Common Workplace Injuries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas sees an average of 250,000 workplace injuries and illnesses every year. This high number is not surprising, considering that the major industries in Texas are some of the most dangerous in the country.
Construction, manufacturing, ranching and farming, and of course oil extraction are all big parts of the Texas economy, and all pose high risks to workers. Because of this, Texas workers can often sustain severe workplace injuries.
Some of the most common workplace accidents in Texas include:
- Vehicular accidents
- Falling objects
- Defective heavy equipment, or equipment that malfunctions
- Violent acts performed by other workers on the job
- Fires and explosions
- Exposure to toxic substances including asbestos and toxic chemicals
These workplace accidents can all result in both minor and serious injuries, depending on the circumstances. The most common workplace injuries in Texas are burns, back or brain injuries, broken bones, sprains or strains, paraplegia or quadriplegia, eye injuries, cancer from chemical exposure, and even wrongful death.
Although these are some of the most common workplace accidents and injuries in Texas, individuals can suffer harm at any time on their job, and in any industry. In light of this, it is surprising that Texas is one of the few states that does not require most private employers to have workers’ compensation.
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that will provide accident benefits to an injured employee after an injury on the job. When an employer in Texas is not covered under workers’ compensation, employees can file a personal injury claim against them to claim compensation for their injuries. Like other personal injury claims, this is only possible when an employer has been negligent or careless and that negligence contributed to the accident.
When an employer carries workers’ compensation in Texas, it limits the amount of compensation and accident benefits an employee can receive. In most cases, the injured employee also cannot file a lawsuit against an employer covered under workers’ compensation.
Even in that situation, it is important for an attorney to review the accident to see if there are other third parties who can be held accountable for their negligence in causing an injury. Independent contractors on job sites, negligent drivers the employer is not responsible for and claims for product failures that caused the worker’s injuries all can potentially be responsible for injuries that happen within the course and scope of employment.
Whether or not an employer has workers’ compensation, injured employees may want to contact a personal injury lawyer who can help them pursue compensation after a workplace accident. An attorney can assist in filing a claim and, if the employer had workers’ compensation at the time, can ensure that the injured individual receives the full amount of benefits they should.