucking Lawyers

Arnold & Itkin has helped our clients win billions of dollars to rebuild their lives. Their money went toward keeping their home, replacing their income, paying for long-term medical care, and providing for their families. In short, we helped accident victims get back to normal. That's what our trucking accident lawyers want to do: help you get back to normal. Dial (888) 493-1629 or contact us online to learn how we can help you.

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San Antonio Offshore Injury Attorneys

Fighting for Seamen & Offshore Workers

The services offshore workers provide are incredibly valuable, and their work is rarely easy. Physically grueling labor and hazardous conditions are common. At Arnold & Itkin, we understand that these men and women are often put in harm’s way unnecessarily. Our San Antonio offshore injury attorneys believe that the ocean should be a safe place to earn a living, and we fight to hold negligent employers accountable when they put their workers at risk. Putting profit or convenience before the safety of offshore workers should never be acceptable.

After you’ve been injured at sea, we can help you fight for compensation to cover:

  • Medical bills
  • Long-term care or rehabilitation
  • Lost income
  • Decreased earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • And more

Offshore workers have different rights than those on land, and after an accident has occurred, you’ll want to work with an attorney who understands the laws that govern your injury case. The San Antonio maritime attorneys at Arnold & Itkin understand the law and know how to assert your rights. We know the lengths that employers will go to in order to avoid taking responsibility for the harm they have caused, and we know how to meet any challenge they throw our way. We will not settle for less than you deserve. No matter what.

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San Antonio Boat Accident Lawyers

Our San Antonio Vessel Accident Law Firm Has Won Billions for Clients

A boat accident can quickly transform a time of fun on the water into a moment of tragedy and uncertainty. Like car accidents, vessel crashes can cause serious injuries and, in the worst instances, death. Just as with other types of accidents, boat accidents are almost always preventable. This means that those who are suffering from one deserve answers from the people who could have prevented their suffering.

If you’re suffering because of an accident, our San Antonio boat accident lawyers are ready to fight for the justice you deserve. Our team is known for never backing down from a fight. We refuse to settle for less than what our clients need because we know that results help rebuild lives after the unthinkable.

Operating a Boat in San Antonio

Unlike cars, boat operation in Texas doesn’t require a ton of experience. In fact, some boaters don’t even require a license to operate a boat! Those who do require a boating license can obtain one in a matter of hours without any experience. Even more distressing is the fact that Texas law allows renters to operate a boat with no license.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that one of the leading causes of boat accidents in San Antonio is recklessness. Inexperience and overconfidence mean some boat operators can quickly and inadvertently cause an accident. Since boats are generally associated with recreation, alcohol is a significant factor in accidents. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, alcohol is a factor in 50 percent of all boating accidents. Considering the information above, one thing becomes obvious when it comes to boat accidents: most of them are preventable.

What Can I Recover After a San Antonio Boat Accident?

You might be able to seek compensation for the financial losses associated with it. This may include lost wages, medical bills, future medical needs, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, funeral costs, and more. However, every case is different, and our lawyers will investigate all aspects of yours to make sure you have the financial compensation that you deserve.

Are Boating Accidents Preventable?

Yes. Boating accidents are preventable just as car accidents are. Typically, the negligent actions of a person or company are usually to blame for boat accidents. In some instances, a boat’s operator could have prevented an accident by following safe practices. Other accidents are caused by poor vessel maintenance or inadequate supervision from a company.

The U.S. Coast Guard lists the following as the five most common causes of boating accidents:

  • Operator inattention
  • Improper lookout
  • Operator inexperience
  • Machinery failure
  • Thrill-seeking
  • Speeding

How Much Does a Boat Accident Lawyer Cost?

At Arnold & Itkin, we make our services attainable by working on something known as a contingency fee. In summary, this means that we cover all costs associated with a case and only collect a payment if we obtain results for clients. Working like this means our clients don’t have to worry about the financial burden of their case and that our services are attainable for anyone.

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San Antonio Oilfield Accident Attorneys

Representing Injured Oilfield Workers in Texas & Nationwide

The oil and gas industry injures thousands of workers every year, making it one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. Oil workers understand the dangers their work involves, and they take precautions to prevent serious injury. Unfortunately, a worker’s caution isn’t enough to keep them from getting hurt. Often, accidents occur because employers fail to provide workers with the proper equipment and training, oversights that lead to serious accidents.

