San Antonio Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Every day innocent lives change dramatically due to catastrophic injuries from motor vehicle accidents, oil field accidents, and many other events. Victims and their families are left to pick up the pieces by paying for insurmountable medical bills, suffering physically, emotionally, and mentally, and trying to figure out how to function with impairments and disabilities. Reach out to a San Antonio Catastrophic injury lawyer.
Unfortunately, there’s no turning back to the clock and erasing what has happened. However, victims and their families can turn to a skilled and compassionate San Antonio, Catastrophic injury lawyer at the Wyatt Law Firm.
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The Wyatt Law Firm: A Passion for Justice
At the Wyatt Law Firm, our results speak for themselves. Our San Antonio Catastrophic injury lawyers have recovered over one billion dollars for our injured clients and their families. We can fight to get you the compensation you deserve as well.
Some of our successes include over the past 30 years of representing injured parties include:
- A $10,250,000 recovery for the wrongful death of a victim rear-ended at highway speeds by a large truck due to distracted driving. At the time of the crash, the victim’s car was at a complete stop due to construction. They suffered catastrophic injuries, which resulted in their death.
- A $6,100,000 recovery for two injured victims experienced a “blowout” on their oil field worksite. The blowout pushed one person off a platform, who fell 12 to 17 feet. The force blew another worker into a corner of the platform. The result was debilitating injuries for them both.
- A $4,215,000 recovery for hotel guests exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide that came from the hotel’s boiler into their room. The victims suffered permanent injuries.
- A $3,900,000 recovery for a victim working an oil field when a condensate tank caught fire and caused severe injuries.
- A $2,400,000 recovery for a victim suffering multiple injuries after a tractor-trailer made an improper turn in front of them.
- A $1,375,000 recovery for a victim on duty as a sheriff’s officer. He was violently rear-ended by a tractor-trailer while responding to another crash. The crash injured the left side of the head, causing neck and back pain.
At the Wyatt Law Firm, our ultimate goal is to get you the resources and medical care you deserve at this unexpected time of life. Recovering from your injuries is your priority. Obtaining justice on your behalf is ours.
Attorney Paula Wyatt, our firm’s founder, holds several professional recognitions, including:
- The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- The Top 100 American Trial Lawyers
- Inclusion in the list of Texas Super Lawyers
We take the time to get to know our clients and their families personally. We can show the court and the defendant(s) how your life was before your accident. We want them to see you as a person and not just another case number.
Standing up for injured individuals and their family members isn’t just a job for us. It’s a privilege and a passion that we won’t take for granted. You can see this reflected in the results we obtain for our clients. We pride ourselves on our devotion to our clients and being a part of the solution to the American consumer safety crisis.
Oilfield Accidents
Oil field workers have atypical jobs. They perform intense labor in hazardous environments. A single wrong move can result in an accident leading to severe injuries and even death. Many people know about the environmental impacts of these accidents, but they can cause catastrophic injuries to those on the job.
The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that these accidents account for more than 70 percent of fatal accidents within the entire mining industry (under which BLS categorizes oil and gas workers). Furthermore, the fatality rate for the oil and gas industry is more than seven times higher than the national average, at more than 24 fatalities per 100,000 workers every year. Those who survive often suffer life-changing catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries (SCI), severe burns, and amputations.
Common causes of oil field work accidents and injuries include:
- Slip, trips, and falls
- Falling equipment
- Equipment malfunctions
- Failing to check equipment levels
- Negligence of shutdown procedures
- Poor training procedures
- Ignoring industry regulations
- Poorly maintained worksites
- Hazardous chemicals and fumes
- Explosions and fires
- Working in confined spaces
- Being “struck by,” “caught in,” or “trapped between” machinery
- Oil and gas truck accidents
- Inclement-weather events
- Deck and scaffolding collapse
Sadly, many of these accidents and the injuries that follow are preventable if it weren’t for the negligence of another party. Our firm proudly handles personal injury claims from these types of accidents. While workers’ comp claims address the incident and don’t blame the employer or employee for the accident, you can still file personal injury claims against other parties. Perhaps a piece of machinery malfunctioned due to a manufacturer’s defect. We can pursue a personal injury claim against the manufacturer on your behalf. Likewise, if a contracted worker did something to contribute to your accident, we can pursue a claim against them.
