When catastrophic injury strikes, life changes forever. Whether it’s a traumatic brain injury from a crash on I-2, paralysis after a fall at a construction site near McAllen’s South Ware Road, or severe burns from an oilfield explosion, these injuries cause permanent, often devastating consequences. You’re no longer just recovering—you’re adapting to an entirely new way of life.
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, our McAllen catastrophic injury lawyers advocate for victims whose lives have been shattered by negligence. We understand the stakes and don’t back down. Our team fights to recover the full value of your losses—medical, financial, and emotional—so you can focus on building a new future.
In Texas law, a catastrophic injury is one that causes long-term or permanent impairment. These injuries typically affect major bodily systems or functions, preventing the individual from resuming their previous lifestyle, employment, or independence.
| Type of Injury | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Memory loss, impaired speech, cognitive disabilities |
| Spinal Cord Injury | Paraplegia or quadriplegia, loss of bowel/bladder control |
| Amputations | Loss of mobility, need for prosthetics, long-term rehab |
| Severe Burns | Disfigurement, nerve damage, infection risk |
| Organ Damage | Dialysis, transplant needs, permanent internal dysfunction |
| Loss of Vision/Hearing | Total lifestyle changes, dependency on assistive technology |
| Birth Injuries | Cerebral palsy, developmental delays, long-term care needs |
McAllen’s growth, location, and industries make certain types of catastrophic injuries more likely. From heavy traffic on Expressway 83 to agricultural and oil-related jobs across Hidalgo County, serious incidents can happen in seconds—but the consequences last a lifetime.
| Cause | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Accidents | High-speed wrecks on I-2, US-281, and FM roads |
| Commercial Truck Crashes | Heavy-load trucks causing severe trauma in collisions |
| Workplace Accidents | Falls, machinery accidents, electrocution in farming and industrial sectors |
| Oilfield and Refinery Incidents | Explosions, chemical exposure, crush injuries |
| Dangerous Property Conditions | Inadequate lighting, lack of handrails, broken stairs |
| Medical Malpractice | Surgical errors, birth injuries, delayed diagnoses |
| Defective Products | Unsafe medical devices, machinery, auto parts |
| Violent Crime | Assault, gunshot wounds, and related physical trauma |
A catastrophic injury is not just a medical crisis—it’s a financial catastrophe. The costs of care, adaptation, and lost earning potential can stretch into millions of dollars. Insurance companies often try to minimize this reality.
| Injury Type | Estimated Lifetime Cost |
|---|---|
| Quadriplegia (SCI) | $3 million – $5 million+ |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | $2 million – $4 million+ |
| Amputation | $500,000 – $1 million+ |
| Severe Burns | $750,000 – $1.8 million+ |
| Birth Injuries (e.g., HIE) | $3 million – $10 million (for child care needs) |
These figures include not just emergency care, but also:
Ongoing physical therapy
In-home caregivers or nurses
Medical equipment (wheelchairs, feeding tubes, prosthetics)
Mental health counseling
Career retraining (if possible)
Modifications to your home or vehicle
Texas law allows catastrophic injury victims to seek economic, non-economic, and in some cases, punitive damages.
These are tangible financial losses like:
Hospital and emergency room costs
Surgeries, medication, and therapies
Lost wages and future earning potential
Home and vehicle modifications
In-home nursing or long-term facility care
Medical equipment and assistive devices
These compensate for personal suffering:
Physical pain
Mental anguish
Loss of companionship
Emotional trauma
Loss of enjoyment of life
If your injury was caused by gross negligence—like a drunk driver, a reckless employer, or a knowingly defective product—you may be awarded punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Insurance companies are not on your side. They look to settle quickly and cheaply. When facing lifelong consequences, you cannot afford to leave money on the table. That’s where Loncar Lyon Jenkins comes in.
Investigate your accident thoroughly
Identify all liable parties (drivers, employers, manufacturers, etc.)
Work with medical and economic experts to quantify your losses
Negotiate from a position of strength with insurers
Prepare for trial to maximize your settlement potential
Support you through the process with compassion and clarity
McAllen Office
📍 321 S 12th St, McAllen, TX 78501
📞 Call: +1 956 304 6501
We proudly represent clients throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including:
Edinburg
Mission
Pharr
San Juan
Weslaco
Donna
Alamo
Hidalgo
Mercedes
Palmview
La Joya
Rio Grande City
A farmhand operating heavy machinery in Edinburg suffered multiple fractures and a spinal cord injury when the equipment rolled over due to a defective hydraulic system. The employer’s insurer blamed the worker for misuse.
Our firm:
Collected mechanical inspection reports and OSHA violations
Brought in engineering experts to prove the machine had a known defect
Sued both the employer and equipment manufacturer
Recovered $2.9 million in compensation
This allowed the client to pay off medical debt, install a wheelchair ramp at home, and hire long-term care staff.
In most catastrophic injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. But don’t wait—building a case takes time, and evidence disappears quickly.
For cases involving:
Government entities (e.g., a city vehicle accident): as little as 6 months
Medical malpractice: extra deadlines apply under Chapter 74 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code
We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Get Immediate Medical Help – Your health comes first. Follow up with specialists and maintain all records.
Preserve Evidence – Photos, incident reports, and witness statements will be crucial.
Avoid Recorded Statements – Don’t speak to insurers without legal counsel.
Contact a Lawyer – The sooner you act, the better we can build your case.
You didn’t ask for this injury. But now, you have to fight for the life you deserve. Let us help.
Call (956) 304 6501 to schedule your free consultation at our McAllen office.
You don’t pay unless we win your case.
