Can I Be Compensated for an Injury at the Office?

Austin has thousands of workers who are employed in offices. Much like workers in manual labor positions, office workers can also be hurt on the job. Offices have unique hazards that may put workers at risk for suffering severe injuries. Office workplace injuries may include:

• Slip and fall injuries: If you work in an office, chances are you have seen custodial staff mopping floors. You have also likely see others spill drinks onto the ground. These are examples of hazards that may lead to a slip and fall accident. Dark hallways or stairwells are also a possible slip and fall injury hazard.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Do you have a job that requires frequent and repetitive hand movements? Office workers, especially those who spend all day typing, may develop carpal tunnel syndrome. This musculoskeletal injury causes tingling, numbness or pain in the hands and arms.
• Musculoskeletal injuries: Carpal tunnel syndrome is not the only musculoskeletal injury you could develop on the job. You could be injured moving and lifting office furniture, boxes or other work-related equipment.
• Occupational illnesses: Occupational diseases can also arise from office work. For example, older office buildings may contain asbestos, a group of naturally occurring minerals that can lead to mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Can I Receive Workers’ Comp for an Office Injury?

You may be able to file a workers’ comp claim if you were injured at your office job or developed an occupational disease due to your work duties. However, your ability to recover workers’ comp would depend on your employer and the circumstances. Businesses in Texas are not required to carry workers’ compensation.

There could be benefits available outside of the workers’ comp system. You may be able to file an injury claim against another person who does not work for your employer.

Austin workers’ comp attorney Aaron Allison could review your situation to help you determine which options for compensation may be available. Aaron Allison is one of a handful of attorneys in Texas still accepting straight workers’ comp cases. For a consultation, you can call the Law Offices of Aaron Allison at 512-474-8346 or fill out our online case review form.