Dangers in San Antonio
San Antonio is a bustling city filled with both residents and many tourists, which means increased traffic and an increased potential for traffic accidents.
The most dangerous areas in San Antonio when it comes to motor vehicle accidents are:
- Braun Road and Loop 1604
- Bandera Road and Loop 1604
- Culebra Road and Loop 1604
- I-10 and Loop 1604
- Ingram Road and Loop 410
- Rigsby Avenue and Loop 410
- Highway 281 and Stone Oak Parkway
- Loop 1604 and San Pedro Ave
- Loop 410 and San Pedro Avenue
- Fredericksburg Road and Wurzbach Road
- Loop 410 at Rigsby Ave
- Culebra Road and Loop 410
- Huebner Road and I-10
- Loop 410 and Marbach Road
- Loop 410 and West Ave
- Wetmore Road and Wurzbach Parkway
- West Military Drive and Highway 90
- Lockhill Selma Road and Loop 1604
- Potranco Road and Loop 1604
- Loop 1604 and Highway 281
- Highway 151 and Loop 410
- Alamo Ranch Parkway and Westwood Loop
- State Highway 151 and West Military Drive
- I-35 and Walzem Road
- Loop 410 and Old Seguin Road
As the seventh-largest city in the country with a population of over 1.5 million that continues growing, an increasing number of drivers travel in San Antonio. More drivers lead to more vehicles on the roads, and more vehicles lead to a greater risk of being involved in an accident. Also contributing to this city’s accident rates are the 37 million tourists that visit each year.
Residents and visitors alike can suffer catastrophic injuries nearly anywhere in this metropolitan area. For example, injuries can occur at the park, the grocery store, at work, in schools, and recreation centers. Visitors may suffer injuries at resorts and hotels, The Alamo, Sea World, the Riverwalk, and even sidewalks.
What Are Catastrophic Injuries?
People typically define a catastrophic injury as an injury that happens suddenly with no warning and causes significant life changes and long-term consequences. Paralysis may be the first catastrophic injury that comes to mind, but there are many others.
Other examples include:
- Birth Injury
- Eye injury
- Facial injury
- Loss of hearing or sight
- Amputation
- Crush injury
- Nerve damage
- Neurological damage
- Spinal cord injury
- Brain injury
Catastrophic injuries can result from almost any type of accident, including:
- Slip and falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Scooter or bicycle accidents
- Defective products
- Violent crime
- On-the-job accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Construction accidents
Suppose you or a family member has suffered a catastrophic injury. In that case, you need a settlement or court award that will pay your current and future medical bills and your pain and suffering. Since catastrophic injuries typically lead to life-long changes and adjustments, requiring intense or frequent medical care, you need to ensure you have enough money to pay your medical bills. You also deserve monetary recovery that represents what you have gone through mentally and emotionally and the lifestyle changes you’ve had to make.
The Texas Statute of Limitations
When it comes to personal injury claims, Texas has a two-year statute of limitations. This means that you only have two years from the date you sustained your injuries to file a legal case. If you don’t file within that deadline, you give up your right to use the legal system to receive compensation. Two years may seem like a short time. However, your San Antonio Catastrophic injury attorney needs time to work on your case and attempt to negotiate a settlement.
Because of this short statute of limitations and for many other reasons, it’s in your best interests to contact us as soon as possible after your accident.
FAQ
How Do You Know If You Can File a Personal Injury Claim for Your Oil Field Accident?
If you were working at the time of your accident, you need to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer. However, suppose an outside party such as an equipment manufacturer or a contract worker contributed to the cause of your accident. In that case, you may have a third-party personal injury claim.
At the Wyatt Law Firm, we don’t handle workers’ comp claims, but we can refer you to trustworthy attorneys who do. We do handle third-party claims arising from work accidents. The best way to find out if you have this type of claim is to call us and schedule a confidential consultation. Our experienced San Antonio Catastrophic injury attorneys will assess your situation and help you with the next appropriate steps.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Associated With Oil Field Accidents?
