Houston Construction Accident Lawyers

Some of the hardest workers in Texas are construction workers–that is no secret. This is why when they are injured, they deserve justice. If you are someone who has been injured in a construction site accident, you most likely require financial compensation to help cover the cost of your medical care, lost wages, and more. Contact the dedicated Houston construction accident lawyers here at Patour & Shaw to learn more about these accidents and how we can help if you’ve been harmed in one.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents?

Construction accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common causes and types of these accidents are as follows:

• Falls from Heights: Construction sites often involve working on ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops, leading to falls.
• Being Struck by Objects: Falling tools, materials, and equipment can cause severe injuries.
• Electrocutions: Contact with power lines, exposed wiring, and electrical equipment can result in serious electrical injuries.
• Caught-in/between Accidents: Workers can get caught in or between machinery, equipment, or collapsing structures.
• Slips and Trips: Uneven surfaces, debris, and wet areas can cause slips and trips, leading to injuries.
• Vehicle Accidents: Construction sites often have heavy machinery and vehicles, posing a risk of accidents.
• Overexertion: Heavy lifting, repetitive motion, and prolonged physical activity can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances: Chemicals, asbestos, and other hazardous materials can cause respiratory and other health issues.
• Machinery Accidents: Malfunctioning or improperly used machinery can result in severe injuries.
• Explosions and Fires: Flammable materials and faulty equipment can lead to dangerous explosions and fires.

What Should I Do After a Construction Accident?

After a construction accident, you should do everything in your power to take the following critical steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get medical help right away, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Report the Accident: Notify your supervisor or employer about the accident as soon as possible. In Texas, you must report the injury within 30 days to be eligible for workers’ compensation.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any safety hazards that contributed to the accident.
4. Collect Witness Information: Gather contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident.
5. Keep Records: Maintain a file of all medical records, accident reports, and communications with your employer and insurance companies.
6. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Submit your workers’ compensation claim promptly. In Texas, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim.
7. Hire a Team of Construction Accident Lawyers: Contact an experienced team of Harris County construction lawyers to discuss your case and protect your rights.

Workers’ Compensation Vs. Third-Party Claims

Workers’ compensation provides medical benefits and wage replacement for injured workers, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This system is designed to ensure that injured employees receive necessary care without needing to prove employer negligence. However, one significant limitation of workers’ compensation is that it typically prohibits you from suing your employer for additional damages beyond what the workers’ compensation benefits provide.

In contrast, third-party claims allow you to seek additional compensation from parties other than your employer, such as equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or property owners. To succeed in a third-party claim, you must prove that the third party’s negligence contributed to your accident. The advantage of third-party claims is that they can provide compensation for pain and suffering and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Texas?

For workers’ compensation claims, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident. Following this, you have one year from the date of the accident to file your workers’ compensation claim.

For third-party claims, the statute of limitations is different. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party. It’s important to act promptly and consult with an attorney early in the process to ensure all claims are filed correctly and within the required timeframes.

Contact Our Texas Construction Accident Lawyers

Don’t face a construction accident alone–the legal team here at Patout & Shaw stands ready to effectively represent you and your interests, every step of the way. Contact our construction lawyers today to set up your confidential consultation.