Lubbock, TX Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys (2024)

After an Accident, You Deserve to Have the Best Attorneys in Your Corner

Have you been injured? Have you lost someone you love? Don’t face these complex cases on your own. By getting in touch with the nationally recognized Lubbock accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin, you can breathe easier knowing you’re putting a skilled advocate in your corner. Throughout the years, we’ve helped serious injury victims demand the justice that they deserve—and we have the track record of success to prove it: $20+ billion in verdicts and settlements.

If you are facing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, get the help you deserve. Call our team today at (888) 493-1629 for a free consultation.

Lubbock, TX Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys (1)

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Table of Contents

  • Work Accidents
  • Oilfield Accidents
  • Construction Accidents
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Train Accidents
  • Aviation Accidents

Lubbock Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

Our serious injury law firm has assisted with cases of all kinds—many of which involved catastrophic injuries. These are injuries that resulted in lifelong consequences, leaving the victims unable to work and often requiring around-the-clock care. Often, what makes these already impossible situations even worse is the responsible party’s refusal to do what’s right. Instead of stepping up to help the injured, they instead focus on ways to reduce their own liability.

Arnold & Itkin is here to level the playing field. We help after catastrophic injuries such as:

  • Amputation
  • Brain injury
  • Burn injury
  • Spine injury
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision loss
  • Paralysis
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Lubbock Wrongful Death Attorneys

Losing a loved one is one of the worst experiences a family could endure. When the death was caused by negligence, the pain might be worse knowing that their loved one's death could have been prevented. In the midst of this, families often suffer other hardships, like the loss of household income, medical expenses, funeral expenses, and emotional trauma. When someone is killed by the negligence of another, the victim's family deserves answers.

Our Lubbock wrongful death lawyers fight for grieving families, helping them get the money they need for basic needs, medical bills, and the future.

Wrongful Death Defined

A wrongful death occurs when a company or person exercises negligence that leads to the untimely death of another person. When someone is killed unexpectedly, they often leave people who depend on them for companionship, emotional support, and financial stability. Those suffering from the loss are entitled to compensation in certain instances.

Even if the at-fault person is already facing criminal charges, they may also face a civil suit from those their actions harmed. Wrongful death claims resemble personal injury claims. Just as with personal injury claims, wrongful death cases seek damages from neglect. However, these cases are filed by family members of the decedent.

Texas law specifically defines a wrongful death as caused by the “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default” that causes the death of another.

Texas law requires that claims be filed within two years of the day that the wrongful death occurred. Those seeking to file a wrongful death claim must be related to the person who was killed. These family members include spouses, children, parents, and grandparents of the deceased. In some instances, if no family members file a claim, the person in charge of the decedent’s estate may pursue a wrongful death case.

In Lubbock, Texas, family members of the deceased may be able to seek various damages for their loss:

  • Medical costs incurred by the decedent's fatal injuries prior to death
  • Funeral expenses
  • Lost wages and benefits the individual would have made if still alive
  • Services that the individual would have provided
  • Emotional suffering of family members
  • Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before their passing

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Lubbock Work Accident Lawyers

Any worker in any field may experience a work-related injury or illness. This is as true for an administrative assistant as it is for an industrial worker or a commercial farmer. While the risk is higher in certain fields, like offshore drilling or construction, the truth of the matter is this: all workers deserve the chance to rebuild their lives after sustaining serious on-the-job injuries. At Arnold & Itkin, we fight for injured workers and their families to make this chance a reality.

Our Lubbock work injury attorneys have taken on some of the most catastrophic industrial accident cases in the country, exposing employer wrongdoing and helping our clients recover the level of compensation that changes their lives for the better. When oil and gas companies, truck companies, insurance providers, and other large corporations try to sweep our clients’ cases under the rug, we take them to court. And win.

Our Lubbock work injury attorneys can handle workplace accident cases such as:

  • Industrial accidents
  • Mining injuries
  • Maritime injuries
  • Offshore accidents
  • Oilfield accidents
  • Chemical plant accidents
  • Refinery accidents
  • Fires and explosions
  • Assembly line injuries
  • Occupational diseases
  • Construction site accidents
  • Overexertion injuries
  • Exposure to chemicals
  • Truck accidents
  • Falls from heights
  • Boating accidents

No two work injuries are the same. That is why it is critical to choose the best attorney for your case—a legal professional who has the know-how and resources to investigate what caused your accident and who is responsible.

