Corpus Christi Personal Injury Attorneys

Proven Personal Injury Lawyers in Corpus Christi, TX

After a serious accident, you need to find a firm you can trust. You may be in a situation where you are overwhelmed with medical bills, dealing with profound pain and suffering, and feel that you have nowhere to turn. 

You need a powerful ally to protect your rights and interests. You need Arnold & Itkin.

When you call our Corpus Christi office about your personal injury case, you can expect:

• A free, confidential consultation
• Clear answers to your most pressing questions
• Insight into your options and rights at this critical juncture
• Caring guidance from a team that treats clients like family

We have proven results representing people who have found themselves in the worst situations, holding at-fault parties accountable for negligence and wrongdoing. We have set and broken records nationwide, time and again, for the personal injury verdicts and settlements we've won for our clients. You can count on our firm to help you.

Corpus Christi Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

We Refuse to Back Down Until Our Clients Get the Results They Deserve

Catastrophic injuries are those that affect an individual's mobility and cognitive abilities. They change the course of a person's life. At Arnold & Itkin, our Corpus Christi catastrophic injury attorneys have helped hundreds recover the compensation they deserve after suffering  severe injuries. Compensation may not fix what happened, but it can help support your treatment and recovery. This is why we work tirelessly to deliver the best possible result in every case.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are often accompanies by a significant amount of medical care. In most cases, victims of catastrophic injuries require lifelong treatments that can be costly. For example, victims who suffered an amputation or paralysis may have to pay for a prosthesis and other equipment to accommodate their injuries.

Different types of catastrophic injuries include the following:

Amputation Injuries

An amputation is the partial or complete removal of a body part, either in an accident or for medical purposes. This injury can involve the removal of a toe, foot, finger, hand, arm, leg, or any other external body part.

Losing a limb is mentally and physically traumatic, causing issues such as:

In addition, amputees face about $30,000 in medical bills. When including the cost of prosthetics and lifetime treatment, an amputation patient can have expenses over $400,000, without additional costs such as lost wages.

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries result from a sudden jolt or blow to the head. While some brain injuries are minor, others are severe enough to alter a person's future completely. These common causes can almost always be traced back to negligence. If your loved one's TBI was the result of another person's reckless behavior, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.

There are many types of brain injury, and symptoms may vary from individual to individual. However, some common symptoms of TBI can include:

Burn Injuries

Whether a burn is caused by electric shock, heat contact, or chemical exposure, survivors likely have an uphill battle. When they're severe enough, burn injuries require extensive, expensive, and difficult treatment. 

The last thing anyone should worry about during a difficult time is money.

Many people know there are multiple degrees of burns. However, they don't always know the basics. Knowing how to identify types of burns can help a person understand their injury.

• First-degree burns mean only the first layer of skin has been injured. While they can be painful, these burns often only need minimal treatment, including wound cleaning and bandaging.
• Second-degree burns are like first-degree burns, except they extend beyond the first layer of skin. A second-degree burn can be severe enough to require medical attention.
• Third-degree and fourth-degree burns extend past a person's skin, causing damage to muscles and bones. They always require immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include charring; white or brown coloration; smooth, waxy appearance of skin; and a conspicuous lack of blisters.

Multiple sources can cause someone to sustain a burn.

• Thermal Burns: When the skin's surface comes into contact with something hot, such as steam.
• Chemical Burns: When a volatile substance touches a person's skin. 
• Flash Burns: When the victim is near an intense heat source, such as an explosion.

Inhalation Injuries

When a person is seriously burned, they often have other injuries to worry about. Since burns involve smoke, chemical fumes, and other harmful substances, victims can also sustain inhalation injuries.

A person with inhalation injuries might experience:

Just as with burn injuries, inhalation injuries can happen in multiple ways:

• Heat inhalation occurs when a person breathes hot air near intense fires. This type of inhalation injury damages the airways and can burn the interior of the lungs.
• When a fire burns dangerous substances, it can release systemic toxins, which can cause people to lose consciousness, become confused, and develop long-term illnesses.
• About 60 to 80% of fatalities among burn victims are caused by smoke inhalation.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Most spinal cord injuries result from physical trauma that causes tiny fractures or compressions in the vertebrae, displacing bones and damaging axons—the nerve cell extensions responsible for transmitting signals between the spine, brain, and rest of the body. Depending on the site and severity of the injury, symptoms vary. Injuries to the cervical area can lead to paralysis below the neck, whereas damage in the mid-back might affect only the lower half of the body. Some injuries, known as incomplete, may not eliminate movement but can severely impair motor control and other functions.

