Kala Sellers

Of Counsel

Born and raised in Houston, Kala Sellers is a formidable trial attorney with a true passion for helping others. She has been with Arnold & Itkin since 2014 and won her first 7-figure verdict in her initial year with the firm. Since that time, Kala has played a key part in achieving landmark verdicts and settlements that have changed the lives of the people Arnold & Itkin represents.

The following is but a sampling of the results Kala has accomplished in the past several years:

  • $46.5 million for injured plant workers
  • $40 million for injured Jones Act seamen
  • $35.5 million for a fatal motor vehicle accident
  • $14.5 million for an explosion survivor
  • $12.5 million for an electrocution incident
  • $8 million for injured motorists
  • $5.5 million for an injured oil rig worker
  • $4.35 million for an injured Jones Act seaman

These results are proof of the intelligence and commitment that Kala brings to every case she touches. She has spent more time in court than most attorneys ever will, and she uses this experience to reach outcomes that no one—neither her clients nor her opposition—would have thought possible.

Kala has always shown initiative, ambition, and a willingness to work harder than anyone to attain her goals. A Texas native, she relocated to North Carolina to attend Duke University, where she earned her undergraduate degree and a scholarship to Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas.

At Baylor, Kala placed a particular emphasis on learning the art of litigation, joining the ABA Labor Law Mock Trial Team, the NCTC Mock Trial Team, and the AAJ National Mock Trial Team. She was a five-time Dean’s List student and earned her place as a semifinalist in the Baylor Top Gun Competition, a mock trial tournament involving all third-year Practice Court students at the school.

After graduating from Baylor Law School, Kala stayed in Texas and joined a small Houston firm that focused on personal injury matters in state and federal court. She further honed her trial skills at the firm and then joined Arnold & Itkin, finding a home with a team of like-minded individuals as passionate and ambitious as she was.

Today, Kala primarily handles cases involving catastrophic incidents such as offshore accidents, commercial trucking collisions, and other serious personal injuries. As a young attorney who has already accomplished so much in her career, Kala has been recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™ multiple years in a row. She finds great fulfillment in helping people who have been through the worst situations, fighting to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Kala is married and has two children. In her free time, she loves spending time with her two young boys, which can sometimes be just as tough—and rewarding—as tackling a trial.

Education

  • Duke University
  • Baylor Law School

Admissions

  • State Bar of Texas
  • State Bar of Louisiana
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas

Awards

  • Best Lawyers® for Admiralty & Maritime Law (2024)
  • Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ List (2022-2023)

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Kala Sellers's Case Results

Massive Verdict Won Against Union Pacific

Attorney Kyle Findley and our team represented a grievously injured woman who was struck by train operators working for Union Pacific.

On March 5, 2016, our client took a brief rest next to some railroad tracks after losing her friends during a night out. Minutes later, train operators spotted her unmoving body on the tracks, identifying her as a person. Despite the life-threatening consequences an impact would have, the train operators didn’t stop or even slow down the train. As a result, our client suffered life-changing harm.

After seven years of delays, Union Pacific was forced to finally meet us in court. Because our firm proved the train operators might have avoided impact with our client, the jury awarded her a historic $557 million verdict. This money will go toward ensuring she gets the medical care and financial security she needs.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $0.00.

$40 Million Recovered for Injured Jones Act Seamen

Attorneys Kurt Arnold and Kyle Findley represented three Jones Act seamen who had been severely injured in a vessel collision. Their injuries were catastrophic in nature—leaving them unable to continue working and unable to care for their families. Our firm took on the case and worked tirelessly to prove that the defendant’s management failures were the direct cause of the accident. Despite this, the defendants went on to minimize our clients’ injuries. We continued to develop evidence and prepare for trial, and after several days in court, we were able to successfully reach a $40 million settlement on behalf of our clients.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $17,982,173.80.

$31 Million Settlement for Jones Act Seaman

Attorneys Kurt Arnold and Kyle Findley took on the case of a Jones Act seaman who injured his head after being involved in a vessel collision. Despite the gravity of his injuries, the defendants denied all responsibility for the incident. They also tried to limit their own liability by blaming other parties involved. We refused to back down or accept their excuses—fighting to protect our clients’ rights. After just one week of trial, we were able to reach a settlement of $31 million.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $13,829,886.31.

$14.5 Million Settlement Won for Seriously Injured Worker

After two weeks of trial, Attorney Kyle Findley successfully secured a $14.5 million settlement for a client who suffered injuries requiring medical treatment. Our victory occurred despite the defendants' denial of responsibility and claim of full recovery. Our attorneys were proud to use their extensive trial experience to ensure our client's ongoing care.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $6,506,145.50.

$8 Million Won for Motorists Injured at Intersection

Attorneys Kyle Findley, Caj Boatright, and Kala Sellers represented two clients who were driving down a South Texas highway when a vehicle suddenly pulled out of an intersection in front of them, causing a devastating collision. The vehicle was being driven by an oilfield worker. Although the defendants tried to deny liability, we persisted and secured a settlement six days into trial. The $8 million settlement was almost 3 times what the defense had previously offered.
Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $4,056,543.98.

