October 28, 2025

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Texas

When a serious injury turns your world upside down, it’s hard to know where to start. Understanding what happened — and what comes next — can help you find direction again.

By: Ali Law Group
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After a catastrophic injury, life can feel divided into two parts: before and after. Before, you had a routine. Work, family, plans. After, everything feels uncertain. Maybe you’re recovering in a hospital or helping someone who is. You’re trying to understand how something like this could happen, and what you can do about it.

At Ali Law Group, we’ve seen how quickly an ordinary day in Texas can turn tragic. The truth is, most catastrophic injuries aren’t random. They stem from preventable causes — moments where safety failed, systems broke down, or someone didn’t do what they should have.

Here are some of the most common ways these life-changing injuries occur — and what you should know if one has affected you or someone you love.

1. Car Crashes and Truck Collisions

Texas has more roadway crashes than any other state. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, one reportable crash occurs about every 57 seconds. High-speed highways, distracted drivers, and long-haul trucks create daily hazards that can lead to catastrophic injuries.

Our catastrophic injury lawyers​ often see survivors dealing with:

These injuries don’t just affect your body; they change how you live, work, and move through the world. If your injuries after a car crash were caused by another driver’s carelessness or a company’s unsafe practices, you may have the right to seek accountability under Texas law. Our catastrophic injury law firm is here to help you understand your rights.

2. Construction and Industrial Accidents

Texas is growing fast, and with that growth comes construction, oilfield, and manufacturing work — jobs that keep our state running but carry real danger. Falls, equipment malfunctions, and explosions are common sources of catastrophic injury.

Even with safety rules in place, accidents happen when:

  • Equipment isn’t properly maintained or inspected.
     
  • Workers aren’t adequately trained.
     
  • Safety protocols are rushed or ignored.

The Texas Department of Insurance reports that construction consistently ranks among the state’s most hazardous industries. The consequences can be devastating: burns, spinal injuries, or permanent disability.

If you were injured on the job, it’s worth learning whether your employer carries workers’ compensation — and what legal options exist if they don’t.

3. Defective or Unsafe Products

Sometimes, catastrophic injuries trace back to products that were never safe to begin with — a faulty tire that bursts at highway speed, a power tool that shorts and sparks, a piece of machinery missing critical safety guards.

When manufacturers cut corners, everyday people pay the price. Texas product liability law allows injured individuals to hold companies accountable when their products cause harm. These cases require investigation and expert testimony but can make a lasting difference, not only for the victim but for preventing future damage.

4. Premises and Property Hazards

Sometimes catastrophic injuries happen in places you wouldn’t expect — a store, an apartment complex, or a construction site you were visiting. When property owners fail to maintain their buildings or land properly, unsafe conditions can cause life-changing harm.

Falls from unstable balconies, collapsing structures, and electrical fires caused by neglected wiring are just a few examples of what can happen when maintenance and safety take a back seat.

Under Texas law, property owners are responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe and for warning people about known hazards. When that responsibility is ignored, serious injuries can follow, injuries that never should have happened.

If you were hurt on someone else’s property, our San Antonio personal injury lawyers can help you understand what went wrong and whether the owner or manager may be held legally responsible for your losses.

5. Fires, Explosions, and Chemical Exposure

Few experiences are as traumatic as a fire or explosion. In refineries, warehouses, and industrial sites, burn injuries can leave permanent physical and emotional scars. Exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes can also lead to long-term health problems.

Even with safety plans in place, negligence is often at the root of these events — worn equipment, missing warnings, or failure to follow basic procedures. Victims of these accidents deserve more than medical treatment; they deserve answers and fair compensation for what they’ve lost.

Finding Your Way Forward

If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury in Texas, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Recovery takes time, but understanding your rights can help you take back some control.

Here’s where to start:

  • Focus on healing first. Follow medical advice and document your treatment.
     
  • Write everything down. Keep records of what happened, who was there, and any communications with employers or insurance companies.
     
  • Ask questions early. In Texas, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the incident.
     
  • Get legal guidance. A catastrophic injury attorney can explain your options, protect your rights, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
     

Speak With Our Catastrophic Injuries Lawyers

If a catastrophic injury has affected your life or your family, contact Ali Law Group for a free consultation. Our San Antonio attorneys can help you understand what happened, explore your legal options, and take the next step toward recovery.

Contact us today. 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique, and the law can be complex. For specific legal guidance on your personal injury case in Texas, contacting an experienced attorney is essential. The Ali Law Group is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information contained here.

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