Houston Construction Accident Lawyer 

Construction work is physically demanding and high risk. Construction workers are 18 percent more likely to experience an occupational injury than workers in other industries. If you experience an injury at the job site, you may face medical bills, pain and suffering, and be out of work until you recover. In most states, workers are protected by workers’ compensation insurance, but if you have a construction accident in Texas, you may need to sue for compensation. Start by consulting a Houston construction lawyer to know your rights. 

Since 1978, The Law Offices of Aaron Allison have provided honest and competent legal counsel for Houston construction accidents. In fact, of the 95,000 attorneys in Texas, Aaron Allison is one of only 40 construction lawyers who stand beside injured workers. Our law firm offers advice at any stage of your claim, and we are prepared to handle workers’ comp claims as well as third-party liability. If you have been injured at a construction site in Houston, we are ready to defend your rights and pursue compensation.

Common Types of Construction Accidents and Injuries

Construction worksites are high-risk areas with many different types of hazards. The most common construction accidents are:

• Falls. Falls consistently rank as the leading type of construction accident. From falling from ladders or scaffolds to slipping and falling on oily or greasy spills, falls are a constant risk on a construction site, and can be responsible for potentially catastrophic injuries or even death.
• Electrocutions. Construction sites are also at high risk for electrical accidents. These can be accidents as employees work on power lines or electrical systems, but they can also be caused by faulty power tools or improper use of extension cords. All construction workers should practice electrical safety and inspect all cords and equipment every day.
• Struck-by accidents. Construction workers are constantly at risk of being struck by moving vehicles or objects, especially on road work projects. Construction workers are also at high risk of being struck by falling objects, as loose tools or building materials may fall from overhead.
• Caught-between accidents. Construction accidents often happen when a worker is caught between two objects, especially when working in or around moving vehicles or machinery. Being caught between two objects can cause a range of crushing injuries and potential fatalities.
• Hazardous material exposure. Construction workers are frequently exposed to known hazardous materials like lead, PVC, and asbestos, but also frequently work with a variety of chemicals, solvents, and adhesives that pose a health risk. Even seemingly harmless materials like everyday construction dust can cause serious illnesses over time.
• Collapse. More and more Texas construction workers are being injured and even killed in collapse incidents, including the collapse of buildings under construction, crane collapses, and trench collapses. The increasing frequency and severity of these incidents should alert all construction workers to the high risk of collapse accidents.

Because of the huge range of different risks and various types of accidents and incidents, construction workers may experience many different types of injuries. Some of the most common injuries among construction workers include:

• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Burns and scarring
• Head and/or brain injuries
• Illnesses from exposure to toxic materials
• Hearing loss
• Sight impairment or blindness
• Spinal cord damage
• Fatalities

Although construction companies that violate safety regulations are regularly fined and found liable in lawsuits, it doesn’t stop irresponsible employers from making unsafe decisions.

Construction workers should look after themselves and each other by always wearing their PPE, using it correctly, and familiarizing themselves with all the safety precautions regarding the tools and materials they work with.

Report unsafe workplaces to OSHA, and stand up for your right to a safe and healthy work environment. Workers’ compensation and other monetary compensation do not make up for the loss of ability, health, and even life that can be posed by construction accidents.

Can I Claim Workers’ Compensation After a Construction Accident in Houston?

If you sustain a work-related injury at a Texas construction site, you may be able to file a workers comp claim against your employer. However, you can only do so if your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance. In Texas, worker’s comp insurance is optional, so your employer may be a “non-subscriber”. However, you have other legal options to pursue compensation and recovery.

Since these claims present unique challenges in Texas, you should always contact a local attorney for help and advice. Ultimately, a good construction accident lawyer in Houston handles both traditional and non-subscriber workers’ compensation claims. An attorney can investigate the details of your claim and help identify who may be liable. There are also several things you can do to protect your rights in the case of a construction accident, including:

• Seek Medical Treatment. Delaying treatment may worsen your injury. If you need emergency treatment, then call an ambulance and visit the nearest hospital. If you have a non-emergency injury, use first aid and consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
• Report Any Injury to Your Employer. You must inform your employer of your work injury within a specific time period. The sooner you file a report, the better your chances for a favorable claim.
• Call a Houston Construction Accident Lawyer. Before speaking to an insurance company or giving your employer a recorded statement, you should consult with a lawyer. An attorney can advise you of your rights and assist you in filing your claim.
• Record All Your Symptoms and Treatment. A qualified construction contract attorney in Houston can help you keep records of your injuries and medical treatment. As a result, a Houston workers’ compensation lawyer can use this data to help with your claim and ensure you are fully compensated.

