If you’re facing serious injuries in or Texas due to another person’s or corporation’s negligence, recklessness, dangerous actions, car or truck accident, or faulty products, it’s crucial to get legal representation from Dunham & Jones, the Trusted Texas Personal Injury Attorneys. Dunham & Jones can help you recover compensation for medical costs, income losses, pain, suffering, and other damages through a meticulously crafted personal injury or wrongful death claim in Texas. Call 888-222-9746 now for your free injury case review and discuss your case in detail.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury while at work, contact the Texas workplace injury attorneys at Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law for assistance. With multiple offices throughout the state of Texas, we can help you seek just financial compensation for work injuries.
How a Workplace-Related Injury Attorney Can Help
Navigating a work injury claim can be confusing, you should contact an injury lawyer for help. When you work with a lawyer, you will have an advocate by your side with the experience necessary to understand what you are facing. Your injury lawyer can guide you through this process, whether or not you have a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party workplace injury lawsuit.
A workplace injury attorney in Texas will defend your rights to recover compensation after sustaining a workplace injury. This includes negotiating with insurance carriers and employers or preparing the claim for trial if necessary.
What Are Common Workplace Injuries in Texas?
Every year, thousands of workers in Texas are hospitalized for serious injuries and illnesses related to their jobs. Regardless of where you work or what you do, you may be at risk of suffering life-changing injuries due to your job – especially if your employer or a coworker is guilty of careless or reckless acts. Some of the injuries that we see from our workplace accident clients include:
- Bone fractures
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fire and explosion injuries
- Electrocutions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Amputations
- Asbestos-related illnesses (e.g., mesothelioma)
- Infectious diseases
- Wrongful worker deaths
Our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers can help if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any type of injury or illness from occupational hazards. We can connect you to the right doctors throughout Texas and help you collect evidence that proves the extent of your injuries and what you’ve spent on necessary medical care. You can trust us to fight for maximum financial compensation for your work injuries.
Call Dunham & Jones at 888-222-9746 to schedule a free consultation with an injury attorney and learn how we can help you with your Workplace Injury case. Dunham & Jones was established in 1989 and is dedicated to helping it’s clients get the best results.
The Impact of Workplace Injuries
Accidents in the workplace occur regularly, and unfortunately, many of these accidents result in significant, life-changing injuries. In some cases, workplace accidents can even lead to fatalities. According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries or illnesses were reported during the latest year of data available.
The impact of a workplace injury on an individual and their family cannot be overstated. If a person’s job is the primary source of income for their household, a workplace injury can lead to unimaginable stress regarding how to pay bills and what steps to take next. This stress is compounded if an employer or workers’ compensation insurance carrier refuses to offer a fair settlement or denies the claim altogether.
When a person sustains a workplace injury and their employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, they should be able to recover compensation for their medical bills and a portion of their lost wages. If the employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance and the injury was caused by another individual or entity, the injury victim should be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation. Our work injury lawyer is prepared to explain your legal options and fight to secure fair compensation on your behalf.
What Are the Most Dangerous Industries in Texas?
Texas has many hazardous work environments and industries. While an injury can happen in virtually any workplace, some present greater occupational hazards than others. It is the employer’s responsibility to adequately protect workers from foreseeable injury risks. Failure to do so, resulting in a worker injury or death, is referred to as negligence. The following industries involve injury risks such as heavy machinery, dangerous equipment, toxic substances, heights, and environmental hazards:
- Transportation
- Waste collection
- Construction and roofing
- Oil and gas
- Industrial and manufacturing
- Farming
- Health care
Workers’ Compensation Claim vs. Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you get injured at work in Texas, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits without needing to prove negligence or fault. Workers’ comp covers medical bills, up to two-thirds of your lost wages, and disability benefits. However, employers in Texas are not legally required to carry workers’ comp insurance. If workers’ compensation isn’t available, or you believe that negligence caused your injury, consider filing a personal injury lawsuit in Texas instead.
A personal injury lawsuit requires clear and convincing evidence of negligence directly connected to your work injury. If negligence can be proven, a lawsuit can result in greater financial compensation than a workers’ comp insurance settlement. You could recover compensation for pain and suffering, complete lost wages, and potentially punitive damages. Discuss both legal options with a qualified and experienced attorney at The Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law to determine which is right for you.
Potential Damages in Workplace Injury Cases
Individuals who sustain workplace injuries may be able to recover a wide range of compensation. If the employer has workers’ compensation insurance coverage, the injured employee should be able to receive complete compensation for their medical expenses related to the injury or illness. Additionally, if a person is unable to work for a limited amount of time due to recovering from the injury, they should be able to recover a significant portion of their lost wages. If the employer did not have workers’ compensation insurance, it may be necessary to file a civil personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover compensation. These potential damages aim to provide comprehensive support to individuals dealing with the aftermath of a workplace injury, ensuring they receive the financial assistance needed for their recovery and adaptation to any long-term effects.
If the civil personal injury claim is successful, various types of compensation may be available, including:
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Lost wage replacement if a person is unable to work
- Coverage of out-of-pocket losses caused by the injury or illness
- Transportation expenses
- Home renovations to accommodate mobility issues caused by the injury
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Compensation for permanent scarring or disfigurement
Who is Not Covered Under Workers’ Compensation in Texas?
Unlike other states, Texas does not require every employer to carry workers’ compensation coverage. Private employers can opt-out of carrying workers’ compensation, but this decision comes with risks. While opting out means employers won’t have to pay compensation for every workplace injury, especially those caused by the worker themselves, it also means they forgo the protection that limits how much compensation an injured worker can receive. Without workers’ compensation insurance, employers may face higher payouts, including pain and suffering damages, if they are held liable for an injury.