Arnold & Itkin understand the challenges you face after an oilfield accident. Tragic work accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, expensive medical bills, and loss of income. If you have sustained injuries in an oilfield accident because of an employer’s negligent behavior, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. A San Antonio oilfield accident attorney at Arnold & Itkin can fight to recover everything you need to rebuild your life: medical care, lost wages, and more.

Dangers of Faulty Equipment

Oilfield workers use heavy machinery that can be dangerous if it isn’t handled properly or is defective. Malfunctioning oil extraction equipment can trigger an explosion or fire. Every piece of equipment used to extract, transport, and store oil is owned and maintained by oil and gas companies. It is, therefore, their responsibility to keep these processes and equipment free from hazards. Companies often fail to repair or upkeep equipment to reduce costs—putting their workers' lives at risk.

Defective equipment also causes workers to become exposed to toxic chemicals. If a chemical leaks, it’s usually because an employee was not properly trained or because the machinery used is defective. Employers often fail to provide a safe work environment, and they must be held responsible for their negligent behavior.

Potential Hazards Faced at an Oilfield Workplace

Over 200 workers sustained fatal injuries a year in Texas, according to the United States Department of Labor. Many workplace accidents are caused because of the supervisor’s negligence or irresponsibility.

Owners and employers may be held liable for any of the following injuries:

  • Explosions, fires, exposure to chemicals: When workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals or combustion, it is because these materials are out of place or because of poor management.
  • Slips and falls: Most people would believe that slips and falls are caused by clumsiness, but this isn’t always the case. Workers fall if employers fail to place guardrails or harnesses for workers at great heights.
  • Falling objects: Workers at elevated heights may drop a tool or a piece of equipment that can fall and hurt another worker. These tools should be secured on the worker to prevent objects from falling and harming others.
  • Malfunctioning equipment: Oilfield owners are responsible for renovating wear and tear on equipment to prevent them from becoming a hazard in the workplace.

Taking on Cases Against Large Companies in the Oil & Gas Industry

Our San Antonio Oilfield accident attorneys handle cases against companies such as the following:

  • Apache Corporation
  • BP
  • Baker Hughes
  • Burlington Resources
  • CEMEX
  • Cactus Drilling Company, LLC
  • Chesapeake Energy
  • Chevron
  • Chicago Bridge & Iron
  • ConocoPhillips
  • COG Operating LLC
  • Devon Energy Corporation
  • Encana Corporation
  • EOG Resources
  • Endeavor Energy Resources
  • EP Energy
  • Helix Energy Solutions Group
  • Helmerich & Payne
  • Hitachi
  • Kinder Morgan
  • Marathon Oil Corporation
  • Marathon Petroleum Corporation
  • Motiva Enterprises
  • Murphy Oil Corporation
  • Noble Energy
  • Occidental Petroleum Corporation
  • PBF Energy
  • Phillips 66
  • Pioneer Natural Resources
  • Royal Dutch Shell
  • Sendero Drilling
  • SM Energy
  • Turner Industries Group LLC
  • Valero Energy
  • Weatherford International
  • XTO Energy Inc.

Call Our San Antonio Oilfield Accident Lawyers: (888) 493-1629

Arnold & Itkin knows the challenge that oilfield workers face after an accident. The first step to receive compensation is to contact an experienced oilfield accident attorney in San Antonio. An attorney will be able to investigate your accident and develop a strong case on your behalf. Seeking compensation will help you receive financial security and will help get your life back on track. The team at Arnold & Itkin has helped thousands of injured workers secure the compensation they deserve to recover their losses after an accident. We have recovered billions of dollars for our clients, setting verdict and settlement records nationwide.

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San Antonio Maritime Lawyers

Our Texas Offshore Accident Law Firm Has Secured Billions for the Injured

When the United States was part of the British colonies, maritime law was the law. Because of this, many of the nation’s current maritime laws have been influenced by old laws. In particular, maintenance and cure is a concept that has been part of working offshore for centuries. Maintenance and cure refers to the responsibility that vessel owners have for their crew’s safety. When a crew member is injured, employers are obligated to make sure they receive medical care and compensation until they’ve reached the best recovery possible.

