Being injured on the job can be disheartening. You were just trying to do your work when an accident caused you to suffer an injury, lose income, and face an uncertain financial future. An experienced personal injury attorney in Austin from De La Garza Law can explain your legal rights and options following a work accident. Contact our law firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.
Common Causes of Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents and injuries can occur for many reasons, including:
- Slips and falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Being caught in or struck by an object
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Crane accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Construction accidents
- Falling debris
- Repetitive motions
- Overexertion
- Heat and fatigue
- Fires and explosions
If you were injured in a work accident, an experienced Austin workplace injury lawyer can investigate your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries and damages.
Texas Workers’ Compensation
Texas is the one state that does not mandate workers’ compensation coverage. However, many employers choose to obtain this type of insurance to protect themselves from legal claims by injured workers.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system, providing benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident (with some exceptions). Therefore, even if you acted negligently in causing the accident, you may still be entitled to these benefits.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, workers’ compensation consists of the following:
- Medical benefits – The workers’ compensation insurer is responsible for paying for reasonable and necessary medical care after a workplace injury or illness.
- Income benefits – Income benefits replace a portion of the injured worker’s wages
- Burial benefits – These benefits are available to pay for a deceased employee’s funeral or burial expenses.
- Death benefits – These benefits replace a portion of a worker’s income and pay it to surviving family members if the worker dies on the job.
Our Austin workplace injury attorneys can review your claim and explain the benefits you may be entitled to.
Third-Party Claims
If your employer does not maintain workers’ compensation insurance or a third party is responsible for your injuries, you may be able to file a lawsuit or personal injury claim against the at-fault party. This type of claim requires you to show the defendant was negligent in causing your injuries.
Examples of third-party claims include:
- A negligent motorist collides with your vehicle while you are traveling for work.
- A contractor did not keep the workplace safe, which contributed to the injury.
- A property owner did not maintain their property and you slipped and fell while on the job site.
- A party violated Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, exposing you to harmful chemicals on the job.
Learn about your right to compensation when you contact De La Garza Law for a free consultation.
Contact an Austin Work Injury Attorney Who Will Fight for You
If you were injured at work, a workers’ compensation lawyer from De La Garza Law can manage your workers’ compensation claim, appeal any adverse decisions, and investigate your case for the viability of a third-party claim. Let us fight for the financial resources you deserve. Get started with a free case review when you call (956) 382-6717 or contact us online.
