Accidents happen, true, but those in the workplace are some of the most unexpected and damaging. Employees working in any industry or profession have the right to work in a safe environment that does not jeopardize their health. Workplace accidents are some of the most common, resulting in a wide range of injuries and fatalities.
While it’s true that some industries are inherently more dangerous than others, it’s important to note that ALL employees are at risk of accident or injury. According to the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA), 5,333 workers died [1] on the job in 2019 alone. The majority of workplace accidents took place within the manufacturing [2] or construction industry, respectively.
The Dallas workplace accident lawyers at Shamieh Law understand what you are going through and are here to help you recover damages for your injuries or losses. We have seen firsthand how devastating these types of accidents are and will do everything we can to support your case and seek justice. If you were injured in a workplace accident in Dallas or elsewhere in Texas, contact Shamieh Law and schedule a free consultation.
In many cases, injured workers are protected by the state’s workers’ compensation laws. However, these are relatively complex, and some employers are not required to carry the benefits. If you have any questions about workplace accidents or workers’ compensation benefits in Texas, please do not hesitate to contact Shamieh Law today.
Common Workplace Accidents
It probably comes as no surprise that the construction industry bears witness to the most accidents and injuries. It accounts for one in five worker deaths (OSHA). Unlike a typical office job, for example, those working in construction face varying degrees of risks and often find themselves in dangerous environments. OSHA has named the “Fatal Four” accident risks:
- Falls
- Getting struck by an object from above
- Electrocution
- Getting caught in or between objects
Even though all employers must provide their employees with a safe, healthy work environment, sometimes this is not the case, and employees are left vulnerable.
Some of the most common workplace injuries we see here in Texas and throughout the country include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Falls from heights (such as ladders, rooftops, or scaffolding)
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Electrocution
- Overexertion
- Struck by objects
- Struck against objects (such as a wall, door, cabinet, or window)
- Entanglement
- Repetitive motion
- Violence
According to OSHA, the following are the most frequently cited violated standards that lead to severe accidents and injuries in the workplace:
- Fall protection
- Respiratory protection
- Ladders in construction
- Unsafe scaffolding in construction
- Machinery and machine guarding
- Eye and face protection
If you find yourself in an accident at work, such as any of the above accidents, please contact Shamieh Law. In many cases, employers cut corners, putting workers at risk, which leads to life-altering injuries.
Common Injuries Following Workplace Accidents
Injuries following a workplace accident are usually serious or even fatal. The most common injuries that occur on the job include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Head trauma
- Muscle strains
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Injuries from inhaling toxic fumes or chemicals
- Chest and torso injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Injuries following electrocution
- Severe burns
- Amputation
- Brain and head injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
Workers’ Compensation Law in Texas
Workers’ compensation is an important, state-regulated insurance program designed to support workers for work-related injuries. In Texas, not all employers have to provide workers’ compensation benefits, but the majority do. To receive workers’ compensation benefits following an accident in Texas, your employer must carry the benefits. Here are a few facts about the Lone Star State’s workers’ compensation benefits to help you understand your rights:
- Private employers in Texas are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance
- If your employer does have workers’ compensation and you suffer an injury at work, you cannot sue for work-related injuries unless the following took place:
- Your employer failed to provide a safe environment
- A third-party was at-fault for the accident
- You are injured while working on a boat or a ship
- You became ill due to asbestos exposure
- To file a worker’s compensation claim in Texas, you must report your injury within 30 days of the incident
As you can see, the laws governing worker’s compensation claims are relatively complex and require the expertise of a knowledgeable team of lawyers. To learn more about your options, or if you would like to move forward with a case but are unsure what actions to take, please contact Shamieh Law and schedule a free consultation.
Steps to Take Following a Workplace Accident
If you do suffer an injury on-the-job, and the accident occurred because of someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to file a lawsuit. Please keep in mind the role of workers’ compensation benefits and contact a Dallas workplace injury lawyer at Shamieh Law for further assistance.
Following an accident at work, consider the following steps to protect your rights and support your case:
- Seek medical attention right away and make sure your work-related injuries are treated and documented.
- Report the accident and any injuries you’ve suffered to your employer immediately.
- Communicate your concerns about the incident with your employer or manager.
- Document any time you take away from work relating to the accident and your injuries.
- Follow the recommended treatment plans.
- Retain the services of an experienced Dallas workers’ compensation lawyer.
- File an accident report.
To learn more about Texas workplace accidents or the state’s workers’ compensation laws, contact Shamieh Law today. We understand how devastating these types of incidents can be and will do everything we can to represent you and help you recover damages for your losses and injuries.