Despite being governed by some of the oldest, most well-established set of laws, offshore work remains dangerous for workers. From the docks of harbors to the cargo ships that make industry possible, workers face considerable danger. That’s why our San Antonio maritime lawyers work to protect the interests of workers have they’ve been injured working offshore. Suffering workers deserve more than what their companies typically offer to them—Arnold & Itkin fights to make sure they get it.

Common Maritime Injuries & Accidents

Working in and around ships is dangerous. Because of this, employers, vessel owners, and supervisors are responsible for making sure workers are safe. By holding negligent parties accountable for failing to do this, our San Antonio offshore injury law firm has two goals. First, we want to make sure those wronged by unsafe work practices offshore receive the compensation they need to move forward. Second, we hope that our work sets an example and deters other companies from allowing negligence to creep into their operations as well.

Common accidents our San Antonio maritime law firm helps people recover from include:

  • Diving accidents
  • Crane failures
  • Vessel collisions
  • Slips and falls
  • Dangerous equipment
  • Explosions and fires
  • Lift accidents
  • Post-traumatic stress

San Antonio Oil Rig Accidents

While many residents of San Antonio work in oil exploration on land, many commute to the Texas harbors to be taken offshore to work. On oil rigs, workers often have 12-hour shifts and don’t see land for up to two weeks at a time. It’s a demanding job—both physically and mentally—that’s seven times deadlier than the average workplace in the nation.

However, just because workers have a dangerous job doesn’t mean accidents that harm them are excusable. Companies know how to mitigate these accidents and they have no moral or legal excuse when a preventable accident injures or kills their workers.

Does the Law Protect Maritime Workers?

Yes, modern laws exist that provide protections to seamen as well as longshore and harbor workers. While maintenance and cure is part of the core of maritime law, the United States has new laws that help correct parts of this maritime law that no longer serve the modern offshore worker.

There are four important maritime laws workers should know about:

These laws help injured seamen and harbor workers recover losses associated with an accident that extend beyond what maintenance and cure would provide. Each provides important paths toward compensation that workers can use to obtain the compensation they deserve from negligent parties that failed to protect their safety.

If you’ve suffered because of an offshore accident or harbor incident that should have been prevented, help is available. Our team has helped workers and their families secure the justice they deserve, including those who survived the Deepwater Horizon disaster. We’ve recovered billions of dollars for clients and are ready to start fighting for the compensation you need to move forward. Give us a call today for your free consultation!

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San Antonio Railroad Accident Attorneys

Finding Answers to Train Accident Survivors & Families in San Antonio, TX

While most everyone knows that railroad accidents can be severe, not everyone understands just how common these incidents can be. In fact, according to statistics, thousands of train accidents are reported every single year. From derailment to trains striking vehicles, these accidents are catastrophic. If you were personally involved in an accident such as this or if you lost someone you love, you deserve to have an advocate on your side who can properly represent your best interests. That’s exactly what you’ll receive should you work with Arnold & Itkin. We believe it is our responsibility to protect the needs of serious accident victims, and we are here to help you.

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San Antonio Aviation Accident Lawyers

Plane & Helicopter Accident Law Firm Serving San Antonio & Beyond

Few cases are as complex as those that involve aviation accidents. Regardless of whether an airplane accident occurred during a commercial flight, if a helicopter accident endangered offshore workers who were on their way to an oil rig, or if an accident occurred at an airport, these cases can require someone who is comfortable taking on large, complicated cases against giant corporations. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, our lawyers have earned a reputation over the years for being able to do just that. We can help investigate serious accidents to determine the truth—figuring out who is actually responsible—and then work tirelessly to fight for the justice that our team deserves. If you would like to learn more about how our firm can help in serious cases such as this, you should not hesitate to contact a member of our legal team. Call (888) 493-1629 today.

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San Antonio Work Accident Lawyers

Top-Rated Work Injury Attorneys in San Antonio, TX

Every year, millions of workplace accidents affect workers’ lives and livelihoods across the nation. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), there were over 2 million workplace accidents and over 5,000 workplace fatalities reported in 2017. Suffering an accident on the job subjects workers to physical, mental, and financial hardships. If you or a loved one were injured in a workplace accident, you have the right to seek full compensation for your losses. Your employers’ insurance company’s main priority is not to help you recover from your injuries, but to reduce the company’s liability. Your employer is likely already working to prevent you from filing a lawsuit or is figuring out a way to weaken your case—even if their carelessness caused your accident.

