Common Work-Related Injuries in Texas

Workplace injuries can happen anywhere in Texas—from oil fields and factories to retail stores, hospitals, schools, warehouses, and construction sites. Even office workers face risks that can lead to serious long-term medical problems. While some injuries happen in sudden accidents, others develop slowly over time from repetitive tasks or unsafe working conditions.

Texas is unique because many employers choose not to carry traditional workers’ compensation insurance. These “non-subscriber” employers offer their own injury benefit plans, which often come with strict rules and limited protections for employees.

That makes understanding work-related injuries even more important, because what you do after the injury—and how well your injury is documented—can determine the outcome of your case.

This guide breaks down the most common work-related injuries in Texas, how they happen, why they matter, and what steps injured workers should take next.

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Key Takeaways

• Work injuries affect employees in every industry in Texas
• Common injuries include strains, sprains, back pain, fractures, falls, repetitive injuries, and more
• Texas employers may deny responsibility, making documentation essential
• Many injuries are preventable with proper training and safe equipment
• A workers’ compensation lawyer can protect your rights and help you pursue full compensation for medical care and lost wages

Sprains, Strains, and Soft Tissue Injuries

Muscle strains, tendon sprains, and soft tissue injuries are among the most common workplace injuries in Texas. They affect workers in construction, warehousing, manufacturing, retail, oil and gas, and even office environments. These injuries often appear minor at first, but can progress into serious long-term problems if not treated properly.

Common causes include:

• Lifting heavy or awkward loads
• Working in tight or uncomfortable spaces
• Twisting while carrying equipment
• Repetitive pulling or pushing
• Slips or sudden movements
• Using improper lifting techniques due to lack of training

Typical symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Sharp or throbbing pain
• Limited range of motion
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty standing, walking, or lifting

Soft tissue injuries can take weeks or months to heal. Employers may minimize them as “minor,” but untreated strains and sprains often lead to chronic pain or reinjury.

Early medical care and workplace documentation are essential. A lawyer can help ensure that employers do not dismiss these injuries or push workers back into demanding tasks before they are fully healed.

Back and Spine Injuries

Back injuries are one of the top reasons Texas employees miss work. They occur in every industry—from construction and trucking to healthcare and retail. Because the spine is so central to movement and stability, back injuries can impact nearly every aspect of a person’s daily life.

Common workplace causes include:

• Heavy lifting
• Overexertion
• Repetitive bending or twisting
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Vehicle collisions
• Poor ergonomics
• Sudden force or impact

Examples of back injuries include:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Sciatica
• Lumbar strains and sprains
• Spinal cord injuries
• Chronic lower back pain

Symptoms often include numbness, radiating pain, or weakness in the legs. Workers sometimes feel fine at the moment of injury but develop serious symptoms later.

Employers may claim back injuries are “preexisting,” which is why early documentation is critical. With proper legal guidance, workers can challenge unfair denials and secure the care they need.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Broken bones are among the most clearly documented workplace injuries, yet employers sometimes still dispute responsibility. These injuries happen during falls, machinery accidents, collisions, falling objects, and crush incidents.

Common workplace scenarios that lead to fractures include:

• Construction falls from ladders or scaffolding
• Warehouse workers struck by dropped inventory
• Drivers involved in delivery or company vehicle collisions
• Manufacturing employees caught in machinery
• Oil field workers injured by heavy equipment

Types of fractures include:

• Wrist and hand fractures
• Foot and ankle fractures
• Arm or shoulder breaks
• Leg and hip fractures
• Rib fractures
• Facial or skull fractures

Fractures often require lengthy recovery, physical therapy, or even surgery. Workers may be unable to return to regular duties for months.

Employers sometimes pressure workers to return too soon or dispute whether the injury occurred on the job. Having legal support prevents the employer from pushing the worker into unsafe tasks that jeopardize healing.

Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Head injuries are among the most serious and life-altering workplace injuries. Even a “mild” concussion can cause weeks or months of symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries often occur in construction, transportation, oil and gas, warehousing, healthcare, and industrial work.

Common causes include:

• Falls from heights
• Falling tools or materials
• Forklift or vehicle collisions
• Striking the head on equipment or beams
• Sudden whiplash-type motions
• Explosions or heavy vibrations

Symptoms of head injuries may include:

• Headaches
• Memory loss
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Sensitivity to noise or light
• Mood or personality changes
• Sleep disturbances

Brain injuries are often invisible, leading employers to question or minimize symptoms.

These cases require detailed medical documentation and strong legal support to prevent employers from dismissing or misunderstanding the seriousness of the injury.

Give Us a Call Today

Workplace injuries come in many forms—from sudden accidents to long-term repetitive stress conditions. No matter how your injury happened, you deserve proper medical care, fair treatment, and full protection under Texas law.

Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law has decades of experience helping injured Texas workers understand their rights, document their injuries, and fight back against unfair employer tactics.

If you’ve been hurt at work, give us a call today at 832-365-3559. We are here to protect your future and help you get the compensation you deserve.

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