Steps to Take After a Lubbock Industrial Accident

Industrial accidents are a primary focus of our firm. Workers in factories, plants, warehouses, and refineries across the U.S. play an integral role in helping our economy flourish, but their safety is too often placed second to profits. Some employers overlook safety standards, delay turnarounds, or fail to replace aging equipment—at the expense of their workers. Our Lubbock industrial accident attorneys expose such practices and help injured workers find justice.

We recommend taking the following steps after an industrial accident:

  • Get medical attention. Your well-being comes first. If you were involved in an industrial accident, seek medical care as quickly as possible. There may be a company doctor you can see, but remember that you have the right to seek a second opinion and that you should not return to work until you have clearance from a medical professional you trust.
  • Report your injury. You have a responsibility to report any workplace or industrial injury to your employer, or your right to workers’ compensation or other benefits could be in jeopardy. Inform your manager or supervisor, in writing, and be sure to keep a copy of your report for your records.
  • Talk to an attorney. One of the best ways to protect your interests is to involve a Lubbock industrial injury lawyer. If your employer is denying responsibility, the insurance company is offering an unfairly low settlement, if you’re being pressured to return to work, or if anything is happening that you’re not comfortable with, an attorney can help.

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Lubbock Oilfield Accident Attorneys

Working on an oil rig pays well, even for entry-level positions like floorhands or roustabouts. Skilled workers can get higher-paying jobs as drillers and rig managers, but any of these positions can become dangerous when drilling contractors and oil and gas companies put production before safety. When oilfield accidents happen, workers and their families turn to Arnold & Itkin for powerful, proven counsel.

Our Lubbock oilfield accident firm has a reputation for standing up to companies for regular people who need help after serious accidents. We represent all types of oilfield workers, including:

  • Rig managers
  • Drillers
  • Derrickmen
  • Motormen
  • Roughnecks
  • Roustabouts

Oilfields in Lubbock, TX

Since the discovery of the Levelland field in 1945, the Lubbock area has been recognized as one of the major oil-producing regions in Texas. About 3.5 million barrels of oil were produced in Lubbock County in 2011 alone.

There are numerous oilfields in Lubbock County, including:

  • Lubbock Oil Field
  • Symer Oil Field
  • Standard Energy Services
  • Diamond B Energy Services
  • Texland Petroleum
  • Divine Energy Services, Inc.
  • Kendrick Oil Co
  • Clearfork Petroleum Inc.
  • Bergstein Enterprises, Ltd.

Lubbock Oilfield Explosion Attorneys Helping Injured Workers & Families

The volatility of extracting oil and gas from the ground is a well-known danger in oilfield work. However, this doesn't mean that companies shouldn't be held accountable after explosions. Every oilfield company has the responsibility to train workers, provide them with safety equipment, and ensure that work sites are safe and adequately maintained. Even the slightest lapse in any of these things can cause a serious explosion.

Our Lubbock oilfield explosion lawyers fight to make sure workers and their families don't have financial burdens so they can move forward after serious accidents.

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Lubbock Construction Accident Attorneys

Each day, construction workers walk into some of the most dangerous workplaces in America. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released data that reveals just how dangerous construction jobs are.

Construction workers make up 1 out of every 5 fatalities in private sector jobs.

Workers at a construction site face safety risks including heavy machinery, elevated heights, and hazardous materials. Though these things are necessary to have a functioning construction site, employers are legally obligated to mitigate workplace risks as much as possible. Any time a construction injury or death happens, it is a result of an employer's failure to provide a safe work environment. The Lubbock construction accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin have held some of the largest construction companies in Texas accountable for unsafe practices.

Common construction accidents include:

  • Slips and falls
  • Scaffolding accidents
  • Exposure to toxic substances
  • Accidents involving machines
  • Electric shock
  • Roofing collapse
  • Struck by falling tools or debris
  • Trench collapse

Recent Lubbock Construction Accidents

Lubbock is one of the largest cities in West Texas. With a population of about 250,000, the city is projected to have over 320,000 residents within the next few years. As more people decide to call Lubbock home, there will be more expansive construction projects. Without accountability, the growing city may be subject to construction accidents.