Spinal cord injuries can cause things such as:

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Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Lawyers

Our Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Law Firm Fights for Answers

If someone's negligence caused a loved one's death, the grieving process is burdened with the knowledge that your loved one's death was preventable. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 80,000 deaths were caused by negligence in 2015. If you lost a loved one because of someone else's carelessness, you are entitled to seek compensation for your loss. We know that monetary compensation won't remove your pain, nor will it bring back your loved one. However, it can help you recover some of what your family has lost and give you a better future.

Throughout the years, the Corpus Christi wrongful death lawyers at Arnold & Itkin has won over $20 billion for the injured and grieving, including hundreds of results worth $1 million or more. Our team has been responsible for getting justice for families in some of the nation's most tragic accidents, including the sinking of the El Faro, and the Deepwater Horizon explosion. Our work helps people pay for medical care, provide for their children, and build better lives for themselves.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death occurs when a person or company accidentally or inadvertently causes the death of another. The person responsible can be held liable in civil court. Filing a wrongful death claim allows family members to seek compensation for the loss, including everything from the cost of funeral expenses to the impact of losing a parent. Even if an at-fault individual has already been held responsible in criminal court, families can file a wrongful death claim.

Can I File a Corpus Christi Wrongful Death Claim?

The eligibility of who can file a claim differs in every state. However, most states allow close family members to present a wrongful death claim. If a wrongful death claim was filed on behalf of a spouse or child, no one else can file a claim.

The eligible beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim in Texas include:

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

What Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?

After losing a loved one, families face an extremely challenging situation. Not only are they grieving the loss of a loved one, but they have to deal with the financial ramifications. In many wrongful death cases, the decedent is also the breadwinner, so their death leaves loved ones with an unstable financial future.

Most cases have the right to seek compensation for three types of damages:

• Economic Damages: Families often have extensive funeral and medical bills related to the death of a loved one. They can also seek compensation for the deceased's future earnings and benefits.
• Non-Economic Damages: Families deserve compensation for their pain, suffering, and mental anguish. Non-economic damages also include loss of consortium.
• Punitive Damages: The court may levy additional penalties in wrongful death cases.

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Corpus Christi Maritime Lawyers

Our South Texas Offshore Injury Firm Demands Answers

It’s taken centuries for maritime law to develop. For years, offshore workers didn’t enjoy the same protections as onshore counterparts. Yet, as time passed, this began to change. Today, maritime workers are protected by several laws and can pursue fair compensation not afforded to their predecessors. At Arnold & Itkin, it’s the mission of our Corpus Christi maritime lawyers to make sure these laws are used as much as possible for the benefit of injured offshore workers.

The following acts are foundational to maritime law:

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

You shouldn’t expect your company to do the right thing when you're injured in an offshore accident. Too often, they fail to do what’s right for workers. Instead, turn to the Corpus Christi offshore injury lawyers at Arnold & Itkin. 

Corpus Christi: A Hub for Offshore Workers

Thanks to Corpus Christi Bay, Corpus Christi is a hub for offshore workers. The energy companies headquartered in the city and nearby areas such as Houston, Galveston, and other port cities add to the offshore economy. Unfortunately, while offshore work is important, it is also one of the most demanding, dangerous jobs available. Offshore work presents significant economic opportunities, but it can be dangerous for the men and women who take advantage of them.

How Our Corpus Christi Maritime Law Firm Can Help

Offshore companies have access to more safety technology than ever, but workers are asked to do riskier work. Many of these companies are willing to bear the cost of fines (which are relatively small and rare) rather than spend money fixing outdated equipment or complying with new safety guidelines. More to the point, offshore companies are not spending the money to keep their employees safe. Our Corpus Christi maritime attorneys know that the best way to make companies behave is to hold them accountable for poor safety practices. When injured workers file claims against manufacturers, owners, or employers, they help change the equation—forcing companies to pay for safety rather than another verdict or settlement. As a result, injured seamen and crew get the money they need to move forward.

