Galveston Personal Injury Lawyers

Types of Cases Our Galveston Personal Injury Lawyers Handle

Personal injury claims occur when another negligence causes injuries. Negligent parties can include employers, drivers, property owners, medical providers, and other entities. While personal injuries happen in different ways and have various manifestations, they all have one thing in common: someone should have prevented them from happening at all.

We’re ready to help after all types of accident cases, including the following:

We're a team that pays attention to details. We’ll open an investigation to ensure we seek the right compensation for past, current, and future losses. If you can’t return to work, we’ll fight for compensation for lost wages. If your case requires compensation for unique circumstances, we won’t hesitate to pursue it. We’ll do everything we can to fight for you.

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Galveston Wrongful Death Attorneys           

Securing Justice for Families After Fatal Accidents

Fatal accidents leave families grieving and facing an uphill battle for justice and financial recovery. At Arnold & Itkin, our Galveston wrongful death attorneys help these families navigate the aftermath, ensuring they receive answers and just compensation. We understand the impact of these losses and are committed to securing justice. Our firm has a proven track record of aggressively pursuing claims against entities whose negligence or misconduct has led to fatal incidents.

When representing families in wrongful death cases, our legal team meticulously works to recover a wide range of damages. These include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills incurred before the deceased’s passing, lost future income that the deceased would have provided, loss of companionship and emotional support, as well as compensation for the pain and suffering endured by the family members. In cases where the negligence was particularly egregious, we also pursue punitive damages to hold the responsible parties accountable and deter similar negligence in the future.

By providing compassionate, strong legal representation, we help families deal with the financial and emotional toll of their loss, enabling them to move forward. Our approach combines thorough investigation, expert testimonies, and robust litigation to build a compelling case. We remain committed to ensuring that each family receives personalized attention and the highest level of service as they cope with their loss. If you are facing the aftermath of a wrongful death, our Galveston wrongful death lawyers are here to offer the support and advocacy necessary to secure a just resolution.

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Galveston Maritime Lawyers

Representing Injured Seamen & Offshore Workers

The offshore industry is America's oldest industry. The basic precepts used to form maritime law still form the foundation of the law today, particularly the rule of maintenance and cure. In addition to the centuries-old principles of admiralty law, the United States has passed four laws that are foundational to offshore workers' rights:

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

Despite centuries of progressively better safety, offshore work is still some of the most dangerous work—but America's industries depend on these risks. From shipping vessels to offshore oil rigs, our workers do the high-stakes work that keeps our nation running. That's why our Galveston maritime attorneys fight to protect workers after they've been grievously injured. Companies owe workers a great debt, but none are willing to pay it unless someone makes them.

Common Galveston Offshore Injuries & Accidents

Vessel owners and supervisors have a duty to maintain safe working conditions. This responsibility is essential, not only for compliance with safety regulations but also to safeguard the lives of workers. When standard penalties and citations fail to enforce safety standards, accident survivors have the right to file claims, which serve as a strong deterrent.

Offshore workers face a variety of hazards that can lead to severe injuries, including:

These injuries are often catastrophic, leaving individuals with long-term or permanent disabilities that can end their careers and necessitate ongoing medical treatment. Catastrophic injuries impose not only physical and emotional pain but also financial burdens due to lost earning capacity and continuous medical expenses. Our Galveston catastrophic injury lawyers are dedicated to supporting workers who have suffered severe injuries. We aggressively pursue compensation covering all facets of their recovery—lost wages, medical bills, future treatment costs, and more—to ensure they can achieve the highest quality of life possible post-injury. If you or a loved one has been impacted by an offshore accident, our experienced legal team is here to help secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

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Galveston Jones Act Lawyers

What Is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a critical piece of legislation for maritime workers seeking compensation for injuries that occur aboard a vessel due to negligence. This federal law not only provides a pathway for injured seamen to recover damages but also extends the right to pursue a wrongful death action if a seaman dies due to work-related injuries or illnesses. 

