Getting hurt at work is a serious issue. You might miss work and have huge medical bills to pay. It can be confusing to know what to do next. Workers’ compensation is meant to help, but it doesn’t always cover everything. In some cases, you might have grounds for a bigger legal claim.
A Sugar Land personal injury lawyer knows Texas law. They can explain your rights. They’ll fight to make sure you get the full amount of money you deserve after a workplace accident.
At Maida Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens you face. We’ll stand by your side every step of the way, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Come see us for a no-obligation, free case evaluation.
When You Get Hurt on the Job in Sugar Land
Workplace dangers can be varied and unexpected. Here are some real-world examples of hazards within different industries that can lead to workplace injuries or accidents:
- Exposure to harmful environments:
- A construction worker develops respiratory problems after prolonged dust exposure on a poorly ventilated site.
- A factory worker suffers hearing loss from exposure to constant, loud machinery.
- An agricultural worker experiences skin conditions after constant contact with harsh pesticides.
- Exposure to harmful substances:
- A laboratory technician suffers chemical burns from a spill or a faulty container.
- A restaurant cleaner becomes ill after repeated exposure to cleaning chemicals.
- Overexertion:
- A warehouse worker suffers a back injury from repeatedly lifting heavy boxes.
- A nurse develops chronic pain in their hands and wrists after years of moving patients.
- A delivery driver pulls a muscle from constantly rushing packages under time pressure.
- Falls, slips, and trips:
- A construction worker slips on an unsecured ladder and breaks an arm.
- A retail worker trips over loose flooring and fractures a hip.
- A server slips and falls on a spilled drink suffering a head injury.
- Contact with objects
- A lumberyard worker suffers a laceration when a piece of wood breaks off a saw.
- A mechanic is injured when a tool slips and strikes their hand.
- A factory worker’s foot is crushed by a misplaced piece of heavy equipment.
- Objects striking employees
- A construction worker is struck by falling debris.
- A warehouse worker is injured when a box falls from a high shelf.
- A grocery store clerk is hit by a shopping cart driven by a reckless customer.
- Being stuck between two objects
- A sanitation worker’s arm is caught in the compactor machinery.
- A construction worker is pinned between two pieces of shifting scaffolding.
- A factory worker’s leg is crushed between pieces of malfunctioning equipment.
- Pressure or friction from objects
- A long-haul trucker develops painful blisters on their feet from constantly pressing pedals.
- A worker suffers chafing and potential infection when required to wear poorly fitted safety gear.
Now, let’s say your injury happened because of someone else’s negligence. Maybe a faulty machine made by another company caused your accident, or a careless subcontractor dropped something heavy on your foot.
In these cases, you might have a separate legal claim against the responsible third party. This personal injury lawsuit could potentially recover additional damages beyond what workers’ compensation offers. An experienced Sugar Land personal injury lawyer can assess your situation and determine if a third-party claim is possible.
What About Texas Workers’ Compensation?
Texas Workers’ Compensation exists to help workers who get hurt on the job. This program helps pay for medical bills and a portion of lost wages if your injury is “in the course and scope” of your duties. However, it’s not perfect. Workers’ comp has limitations, including:
Lost Wages: You’ll only receive a portion of your usual income, typically around 70%. There are also caps on how much you can receive.
Medical Bills: While they’re initially covered, you might face restrictions on which doctors you can see or certain treatment choices. Disputes over necessary care do arise.
No Pain & Suffering: Unlike personal injury claims, workers’ comp doesn’t compensate for emotional distress or intangible damages from your injury.
Limited Disputes: You have limited options to challenge a workers’ compensation denial.
Employer Protection: In most cases, you can’t sue your employer directly, even if their negligence contributed to the accident. Exceptions do exist for especially serious situations, but these are determined at the discretion of Worker’s Comp.
While workers’ compensation is a starting point, it may not be enough to cover all your needs after a serious workplace injury. Don’t assume it’s your only option – explore your legal rights by speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Sugar Land.
Your Sugar Land Personal Injury Lawyer is On Your Side
Workplace injury cases are complicated. Insurance companies might try to downplay your injuries or minimize your claim. Lawyers know the tactics insurers use, and they’ll fight back. Their in-depth investigations often uncover key details to prove the extent of your injuries and who’s liable. They can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting your rights from start to finish.
A good Sugar Land personal injury lawyer will strive to maximize your compensation so you can focus on healing, not paperwork and legal battles. Don’t wait to seek help if you’re unsure.
Serious injuries like broken bones or long-term pain require immediate medical attention and potentially legal representation. Even if your injuries seem minor initially, they can worsen over time. That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule a free case evaluation with Sugar Land personal injury lawyers like Maida Law Firm. There is no cost for this consultation and there is no obligation on you.