$5.5 Million Won for Jones Act Worker Hurt on Inland Waters

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, and Kala Sellers successfully represented a Jones Act seaman who suffered neck and back injuries while working on a crane barge. He was ultimately injured during the chaotic scene while attempting to evacuate. Despite his injuries, the defendants refused to step up and take care of him, as well as the other workers injured in the accident. We took on the case and fought relentlessly for him—ultimately reaching a $5.5 million settlement to ensure he receives the medical care he deserves.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $2,515,851.00.

$4.35 Million Secured for Injured Oilfield Worker

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, and Kala Sellers won $4.35 million for a Derrick hand who was injured due to equipment failure while performing oilfield work. His injuries were severe enough from the accident that he required spine surgery. Our attorneys used their vast knowledge of the oilfield industry to fight on our client’s behalf and found multiple defendants responsible for the incident. This case was settled after several depositions.
Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,950,485.13.

$3.6 Million Settlement Recovered for Man Injured in Plant Accident

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler represented a Louisiana man who was injured while working at a plant in Texas. The accident led to herniations in his back and neck. Our firm took on the case and fought aggressively, ultimately recovering a multi-million dollar settlement.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,754,658.27.

$3.5 Million Won for Worker Hurt on the Mississippi River

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, and Kala Sellers reached a $3.5 million settlement on behalf of a Jones Act seaman who suffered serious back injuries while working on a crane barge in the Mississippi River. In the aftermath of this serious accident, the defendant refused to take responsibility. We worked hard to ensure that they did not escape accountability and are proud to have reached this tremendous result for our client.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,636,406.45.

$3.45 Million Obtained for Man Injured in Industrial Accident

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler represented a young man who suffered herniations to his neck and back while working at an industrial plant in Texas. Our client trusted our team to help him get the best medical care, and we’re proud to have reached these life-changing results.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,688,564.01.

$3.4 Million Recovered for Injured South Texas Plant Worker

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler successfully recovered $3.4 million on behalf of a South Texas man injured during an industrial plant accident. Our client sustained herniations to his neck and back during the incident, which limited his future ability to work. Our team worked tirelessly to hold the plant owners accountable and are proud to have reached a favorable result.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,678,004.14.

$3.35 Million Won for Worker Injured in Refinery Turnaround

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Kala Sellers, and Adam Lewis helped an injured refinery worker find justice after a serious turnaround accident left him with head and back injuries. In addition to seeking treatment from specialists, our client had to undergo surgery. Arnold & Itkin’s team uncovered evidence that a deviation from the safety plan ultimately led to our client’s injuries, and we secured a $3.35 million settlement just 1 day before jury selection was set to begin.
Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,668,564.01.

$3.35 Million Recovered for Industrial Accident Victim

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler represented a Texas plant worker who suffered injuries to his neck and back, including multiple herniations, following a serious work accident. We worked tirelessly to ensure that the plant owners were held responsible. In the end, we reached a settlement that will ensure our client can take care of himself and his family for life.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,634,268.64.

$3.3 Million Verdict Reached for Jones Act Seaman

Attorneys Kyle Findley, Kala Sellers, and Caj Boatright fought against Noble to secure a $3.3 million verdict for a Jones Act seaman who was seriously injured on board a drilling ship off the coast of Africa. A riser beam that was secured to the deck of the ship fell on our client, injuring his back and neck and requiring neck fusion surgery. Although Noble continuously blamed our client and refused to accept responsibility, our lawyers were successful after a 4-year fight.
Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,631,476.62.

$2.95 Million Settlement for Man Injured at Plant

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler represented a refinery worker who suffered injuries to his neck and back during a workplace incident at a Texas plant. We worked hard on his behalf to ensure he received the best medical care while working toward a successful result. Ultimately, we’re proud to have reached a $2.95 million settlement on his behalf.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,418,618.53.

$2.95 Million Settlement Secured for Man Injured at Texas Plant

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler were hired by an industrial worker who suffered serious injuries to his neck and back following a Texas plant accident. We worked hard to help our client receive the medical treatment he needed while holding the plant owners responsible for the incident. We are proud to have reached this life-changing result on his behalf.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,431,683.47.

$2.85 Million Recovered for Man Injured in Workplace Accident

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler represented a young man who suffered neck and back injuries following a serious workplace incident at a plant in Texas. We always strive to reach the best possible results for our clients and are proud to have reached this settlement.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,381,909.43.

$2.85 Million Recovered for Man Injured Working at a Plant

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler represented a refinery worker who suffered serious neck and back injuries during a workplace incident in Texas. We worked tirelessly to ensure that our client received the absolute best medical care possible and are proud to have reached a multi-million dollar settlement to ensure that he is taken care of for the rest of his life.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,407,406.36.

