How To File Workplace Accidents Claim in Texas

Filing a successful injury claim is always a complicated process, but work place accidents are among the most difficult lawsuits to manage. There are many state and federal regulations that determine how an injured employee may go about filing a claim. Some industries have special rules that must be followed. Also, many employers will attempt to thwart a claim before and during the litigation process. Managing all of these obstacles can be overwhelming for a victim already be dealing with rehabilitation, medical care and financial difficulties. For this reason, many victims turn to experienced personal injury lawyers to help them through the process. Knowledgeable legal representation may significantly improve the chances of a successful suit.

Industries With Common Workplace Accidents

There are many industries where workplace accidents are common. Injuries on the job may be caused by something as simple as a coworker forgetting to shut off a processing machine to something as complex as developing mesothelioma or other permanent health condition. Oil refinery and platform fires and explosions can result in serious injury or loss of life. In 2012, 25 people were killed in oil and gas extraction, while many more were hurt on the job. In April of 2013, an oil refinery fire in Beaumont, Texas resulted in 12 workers seriously burned. Many of these victims or their loved ones were able to receive compensation with the help of experienced attorneys.

OSHA Occupational Statistics

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, 4,609 employees were killed in 2011 while on the job, most of them a result of work place accidents. That’s about 90 deaths a week or around 13 a day. The construction industry was responsible for the most deaths, with 738, or 17.6 percent. In the construction industry, the vast majority of severe and fatal incidents are due to falls or being struck by a heavy object. Some occupations, however, involve unique risks. In the woodworking industry, employees often have to use dangerous machinery like table saws. Safety technology exists to make these table saws almost completely safe to work with and yet many manufacturers neglect to incorporate this technology in their machines due to its cost. As a result, many avoidable work place accidents may result in permanent harm or disfigurement.

Filing a Claim

Claims filed due to workplace accidents are handled in a similar fashion to other damage claims. Following an incident, a personal injury lawyer can help determine the victim’s legal options and gather the information needed for the claim. Once this is done, the attorney will send the defendant a demand package that will outline what the victim needs as compensation and details relevant to the case. If the defendant refuses to meet the victim’s settlement demands, the attorney will argue the case on the victim’s behalf in court. A veteran personal injury lawyer increases the probability of a successful outcome, and most do not charge anything unless compensation is awarded.