Recent construction accidents include the following:

  • In July 2017, a worker who was paving the Marsha Sharp Freeway died after falling into the path of a machine.
  • In October 2008, a construction worker was killed after a backhoe dropped a concrete block, crushing him.
  • In March 2004, a construction worker’s pipe crane fell into a ditch. Medical workers were unable to save his life.

Construction work is hazardous, but this is no excuse for accidents that leave workers seriously injured or killed. Every accident can be traced to a specific cause, and as Lubbock construction injury lawyers, our goal is to identify that cause so we can seek answers and accountability for survivors and families.

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Lubbock Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers

While motor vehicle accidents can sometimes be "fender benders"—resulting in sore necks and dented bumpers—they can also be catastrophic. When vehicles collide head-on, when they roll, or when a car strikes another on the side (a “T-bone”), for example, the damage can be long-lasting. Even life-threatening. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we’re here to help people throughout the Lubbock area who have had this happen to them.

We help with motor vehicle accident cases of all kinds, including the following:

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

Lubbock Car Accident Lawyers

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the monthly average of fatal crashes in Lubbock has increased since 2017. Additionally, Lubbock has a higher average of fatal car crashes than the state average. These accidents have a terrible effect on our neighbors and our community. Car accidents leave people with serious injuries, leading to significant medical costs and income loss. Serious or fatal car accidents can make a family financially insecure, leaving them without money for medical care, funeral expenses, or basic needs.

The first step in seeking compensation for your losses is to contact an attorney who can thoroughly investigate your accident to determine who should be held liable for the accident. An attorney will also be able to handle all communication with your insurance company to ensure they provide you with a fair payout on your claim. If a negligent party was at fault for your injuries, an attorney will also be able to file a lawsuit against them.

Lubbock Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

The freedom of riding on the road with two wheels is an aesthetic that lures many Lubbock residents to purchase a motorcycle of their own. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders experience a high rate of devastating accidents on the road. According to NHTSA data, there were 5,286 fatalities nationwide among motorcycle riders in 2016.

Though motorcycles only account for 3 percent of all registered vehicles, 14 percent of traffic deaths were motorcycle riders.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

After over 100 years of production, very little has changed regarding the general design of a motorcycle. The vehicles still (mostly) travel on two wheels, are powered by small engines, and are lightweight in comparison to other vehicles. Though effective, these qualities contribute to the risks motorcycle owners face. A motorcycle’s small design and lack of safety features make it a mismatched opponent for a larger vehicle in a collision.

Right Turn Accidents
Many accidents involving motorcycles are caused by someone making a right turn into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorists often only scan for other cars when deciding if a turn is safe to make. A motorcycle’s small size and speed often cause drivers to misjudge how much time they have to make a turn, causing a serious or fatal collision.

Blind Spots
Motorcycles are small and fit perfectly into a car’s blind spot. When a driver doesn't check their blind spot for motorcycles specifically, they might fail to see the rider in the next lane over. With a lack of awareness, there is a heightened risk of motorcycle riders getting sideswiped or pushed off the road by negligent drivers.

Lane Splitting
A motorcycle's size gives them the agility needed to quickly move between cars. However, inattentive drivers may not look for riders before changing lanes, causing a potentially devastating collision. As Lubbock’s population grows, so will its traffic. Without accountability, more bikes will be hit by inattentive drivers.

Highway Hazards
Highways across the nation are aging, accommodating an ever-increasing volume of traffic and becoming increasingly worn down. While potholes and bumps provide for a rough ride in four-wheeled vehicles, these hazards can be deadly to a motorcycle rider. Other hazards that pose a threat to motorcyclists include gravel, wet or icy weather, and roadkill.

Motorcycle Accident Fatalities in Lubbock, TX

According to the Lubbock Police Department, there are between 20 and 30 fatal accidents in Lubbock each year. When fatal car accidents spiked in January of 2018, a spokesperson for the police department mentioned that many fatal accidents in the Lubbock area involved motorcycles. In fact, the department revealed that of Lubbock’s 26 fatal accidents in 2017, 23 percent involved a motorcycle.

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Lubbock Truck Accident Attorneys

The latest truck accident statistics reveal that 1 in 10 vehicle fatalities involve trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Commercial vehicles comprise only 5 percent of the vehicles on the road, but their fatality rate is more than double that.