What if Another Contractor Is Responsible for My Injuries?

At construction sites, accidents are often caused by the negligence of other subcontractors, materials suppliers, drivers, or property owners. Construction accidents may also be the fault of equipment manufacturers or faulty products. In these instances, a third-party claim identifies parties other than your employer which contributed to your injuries. You may file a third-party claim against these parties, or hold the third party and your employer jointly responsible. Injured construction workers can file third-party claims against those responsible, in addition to making a workers comp claim.

In the case of construction accidents, it isn’t always easy to determine all the parties who may be at fault, so you should contact a construction contract lawyer in Houston immediately. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that evidence will disappear.

Our construction accident lawyers in Houston are skilled at handling these types of personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. We can develop an effective legal strategy to maximize your compensation with both a workers’ comp and third-party claim. We also represent families who have lost loved ones to wrongful death in Houston construction accidents.

Reporting the Injury

If you have been injured at work, it is critical to report your injury. The Texas Department of Insurance requires all injuries to be reported within 30 days of the incident, or your workers’ compensation claim may be denied. Reporting your injury is so important and contributes so much to your case that you should report it in three ways:

1. As soon as possible, to your direct supervisor. If you have been injured at work, seek the appropriate medical care immediately. As soon as possible, notify your direct supervisor of the accident or incident. In many cases, this is most quickly done with a phone call or text message.
2. In writing, to your HR or other employer department. When it is safe and reasonable to do so, write a full description of the accident or incident with as many details as you remember. Make sure to include the names of potential witnesses and other important evidence. Keep a copy of this written description for your records, and send a copy to your company’s HR department or to your supervisor.
3. Directly to the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). While your employer can and should report your injury themselves, since it is their insurance policy, it is always best to contact the TDI Workers’ Comp division yourself to ensure that the injury is reported correctly within the 30 day deadline. On the TDI website you will find a form and instructions for how to directly report your injury.

While it may seem repetitive to report your injury in so many ways to so many people, it is the best way to protect your rights and ensure your injury is reported accurately.

If you are suffering from a work-related accident or injury that you did not know about at the time or was not caused by a single accident or incident, such as a disorder caused by repetitive strain, an illness caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, or a neck or back injury with more severe symptoms over time, you may miss the 30-day reporting deadline. You may not even have a specific date when your injury occurred. In those cases, you have 30 days from when you were diagnosed with a work-related injury or became aware that you had a work-related injury.

If you have a work related injury, and your claim has been denied because it was reported too late, contact a Houston workers’ compensation lawyer immediately. It is possible to appeal your denial and have the decision reversed, and a qualified attorney will help you get your claims processed correctly.

Documenting and Collecting the Evidence

While the majority of Texas workers’ compensation claims are processed and paid correctly, there can sometimes be denials or disputes, and these can sometimes lead to lawsuits and other legal proceedings. Collecting as much evidence as possible helps to protect your rights and get full compensation for your losses in the event of a dispute.

If possible, collect the names and contact information of witnesses to your accident. Take pictures of the scene, along with any tire marks, dents, or other visible damage. Take pictures of your injuries immediately after they occur and over time. Keep receipts for out-of-pocket expenses like medication or transportation.

Construction work sites are highly dynamic environments and change quickly, so it is important to collect evidence as soon as possible. If you or a loved one are severely injured and unable to collect evidence or create documentation, contact a Texas workers’ compensation lawyer. They will be able to help conduct an investigation and collect the necessary documentation.

Hurt on a Construction Site? Contact Our Houston-Based Attorneys Today

Are you wondering what to do if your workers’ compensation claim is denied? Do you suspect that your employer does not carry Texas workers comp insurance? Do you have questions about your rights with a construction injury claim? Act quickly after a construction accident, to give yourself a greater chance of successful recovery. The more you delay, the more economic challenges you may face. Fortunately, our Houston construction site injury lawyer can help you expedite the process and work toward a favorable resolution.

Aaron Allison believes you deserve to be represented by an experienced attorney. If you have suffered a head injury, back injuries, or other serious injuries in a construction accident, then we can help. Our legal team pursues every avenue of recovery to help you through personal injury and time away from work. Contact our construction accident lawyers in Houston for a free consultation.