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Injuries in the workplace can be debilitating. Workers in many industries are at risk for injuries from falls, lifting and carrying, and other physical labor tasks that can result in missed work and intense pain and suffering. If you work in one of these industries, it is important to understand your right to sue and how to preserve that right in Texas.
If you or a loved one was injured in a workplace accident, contact the Midland, Texas workplace injury lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm today. Our occupational injury lawyers can help you understand the best route to compensation for your injuries and how to file a lawsuit for injuries after a workplace accident. To schedule a free legal consultation on your case, contact our law offices today at (817) 476-1797.
Types of Common Workplace Injuries in Texas
Workplace injuries can occur from a wide variety of accidents and workplace conditions. However, many accidents end up resulting in some of the same common injuries. Some common injuries are not typically severe enough to warrant compensation and usually do not lead to time off work. Additionally, some of the injuries listed below are not particularly common overall, but they are some of the most common serious injuries.
Back Injuries
Back injuries account for one of the most common work-related injuries. Many factory and warehouse workers, as well as truck drivers and delivery workers, are required to lift and carry heavy items for a large portion of the day. Improper lifting techniques or lack of proper equipment like dollies and handcarts can put increased strain and risk of injury on workers. These kinds of injuries may lead to reduced work tasks or time off work if they are severe enough, and the injury can leave you with permanent back problems.
Other back injuries from falls and serious accidents can be incredibly debilitating. Injuries to the spinal cord or broken bones in your spine could be fatal or lead to life-altering effects like paralysis.
Cuts and Scrapes
Facing cuts or scrapes on the job is common in many physically-demanding jobs such as construction. Many of these injuries are not severe enough to lead to time off work or serious medical expenses, but deep lacerations and cuts that lead to amputations and other serious harms can leave permanent effects. In these cases, you may face damages from medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering, as well as permanent scarring.
Head Injuries
Injuries to your head can include concussions or more serious traumatic brain injury. Head injuries can occur in jobs where falling and swinging objects are a common danger, such as construction or factory work. While many “hard hat area” rules are in place to help prevent head injury, ineffective hard hats or faulty safety gear could allow serious injuries. Serious injuries can also occur in injuries from falling, whether that includes falling off a ladder or scaffolding or simply falling in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident.
Serious head injuries can lead to ongoing pain and suffering, extensive medical bills, and time off work if the injury results in memory or cognition problems, motor skill issues, or other life-altering effects.
Occupational Illness
Although illnesses like cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other persistent conditions are not typically caused by a single accident or workplace injury, you can still seek compensation if you developed the medical condition because of workplace conditions. These illnesses and work-related conditions can be life-altering or ultimately lead to death. If you acquired one of these illnesses because your employer failed to warn you of dangerous work conditions or provide you with proper safety gear and exposure procedures, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.
Suing for Work-Related Injuries and Illness in Texas
After suffering a workplace injury or developing a work-related illness, it is important to talk to a lawyer about your right to sue. Many employers offer workers’ compensation insurance to their employees, but when you accept workers’ comp. coverage, you might give up your right to sue for work-related injuries. It is important when you start a new job to waive your workers’ compensation coverage within 5 days of starting that job if you want to maintain your right to file a lawsuit.
When you sue your employer for the negligence that led to your injuries, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for serious injuries. The damages you faced for medical expenses, missed paychecks, and pain and suffering can be severe. Filing through workers’ comp. may block your right to many of these damages and may require you to use a doctor that your employer chooses instead of your doctor of choice. For help understanding workers’ compensation rules and your right to sue your employer for workplace injuries, talk to a workplace injury lawyer.
Call Our Midland Work Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident at work or developed a work-related illness or condition, contact The Queenan Law Firm today at (817) 476-1797. Our Midland workplace injury attorneys offer free legal consultations to help injury victims understand their right to sue and how much their case might be worth. For your free consultation, call our law offices today.