Thousands of accidents happen at workplaces across the United States each year, leading to painful injuries and devastating fatalities. Although anyone could fall victim to a workplace accident, certain jobs are at a higher risk of personal injury than others. If you are injured while on the job, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries—even if you work in a high-risk occupation.
United States Workplace Injury Statistics
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects and publishes data on workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities each year. The agency typically classifies the most dangerous jobs as the ones with the highest fatality rates, measured as the average number of fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers.
According to BLS data, the following civilian occupations saw the highest fatality rates during 2019.
- Fishers and fishing workers: 145 fatalities per 100,000 workers
- Logging workers: 68.9 fatalities per 100,000 workers
- Aircraft pilots and flight engineers: 61.8 fatalities per 100,000
- Roofers: 54 fatalities per 100,000
- Helpers in the construction trade: 40 fatalities per 100,000
- Refuse and recyclable material collectors: 35.2 fatalities per 100,000
- Truck drivers and sales workers who drive: 26.8 fatalities per 100,000
- Structural iron and steel workers: 26.3 fatalities per 100,000
- Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers: 23.2 fatalities per 100,000
- Grounds maintenance workers: 19.8 fatalities per 100,000
Legal Options for Injured Texas Employees
If you are injured on a workplace in Texas, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. In many cases, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to recover benefits for medical expenses and disability benefits.
Under Texas law, employers are not required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. You will need to check with your employer before you can file this type of claim. If your workplace does have this coverage, you will need to report your accident within 30 days to your employer, file an official claim with the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), and follow your employer’s instructions for receiving medical care. You may need to see a healthcare provider approved by your employer, or you can visit any physician approved by the DWC.
After the DWC receives your claim, it will review your case and notify your employer and the workers’ compensation insurance provider. The company will then review your claim and determine whether or not you are eligible for compensation.
You could also pursue any of the following pathways to compensation, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case.
- If your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, you could file a lawsuit against him or her for your injury-related losses, regardless of fault or negligence.
- You can file a lawsuit against a third party if he or she caused your injury, such as a contractor.
- If a defective product caused your accident, you could file a lawsuit against its manufacturer.
- If your employer’s intentional act caused your injury, you can file a lawsuit against him or her as long as you do not file a workers’ compensation claim over the same incident.
Whether you plan on filing a lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim, it is important to seek the help of a Texas workplace injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Your lawyer can evaluate your case and help you identify your optimal path to maximum recovery. Contact a McAllen workplace injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident to discuss your legal options.