Under the Jones Act, eligible workers can claim compensation for:

Unlike workers' compensation, which typically limits recovery to basic medical care and a portion of wage loss, the Jones Act allows for more comprehensive claims, potentially leading to higher settlements.

Maritime Workers' Rights Under the Jones Act

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

Claims of Unseaworthiness Under the Jones Act

The Jones Act protects offshore workers from negligence. Unseaworthiness is a common claim filed by maritime workers if a vessel is not deemed reasonably safe for the type of work required.

Many factors contribute to a ship’s seaworthy condition, including:

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Galveston Offshore Explosion Attorneys

Getting Answers After the Worst Offshore Accidents

Sometimes, offshore workers face the most destructive accidents possible: explosions. Oil rigs and other vessels deal with volatile substances that, if mishandled, can cause catastrophic explosions. Our Galveston oil rig explosion lawyers have been there countless times to help injured workers, and we're ready to help you do the same. 

In fact, we're the firm many of the crew members of the Deepwater Horizon turned to after the rig was part of one of the worst maritime disasters in United States history. We represented over one-third of the Deepwater Horizon crew after the deadly explosion that killed 11 people and injured 17. We refuse to let companies treat our clients wrong, and we never back down from a fight. Our Galveston explosion lawyers investigate complex offshore explosions, and we refuse to settle until we're convinced that the other side is taking responsibility for the suffering it could have prevented.

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Galveston LHWCA Attorneys

Understanding the Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act

The Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) protects employees who sustain injuries while working on navigable waters in the United States or in adjoining areas for loading, unloading, repairing, or building a vessel. This federal law offers broader compensation benefits than typical state workers' compensation systems, encompassing full coverage for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and disability support. It specifically targets maritime workers in roles such as harbor workers, shipbuilders, ship repairers, and longshoremen, ensuring they receive adequate compensation for workplace injuries, which might include holding negligent companies accountable. 

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Galveston Work Accident Attorneys

Fighting for the Victims of Workplace Injuries in Galveston, TX

Under the law, employees arrive at work each day with the right to be provided with a safe environment to do their job. However, some employers don't follow the safety standards that every worker in the nation is legally entitled to. 

As a result, corporate negligence puts workers' lives at risk every day.

Common locations for workplace accidents include:

Do I Need a Galveston Work Injury Lawyer?

For very minor on-the-job injuries, you may not need a lawyer. You may need to see a doctor once, which would be covered by workers’ compensation, and then return to work like normal. For serious work injuries, however, the process is not so simple. You could be dealing with the physical and emotional trauma that will lead to expensive medical bills, the need for ongoing treatment, and an inability to work. If you were seriously injured in a work accident or are having trouble getting the treatment and support you need, it’s time to involve a Galveston work injury law firm. You have rights, but they must be actively asserted to ensure you get what’s rightfully yours. At Arnold & Itkin, we’re here to help survivors and victims of factory accidents and all other work injuries in Galveston, all of Texas, and throughout the U.S.

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Galveston Industrial Accident Lawyers

Galveston, Texas: The Center of the Nation’s Energy Industry

As one of the largest U.S. ports, Galveston is a Gulf industry hub. Due to its proximity to Texas oil fields, the port is an essential step in the state’s energy production. Galveston and Texas City not only serve as a point of transportation for energy but also produce it. In fact, the Galveston Bay Refinery employs over 1,000 people, cementing the area as a central location for the nation’s energy production. Additionally, Galveston County hosts some of the country's largest refineries. However, these facilities have unfortunately been the sites of some of the most significant industrial accidents.