The Trucking Industry's Secret Problem

Most truck carriers pay their drivers by the mile. The Bureau of Labor Statistics keeps track of labor costs and reports that most companies pay between 28 and 40 cents per mile. These companies will train new drivers and convince them that if they simply drive "hard enough," they'll be able to make a good living. Never mind that much of trucking is unpaid hours—waiting in traffic, getting the rig inspected, driving a "flying canary" to pick up a new load, waiting for loading and unloading, and resting. Never mind that paying by the mile barely keeps drivers afloat, and on many days drivers will end up spending more than they make.

The hard reality of living on the road (a reality designed by the trucking industry) practically forces drivers to use dishonest methods of getting around federal regulations—especially hours of service. Trucking school instructors will (unofficially) imply that drivers need to keep two logbooks so that they always have a compliant record to show.

With the means of fooling federal regulations, drivers are "free" to drive for 15, 16, or 19-hour shifts, all to make ends meet. One driver was killed after a 34-hour marathon drive—a drive that would have only netted him $1,000 total. Thanks to trucking company practices of encouraging unsafe driving habits, thousands of big rig truckers are getting behind the wheel while exhausted. That has serious consequences for motorists all over Texas.

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

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Lubbock Train Accident Lawyers

Accidents involving railroads and trains are almost always destructive and devastating for victims and survivors. Whether you've been hurt because of a crossing accident or are suffering because of a derailment, our Lubbock train accident lawyers are ready to help you.

At Arnold & Itkin, we have a reputation for handling complex cases such as those involving train accidents. For example, our Lubbock railroad accident lawyers held Union Pacific accountable for failing to make a safe crossing. Our team fought to help a family receive the $10.9 million settlement that they deserved. When the other side wasn't being fair, we pressed harder to make sure our clients received the justice they needed.

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Lubbock Aviation Accident Attorneys

We provide powerful representation for individuals affected by catastrophic aviation accidents. Regardless of whether you were injured while on the job at the airport or as a passenger of an airplane, we can help you fight for full, fair compensation that will provide the security that you and your family deserve. In addition to commercial and private plane accidents, we also represent offshore workers who are injured in helicopter accidents that occur while being transported to and from oil rigs. No matter the circumstances surrounding your case, you can trust our legal team.

You can't rely on the insurance company, your employer, or any large corporation to treat you fairly after a serious injury. Put a powerful team of trial attorneys in your corner, and you'll have the best opportunity to get the care and support you deserve.

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About Lubbock, TX

Lubbock is the 11th most populous city in Texas and is the seat of Lubbock County. As of July 2021, the city had an estimated population of 260,993 residents. Nicknamed “Hub City,” Lubbock is known as a center of economy, education, and healthcare in the South Plains, which is an area encompassing the region south of the Texas Panhandle and north of the Permian Basin. The Lubbock area is the largest cotton-producing region in the world.

Named after Thomas S. Lubbock, a Texas Ranger, Lubbock County was established before the city. The county was founded in 1876, and a small town named Old Lubbock was settled soon thereafter. Old Lubbock merged with Monterey and became the county seat in 1891. The city was incorporated in 1909. It was the site of a Quaker Colony established by the Paris Cox family and began to grow steadily as stores opened and cattle ranchers saw Lubbock as an ideal site for their trade. Around the same time, the Santa Fe Railroad expanded through Lubbock, spurring even more growth.

The city’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, primarily cotton, and the top employers in the area are Texas Tech University, Covenant Health System, United Supermarkets, AT&T, and Lubbock Independent School District. Texas Tech University, which was established in 1923, is one of the largest in the state. The TTU System had a record 63,498 students in 2021. Its students and faculty play an important role in supporting the Lubbock economy.

Lubbock Resources & Links

Request a Free Consultation with Our Lubbock Injury Law Firm

You likely have a lot of questions surrounding your case if you or a loved one have been seriously injured. You deserve to have the best Lubbock injury lawyers on your side. We want you to know that we are here to help you through. If you’re unsure about where to turn or what to do next, get in touch with our law firm today. We offer completely free consultations where we can review your case, listen to your story, and provide insight into your different legal options.

Take the first step by calling (888) 493-1629 or filling out our online form. Your consultation is free!

