Leading Causes of Brain Injuries in San Antonio & Bexar County, TX
Like any region, the San Antonio area has particular locations and scenarios that are more likely to lead to traumatic brain injuries. Understanding what these are can help one gain a clear picture not only of who may be responsible but also how to go about pursuing compensation for necessary medical care, ongoing treatment, and the many other long-term consequences of a brain injury. Top causes of TBI in San Antonio and Bexar County include:
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in San Antonio. High-traffic corridors like I-10, I-35, Loop 410, and U.S. 281 are frequent sites of collisions, many involving distracted drivers or commercial trucks. Busy intersections near in the heart of San Antonio and along Wurzbach Parkway also see a high rate of accidents that can lead to concussions, skull fractures, and other severe TBIs.
Workplace & Construction Accidents
San Antonio's construction and industrial sectors are also major sources of brain injuries. Workers on sites in Bexar County—particularly in commercial developments near downtown San Antonio, South Side industrial parks, and manufacturing facilities along I-35—face risks such as falling objects, scaffold collapses, and equipment malfunctions. Oilfield and refinery workers traveling between San Antonio and the Eagle Ford Shale region are also at risk.
Falls & Premises Liability Matters
Slip and fall and trip and fall incidents are common causes of TBIs in public spaces and private businesses in and around San Antonio. Brain injuries may occur in busy areas like shopping centers along Loop 410 and I-10, restaurants and bars in the River Walk district, and hotels and resorts catering to tourists. In older buildings or assisted living facilities, poorly maintained stairways, slick floors, and a lack of safety rails increase the risk of catastrophic falls.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents
San Antonio pedestrians and cyclists are at risk for brain injuries, particularly in high-traffic or poorly lit areas. Accidents frequently occur in pedestrian-heavy zones, near the Pearl-Midtown area, and in residential neighborhoods with limited crosswalks. Cyclists riding along the Mission Trails paths or commuting through congested roads near Alamo Heights are especially vulnerable to collisions with vehicles.
Sports & Recreational Injuries
San Antonio has a strong sports culture, and brain injuries are a risk among athletes of all ages. Youth football and soccer programs on Bexar County ISD Athletic Department fields, competitive sports at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), and even recreational activities at local gyms and community centers can result in concussions or repeated head trauma. Improper supervision and failure to follow concussion protocols can make these injuries worse.
As a local San Antonio personal injury firm, we recognize the hazards faced by the people who live and work in this area. When our neighbors and their loved ones suffer brain injuries, we fight to set things right.
Symptoms & Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries in San Antonio
Brain injuries can vary from mild concussions to severe trauma that can lead to long-term or permanent disability. Common causes of such injuries include vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, and workplace accidents. The effects of a brain injury can be catastrophic, often altering a person’s ability to think, emote, and perform various physical tasks.
We help individuals who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries such as:
- Concussions: Often caused by direct blows to the head, violent shaking, or force.
- Contusions: Bruising of brain tissue, frequently requiring surgical intervention.
- Penetrating Injuries: Resulting from objects piercing the skull and entering brain tissue.
- Anoxic Brain Injuries: Caused by the brain not receiving enough oxygen.
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries: Caused by severe rotation or shaking of the head, as often seen in car accidents.
The symptoms of a brain injury might not be immediate and can develop over days or weeks after the incident. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Common brain injury symptoms include:
- Cognitive impairments such as memory loss and decreased attention span
- Behavioral changes such as irritability and impulsivity
- Physical symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and impaired coordination
- Emotional disturbances, including depression and anxiety
Long-term effects can be even more severe, potentially leading to permanent disability that can affect every aspect of a victim's life, including their ability to work, maintain relationships, and manage daily activities.
For many families in San Antonio, these symptoms also create practical challenges that are easy to overlook at first. A person with a serious TBI may no longer be able to drive on area highways, keep up with a full-time job, or care for children without assistance. Loved ones often end up rearranging work schedules, modifying homes, or relying on specialized transportation just so daily life can continue. These hidden costs and lifestyle changes are part of what we consider when we evaluate the full impact of a brain injury and the compensation that may be needed for the future.
