A serious on-the-job injury can affect your health, your paycheck, and your family’s stability. In Texas, what happens next depends on whether your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance and whether anyone other than your employer contributed to your injury. A trusted McAllen work injury lawyer can help you sort through these factors and identify every path to compensation available to you. Below, we cover the workplace injuries that most often lead to lawsuits in Texas and what injured workers can recover.
When Does a Workplace Injury Lead to a Lawsuit in Texas?
For most injured workers, the first step is filing a workers’ compensation claim. This no-fault insurance pays medical bills and a portion of lost wages without requiring you to prove anyone was at fault. In exchange, workers’ compensation generally prevents you from suing your employer.
There are two major exceptions. First, Texas does not require private employers to carry workers’ comp. If your employer is a non-subscriber and their negligence caused your injury, you can sue them directly. Second, if a third party contributed to your injury, you can file a lawsuit against them. Common liable parties include subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, negligent drivers, and property owners.
The Most Common Workplace Injuries Behind Texas Legal Claims
Certain injuries repeatedly arise in Texas courtrooms because of their severity and high costs. If you have suffered any of the following injuries while working, you may have grounds for legal action.
Back, Neck, and Spinal Cord Injuries
Falls, heavy lifting, and vehicle accidents can damage the spine, leading to chronic pain or paralysis. These injuries often require lifelong care and can permanently keep workers out of physical jobs.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions
Falling objects and falls from height cause traumatic brain injuries on Texas job sites. This trauma can affect every aspect of your life, including memory, mood, concentration, and balance.
Broken Bones and Crush Injuries
Machinery accidents and collapsing materials cause fractures and crush injuries that may require multiple surgeries, implanted hardware, and months off work.
Burns and Chemical Exposure
Refineries, plants, and industrial kitchens expose workers to flames, hot surfaces, and hazardous chemicals. These exposures often result in disfigurement, respiratory damage, and occupational illness.
Hearing and Vision Loss
Flying debris, prolonged noise exposure, and chemical splashes can cause permanent sensory loss. When you lose hearing or vision, you will likely need hearing aids, surgery, or other assistive devices. Even then, full function may never return.
Amputations and Loss of Limb
Heavy machinery and crushing incidents can cause limb loss, either through traumatic amputation or surgical removal. These serious injuries often require prosthetics and ongoing medical treatment.
What Compensation Can You Recover Through a Texas Workplace Injury Lawsuit?
Through a work injury lawsuit, you have the right to recover compensation that fully addresses the impact of your accident. Your settlement may cover:
- Full lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Current and future medical care, including rehabilitation
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Physical impairment and disfigurement
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Were You Injured on the Job? Find Out If You Have a Case
When a workplace injury occurs, it can be difficult to know what to do next. For over 15 years, De La Garza Law Firm has helped injured Texans take the next steps, recovering millions of dollars along the way. If you were hurt at work and someone else was responsible, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation case review.
