If you’ve been injured at work, you certainly aren’t alone. It’s easy to feel that way, though, especially if you’re experiencing difficulties getting compensated for your injuries.
In these situations, an experienced Conroe work injury lawyer can help you navigate your case and ensure you’re taken seriously. They will also fight for you to ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve.
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can vary across different industries and job types. However, some common workplace injuries that occur across various sectors include:
- Slips, trips, and falls: Slipping on wet surfaces, tripping over obstacles, or falling from heights commonly cause workplace injuries.
- Musculoskeletal injuries: Strains and sprains often result from lifting heavy objects, poor ergonomics, or repetitive movements.
- Struck by objects: Workers can be injured by objects falling from shelves, machinery, or other elevated surfaces.
- Caught in or between objects: This category includes injuries caused by getting caught in machinery or between moving objects.
- Electrical injuries: Electric shocks or burns can occur when working with faulty equipment or near live electrical currents.
- Vehicle accidents: Workers who operate company vehicles or are exposed to traffic while working are at risk of injuries from accidents.
- Fires and explosions: Some industries, such as manufacturing or chemical processing, pose a risk of fires and explosions that can result in serious injuries.
- Falls from heights: Working at heights without proper safety measures can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
- Cuts and lacerations: Handling sharp tools or machinery without proper precautions can result in cuts and lacerations.
- Respiratory issues: Exposure to harmful dust, fumes, or other airborne particles can lead to respiratory problems.
What Should You Do after Being Injured at Work?
If you experience any of the injuries mentioned above, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure how to proceed. Here are some essential steps you should take after experiencing a workplace injury (keep these in mind even if significant time has passed since your injury, as many of them may still apply).
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If the injury is severe or requires urgent attention, seek medical help immediately. Inform the healthcare provider that the injury occurred at work.
Report the Injury to Your Supervisor Or Employer
Notify your supervisor or employer about the injury as soon as possible. Follow your workplace’s specific reporting procedures, and remember that failing to report the injury promptly may affect your eligibility for workers’ compensation.
Document the Incident
Write down the details of the incident, including the date, time, location, and a description of how the injury occurred. If there were any witnesses, include their names and contact information.
Take Photos and Videos
If possible, take photographs and/or videos of the accident scene, as well as any equipment involved or any hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the injury. These can serve as valuable evidence later.
Obtain Witness Statements
If there were witnesses to the incident, ask them to provide written statements describing what they saw. Their statements can be helpful for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Keep a Record of Medical Treatments
Document all medical treatments received, including doctor, specialist, or therapist visits. Keep a record of prescriptions, diagnostic tests, and any recommendations for future care as well.
Follow Medical Advice
Stick to your prescribed medical treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. Failure to follow medical advice may affect your workers’ compensation claim, so it’s vital that you don’t skip this step.
Inform Your Employer of Any Work Restrictions
If your healthcare provider recommends work restrictions or modifications, communicate this information to your employer promptly so they can accommodate and do not penalize you.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
In most cases, you will need to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits. Follow your employer’s procedures for filing a claim, and make sure to submit all necessary documentation. Keep in mind that many Texas employers are non-subscribers to workers’ compensation insurance; however, some still have very specific reporting requirements.
Consult with An Attorney
In some cases, especially if your injury is complex or you encounter difficulties with the workers’ compensation process, consult with an attorney who regularly handles work injury matters. They can provide guidance and ensure your rights are protected.
What Can the Conroe Work Injury Lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law Do For You?
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our lawyers have decades of experience navigating workplace injuries and helping employees who have been injured on the job. Here are some of the key responsibilities and tasks they will carry out on your behalf.
Legal Consultation
Our work injury lawyers can explain your rights under Texas’s workers’ compensation and tort laws and help you understand the legal process. We even offer free and confidential case reviews to help you decide if we’re the right fit for your case.
Claims Filing
We can assist with preparing and filing work injury claims, whether filing for arbitration, a lawsuit, or for workers’ compensation benefits. This includes ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted correctly and within the required timelines.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Our work injury lawyers will investigate the circumstances surrounding your workplace injury, gathering evidence such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
We will negotiate with the insurance companies representing your employer to ensure that you receive fair and adequate compensation. We may also negotiate settlements or argue for the payment of specific benefits.
Appeals
If your workers’ compensation or other work injury claim is denied, our work injury lawyers can assist in appealing the decision. They may represent you in hearings or other legal proceedings to challenge denials or disputes.
Medical Evaluation
Our lawyers may work with medical experts to assess the extent of your injuries and the long-term impact on your ability to work and your quality of life.
Coordination of Benefits
We can help you navigate the complexities of coordinating workers’ compensation benefits with other sources of compensation, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or private disability insurance.
Representation in Court
In cases where disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or administrative processes, our work injury lawyers will represent you in court.
Settlement Agreements
We can negotiate and review settlement agreements on your behalf, ensuring the terms are fair and taking into account the full scope of your injuries and related expenses.
Communication and Updates
Our work injury lawyers will keep you informed about the progress of your case, explaining legal developments and answering any questions you may have as quickly as possible.
What Damages Can Our Lawyers Recover?
When you partner with experienced work injury lawyers – such as those at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law – we can help you recover various damages, including the following:
Medical Expenses
Our work injury lawyers aim to secure compensation for all medical expenses related to the treatment of your workplace injury. This may include doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other necessary medical interventions.
Lost Wages
You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. In that case, our work injury lawyers can seek to recover past and future lost earnings.
Temporary Disability Benefits
If you are temporarily unable to work while recovering, our work injury lawyers will pursue temporary disability benefits (which are typically a percentage of your average weekly wage).
Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury results in permanent impairment or disability, our work injury lawyers will work to secure permanent disability benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation
In cases where your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, our work injury lawyers may seek vocational rehabilitation benefits to assist you in acquiring new skills or finding alternative employment.
Disfigurement or Scarring Compensation
If your workplace injury results in visible disfigurement or scarring, our work injury lawyers may pursue additional compensation for the emotional and psychological impact.
Pain and Suffering
Workers’ compensation systems typically do not include compensation for pain and suffering. However, if they deem it necessary, our work injury lawyers can explore third-party personal injury claims to recover pain and suffering damages.
Punitive Damages
In cases of egregious employer misconduct or intentional harm, our lawyers may pursue punitive damages. Keep in mind, though, that punitive damages are not common in workers’ compensation claims and are more typical in personal injury lawsuits.
Death Benefits
If a workplace injury results in the death of an employee, our work injury lawyers may help surviving family members file for death benefits. These benefits may include compensation for funeral expenses and financial support for dependents.
Connect with Our Conroe Work Injury Lawyers Today
Have you been injured at work? Are you unsure of how to proceed or facing difficulties getting compensated for your medical bills and other expenses?
If so, our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is here to support you. Get in touch today and let us be your Conroe work injury lawyers.
Fill out our online form or call us now at 713-973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
