Workers’ Compensation Claims in the Texas Construction Industry

1. Workers’ Compensation Claims in the Texas ConstructionIndustry Construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work. Construction workers face several hazards in the workplace which could cause accidents; serious occupational injuries or deaths could result from such accidents. Unfortunately, the Texas construction industry is at the top of the list when it comes to the number of fatal work accidents across the United States. A report on fatal occupational injuries in Texas released by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation shows there were 608 workplace fatalities in private and public/governmental sectors in 2019; and 20% of fatal work injuries happened in the construction industry with 123 incidents. Some of the most common construction accidents tend to include falls from structures or scaffolding, slipping/tripping, being struck by construction equipment/vehicles, fires/explosions, and electrocution/shock; many result from a lack of protections in place or a lack of training or supervision on site. If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident on a Texas construction site, you might be able to file a workers’ compensation claim to reach a financial resolution (i.e., damages). The Texas Workers' Compensation Act passed in 1993, suggesting that employers purchase state- regulated insurance that compensates employees who are injured while working. A workplace injury claim usually involves interaction between your employer and your insurance company. Employers often deny their liability in workplace accident cases, in an attempt to not pay damages; while insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible—this can make your case complicated and stressful. A competent personal injury attorney with expertise in construction accident cases can help you secure the compensation you deserve as well as helping you recoup expenditures for your medical bills and other costs related to your injuries (e.g., loss of income, etc.), so your financial burden is not as great. Note, however, that not all employers in Texas are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, regardless of the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act. This leaves those employers, called non-subscribers, open to personal injury lawsuits from employees who are injured on

2. the job, a risk that some are willing to take. If your employer does not have workers’ compensation coverage, you have the option of filing a straight personal injury claim instead. Having the guidance of a qualified attorney to know what next steps to take in your case is key. A personal injury lawyer like Bradley Reeves, who specializes in construction accident injury cases, can help to ensure you are compensated if you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury in a construction site accident. Reeves Law, PLLC, located in Austin, Texas, handles a variety of legal cases, including personal injury lawsuits. The professionals at Reeves Law are committed to providing personalized attention to their clients to ensure the best possible outcome in each case. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another party, contact Reeves Law for a free consultation and legal advice. SOURCES: 2019 Fatal Occupational Injuries in Texas Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation https://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/safety/sis/documents/2019fatalrpt.pdf Fatal Occupational Injuries in Texas US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Southwest Information Office https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/data/fatalworkplaceinjuries_t exas_table.htm