Treating Brain Injuries in San Antonio, TX
Immediate medical intervention and ongoing care are critical after a brain injury of any kind. Fortunately, San Antonio is home to some of the top medical facilities in Texas for brain injury treatment and rehabilitation. University Hospital, the city's only Level 1 trauma center, is equipped to handle the most severe TBIs, providing emergency neurosurgery and critical care. Military members and veterans may receive treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), a nationally recognized facility for neurotrauma and brain injury rehabilitation. UT Health San Antonio offers advanced neurosurgical care and partners with local rehab programs to help patients regain cognitive and physical function.
For long-term recovery, facilities like Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital provide occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. The cost of emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation for a brain injury can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over a survivor's lifetime, making it crucial to pursue full compensation.
How Our San Antonio Brain Injury Lawyers Can Help
Arnold & Itkin is committed to helping victims of brain injuries navigate the complex legal landscape that comes with seeking compensation for such profound losses. We stand by our clients every step of the way, starting with a comprehensive case evaluation and aggressively pursuing the best possible outcome.
Brain injury survivors may be entitled to compensation for:
We have an unmatched record of success representing catastrophically injured clients in Texas and nationwide, such as a $557 million verdict against Union Pacific on behalf of a young woman who was left with severe brain injuries after she was struck by a train. We also helped a young mother who was left with serious brain injuries after the ambulance that was transporting her collided into the back of a truck, securing a $117 million verdict on her behalf.
Other brain injury case results include $12.4 million for a worker hit by a UPS truck, $9.5 million for an injured oilfield worker, $8.2 million for an ATV accident survivor, $7.1 million for a worker injured at a construction site, and $6.25 million for a man injured in an explosion. There are countless others. We fight to win, because we know only the highest verdicts and settlements will give our clients what they need for their lifelong care.
Filing a Brain Injury Claim in San Antonio, TX
After a serious head injury, most families have never dealt with a legal claim before and are unsure where to begin. In Texas, there is generally a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit, so it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Acting quickly also makes it easier to secure evidence from the scene, request records from treating providers in Bexar County, and identify all parties who may be responsible for what happened.
Building a strong brain injury case typically requires detailed medical documentation, expert analysis, and a careful review of how the incident unfolded. Medical records from local facilities such as University Hospital or Brooke Army Medical Center can show the severity of the trauma and the treatment that has been required. At the same time, accident reports, workplace safety documentation, and witness statements help establish why the injury occurred and whether someone failed to follow the rules that protect the public. Putting this evidence together gives a clear picture of the harm done and the financial support that will be needed in the future.
Many people worry that filing a claim will mean going straight to court, but most brain injury matters begin with a thorough investigation and negotiation with insurance carriers. When you work with a firm that regularly tries cases in Bexar County courts, insurers know that low offers will not be accepted and that a jury can ultimately decide what is fair.
That leverage can make a real difference in the amount of compensation available for long-term care, lost income, and the daily challenges that a brain injury creates.
The Typical Timeline of a Brain Injury Lawsuit
One of the most common questions people have after a serious accident is how long their case will take. Every situation is different, but most brain injury cases in San Antonio follow a similar path, starting with an investigation and moving through negotiations and, if necessary, trial. Understanding this general timeline can help families make plans, manage expectations, and stay focused on recovery while the legal process moves forward.
The First Phase: Fact Gathering & Evaluation
The first phase usually involves fact-gathering and evaluation. During this time, records are collected from treating providers in and around San Antonio, such as trauma centers, neurologists, and rehabilitation clinics. Attorneys may consult with medical and economic experts to better understand how the injury will affect the person’s ability to work and live independently over the long term. Once this groundwork is complete, a formal claim or lawsuit can be filed in the appropriate Texas court, often the district courts serving Bexar County.
What Happens After a Lawsuit Is Filed
After a brain injury lawsuit is filed, the case enters discovery, when both sides exchange documents, take depositions, and develop their arguments. Settlement discussions can happen at any point. If the case does not resolve, it will be set for trial, where a judge and jury in San Antonio will hear the evidence and decide responsibility and damages.
