Unfortunately, employers in Texas are not legally required to carry their workers’ compensation insurance, unlike many states in the U.S. This can make it quite difficult for injured workers to get the necessary healthcare and financial compensation they need to ensure they cover their medical bills and take care of their families.
For this reason, pursuing maximum compensation for workplace injuries can be a bit challenging in Texas. However, our well-qualified personal injury attorneys at Machi Law have been helping many workers in Texas get the compensation and benefits they deserve after workplace injuries. So, if you are wondering if you can sue for a workplace injury in Arlington, TX, the simple answer is yes.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries
Some of the most dangerous work environments in Texas include the construction, manufacturing, warehousing, oil field work, commercial truck driving, and agriculture industries. However, this is not to say that workplace accidents do not occur in other common settings such as restaurants, offices, retail stores, and other workplaces. Some of the most common workplace accidents include:
Falling Objects
These types of injuries are most common in the construction industry. Workers are often injured by materials, tools, debris, and other items that may drop from above. Similarly, you may get serious head injuries from items falling from shelves in a warehouse. In severe cases, this can even lead to traumatic brain injury.
Ladder or Scaffolding Accidents
A fall from a collapsed scaffolding or ladder can result in serious injury. With the aid of a personal injury lawyer, we can ensure that you get workers’ compensation benefits, not to mention pain and suffering damages following such an unfortunate event.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Due to the nature of the job, some workplaces may have wet or greasy floors, uncollected debris, loose rugs, or other items left on the floor. All these create an environment that is conducive to slip and fall accidents. We can help you recover compensation to cover your medical and other accident-related expenses.
Work Injuries due to Car Accidents
Whether you work in an environment where you operate forklifts, drive delivery vehicles, or dump trucks, you are at a high risk of getting involved in an auto accident. Such accidents can result in serious injury or even fatality.
Explosions and Fires
Fire and explosion injuries may occur in workplaces with open flames, faulty gas lines, or improperly stored combustible materials. Such hazards can lead to explosions or fires, resulting in serious injury or death.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
If you work in an environment that requires constant bending and lifting, you can suffer from repetitive stress injuries. This is also true if you engage in a lot of typing. You can experience carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic pain from such damages. We can help you get proper treatment through legal processes to cover your medical expenses.
Steps to Take after a Workplace Accident
It is imperative to protect your rights by taking the steps below following a workplace accident:
Report the Injury to your Employer Straightaway
According to Texas law, workers have a period of up to 30 days to file an injury claim that occurred at work. However, it is wise to inform your employer as soon as possible. This way, insurance companies will not have strong grounds to minimize or refute your workers’ compensation claim. Asking for a copy of the incident report is essential too.
Seek Medical Treatment
If your employer carries workers ‘ comp insurance, you should seek medical assistance from an approved medical provider following a workplace injury. It is equally important to seek medical care even if your employer does not have insurance. Provide critical information to your medical specialist, telling them how you sustained the injury at work.
Get in Touch with a Personal Injury Attorney
You must speak with a work accident attorney about your injury before taking any other step. This is especially crucial if your employer does not have comp benefits. With the assistance of your lawyer, you can file a personal injury claim against your employer. This will help cover your lost wages, medical bills, and other accident-related expenses.
You may also pursue a personal injury claim if the injury occurred due to your employer’s negligence. This is in addition to your workers’ comp benefits. They should provide a safe work environment for all employees.
Work Injury FAQs in Texas
The workers’ compensation system varies in different states. Here are a few questions people also ask regarding workplace injuries in Texas.
Can I sue my employer for a work injury in Texas?
As mentioned above, the answer is yes. Many workplace injury cases in Texas are all covered under the law. With the help of professional attorneys, you can seek compensation even if your employer does not offer workers’ compensation coverage for its employees.
How long do I have to sue for work-related injuries in Texas?
Different states have different statutes of limitation regarding the filing of work-related lawsuits. In Texas, the law demands that you file a workplace injury claim within 30 days from the day you sustained the injury. This means there is a time limit to file the lawsuit.
Can you sue a company if you get hurt on the job?
You can file a claim for benefits if the company has workers’ compensation insurance. If the company doesn’t, the best solution is to file a personal injury claim. However, if you are a recipient of workers’ comp benefits, you cannot sue the company for damages. You can only sue them if the injury resulted from their negligence.
Contact Our Work Injury Attorneys in Texas
At Machi Law, we understand that on-the-job injuries can be quite stressful. Our team is highly experienced and equal to workplace injury compensation. We provide top-notch legal representation to ensure you recoup the maximum benefits and compensation owed to you. For more workplace injury compensation, visit Ted Machi and Associates, P.C. in Arlington, Texas. You can also call (817) 904-4803 for a free consultation.