Oil refineries & chemical plant operators in Galveston County include the following:

• Texas City Chemical Plant (Eastman)
• 2 Texas City Chemical Plants (Dow)
• BP Texas City Oil Refinery (Marathon Oil)
• Texas City Refinery (Marathon Oil)
• Galveston Bay Refinery (Marathon Oil)
• Texas City Oil Refinery (Valero)
• Gas Manufacturing Plant (Praxair)

The Worst Galveston County Industrial Accidents

Galveston County has seen its fair share of industrial disasters. Plant accidents, ammonia explosions, and hundreds of workers' deaths punctuate the region's history through the 1900s. Below, we discuss the most infamous moments of Galveston's industrial history and how each incident might have gone differently under better leadership.

The Texas City Disaster (April 16, 1947)

Galveston was miles away from the worst industrial accident in U.S. history. 

On April 16, 1947, the residents of Galveston felt an explosion rock Texas City. Across the bay, residents could see plumes of smoke, fire, and the ruins of what used to be buildings. Texas City looked like a warzone.

That morning, a ship called the Grandcamp was being loaded with fertilizer comprised of ammonium nitrate. Used throughout World War II as an explosive, ammonium nitrate found a post-war use as a potent fertilizer. That morning, the Grandcamp was also loaded with a stockpile of government-owned ammunition. When a fire broke out in the ship's hull, the situation became dire. Most of the fire crew and workers did not know the actual danger hiding in the burning ship. To make things worse, the ship's captain prevented crews from using their hoses to put flames out to keep the cargo dry.

When the ammonium nitrate reached dangerous levels of heat, it violently exploded.  The ammunition in the ship’s belly combined with the ship's wood to create a giant grenade, sending pieces flying in every direction. The explosion leveled city blocks, crumpled cars, and could be felt miles away. Nearly 600 people were killed and over 5,000 were injured. Just across the water, Galveston witnessed one of the most unfortunate series of events in the history of industrial work.

The most tragic aspect of this incident was that it was preventable. 

The fire was believed to have been started by a worker’s cigarette. Though smoking was officially banned, the rules were not enforced. Adding to the tragedy was the ship’s captain, who prevented firefighters from doing their jobs. Had procedures been in place and laws followed, this accident would not have happened. 

The BP Texas City Plant Explosion (March 23, 2005)

In 2005, BP commissioned a consulting firm to inspect their Texas City refinery—a plant capable of producing 3% of the nation's daily fuel . What they found was troubling: thinning pipes, broken alarms, crumbling structures, and other signs of severe safety issues. The elements they found would play a part in one of the worst U.S. plant explosions in history.

"We have never seen a site where the notion 'I could die today' was so real." 
- BP Texas City Refinery report

Just two months later, operations at the refinery had resulted in volatile liquids flooding a stack designed to vent gas pressure. The stack was designed to hold some fluid and was equipped with two alarms to ensure the flooding never reached a certain level. However, the second alarm was broken, so the valve to empty the stack never opened. Instead of keeping the liquid underneath 10 feet, the stack flooded to over 138 feet, allowing the liquid to escape through the gas pressure vent. The result was a geyser of hydrocarbons flooding the area in the form of a flammable vapor.

Because someone left their truck idling 25 feet from the blower drum, the vapor ignited and killed 15 people in the immediate vicinity. The plant explosion was so powerful that windows were blown out three-quarters of a mile away. 

About 180 people were injured in the aftermath.

Protecting Victims of Catastrophic Galveston Factory Accidents

Factory workers may perform repetitive and highly physical labor, typically around heavy machinery and potentially hazardous substances. These make factories dangerous workplaces, particularly when employees are not adequately trained, safety standards are overlooked, or equipment is improperly maintained. Our Galveston factory accident lawyers are committed to helping workers of all levels who perform any job duties at factories, warehouses, manufacturing plants, and other industrial job sites. In short, Galveston companies do not always work in the best interest of their employees. 

Our mission is to advocate for those suffering because of this.

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Galveston Plant Explosion Lawyers

More Than $20 Billion Recovered for the Injured & Their Families

The survivors of plant explosions in Galveston deserve to be financially stable. When their careers or lives are cut short by a company's negligence, the company should pay for the costs. It's the right thing to do—but as Galveston plant explosion attorneys, we know that companies don't do the right thing unless you make them do the right thing.