Lubbock, TX Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys (2024)

FAQs

How much is a wrongful death lawsuit worth in Texas? ›

While we know there is no such thing as a “fair settlement” when it comes to a wrongful death claim, surviving family members should not be forced to bear the costs alone. In Texas, a typical wrongful death case might settle for around $500,000.

What are the damages recoverable for wrongful death in Texas? ›

Lost earning capacity (i.e., loss of household income) Lost care, maintenance, services, support, advice, and counsel the deceased would have provided his or her surviving family members. Mental and emotional anguish, pain, and suffering. Lost love, companionship, comfort, and society.

How long does it take for a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas? ›

Wrongful Death Settlements

A settlement can happen at any time. Some wrongful death lawsuits can take years, and other wrongful death claims can be settled in months. If a wrongful death suit is filed, a settlement may occur at some point before trial.

How do you prove wrongful death in Texas? ›

There are four elements that the plaintiff's wrongful death attorney must prove:
  1. A legal duty was owed. For instance, all drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles without being intoxicated.
  2. The legal duty was breached. ...
  3. The breach of duty caused an actual injury. ...
  4. There must be monetary damages that occur.

What is the average settlement for personal injury in Texas? ›

Texas Verdict Statistics

A Jury Verdict Research computed the average verdict in a personal injury lawsuit in Texas is $826,892. But Texas is a particular example of the differences between the median and average jury verdicts: the median award is just $12,281.

How are wrongful death settlements calculated? ›

Wrongful death settlements are valued based on several factors, including expenses accrued throughout the accident, lost wages and future earnings, and pain and suffering. These factors are unique to each case, meaning each must be valued individually.

What are pain and suffering damages for wrongful death? ›

New California Law Allows Pain and Suffering Damages to Survive Somebody's Death. In October 2021, California amended Code of Civil Procedure 377.34 which permits recovery of damages for pain and suffering, or disfigurement in survival actions.

What is an example of a wrongful death claim? ›

For example, if the owner and operator of a tractor-trailer, bus, motorcycle or car is negligent and it causes someone to die, this can give rise to a wrongful death case.

Are wrongful death settlements taxable in Texas? ›

Wrongful Death Lawsuits Are Overall Non-Taxable

After dealing with endless paperwork and bills, you can rest easy knowing that a majority of your settlement is not subject to taxation.

Who are the beneficiaries of wrongful death in Texas? ›

In a wrongful death claim in Texas, the beneficiaries are specifically the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. These immediate family members are uniquely positioned to suffer emotional and financial losses due to the untimely death of their loved one.

What is the discovery rule for wrongful death in Texas? ›

Under the discovery rule, if surviving family members do not immediately realize that the death of a family member was caused by someone else's negligence, recklessness or intent to harm, they will have two years from the date that they discover this fact (or reasonably should have discovered it through due diligence) ...

What is the SOL for wrongful death in Texas? ›

The Texas wrongful death statute of limitations is two years from the date the cause of action arises. If you want to try and recover compensation for the loss of a loved one, you have two years to file a wrongful death claim, usually starting the day of your family member's death.

What evidence should be admitted in a wrongful death suit? ›

It is important to have a comprehensive autopsy report as well as copies of any police reports that were generated in connection with the accident or investigation. These key pieces of evidence can support your claims in a wrongful death case.

What is the difference between wrongful death and negligence? ›

A wrongful death case is a type of lawsuit that a surviving family member or personal representative of a person who died can file. They can file if the decedent's death was due to the intentional act of another or the result of negligence. Negligence is defined as the breach of the duty of care.

Is there a cap on wrongful death in Texas? ›

We've been asked in the past if there is a cap on wrongful death settlements in Texas. Here's the answer. If your case is not related to medical malpractice, there is no cap on any damages in a wrongful death settlement.

What is the highest wrongful death settlement? ›

The highest wrongful death settlement was $160 million.

How are wrongful death proceeds divided in Texas? ›

The court will have full discretion over how to divide the proceeds of a wrongful death trial in Texas. Jurors typically give the most compensation to surviving spouses, followed by minor children and parents of deceased minor children.

Where does the money come from in a wrongful death lawsuit? ›

The liable party's insurance company is the entity that pays for a wrongful death lawsuit. If the liable party was uninsured, then they are personally responsible for paying any damages you receive.

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