Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries occur when an employee is injured on the job because of an unsafe work environment. If you find yourself injured due to unsafe work conditions, you may have a premises liability case. At Perkins & Perkins, we bring years of experience to the table with these types of cases to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Workplace Injury Lawyers in Corpus Christi, Texas
Companies have a responsibility to ensure their worksites are safe for their employees. Unfortunately, many companies fail to do so. Even more alarming, most companies do not care. In order to understand the complexities of what an unsafe work-environment is, one must understand the factors involved in a work injury, such as the injured worker’s experience occupational safety standards, and insurance requirements.
Texas law does not require most employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. However, by failing to have workers’ compensation insurance, employers are precluded from shifting any fault to that of the employee and must bear full liability for the injuries. Workplace injuries can range anywhere from burns to serious injury or death. Some common workplace injuries are slip, trip, and falls, equipment malfunctions, and chemical exposures.
Free Consultation With Perkins & Perkins
When choosing an attorney, it is important to choose one with knowledge and experience. Perkins & Perkins has a proven track record of representing plaintiffs in a variety of personal injury cases. Our abilities are demonstrated by an $18,111,232.00 verdict we secured in 2022, which was recognized as the largest construction injury verdict in Texas, that year.
Perkins & Perkins offers free consultations and operates on a contingency fee basis for injury cases. This means that you pay nothing unless we recover damages for you. With our proven knowledge and experience, we stand ready to help you. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your options and take the first step in reclaiming your life.
What Is A Workplace Injury?
A workplace injury can be defined as any injury, illness, or condition caused or exacerbated by an individual’s work environment or activities related to their employment. These injuries can range from acute incidents, like falls or machinery accidents, to cumulative traumas such as repetitive strain injuries or long-term exposure to harmful substances. It is important to recognize that any harm that affects your ability to perform your work duties or requires medical attention might qualify you for compensation.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can stem from a variety of causes, each depending on the nature of the job and the working conditions. Common causes include:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are among the most common workplace accidents, occurring due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, poorly maintained work areas, and inadequate fall protection. Injuries from these accidents can range from minor bruises to serious fractures or head injuries.
- Machinery and Equipment Accidents: Machine-related injuries occur when workers are harmed by the machines they operate. These injuries can be severe, including amputations, crush injuries, or worse. Causes often include lack of safety guards, improper training, or malfunctioning equipment.
- Transportation and Vehicle-Related Accidents: Employees who operate vehicles or machinery can suffer severe injuries in crashes or collisions.
- Exposure to Harmful Substances: Workers in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, industrial, and oilfield jobs are prone to being exposed to harmful substances. Chemicals, gasses, and other hazardous materials can cause both acute and chronic health issues, from respiratory issues to chronic illnesses like cancer.
- Electrocutions: Exposed wiring, inadequate grounding of equipment or electrical systems, lack of warning signs, and faulty equipment can cause severe burn and scarring, and even be fatal.
Statistics and Facts About Workplace Injuries in Texas
Workplace injuries are a significant concern in Texas. Consider these facts:
- Annual Reports: Texas sees tens of thousands of workplace injuries each year, and a substantial number lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
- High-Risk Industries: Construction, transportation, warehousing, and oilfield industries consistently report the highest numbers of injuries and fatalities.
- Financial Impact: The cost of workplace injuries in Texas extends into the billions annually, covering medical expenses, lost productivity, and compensation claims.
- Recovery and Claims: Data shows that a significant percentage of injured workers face challenges in obtaining compensation, underscoring the importance of legal guidance.
These statistics highlight the need for awareness, preventive measures, and, when necessary, effective legal representation.
Understanding Personal Injury Claims and Non Subscriber Liability
Texas Law prevents employees from filing personal injury lawsuits against their employer if they provide worker’s compensation insurance. However, if your employer opts out of providing work compensation insurance (which is voluntary in Texas), they become a non-subscriber. Non-subscriber liability allows employees injured on the job to sue their employer for their injuries because of their failure to provide worker’s compensation.
PERSONAL INJURY & CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Perkins and Perkins Law is a personal injury and criminal defense law firm based in Corpus Christi, Texas ready to help you and your family. We possess the experience, skill, and resources to effectively manage any case.
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Why Choose Our Corpus Christi Law Firm for Workplace Injuries?
If you have been injured at work, it is necessary to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. By choosing Perkins & Perkins, you are choosing a team that genuinely cares about your well-being and is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you. If you or a loved one has been injured at the workplace, reach out to us today for a free consultation. We are here to help you understand your rights and take your first steps towards recovery.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
If you are a victim of a workplace injury, you may be entitled to various types of compensation to help cover the costs associated with the accident. Possible compensation includes:
- Medical Bills: Compensation for medical expenses can cover immediate costs such as emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays. It also includes long-term medical costs for rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication, and ongoing treatments related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the income you have already lost but also any future earnings you will miss out on due to your inability to work at the same capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering compensation is intended to cover the physical pain and emotional distress you experience. This can be a significant component of your claim, reflecting the impact on your quality of life.
- Disfigurement: Disfigurement damages compensate you for permanent visible physical injuries such as scarring from cuts or burns. These damages are intended to provide financial relief for the psychological distress and altered quality of life caused by the disfigurement.
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, the spouse or family members of the injured person may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and support due to the injuries.
- Punitive Damages: If the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, you might be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and to deter similar conduct in the future.
Common Workplace Injuries Questions
1. Does it matter if I am injured by an employee or independent contractor?
It does. An employer may be held liable for the actions of their employees, which would likely allow you to obtain more compensation. In contrast, if the person is an independent contractor, you cannot hold their employer liable and you would likely be unable to obtain as much compensation. Determining fault and understanding insurance coverage can be complicated, but the Perkins and Perkins law firm is here to answer any questions you may have.
2. If my injury caused me to miss work, will I be compensated for it?
Yes, you can claim lost wages as damages. When someone sustains an injury that prevents them from working, they are entitled to be compensated for the money they lost out on. If you were injured and missed work, let Perkins & Perkins help you recover your lost wages.
3. What can you do if the defendant won’t give you a copy of a video?
You will need to file a lawsuit. During the lawsuit you can engage in discovery which is the legal process of obtaining evidence from the Defendant in order to confirm both parties have access to the same information. This would include providing any relevant video footage. At Perkins & Perkins, our trial lawyers have extensive experience in obtaining evidence that Defendants try to hide during the discovery process, and we know how to get it from them.
4. Why is it important to do an incident report, or can it wait?
Reporting the incident immediately helps ensure that details are fresh in the minds of those involved. This leads to more accurate and comprehensive documentation of what occurred, including the sequence of events, injuries sustained, and any actions taken. For litigation purposes, an incident report provides an official record of what happened, and serves as a factual account that can be referenced later. If you sustained an injury at your workplace or jobsite and want to make a claim, call the Perkins and Perkins law firm today for a free consultation.
5. Am I required to take a drug or alcohol test after an injury?
You may. Certain industries, such as transportation (regulated by the Department of Transportation) and nuclear energy, have federal regulations that mandate drug and alcohol testing following an accident or injury. Many employers also have policies in place that require drug and alcohol testing after a workplace accident or injury. If you have concerns about the results of a post-accident drug or alcohol test you or the person that injured you took, call Perkins and Perkins right away to protect your rights.
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At Perkins & Perkins, our unwavering commitment to professionalism, civility, and transparent communication enables us to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Whether handling personal injury or criminal defense cases, our firm prioritizes integrity and excellence, ensuring that every client receives the highest standard of legal representation.
