Houston Industrial Accident Attorneys

Industrial work environments frequently pose hazards that can result in severe injuries. Individuals impacted by an industrial accident in Houston may experience a variety of injuries, many of which carry the potential to significantly affect their overall health and well-being.

Common industrial accident injuries include:

• Brain injuries: Impacts on the head or penetrating head injuries can lead to traumatic brain injuries, resulting in long-term cognitive issues, emotional distress, and physical limitations.
• Burn injuries: Exposure to high temperatures, chemicals, or electrical sources can cause burns, which often necessitate extensive medical treatment, including surgeries and rehabilitation.
• Spinal cord injuries: Falls or being struck by heavy objects can damage the spinal cord, possibly leading to permanent paralysis or other neurological impairments.
• Fractures and broken bones: Broken bones are common in most industries that deal with heavy machinery and heights. Fractures demand significant recovery time and can potentially lead to chronic pain or disability.
• Amputations: Severe injuries can lead to the loss of limbs or digits, which can be life-altering, requiring prosthetics and extensive physical therapy.
• Hearing and vision loss: Loud noises and exposure to hazardous substances or explosions can permanently affect hearing and sight.
• Respiratory diseases: Inhaling toxic fumes or particles may cause chronic respiratory diseases, requiring long-term medical care.

Each of these injuries can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. If you have sustained any of the injuries mentioned above in an industrial accident, you may have the option to seek compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other expenses associated with an industrial accident.

Can You Sue Your Employer for an Industrial Accident?

Texas law presents unique challenges and considerations for workers injured on the job, particularly when it comes to taking legal action against an employer. 

In many cases, Texas employers are protected from lawsuits by workers' compensation insurance, which is designed to provide benefits to injured employees without the need to prove employer negligence. However, it's important to note that Texas does not mandate all employers to carry this insurance. 

An employer without workers' compensation coverage, known as a "non-subscriber," may indeed face a lawsuit from an injured employee. In such cases, the absence of workers' compensation means that legal protection is limited, and the employer might be more vulnerable to direct claims for injury consequences.

When an employer does have workers' compensation coverage, employees generally cannot sue for injuries sustained on the job, as the workers' compensation system is intended to be the exclusive remedy. There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule. 

For instance, if an injury is the result of an intentional act or gross negligence by an employer, or if a third party causes the injury, the worker may have the right to pursue additional legal actions outside the workers' compensation system. It's also noteworthy to mention that if a product defect caused the injury, the worker might have a claim against the product's manufacturer or distributor.

Identifying the correct legal approach to seeking compensation for the costs associated with your injuries requires a thorough assessment of the circumstances surrounding the industrial accident in which you were involved. These assessments often include determining the status of an employer's workers' compensation insurance, the involvement of potential third parties, and specific details of the events that led to the injury. 

Individuals who find themselves or a loved one affected by an industrial accident should consult with a Houston industrial accident lawyer at Fertitta & Givens to explore their legal options.