Construction is one of the most dangerous job industries in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1,102 fatal injuries in the construction industry in 2019. Those deaths made up more than 20 percent of all work-related deaths in the U.S. that year. There were tens of thousands of non-fatal injuries.
Falls from heights, slipping and tripping, electrocution, burns, toxic chemicals – these are just several of the life-threatening hazards facing construction professionals in their daily work. The injuries can easily be catastrophic:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord trauma
- Third-degree burns
- Cancer or other terminal illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances
- Loss of fingers, toes, hands, or limbs
- Paralysis
Even if the injury is ultimately non-fatal, the consequences can be life-altering. Invasive surgery may be necessary, and the victim could still end up partially or completely disabled. They may be unable to perform their job duties as they did previously. Excessive pain and lingering trauma may be inevitable. For all of these things and others, an injured construction worker deserves justice and compensation.
Workers’ compensation must be provided by most types of employers, with a few exceptions. If you are injured on the job, then workers’ compensation insurance pays for your medical care and replaces a portion of your lost wages. In exchange, you cannot sue your employer for negligence. You are eligible for the benefits unless it’s determined that you caused your own injury by way of intoxication, the influence of illegal drugs, or egregious behavior.
Under certain circumstances, a lawsuit can be brought against a negligent third party. Unlike workers’ comp insurance and your employer, you are not barred from suing a negligent third party, such as contractors, sub-contractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers. These situations can be complex and you can benefit from having an experienced work injury attorney on your side. We will investigate your claim to determine if someone is liable for your injuries. We pursue maximum compensation and justice for our clients.
If you are an injured Texas construction worker living in Austin or any of the surrounding region, please call the experienced work injury attorneys at Shaw Cowart for a case review, at 512-499-8900.