Facts About Work Accidents Across the Nation

Research demonstrates that illnesses and injuries frequently occur in the workplace. Unfortunately, many investigations show that workplace injuries and deaths are preventable if companies implement proper safety procedures. For example, employers must remove potential hazards in the workplace and provide employees with adequate safety training.

Statistics demonstrate the danger of injuries in the workplace, including:

  • About 50,000 workers die from occupational diseases and injuries every year—about 150 workers a day.
  • Over 24,000 workers sustain serious injuries, and 803 of them are killed because of workplace violence.
  • Fall protection and prevention was the most violated OSHA standard in 2013.

What Are the Most Common Workplace Accidents in Texas?

Work accidents can occur in any work setting or industry, including an office. However, workplace accidents commonly occur in the following industries:

  • Chemical plants
  • Construction sites
  • Hospitals
  • Workplaces with ladders
  • Offshore drilling rigs
  • Oil drilling land rigs
  • Scaffolding
  • On the highway (in work vehicles)

What Are the Most Common Types of Workplace Injuries?

Virtually all work accidents are preventable. It is far more likely for workers to sustain injuries if employers fail to provide safety guidelines or safety equipment to workers. Regardless of the industry, any worker can be exposed to severe workplace hazards and life-changing injuries. Depending on the severity of the incident, serious injuries can require extensive medical treatment.

Countless injuries can occur on the job, including:

  • Abrasion
  • Acoustic trauma
  • Back injuries
  • Brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Burns
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Cuts
  • Loss of limb
  • Loss of vision
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Sprains

What Causes Injuries on the Job?

Negligent or inexperienced employers cause most workplace accidents. Negligent employers and even co-workers can put other workers in danger—especially if they fail to provide a safe working environment.

Many forms of negligence can result in injuries, including:

  • Equipment Failure: If equipment fails at the wrong moment, it can result in a tragic accident. Employers are legally required to maintain machinery regularly and adequately. Some of the most dangerous equipment is usually industrial and electrical equipment.
  • Falling Objects & Flying Debris: Falling debris can cause serious injuries, especially head injuries. These commonly occur on construction sites, logging sites, factories, warehouses, and shipyards.
  • Slips & Falls: Slippery and cluttered floors can cause workers to fall. Slip and fall accidents often occur in warehouses, ships, and drilling rigs.
  • Failure to Comply with Safety Regulations: OSHA has specific standards to help keep workers safe. Employers must obey these regulations in the workplace.
  • Inadequate Inspections: Inspections should be performed on a regular basis to ensure that equipment is working correctly and to reduce possible risks or hazards. Employers should inspect equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, derricks, cranes, etc.
  • Insufficient Training: Employers are required to provide workers with adequate safety training, so they can identify potential hazards in the workplace and know how to avoid them.

Serving Injured Workers in San Antonio. Call Us Today at (888) 493-1629!

The San Antonio work accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin have the skill and experience to reach successful outcomes for our clients. We have recovered billions of dollars on their behalf, and we continue to work tirelessly to achieve the best results for every client. Our case history includes a $44 million verdict for a man who lost his leg in a construction site accident, a $39.7 million verdict for a man who was burned in a plywood plant, and back-to-back $18 million and $15 million verdicts for victims of a plant explosion.

In short, our firm knows how to get results for workers. If you have sustained injuries on the job, our San Antonio work accident attorneys can review your case, assess the strengths and weaknesses, and develop a strong defense to win your case. Contact our attorneys today to learn more about your rights and options.

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San Antonio Construction Accident Attorneys

Construction Site Injury Lawyers in San Antonio Fighting for Workers

Construction workers face one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, according to statistics collected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This data reveals that the construction industry is the source of a high number of deaths. According to research, construction workers account for 1 out of every 5 workplace deaths in private industry jobs. In 2016, of the 4,693 American workers who lost their lives on the job, 991 of them were construction workers.

Construction workers are likely unsurprised to learn these numbers. Each day, they face dangers like falling from heights, being injured by heavy machinery, and being poisoned by toxic substances. While these risks are normal hazards of a construction site, employers have a responsibility to protect the well-being of those who work for them.

OSHA was established in 1971 to hold employers accountable when they fail to implement proper safety standards at their workplace. So far, the organization has managed to lower the daily death rate of workers from 38 to 14. However, with 2,100 inspectors who are designated to watch over 8 million worksites, employers that do not value safety often slip through the cracks of the system. These employers must be held accountable for the sake of future employees.