Our Corpus Christi maritime lawyers have represented clients who were injured in:

What Is the Jones Act?

Maritime law is one of the oldest legal codes. These rules can be traced back to the Greeks in 900 B.C. In the U.S., one of the most essential elements of maritime laws is the Jones Act. Officially named the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act statute governs maritime commerce transported between U.S. ports and includes general regulations for maritime employers and vessel operators. Since the nature of maritime work is unique and often involves far more danger, the Jones Act provides specific protections to offshore workers, ensuring they are justly compensated.

Jones Act claims allow workers to recover for the following:

What Are My Rights Under the Jones Act?

The Jones Act allows seamen to seek compensation after suffering an injury aboard a vessel due to the vessel owner, operator, or another employee’s negligence. A seaman’s rights under the Jones Act include:

• The right to a reasonably safe work environment.
• The right to make a claim if injured because of negligence.
• The right to maintenance and cure related to the injury or illness.
• The right to additional compensation if the vessel is deemed unseaworthy.
• The right to punitive damages if an employer refuses maintenance and cure.

Unseaworthiness Claims Under the Jones Act

In some cases, injured offshore workers can file a unseaworthiness claim because the shipowner failed to fulfill their legal obligation to provide a seaworthy vessel. An offshore vessel can be considered unseaworthy due to the following:

• Inadequate number of crew members or workers
• Improperly stowed cargo
• Lack of appropriate safety guards or rails
• Lack of fire extinguishers and mandatory fire suppression equipment
• Lack of proper elevators or hoists
• Lack of sufficient food or unsafe living conditions
• Untrained crew or captain

The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

Longshoremen and harbor workers use heavy, complex machinery to handle large loads from overseas in ports and harbors. They work in an environment where they could suffer serious injuries or come into contact with harmful chemicals. Due to their unique working conditions, various laws protect longshoremen’s rights and allow them to make claims if they suffer an injury on the job. One of those laws is the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.

The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act is a federal law that grants workers’ compensation for wounded employees who work in the areas used for loading, unloading, crafting, and repairing sea vessels. The LHWCA also protects workers on navigable waters within the US. The act ensures employees are appropriately compensated.

The LHWCA covers various offshore and maritime occupations, including:

• Longshore workers and operators
• Harbor workers
• Shipbuilders
• Ship repairmen
• Shipbreakers

The LHWCA covers employees who are injured in a location outlined above. A non-traditional employee may be covered under the LHWCA if injured on navigable waters. If you are covered under the Jones Act, the LHWCA won’t apply.

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Corpus Christi Boat Accident Attorneys

Our South Texas Boating Accident Lawyers Serve Clients Nationwide

Boating is a popular pastime and is heavily utilized in the maritime industry. However, popularity doesn’t mean the activity suits inexperienced operators; boating is as dangerous and potentially fatal as driving a car. Every year, hundreds experience boat accidents that cause catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a boat accident, or if a fatal boat accident occurred, you should contact our Corpus Christi boat accident attorneys.

What Is the Number One Cause of Corpus Christi Vessel Crashes?

Because they have more open space, boaters tend to be more relaxed than the average driver. With nothing but sparsely populated water, even experienced boaters let their guard down. However, a boat has no brakes, making it difficult to maneuver in an emergency. This is why operator inattention is the number one cause of boating accidents.

Other common causes of boating accidents include:

• Boating Under the Influence: Many people enjoy boat rides for recreational purposes involving alcohol. Unfortunately, boating while drinking is just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
• Different Functioning of Boat Operation: Conducting a boat can be challenging without a braking system. If a boat needs to stop to avoid a collision, there is no way to do this.
• Lack of Experience: Too often, boaters do not have the proper licensing or experience to conduct a boat and cannot adapt to changing conditions, which can cause serious accidents.
• Severe & Hazardous Weather: Heavy rain, wind, and other weather can make a boat difficult to navigate. Lightning can also turn situations deadly, leaving the boat vulnerable.