Arnold & Itkin's plant explosion lawyers helps explosion survivors get the money they need to pay for medical care, replace their lost wages, supplement their lost earning capacity, and provide for their families. 

The Most Common Cause of Galveston Plant & Refinery Explosions

Major plant and refinery explosions, such as those at BP Texas City, Williams Olefins, Phillips, and West Fertilizer Company, starkly illustrate the deadly consequences of prioritizing profits over safety. These incidents, which have cost workers their lives and livelihoods, consistently stem from decisions to neglect essential safety measures in favor of financial gain. As Galveston plant accident attorneys, we recognize that negligence lies at the core of these tragedies. 

Many companies, pressured by the demand for production, often reduce maintenance efforts to save costs. This is especially risky as aging refineries and plants require increasingly frequent upkeep, not less, to ensure safety. The trend of cutting corners in plant operations poses significant risks, making rigorous safety enforcement and maintenance critical.

Burn Injuries Caused by Plant Explosions

It's not uncommon for plant explosions to be followed by fires that burn for hours, even days. With huge supplies of fuel and volatile chemicals located all over industrial work sites, plant fires can cause even more pain and damage to workers than the initial explosion. Burns cause a significant financial burden. When factory employees or plant workers are left with severe burns following a refinery explosion, Arnold & Itkin is the firm to call. Our Galveston burn injury lawyers help workers and their families get what they need to cover burn care, reconstructive surgery, and basic needs. Oil refineries, chemical plants, and other work sites with explosive chemicals ought to cover the high cost of burn injuries when their workers suffer accidents—when they don't, call us. Our firm wants to make sure they do right by you.

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About Galveston, TX

Galveston derives its name from Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Count of Gálvez, a Spanish military and political figure who lived from 1746 to 1786. Following Mexico's independence from Spain, the Port of Galveston was established in 1825. Serving as the temporary capital for the Republic of Texas shortly thereafter, by 1839, the city emerged as a thriving port of entry, experiencing significant growth. By the late 1800s, Galveston's population had grown to approximately 37,000.

Throughout history, Galveston has faced formidable challenges. In September 1900, a hurricane ravaged the city, claiming the lives of an estimated 6,000 to 8,000. Subsequently, a seawall was constructed to shield the island from future flooding, yet the reconstruction process spanned decades. In 1947, a devastating explosion at the Port of Texas City further stalled economic development in Galveston. Hurricane Carla struck in 1961, accompanied by an F4 tornado that resulted in the loss of eight lives. Then, in 2008, Hurricane Ike inflicted extensive damage to structures along the Galveston seawall.

Despite these adversities, Galveston has demonstrated resilience and has invested in tourism and shipping, with fruitful outcomes. As of 2021, the city's population had grown to approximately 53,219. Notable institutions include the University of Texas Medical Branch, Texas A&M University at Galveston, and Galveston College. Visitors and locals alike frequent attractions such as the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, the Galveston Railroad Museum, Moody Gardens, and the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum, a retired jack-up rig. Galveston also boasts six distinct historic districts featuring over 60 buildings and structures listed in and protected by the National Register of Historic Places. 

Galveston Links & Resources

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Call Our Galveston Injury Lawyers for Help: (888) 493-1629

Arnold & Itkin’s mission is to be the difference clients need at the negotiation table or in the courtroom. If a company refuses to settle for a fair amount, we'll fight to ensure they don’t get away with it. We never accept less than a client deserves because we know that every dollar goes toward rebuilding a life. When you call us, you’ll be connected to a team member for a free, confidential consultation. Importantly, we only work on contingency fees. In other words, we’ll take on 100% of the costs associated with your case, so you don’t have to worry about them. You’ll only pay us if we win your case! This is how we show you that we’re fighting for results instead of taking the other side’s first offer.

Call (888) 493-1629 to see how we can fight for you. A member of our Galveston injury firm is standing by to take your call for free!