$2.7 Million Secured for Young Man Injured at Work

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler reached a $2.7 million settlement on behalf of a young man who suffered injuries to his neck and back following an accident at the industrial facility where he worked. We worked tirelessly to ensure our client received the best medical care during the course of the case and are proud to have reached a settlement that will take care of him for life.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,307,674.91.

$2.6 Million Recovered for Seriously Injured Plant Worker

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler reached a seven-figure settlement for a plant worker injured during a workplace accident in Texas. Our client sustained serious injuries to his back that have required multiple procedures and injections. Despite the plant owners denying all liability, we fought hard for our client—getting him the justice he deserves.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,262,898.14.

$2.6 Million Recovered for Man Injured During Turnaround Work

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler took on the case of a Texas man who suffered injuries to his back while working at a Texas plant. The back injuries required multiple procedures following the incident, including injections. We are proud to have represented him, helping him get the medical care that he needed and the results he deserved.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,262,444.45.

$2.45 Million Settlement Obtained for Man Injured at Oil & Gas Refinery

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler reached a multi-million dollar settlement on behalf of a Texas oil and gas refinery worker. Our client had been working when the accident occurred, suffering injuries to his neck and back as a result. We are proud to have stood up for him and all of those injured in industrial accidents like it nationwide.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,204,267.45.

$2.45 Million Recovered for Houston Man Injured in Work Accident

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler represented a Houston man who suffered multiple neck and back injuries, including a herniation, during a workplace accident. All of his injuries required extensive medical treatment, including injections. Despite the severity of the accident, and their negligence, the plant owners denied all liability. Our team took on the case and fought tirelessly to ensure that our client was taken care of, ultimately reaching a $2.45 million settlement.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,202,130.82.

$2.4 Million Settlement for Texas Man Injured in Industrial Accident

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler represented a client who was involved in a serious plant accident, suffering a back herniation in the aftermath. The plant owners refused to take responsibility following the accident, but we took on the case and fought hard for our client. Ultimately, we were able to reach a $2.45 million settlement on our client’s behalf.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,167,978.71.

$2.4 Million Recovered for Injured Oil & Gas Worker

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, Kala Sellers, and Claire Schindler recovered a multi-million dollar settlement on behalf of a refinery worker who was injured during a workplace incident. Our client suffered injuries to his neck and back that required extensive medical treatment. We took on the case and are proud to have been able to reach a life-changing result on behalf of our client.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $1,205,306.16.

$1.7 Million Victory for Louisiana Man

Our client was injured in a serious plant explosion that left him with severe back injuries, which required multiple medical procedures, including surgery. Despite opposition from the plant owners, who denied all liability, our team of attorneys at Arnold & Itkin ensured that the client received the necessary medical care and we were able to reach a life-changing settlement that gave the client the means to take care of himself and his family.
Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $0.00.

$1.7 Million Settlement for Family Rear-Ended by Truck

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Adam Lewis, and Kala Sellers won a settlement for a case pending in Harris County, Texas, helping a family recover the compensation they needed after a serious multi-vehicle collision. Our clients were rear-ended by a commercial driver who admitted he was not paying attention to the road. Traffic stopped ahead of the driver’s truck, and he ended up causing a collision involving multiple vehicles – including our clients’. We fought for a significant settlement for our clients just before trial was set to begin.
Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $664,971.44.

$1.67 Million Won for Louisiana Offshore Worker

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Kala Sellers, and Adam Lewis won $1.67 million for an offshore worker who suffered serious back and neck injuries while performing hot work aboard a fixed oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Our client ultimately needed neck surgery and other extensive medical treatment. Although the defendants refused to accept responsibility, our maritime lawyers were able to push past their defenses before trial began.
Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $826,263.49.

Arnold & Itkin Secures a $450,000 Settlement in 18-Wheeler Accident Case

Arnold & Itkin is proud to have helped another client recover the just compensation they were owed following a serious 18-wheeler accident. Our lawyers stepped in on behalf of our client after he suffered neck and back injuries in a collision. The truck driver made an illegal left turn, crashing into our client and causing extensive damage. Our client’s injuries were so serious that he was forced to undergo surgery.

Though the defendant initially refused to admit or accept responsibility for the truck accident, we were able to reach a settlement agreement for $450,000 just a few weeks before the trial date. We are happy that our diligent preparation for the trial allowed us to leverage a favorable settlement on our client’s behalf.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $254,972.89.

$220,000 Recovered for Offshore Worker

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, Kala Sellers, and Cesar Tavares successfully recovered $220,000 for a Colorado offshore worker that was injured while working on a platform in the Gulf of Mexico. On the day in question, the client was served food from the galley that contained glass, which eventually became lodged in his throat. While trying to pry the glass from his own throat, he fell and suffered a shoulder injury, resulting in a shoulder surgery. The case was pending in Federal Court and successfully resolved two days before pre-trial. Arnold & Itkin is proud to have been able to resolve this case expeditiously and to the satisfaction of our client.
Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $132,597.34.

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