Fort Worth, TX Work Injury Lawyer

Attorney for Workplace Accidents and Injuries in Fort Worth

There are numerous situations where people may suffer workplace injuries. In multiple industries and workplaces, from construction sites to office environments, employees are at risk of being injured while performing their job duties. These injuries can range from minor sprains and strains to life-altering conditions that require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation. If you have suffered an injury at work, it is important to understand your rights and your options for recovering financial compensation.

Whether your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions or the negligence of an employer, co-worker, or third party, the attorney at The Meza Law Firm, PLLC can advise you of your legal options. We will help you determine the best steps to take to protect your rights and your financial interests. With our assistance, you can avoid financial difficulties, receive the proper treatment, and take steps to recover from the injuries you have suffered.

Types of Work Injuries

Depending on the nature of the job, the work environment, and the specific tasks involved, workers may be at risk of multiple types of injuries. Accidents in the workplace or other situations in which workers may be injured include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Workers may slip on wet floors, trip over obstacles, or fall from heights, leading to injuries such as sprained ankles, fractures, head injuries, and back pain.
• Construction Accidents: Workers in the construction industry face significant risks, including being struck by falling objects, being injured by heavy machinery, or falling from scaffolding.
• Machinery and Equipment Accidents: Workers who operate machinery, such as forklifts, cranes, or power tools, are at risk of crushing injuries, amputations, and other serious accidents.
• Burns and Chemical Exposure: Workers in industries like manufacturing, chemical plants, or kitchens may suffer burns, respiratory injuries, or other forms of harm due to exposure to dangerous chemicals or flames.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Employees who drive as part of their job, such as delivery drivers or truckers, may be involved in accidents that result in whiplash, broken bones, or other forms of severe trauma.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Jobs that require repetitive motion, such as assembly line work, lifting, or typing, can lead to conditions like muscle strain, back problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis.
• Falls From Heights: Workers who are required to work on roofs, ladders, or scaffolding may be at risk of serious injuries from falls, which can include broken bones, spinal injuries, and head trauma.
• Workplace Violence: Employees in high-stress or customer-facing positions may be exposed to workplace violence, including assaults, which can lead to physical injuries and emotional trauma.

Legal Options for Injured Workers

In Texas, the law provides several options for injured workers to receive compensation for their injuries. The forms of compensation that may be available include:

Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. If an employer carries workers' compensation insurance, a person may be eligible to receive benefits that cover:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, and ongoing treatments related to a workplace injury may be fully covered.
• Lost Wages: A person may receive compensation for a percentage of the wages lost while recovering from a work-related injury or illness.
• Disability Benefits: When an injury leads to permanent impairments that affect a person's ability to work, workers' compensation may provide ongoing benefits.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: When an injury prevents a person from returning to work in their previous position, programs may be available to help them receive education or training so they can find new employment.

Workers' compensation benefits will be available regardless of whether an employer, employee, or another party was responsible for a workplace injury. However, there are some limitations. An employee cannot take legal action to address negligence by an employer. Workers' comp benefits generally do not provide compensation for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.

Legal Action Against an Employer Without Workers' Compensation Insurance

Texas does not require most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. In situations where an employer does not have coverage, workers may take legal action to hold their employer liable for injuries caused by the employer's negligence. In these cases, a worker may be able to recover compensation for their medical expenses, the full amount of their lost income, and the pain and suffering they have experienced.

Our attorney can help injured employees understand whether they may be able to pursue a claim for damages against an employer who is a non-subscriber. We can make sure the proper steps are taken to recover financial compensation for the damages an employee has suffered.

Third-Party Claims

In some cases, workers may also pursue claims against third parties who were responsible for their injuries. Examples of third parties who may be held responsible for a person's injuries include:

• Equipment Manufacturers: If faulty machinery or equipment caused the injury, the manufacturer may be held liable.
• Contractors or Subcontractors: If a subcontractor's negligence caused an accident or injury, the injured worker may be able to file a claim against them.
• Property Owners: If an injury occurred on a third party's property due to unsafe conditions, the property owner may be held liable through a premises liability claim.
• Drivers or Other Motorists: If a work-related car accident was caused by another driver's negligence, that driver may be held responsible for a person's damages.

A third-party lawsuit may allow an injured worker to recover additional compensation for damages that workers' compensation does not cover, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the full amount of income lost due to an injury. Our lawyer can identify third parties who may be held liable, and we will work to ensure that an injury victim can recover compensation from all available sources.

Contact Our Fort Worth, Texas Workplace Injury Attorney

When you have been injured while working, it is important to understand your legal rights and your options for recovering compensation. The Meza Law Firm, PLLC can provide the legal help you need in these situations. Contact our Fort Worth workplace accident lawyer at 817-732-6392 to set up a free consultation.