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Corpus Christi Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle Crash Lawyers in Corpus Christi Who Never Back Down

Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in 2016. The NHTSA also discovered motorcyclist crash fatalities occurred nearly 28 times more often than car crash fatalities. Motorcycles are fast and small—making it easy for another driver not to see a motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are frequently severe because motorcycles lack the protection of a car. This means motorcyclists are more likely to suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur for various reasons, but negligent drivers are significant contributors. Motorcyclists know how to avoid hazards on the road, but drivers aren’t trained to look out in the same way as their smaller counterparts.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Negligent Drivers: When drivers fail to obey traffic laws or drive distracted, it increases the odds of causing a collision. Even a minor distraction can lead to a significant accident.
• Driver Blind Spots: Drivers must be aware of blind spots. If drivers fail to take this extra precaution on the road, especially when changing lanes, it is easier not to see a motorcycle.
• Dangerous Roadways: Poorly maintained roadways can also cause motorcycle accidents. Hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, and roads with little visibility are severe problems for motorcyclists. 
• Defective Parts: Some motorcycle parts may be defective in design or manufacturing. Faulty parts can cause motorcycles to “wobble” at high speeds or fail. Other motorcycles do not have anti-lock braking systems (ABS).

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Corpus Christi Bus Accident Lawyers

The Dangers of Public Transportation & Bus Accidents

Per the U.S. Department of Transportation, bus accidents result in 11,000 to 15,000 yearly injuries. Although injuries range in severity, the NHTSA reported that an average of 300 fatalities occur every year in bus accidents. Those injuries are unjust because nearly every factor contributing to a bus accident can be prevented by proper safety procedures.

Various things can cause bus accidents, such as:

2007 Atlanta Bus Crash Highlights Bus Safety Issues

In March 2012, the Senate approved bus safety legislation that tightened the requirements for bus drivers and bus companies. The bill was approved after a fatal 2007 Atlanta bus crash where the driver accidentally drove the vehicle onto an exit ramp and crashed through a barrier wall—causing the bus to fall onto the highway underneath. The NTSB’s investigation discovered driver error and poor traffic signals were the leading causes. The 2012 bill required new bus designs to include seat belts and stronger seating systems to reduce injuries in the event of an accident.

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About Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, the seat of Nueces County, is a coastal city in South Texas, with a population of 317,853 as of 2020. Named by Spanish explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda in 1519, the city spans 460.2 square miles, primarily comprised of water. Its humid subtropical climate features hot summers and mild winters, with an elevation of just 7 feet above sea level. Incorporated in September 1852, Corpus Christi played a notable role in the American Civil War, hosting the Battle of Corpus Christi. The Port of Corpus Christi, operational since 1926, stretches 36 miles and is 47 feet deep, ranking as the nation's fifth-largest port and a vital center for domestic and international commerce. Additionally, Corpus Christi is served by the Corpus Christi International Airport, enhancing its connectivity and economic significance.

Visitors to the Corpus Christi area, as well as residents, often visit the USS Lexington Museum and the Texas State Aquarium at North Beach or go downtown to check out the city’s many museums, or see historic homes at Heritage Park. The wildlife, particularly birds, is another main attraction in Corpus Christi. The South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center and Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge are prime spots for migratory and coastal species. Several famous movies and television shows were also filmed in Corpus Christi, including Pearl Harbor, Knight Rider 2000, and Selena.

Corpus Christi Resources

Call Our Corpus Christi Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

At Arnold & Itkin, we represent those affected by catastrophic accidents, including individuals who have been personally injured, as well as families who lost loved ones. In each case, we are committed to providing the counsel our clients deserve, navigating them through trying cases to guide toward a just resolution. From cases involving maritime law to those involving train accidents, you can trust our trial attorneys to be there to fight for you. If you want to learn more about how we can help, call us now. We offer 100% free consultations and can travel to you if you can't come to us.

No one deserves to have their life changed because of negligence. We're ready to demand the answers you need, no matter how tough the fight. Call us now at (888) 493-1629.