Workplace/Construction/Oil Industry Accidents
Attorney Serving Injured Workers Throughout Texas
In Texas, workplace accidents and on the job injuries occur at an alarming rate in all types of industries. In fact, many victims are often unable to work for extended periods of time, resulting in lost wages and significant medical expenses. Although workers may be covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance, the law limits an employer’s liability for accidents and injuries. On the other hand, some employers do not subscribe to the program. Ultimately, the best way for an injured worker to enforce his or her rights is with the help of an experienced work injury attorney. If you were seriously injured on the job, we will work tirelessly to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Workers’ Compensation and Nonsubscriber Claims
The Workers’ Compensation Insurance program is designed to pay the medical bills and replace a portion of the lost wages of an employee who is injured on the job or has a work-related illness. At the same time, the program is designed to protect employers from lawsuits. This means that an injured worker may not be able to recover damages for serious bodily injury, pain and suffering and other losses.
Depending on the circumstances, however, it may still be possible to pursue a personal injury claim. When employers or subcontractors violate workplace safety rules, for example, they may be held legally responsible for work-related injuries and illnesses. Similarly, third parties, such as manufacturers and distributors can be held liable for supplying dangerous or defective equipment or products that cause injuries to workers.
Additionally, some employers in Texas have the right to opt out of the state workers’ compensation program provided that they obtain another form of work-injury insurance. These employers, referred to as nonsubscribers, can be held liable for a workplace injury if the employee is able to demonstrate that the employer was negligent in any way.
In short, there are numerous industries in the state and all types of workplaces at which injuries are common, such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, refineries, warehouses, and restaurants, even offices. Moreover, the leading reasons for workplace injuries include:
- Unsafe work conditions
- Lack of safety equipment
- Improper training/Supervision
- Lack of appropriate warnings
If you or a loved one has been injured on the job or suffered a work-related illness, I can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Construction Accidents
Although construction work is inherently dangerous, all workers in Texas have a right to be provided with a safe working environment. Nonetheless, construction site accidents are common, resulting in a wide range of injuries, including:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Cuts or lacerations
- Eye injuries, loss of vision, or hearing loss
- Head or brain injuries
- Amputation of fingers, toes or limbs
One of the most common accidents at construction sites is falls whether from ladders, scaffolding, roofs and other heights. Additionally, tools, equipment and construction materials that are not properly secured can fall and injure those working below. Despite the fact that safety laws require construction workers to wear hard hats, falling objects can still cause serious brain and spinal injuries.
Other common causes of construction injuries include electrocutions, equipment accidents, fires and explosions, and trench and building collapses. Even with proper safety training and procedures, workers are still at risk of being injured at construction sites.
If you were injured because of the negligence of property owners, contractors, project managers, manufacturers or suppliers, I can help you recover damages for past and future lost wages, medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity. If safety violations contributed to the accident, it may also be possible to recover punitive damages, although state law limits these damages.
Oil Industry Accidents
The Texas landscape is filled with numerous oil drilling wells and rigs, pipelines, refineries and oil and gas storage facilities. While the oil industry is a leading contributor to the state’s economy, workers in this sector are at a high risk of injury. These sites are naturally hazardous, but accidents can be avoided if proper precautions are taken. The industry is also heavily regulated, and energy companies must abide by numerous safety rules.
Nonetheless, accidents such as fires, explosions, chemical spills often occur because businesses skirt workplace safety rules to maximize profits. Workers can also be injured by other hazardous conditions arising from improper maintenance, defective products, insufficient safety systems, improper training, and violations of industry codes or state and federal regulations.
I believe that negligent oil industry companies must be held accountable and I have a well-earned reputation for helping injured workers obtain just compensation.
Austin & La Grange Workplace Accident Injury Attorney
If you were injured on the job or suffered from a work-related illness, the burden from not being able to work, the lingering pain and suffering, and extensive medical expenses can be hard for you and your loved ones to bear. My team of dedicated professionals will help to lift that burden and fight for your rights.
Since 1995, I have helped injured workers from every industry obtain just compensation. All injury cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means that you will not pay any attorney’s fees unless your claim is successful. I will be by your side every step of the way so that you can focus on recovering and getting back on your feet. Please call me at 979.968.3783 for a free consultation or complete the contact form on our website.