What Are the Most Common Construction Accidents?

While studying the causes of fatalities at American construction sites, OSHA identified that the majority of accidents are caused by four main hazards. These sources, known as the Fatal Four, account for 63 percent of deaths in the construction industry. If the Fatal Four were eliminated, 631 workers that died in 2016 would potentially still be alive today.

The Fatal Four consists of the following:

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

Each of these hazards is preventable if those who oversee construction sites placed an increased emphasis on safety. The prevention of these hazards could save hundreds of lives every year. Unfortunately, employers frequently prioritize profits over safety and choose to cut corners in the hopes that they will not have to pay for their negligence down the line.

How Are San Antonio Construction Workers Injured?

The Fatal Four is just a preview of the most common types of construction accidents. In San Antonio, construction accidents happen in a variety of ways and, though not always fatal, they often cause serious injuries.

San Antonio construction accidents include:

  • Slips and falls
  • Scaffolding accidents
  • Exposure to toxic substances
  • Accidents involving machines
  • Electric shock
  • Roofing collapse
  • Falling objects
  • Crane accidents

How Do I Know If I Should File a Claim?

No-fault workers' compensation insurance ensures that an employee can receive a certain amount of compensation no matter who is at a fault for their accident. The injury only must happen while the employee is working for their company to qualify for workers’ compensation. However, those who are seriously injured may want to consider making a civil claim against their employer.

Those injured at work have a limited time to file a personal injury claim against their employer. Doing so has advantages—more losses may be claimed.

Compensation construction workers in San Antonio may be entitled to after an accident include:

  • Medical bills caused by the accident
  • Future medical costs
  • Physical and mental pain and suffering caused by the accident
  • The loss of wages while recovering from the accident

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About San Antonio

The City of San Antonio is the second-most populous city in Texas and is one of the largest cities in the United States, with an estimated 1.45 million residents as of July 2021 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). San Antonio encompasses 465.4 square miles. It was a part of the Spanish Empire and the Mexican Republic before joining the United States. San Antonio is now part of Bexar County, Texas. It is named after Saint Anthony, having been discovered on June 13, the feast day of St. Anthony of Padula.

The economy in San Antonio is diversified, focusing on such sectors as military, healthcare, oil and gas, tourism, and professional and business services. Technology is a growing industry of focus in San Antonio, along with call centers and auto manufacturing. Numerous Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters and regional offices in San Antonio, such as H-E-B, Valero Energy, USAA, and iHeartMedia. Whataburger, Wells Fargo, Boeing, and Marathon Petroleum also have strong presences in the San Antonio area, and the city is home to the headquarters of Carenet Health, Visionworks of America, SAS, Pabst Brewing Company, Globalscape, and many others.

Tens of millions of tourists visit San Antonio every year, supporting about 130,000 jobs and impacting the economy by about $13.6 billion in 2017 alone. The Alamo is the top attraction in the city and is the top tourist attraction in Texas. San Antonio is often called “Alamo City” because the Alamo Mission in San Antonio is located downtown. The San Antonio River Walk is another popular attraction, offering miles of parallel sidewalks lined with shops and restaurants for tourists, visitors, and residents to enjoy. Arneson River Theater offers a festival of lights during the holiday season each year, and there are three major animal attractions in San Antonio that offer fun for the whole family: SeaWorld, the San Antonio Zoo, and the San Antonio Aquarium. There are also numerous museums and art galleries and countless restaurants to enjoy.

San Antonio, TX Resources & Links

Contact a San Antonio Injury Attorney: (888) 493-1629

If you browse through our victories online, you will see story after story of the individuals and families that we have been able to help throughout the years. For many of them, their journey to justice began in a place that is very similar to yours: the decision to pick up the phone and call. Our San Antonio personal injury lawyers are proud to offer completely free, confidential consultations that have absolutely no obligation on your part. It’s simply a chance for you to tell us your story and explain what happened to you so that we can determine your options.

You can expect the following when you work with our San Antonio injury attorneys:

  • You will be treated like family by your legal team.
  • You will hear the truth about what happened to you and what you can do.
  • You will be able to contact your attorney on your schedule.
  • You will have your legal rights protected by proven trial lawyers.

To take advantage, all you need to do is call (888) 493-1629 or fill out our online form. We're here to help.

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