Injuries workers sustain in an oil field accident range from minor to catastrophic and even deadly. Common injuries workers suffer in oil field accidents include hearing or vision loss, eye injuries or loss, neck, shoulder, and back injuries, broken or crushed bones, amputations, severe burns, concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries (SCI), paralysis, and scarring and disfigurement. You deserve compensation for your injuries, and we are here to pursue it on your behalf.
How Long Will Your Case Take?
Each case contains unique details and complexities. Most cases settle out of court instead of going to trial. Settlements can take a few months or even around a year. If your case goes to court, it can take a year or even two to resolve. Many factors determine how long a case will take and if it goes to court or not. While it’s impossible to predict precisely how long your case might take, our San Antonio Catastrophic injury lawyers will keep you updated every step of the way.
How Do You Know Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?
Determining liability in any injury accident can take a long time and involve complex processes. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out. When you hire our San Antonio Catastrophic injury attorneys, we perform a comprehensive investigation to determine many things, including what parties contributed to your accident. If you want to know who caused your injuries and seek financial recovery, contact us today.
Injured in an Accident? Speak to an Experienced San Antonio Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today
Whether you were working in an oil field, touring the city on a bus, shopping at the mall, or simply driving your car to work, you didn’t deserve your injuries. We can’t turn back the clock, but we can work tirelessly to obtain justice on your behalf. By getting to know you personally and showing the at-fault parties and the court how your injuries have altered your life, we fight for you and your family.
Don’t risk your case to just anyone or settle with an insurance company before consulting with a seasoned San Antonio catastrophic injury lawyer from the Wyatt Law Firm. We offer free consultations and a no recovery, no fee guarantee. Contact us at (210) 340-5550 or online today. We have a passion for justice and will do everything we can to obtain it for you.
Don't Let An Insurance Company Determine Your Future
Many injured accident victims and grieving families have sadly lost control over their lives. They compound their problems by accepting lowball settlements from insurance companies. As major corporate entities, insurance companies have seemingly endless access to investigative resources and experts. They will be making every attempt possible to assign blame or fault to you — the innocent victim. Do not assume that insurance companies have your interests at heart. Come to a law firm that is committed to its clients.
At Wyatt Law Firm, we stand up for seriously injured people. We aggressively seek maximum compensation for all compensable losses. Our firm devotes all the time, energy, resources, and manpower necessary to bring about a full and just resolution.
We Speak For Those Who Can't
The catastrophic injury lawyers at Wyatt Law Firm have represented many individuals from all walks of life. From oil field workers to small children, we have had the privilege of speaking on behalf of victims who could not speak for themselves. Pursuing justice is our passion, and helping our clients achieve their own versions of justice are often the moments that give us the greatest sense of accomplishment.
As proof of our client-centered philosophy, our founding attorney Paula Wyatt has earned an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which is among the most prestigious and highest rankings attainable in the legal profession. Additionally, she is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for securing numerous large recoveries exceeding $1 million.
You Won't Pay Us A Dime Unless We Win!
Keeping your best interests in mind, we accept all personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients do not have to worry about additional out-of-pocket expenses to cover legal representation. You won't have to pay us a dime unless we win your case. We are ready to help you, and we won't leave your side at any time. Reach out to a San Antonio personal injury lawyer.
To learn more about how our award-winning legal team can help you, please call our offices to schedule your confidential and completely free case evaluation.
We aggressively seek results for people throughout Texas and the nation, including the cities of San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Laredo and Corpus Christi.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.
Client Testimonial
Excellent knowledge from all staff aspects. Paula knows how to work in her clients corner and she brings so much experience and energy to make sure her clients are treated fair. She helped fight with Tricare on my husbands behalf and she will not stop fighting until the client is happy. My husband won his case with her and her staff. I highly recommend if you need someone to listen and go fight for you let this Lady do the work. Gabby is a great asset and kept my husband very informed during the whole process. They deserve more than 5 stars.