Work environments can be dangerous places, especially if power tools, vehicles, or toxic substances are needed to get the job done. If you have been injured at work, you have the right to pursue compensation for your damages. Speaking with a work accident injury lawyer can help you navigate the claim submission process and build a strong case against the liable party.
10 Situations You Should Hire a Work Accident Injury Lawyer
1. You Were Injured While Working With Unsafe Equipment
Many work accidents involve large, hazardous pieces of equipment, especially in construction. Workers are vulnerable to accidents involving large, specialized vehicles and heavy machinery that can cause electrocution and entanglement. Some examples of equipment that incurs a high rate of injury include scissor lifts and tools used for digging, hammering, or cutting.
2. The Premises You Were Working on Were Unsafe
Employers have a responsibility to maintain a safe working environment for their employees. While it is common for workers to be injured in falls or struck by objects on a work site, most of these accidents are preventable. Scaffolding and temporary structures can be especially unsafe as they are prone to collapse if they are not built correctly.
3. You Were Exposed to Dangerous Chemicals
Working with toxic substances is often part of the job for people who are employed by construction companies, plants, and refineries. Sometimes, unsafe exposure to chemicals leads to an injury that is immediately obvious, like a burn. Other times, it causes a medical condition like cancer that could take years to develop.
4. You Were Injured by a Faulty Product
Injuries from defective products can occur in any work environment, whether you are a chef who suffered deep cuts from a badly manufactured blender or an office worker who fell from a poorly made ladder while trying to reach a high shelf in the supply room. Faulty products are a consumer rights issue regardless of where they cause accidents. When the injury in question occurs at work, a lawyer who is familiar with employment law is the best type of attorney to hire for the case.
5. You Were Injured While Driving for Work
Many businesses employ drivers to transport products or facilitate their services. If you suffered an accident and were in a company-owned vehicle at the time of the crash, there is a good chance that you have a case against your employer.
6. You Were Assaulted at Work
If you were assaulted at work, your employer or the person who was violent towards you might be found responsible. Whether or not the assault can be considered a workplace injury depends on where the violence occurred, who was responsible, whether the person who injured you was affiliated with your company, and what motivated the assault.
7. Your Loved One Suffered a Fatal Accident or a Catastrophic Injury at Work
If you need to take legal action on behalf of a loved one, Houston work accident injury lawyers can help you submit a wrongful death claim or fight for catastrophic injury damages. In the case of serious accidents, compensation should include any:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional stress
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of consortium
8. Your Injury Occurred Offshore
Many Texas residents are employed on oil rigs, fishing vessels, container ships, and other types of watercraft. The laws that pertain to them fall under maritime law, which is separate from Texas state law. If you experienced an injury while working offshore, working with a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in maritime law can help sort out the legal complexities of recovering compensation for the damages that occurred.
9. Your Employer Does Not Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance
While most states require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, Texas does not. Employers who do not participate in the workers’ comp system are referred to as “non-subscribers.” If your employer is a non-subscriber and you are injured at work, you will most likely need to submit a personal injury claim to receive compensation. Even if your employer does have workers’ compensation insurance, a lawyer can help review the accident to determine the best way to seek damages.
10. A Third Party Was Involved in Your Accident
While your employer is responsible for upholding safety standards, some accidents can be attributed to a third party such as the manufacturer of a faulty product or a client who neglected to maintain safe premises. Your lawyer can help you identify which party was liable for your injury. You can click URL here to hire best work accident attorney. In some cases, injured workers are able to seek compensation from multiple parties.
Working with a personal injury attorney who specializes in employment law can help you sort out the legal complexities of a work accident. By working with a lawyer, you will be better able to identify what type of claim to submit and which parties could be liable for your injuries. Most importantly, getting the perspective of a professional who understands the laws pertaining to work injuries can help you strengthen your case and ultimately maximize your claim.
