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Work Injury Lawyer Houston
Every day, hardworking men and women across Houston face the risk of injury on the job. From dangerous construction sites and busy refineries to warehouses and office environments, workplace accidents can cause severe injuries that threaten your livelihood and future. If you or a loved one has been hurt on the job, an experienced work injury lawyer in Houston can help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Juan L. Guerra, Jr. & Associates, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of work accidents, and we fight tirelessly to protect the rights of injured employees and their families.
What to Do After a Work Accident in Houston
After a workplace injury, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health, your claim, and your future. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved, proper documentation is filed, and you have the guidance needed to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Report the incident immediately
Notify your supervisor and ensure the injury is officially documented.
- Seek medical attention right away
Even minor injuries should be checked, as some conditions (like internal damage or repetitive strain) worsen over time.
- Preserve evidence
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions; collect witness statements if possible.
- Avoid making statements to insurers or employers
Anything you say could be used to limit your claim.
- Contact an experienced Houston workplace injury lawyer
A skilled attorney can guide you through workers’ compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits against negligent employers.
Most Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Houston
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Often caused by wet floors, spills, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or cluttered work areas. These accidents can result in broken bones, sprains, or head injuries.
- Machinery Accidents: Accidents involving industrial machinery, manufacturing equipment, or tools—often due to malfunctioning equipment, lack of training, or improper use. Can lead to amputations, crush injuries, or lacerations.
- Vehicle-Related Incidents: Includes forklifts, delivery trucks, or company vehicles. Common in warehouses, construction sites, and loading areas. Can result in fractures, TBIs, or fatal injuries.
- Falling Objects: Tools, equipment, or materials dropping from shelves, scaffolding, or platforms. Often causes head injuries, fractures, or TBIs.
- Construction Site Accidents: Falls from heights, scaffolding collapse, trench cave-ins, or unsafe work practices. High risk for fractures, spinal injuries, and TBIs.
- Railroad Workplace Accidents: Train collisions, derailments, track maintenance accidents, or equipment malfunctions. Usually governed under FELA rather than state workers’ comp.
- Refinery & Industrial Accidents: Fires, explosions, chemical leaks, and equipment malfunctions. Can result in burns, crush injuries, respiratory illness, or long-term toxic exposure.
Common Workplace Injuries and Their Causes in Houston
- Electrocution & Electrical Injuries
Unsafe wiring, exposed circuits, or faulty equipment can cause nerve damage, severe burns, or even death.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repeated motions in offices, warehouses, and factories—like heavy lifting or constant typing—can lead to carpal tunnel, chronic back pain, or joint damage.
- Chronic Illness from Toxic Exposure
Long-term exposure to chemicals like asbestos, benzene, or silica dust can result in serious illnesses that may take years to appear.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Falls, falling objects, or explosions, often due to unsafe working conditions or lack of proper training, can cause memory loss, cognitive decline, or permanent disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
Falls or machinery accidents, often linked to defective equipment or inadequate supervision, can damage the spine and lead to partial or total paralysis.
- Severe Burns & Chemical Exposure
Fires, explosions, and toxic leaks in industrial settings may result from unsafe handling of chemicals or malfunctioning machinery, causing permanent scarring or organ damage.
- Broken Bones & Fractures
Falls or machinery accidents due to poor maintenance, lack of safety gear, or defective equipment can lead to fractures requiring surgery and rehabilitation.
- Crush Injuries & Amputations
Collapsing structures or heavy machinery accidents, often caused by negligent supervision or contractor mismanagement, can result in severe crush injuries and surgical amputations.
Employee Protections in Houston
Under Texas Labor Code § 411.103 and federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) regulations, employers must provide a reasonably safe workplace. This includes:
Maintaining equipment and machinery properly
Training employees on safety standards
Following OSHA safety regulations to prevent hazards
Employer Protections in Houston
Texas law also provides certain protections to employers:
- Texas Labor Code § 406.002 – Private employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
- Texas Labor Code § 408.001 – If an employer has workers’ compensation coverage (a “subscriber”), the injured employee generally cannot sue the employer directly for workplace injuries.
- Employers may defend against claims by showing the injury was caused by the employee’s own negligence or misconduct.
Reporting Deadlines for Refinery Injury Claims
After a refinery accident, time is critical. Texas law requires injured workers to notify their employer within 30 days of the incident. In addition, you generally have one year from the date of the injury to file a formal workers’ compensation claim with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (Texas Labor Code § 409.003). Failing to meet these deadlines can put your benefits at risk. Our Houston refinery injury lawyers move quickly to report your injury, handle the legal filings, and stand up to insurance companies that may try to delay or deny your rightful compensation.
Compensation Available Through Workers’ Compensation in Houston
Workers’ compensation in Texas provides specific benefits, but it does not cover everything like a personal injury lawsuit might. If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to:
- Medical Benefits
Coverage for all necessary medical treatment related to your work injury.
- Income Benefits
Partial wage replacement if you cannot work due to your injury.
- Impairment Benefits
Payments if your injury causes permanent damage or loss of function.
- Supplemental Income Benefits
Additional payments if you suffer long-term impairment and cannot return to work at the same earning capacity.
- Death and Burial Benefits
Support for surviving family members if a worker is killed on the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
A workplace injury lawyer investigates your accident, reviews safety reports, medical records, and employer practices, and works to hold negligent parties or insurers accountable. They negotiate with workers’ comp insurers or pursue a third-party claim if applicable, ensuring you receive the maximum benefits and compensation you deserve.
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a workplace accident, especially if your injury is severe, your claim is denied, or your employer disputes liability. Early consultation helps protect your rights, preserve evidence, and ensure all filing deadlines are met.
Settlement amounts vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the injury, medical expenses, time off work, and whether long-term disability is involved. While minor injuries may settle for modest amounts, serious workplace accidents leading to permanent impairment or loss of income can result in settlements worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
Houston Legal Help
JLG Law and Associates will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation
What Our Clients Say About Us
Our team has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts across personal injury and criminal defense matters. Whether it’s protecting your future or rebuilding after trauma, we deliver results that matter.
Consult an Experienced Workplace Injury Attorney in Houston
Suffering a workplace injury in Houston can turn your life upside down, bringing medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery challenges. Employers’ insurance companies often act quickly to minimize payouts or deny claims, and without experienced legal representation, you risk receiving less than you deserve. At Juan L. Guerra, Jr. & Associates, we know the tactics insurers use—challenging liability, questioning injuries, or delaying payments. Our team aggressively gathers evidence, including medical records, witness statements, safety reports, and expert evaluations, to fight for your full compensation.
We offer a free, confidential consultation to assess your case and explain your options. Whether your injury happened in a construction site, factory, or industrial setting, we develop a strategy tailored to your situation. From negotiating with insurers to pursuing trial when necessary, our goal is to maximize your recovery and safeguard your future. When your health and livelihood are at risk, you need more than legal counsel—you need a relentless Houston workplace injury lawyer by your side.
Call or fill out our online form today to get a free and confidential consultation. At Juan L. Guerra, Jr. & Associates, every client is treated like family—and every case is handled with fierce dedication.