Getting injured at your workplace can turn your life upside down. From medical bills and missed paychecks to the stress of dealing with insurance adjusters, workplace injuries affect your financial stability and peace of mind. Whether you were hurt on a construction site, in an office, or while driving for work, you deserve protection — and compensation — under Texas law.
At Grimes & Fertitta, our Houston personal injury attorneys fight for employees who have been injured on the job. We’ll help you understand your options, whether that means filing a workers’ compensation claim or pursuing a third-party personal injury lawsuit to recover full damages.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries
Workplace accidents can happen anywhere — from busy construction zones to quiet office settings. Some of the most common causes include:
- Slip-and-fall accidents caused by wet floors or poor maintenance
- Falling objects or unsafe equipment on construction sites
- Vehicle accidents while driving for work purposes
- Repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or unsafe environmental conditions
- Insufficient training or employer negligence in safety compliance
Regardless of the type of accident, your employer has a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe workplace. When they fail to meet that obligation, they can be held accountable for your injuries.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
Taking the right steps immediately after your accident can make or break your claim. Here’s what you should do if you’re injured at work in Texas:
- Report the injury immediately to your supervisor or employer — ideally in writing.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injury seems minor.
- Document everything — take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions.
- Get witness information from coworkers who saw what happened.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking with insurance companies or signing any settlement offers.
Your attorney can help you determine whether your claim should go through the workers’ compensation system or a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Lawsuits
Not every Texas employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, and not every injury is limited to that system. Here’s the difference:
- Workers’ compensation claims typically cover medical expenses and partial lost wages, but they do not allow for pain and suffering damages.
- Personal injury lawsuits can provide broader compensation — including pain and suffering, full lost wages, and future earning capacity — if a third party (like a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner) was responsible for your accident.
A skilled Houston workplace injury lawyer can review your situation and identify all potential sources of compensation.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Depending on the circumstances of your workplace accident, you may recover damages for:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our attorneys will work to ensure that every aspect of your loss — physical, emotional, and financial — is properly valued in your claim.
When You Can Sue Your Employer or a Third Party
In Texas, you may be able to file a lawsuit if:
- Your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance.
- Your injury was caused by a negligent third party (for example, a subcontractor or manufacturer).
- Your employer acted with gross negligence leading to your injury or a loved one’s death.
If any of these apply to your case, a personal injury lawsuit may allow you to recover far more than a standard workers’ compensation claim would provide.
Why Choose Grimes & Fertitta After a Workplace Injury
Our experienced Houston personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of Texas workplace injury law — and how to maximize your recovery. We’ll handle every aspect of your case, from investigating your accident to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.
You deserve an advocate who will fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
Call Grimes & Fertitta today at 713-224-7644 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation about your workplace injury claim.