Other individuals not commonly covered under workers’ compensation plans in Texas include:
- Independent contractors
- Seasonal workers
- Volunteers
- Some agricultural employees
- Domestic workers, including nannies and housekeepers
- Some individuals who work for nonprofits or charities
If you have sustained an injury in the workplace and are unsure whether you are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, reach out to a skilled Texas workplace injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can examine your claim and help you determine the best steps to take next.
What Should I Do After a Workplace Accident?
If you sustain an injury on the job, there are various steps you can take to ensure your safety, well-being, and the recovery of the compensation you are entitled to. Whether you sustain a slip and fall injury in an office or are injured by farming equipment, knowing the right steps to take next is crucial. Taking the wrong steps can significantly reduce or even eliminate your options for recovering compensation.
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. This is often done before you leave to seek medical care. However, state law gives workers 30 days from the date of their injury or illness to report the injury to their employer. Failing to do so within the required time frame increases the chance that the workers’ compensation claim will be denied. The time frame is extended for individuals who will be filing third-party personal injury lawsuits.
- Seek medical treatment immediately. It is important for insurance carriers and potential personal injury jurors to see a strong record of hospital and doctor visits that begin right after the injury occurs and continue until a doctor says the worker has reached maximum medical improvement.
- If workers’ compensation is available, complete the DWC Form-041 and send it to the Texas Department of Insurance within one year after the accident or injury diagnosis. Failing to complete this form increases the risk of not receiving benefits. If you are filing a third-party personal injury lawsuit, work with an attorney to get the claim filed in civil court.
- Contact a workplace injury lawyer as soon as possible after the injury occurs. They can begin their investigation and take over all communication with other parties involved. A lawyer will handle the process from that point forward, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call Dunham & Jones today at 888-222-9746 to schedule a free consultation with a Texas Texas Workplace Injury lawyer. Texas Workplace Injury cases need an experienced injury law firm such as Dunham & Jones. Dunham & Jones was established in 1989 and is dedicated to helping it’s clients get the best results.
Texas Workplace Injury FAQs
Our Texas work injury attorneys understand that you probably have a lot of questions after your accident. If you still have questions or need to hire a Texas personal injury attorney, please call us at 888-222-9746. We are happy to discuss the details of your unique case during your free initial consultation.
How Long Does a Typical Texas Work Injury Case Take?
Estimating the duration of a workplace injury case in Texas can be challenging since every claim is unique. Generally, it can take several months for your lawyer to gather evidence, speak with eyewitnesses, negotiate with the insurance company, and secure expert testimony. If your claim is particularly complex, you suffered severe injuries, or your case goes to trial, the timeline may be longer.
We are committed to securing justice and fair compensation on your behalf and are more than willing to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to secure a favorable result. Our accident lawyers can provide a better sense of how long your case may take, depending on the facts of your specific case.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Work Injury Attorney?
Workplace injury victims often worry about the costs of hiring an experienced attorney. Many Texas workers expect that the costs associated with hiring a work injury lawyer are excessive. However, at The Dunham & Jones, our legal team offers services on a contingency fee basis.
Under a contingency fee arrangement, we take on the responsibility of covering all upfront expenses related to your workplace incident. You don’t have to worry about any out-of-pocket expenses throughout the duration of your case. If we are unable to secure a favorable settlement or trial verdict in your case, you will not owe our firm any form of payment. If we are successful, we receive our previously agreed-upon percentage of the final settlement or jury verdict as compensation for our services. This contingency fee arrangement ensures that you can access quality legal representation without financial stress, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle your case.
What Are My Rights as an Injured Worker?
As a person who has been harmed in a workplace accident in the state of Texas, you possess the following rights:
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- You have the right to choose a doctor to provide care for your injuries.
- You are entitled to receive appropriate and professional medical treatment for your injury.
- You have the right to contact a lawyer at any time to assist with your case.
What if a Coworker Intentionally Harms Me at Work?
Being attacked or harmed by a coworker can be an incredibly traumatic experience. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may have several options to pursue after the incident:
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- If the harm was intentional, you may choose to file a police report against the offender. This can lead to criminal charges and help document the incident officially.
- You should report the incident to your company’s HR department. They can take appropriate actions, including investigating the incident and potentially disciplining the offending coworker.
- In some cases, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, even if the injury was caused by a coworker.
- You may have the legal right to file a civil injury claim against the aggressor. This can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the intentional harm.
When is the Right Time to Hire a Lawyer After an Accident?
Under most circumstances, injury victims in Texas have two years from the date of their accident to file a legal case. It’s important to reach out to an attorney as soon as you are healthy enough to do so after your accident.
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- Timely Legal Advice: Your lawyer can explain your options and guide you through the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and potential avenues for compensation.
- Preserving Evidence: Your recollections of the accident may become less firm as time passes, and evidence may become more difficult to collect.
- Hiring a lawyer promptly helps preserve crucial evidence and witness testimonies.
- Filing Within Statute of Limitations: An attorney will help you file within the Texas statute of limitations, ensuring you do not lose your chance at securing compensation for your injuries.
Request a Free Work Injury Case Review in Texas Today
A work injury can prevent you from doing your job and enjoying your life. It can also cause immense pain, suffering, and medical expenses. At Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law, we are passionate about helping injured workers and families in Texas achieve the compensation that they deserve. Contact us today for a free work injury case review. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. We will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you are entitled to. Don’t wait – call us today at 888-222-9746 to us today, and take the first step towards recovery and justice.
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