Workplace Accident Lawyer in Houston

Let Our Firm Help You Recover Your Entitled Benefits

Workplace accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of the type of job they have. Due to the nature of the work, certain jobs come with a higher risk of accidents and injuries, such as construction work and factory work. However, accidents can happen in any industry, and when they do, the injuries can be severe and even catastrophic.

After a workplace accident, you may be unable to work or even perform everyday activities. You may be struggling with pain and wondering how you will be able to pay your bills. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can help you pay for your medical bills and provide you with a portion of your lost wages. However, obtaining these benefits can be difficult, especially if your claim has been denied.

At the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III & Associates, PLLC, we help workers who have been injured in all types of workplace accidents, including construction accidents, industrial accidents, and oil field accidents. We understand how stressful it can be to deal with a workplace injury, especially if you are unable to work. That is why we will work hard to get you the benefits you need and deserve.

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, call us at (713) 360-0062 or contact us online for a free consultation with our workplace accident lawyer in Houston.

Types of Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can happen in all types of industries. Some of the most common types of workplace accidents include:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Being struck by an object
• Vehicle accidents
• Industrial accidents
• Construction accidents
• Fires and explosions
• Exposure to toxic substances
• Electrocutions
• Equipment malfunctions

These accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including catastrophic injuries and fatal injuries. In some cases, these accidents are caused by the negligence of a third party, such as a contractor or another driver. In these situations, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.

How to Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Texas

Workers’ compensation benefits are available to workers who have been injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. In Texas, employers are not required to have workers’ compensation insurance. However, many choose to carry this type of insurance to help protect their employees.

Workers’ compensation benefits can provide you with the following:

• Medical benefits
• Temporary disability benefits
• Permanent disability benefits
• Disfigurement benefits
• Death benefits

After a workplace accident, you may be unable to work for a period of time. If your doctor has not cleared you to return to work, you may be eligible to receive temporary disability benefits. If you are unable to return to work at all, you may be eligible to receive permanent disability benefits.

You must take the following steps after a workplace accident to obtain workers' comp benefits in Texas:

• Notify Your Employer: After a workplace accident, you must report the accident to your employer within 30 days. If you fail to do so, you may lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits. However, you should report the accident as soon as possible. If you are injured and unable to report the accident, a family member can do so on your behalf.
• Get Medical Treatment: Under Texas law, you have the right to see a doctor of your choice for your initial treatment. However, after your initial treatment, you will need to see a doctor that is approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company.
• File a Claim: Your employer should file a workers’ compensation claim with their insurance company on your behalf. However, you should check to make sure a claim has been filed. If not, you can file a claim yourself.
• Wait for a Decision: The insurance company will review your claim and decide whether to approve or deny it. If your claim is approved, you will receive your benefits. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
• Return to Work: After a workplace accident, you may be unable to work for a period of time. If your doctor has not cleared you to return to work, you may be eligible to receive temporary disability benefits. If you are unable to return to work at all, you may be eligible to receive permanent disability benefits.

Some employers do not have workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer does not have this type of insurance, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against your employer. However, this can be a complex process, and it is best to seek legal help from a workplace accident lawyer in Houston.

What is a Third-Party Claim?

A third-party claim refers to a legal action pursued against someone other than the employer or co-worker who may be partially or wholly responsible for the injuries sustained by an employee. While workers' compensation typically covers injuries sustained in the workplace and provides benefits to employees regardless of fault, third-party claims allow injured workers to seek additional compensation from parties outside of their employer's control who may have contributed to the accident or injury.

Common types of third parties in workplace accidents in Texas may include:

• Manufacturers or Distributors: If a defective product or piece of equipment contributed to the workplace accident, the manufacturer or distributor of that product may be held liable. This could include machinery, tools, safety equipment, or other products used in the workplace.
• Subcontractors or Contractors: In cases involving construction sites or other work environments where multiple companies are involved, subcontractors or contractors responsible for maintaining a safe work environment may be held liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
• Property Owners: If the workplace accident occurred on property not owned or controlled by the employer, such as a leased building or construction site, the property owner may be held liable for unsafe conditions that contributed to the injury.
• Drivers or Transportation Companies: If an employee is injured in a motor vehicle accident while driving for work purposes, the negligent driver or the transportation company may be held liable for damages beyond what workers' compensation covers.
• Maintenance or Repair Companies: If the accident resulted from faulty maintenance or repairs, the company responsible for servicing equipment or premises may be held liable.
• Vendors or Suppliers: Companies that provide services or supplies to the workplace may be held liable if their actions or products contributed to the accident.
• Other Negligent Third Parties: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, other parties such as property managers, engineers, architects, or individuals responsible for safety inspections may also be potential third-party defendants.

Third-party claims can provide additional financial support for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages not covered by workers' compensation alone.

When to Hire a Workplace Accident Lawyer in Houston

After a workplace accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire a workplace accident attorney in Houston. While you are not legally required to have an attorney, it is a good idea to seek legal representation, especially if your claim has been denied or you wish to pursue a third-party claim. Our workplace accident lawyer can help you file a claim, gather the necessary evidence, and present your case to the insurance company. If your claim has been denied, we can help you appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you need and deserve.

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, obtaining these benefits can be difficult, especially if your claim has been denied. At the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III & Associates, PLLC, we will fight for your rights and help you get the benefits you need and deserve. We have helped many workers in Houston and the surrounding areas, and we are ready to help you.

Contact us today at (713) 360-0062 to schedule a free consultation with our Houston workplace accident lawyer.