Having a trial-ready team sends a clear message to defendants and insurers: the case will be fully presented if a fair resolution is not reached.
Addressing Common Concerns About Brain Injury Cases
Brain injury cases raise questions that other injury claims don't. Families are navigating medical uncertainty, financial pressure, and legal deadlines all at once. Here are some insights into the most common concerns we hear:
"I should wait until I know the full extent of the injury before calling a lawyer."
Waiting can hurt your case. Evidence disappears, witness memories fade, and insurance companies start building their defense immediately. You don't need a final diagnosis to speak with an attorney—in fact, early legal guidance helps protect critical evidence and prevents you from being pressured into a quick settlement before you understand what you're facing. A family member can reach out on your behalf if you're not able to. The sooner we're involved, the better.
"My loved one can't remember the accident. Does that mean we can't pursue a claim?"
Absolutely not. A legal claim can be brought on behalf of someone with a severe brain injury, even if they can't communicate or recall what happened. Depending on the situation, a spouse, parent, legal guardian, or other representative can act in their best interests. We rely on medical records, witness statements, accident reconstruction, and expert testimony to prove what occurred and demonstrate how the injury has changed your loved one's life. Their inability to speak for themselves makes strong legal representation even more critical.
"Insurance will cover this. I don't need to get attorneys involved."
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their job is to minimize what they pay out, and they're especially aggressive in brain injury cases because the stakes are so high. They may offer a settlement that sounds reasonable but doesn't account for future medical needs, lost earning capacity, or the long-term care your injury will require. Once you accept and sign a release, you might not be able to go back for more, even if the condition worsens. Having an attorney who understands the true value of a brain injury claim helps ensure you're not shortchanged.
"I'm still working, so I can't pursue a claim."
Many victims of serious accidents and injuries push through and continue working despite debilitating symptoms like headaches, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to light and noise, and fatigue. The fact that you're trying to maintain normalcy doesn't mean your injury isn't severe or compensable. In fact, struggling to perform a job you once did easily is powerful evidence of how the injury has affected you. If you're working fewer hours, relying on accommodations, or barely making it through the day, those are real damages that deserve compensation.
"I already gave a statement to the insurance adjuster. What can I possibly do now?"
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize your claim or get you to say something that hurts your case. Early recorded statements often happen before you understand the full extent of your injuries, and adjusters use friendly conversation to get you to downplay symptoms or accept partial blame. Anything you say can be used against you later. Even if you've given a statement without legal representation, an experienced attorney can often mitigate it and build a strong case despite early mistakes.
Contact Our San Antonio Brain Injury Lawyers Today: (888) 493-1629
Brain injury cases are complex, requiring a legal team that understands both local industries and the full long-term impact of TBIs. San Antonio’s brain injury cases often involve negligent trucking companies, construction contractors, or property owners—powerful defendants with teams of lawyers trying to minimize payouts. A law firm with Texas experience and a proven record in Bexar County courts can make a real difference.
Our team supports brain injury survivors in San Antonio through every stage of a case:
- Investigating the incident. We move fast and conduct an independent investigation and gather police reports, safety records, witness statements, and more to understand exactly what happened.
- Coordinating with medical professionals. We work with treating providers and trusted medical and healthcare experts to document the full extent of the traumatic brain injury and projected future needs.
- Calculating long-term losses. We evaluate lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, future care costs, and the impact on day-to-day life so the claim reflects the true scope of the harm and its continued impact.
- Negotiating with insurers. We handle all communication with insurance companies and defendants, pushing back against low offers, mischaracterizations of the injury, delays, and claims of preexisting conditions.
- Preparing for trial. We build every case as if it will be presented to a Bexar County jury, which helps us pursue the strongest possible result. This may also pressure defendants to settle, rather than face us in court.
Arnold & Itkin was founded in Texas and has secured record-breaking verdicts and settlements for catastrophic injury victims across the state. Our reputation as aggressive trial lawyers often forces insurance companies and corporations to settle for far more than they would with other firms. When everything is at stake, you need a team that knows San Antonio, knows the law, and will not back down—no matter what.
Contact our team at (888) 493-1629 today to find out how a San Antonio brain injury attorney can help.
