Workplace accidents can occur in any industry, from construction sites to office buildings. Unfortunately, these accidents can result in serious injuries that affect a person’s life in many ways. If you have been injured in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action moving forward.Â
If you have been injured in a work accident, don’t hesitate to contact Hill Law Firm at (210) 960-3939. We offer free consultations, where we will evaluate your case and answer your legal questions. Let us help you pursue the justice and financial compensation that you need to get through this difficult time.
Austin Workplace Injury Resources
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How Can an Attorney Help?
Common Types of Workplace Accidents
Compensation Available for a Work Injury
Understanding Third-Party Work Injury Claims
Workers’ Compensation Claim vs. Work Injury Lawsuit
Contact a Lawyer Today
How Can an Austin Work Injury Attorney Help You?
At Hill Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to work injury victims and their families. We understand how difficult and stressful the aftermath of a work accident can be. We have proven case results that showcase our commitment to clients. Our attorneys will be here to help you every step of the way.Â
Our attorneys work tirelessly to ensure a client’s rights are protected during insurance settlement negotiations and personal injury lawsuits. We can investigate your work accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, hire experts and build a strong claim to damages on your behalf. We have connections to personnel and resources that can help you achieve optimal case results.
What Are Some Common Types of Workplace Accidents?
According to the most recent statistics available, there were 2,607,900 total nonfatal injuries and illnesses reported by workers in the U.S., along with 5,190 fatal injuries. Whether you work in an office or an industry with well-established health and safety risks, you could get injured in an unexpected accident at work. Many different types of workplace accidents in Austin can result in serious injuries and illnesses, including:Â
- Acts of violence
- Construction site accidents
- Crane accidents
- Defective products and industrial equipment
- Exposure to asbestos
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Falling objects
- Fires and explosions
- Machinery accidents
- Oil and gas incidents
- Repetitive motion and overexertion injuries
- Scaffold accidents
- Slip and falls
- Struck-by objects or equipment
- Vehicle and transportation accidents
Common injuries caused by these incidents include broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries and soft-tissue injuries. No matter what type of accident you have been involved in, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The sooner you contact a personal injury attorney, the better your chances are of obtaining the compensation you need. Hill Law Firm can handle any type of work accident or injury case in Texas, including catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims in Austin.Â
What Compensation May be Available for a Work Injury?
Filing a claim or lawsuit for a work injury can help your family obtain the financial compensation that you need to pay for related expenses, including hospital bills and reimbursement for missed wages. A successful claim can help your family move forward and rebuild your life as much as possible, in addition to holding a negligent party accountable. If you have been injured in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:Â
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
- Wrongful death damages
- Punitive damages
The amount of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact your injuries have had on your life, and the negligence of your employer or a third party. While an insurance company or your employer may try to minimize your financial payout, an attorney at Hill Law Firm can help you pursue maximum financial compensation for the full extent of your losses.
Understanding Third-Party Work Injury Claims
Most work injury victims will receive payment of their medical bills and a portion of their lost wages through the workers’ compensation system in Texas. However, if the injury is caused by a third party, workers can file a civil personal injury lawsuit and likely recover additional types of compensation, including complete medical bill coverage, full payment of lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.
There are a variety of parties that could be held liable for a work injury. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Property owners (premises liability claims)
- Work equipment manufacturers (product liability claims)
- Other drivers in vehicle accident claims
It is crucial to understand that injured workers have a two-year timeframe with which to file a lawsuit against an alleged negligent party for a third-party claim. Failing to file a lawsuit within this two-year timeframe, per the Texas personal injury statute of limitations, will likely result in the case being dismissed.
Workers’ Compensation Claim vs. Work Injury Lawsuit in TexasÂ
If you or a loved one has been injured in a work accident, there are two primary options for seeking financial compensation: workers’ compensation and a personal injury lawsuit. Workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide no-fault benefits to employees who are injured on the job. This system is governed by state law, and the rules and regulations can vary from state to state. Â
In general, workers’ comp provides benefits to cover medical expenses, about two-thirds of a worker’s lost wages and disability benefits to employees who are injured while performing job-related duties. If a work accident is fatal, surviving family members or beneficiaries may be entitled to death benefits, including coverage for funeral and burial expenses. Workers’ comp benefits are usually paid out regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
An Austin personal injury lawsuit, on the other hand, is a legal action filed against the party responsible for causing your injuries. In a personal injury lawsuit, you or your lawyer must prove that the other party was negligent or acted recklessly, and that their actions caused your injuries. Negligence is the failure to act with ordinary care. Negligence can take many forms, such as failing to properly maintain equipment or provide adequate safety training to workers.
If successful, a lawsuit could result in greater financial compensation than a workers’ comp claim in Texas, including pain and suffering damages. Once you accept workers’ comp, you give up the right to sue your employer. This is why it is important to consult with an experienced attorney about your legal options before signing anything. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge necessary to investigate your case and determine whether negligence played a role in your accident.
Contact an Austin Work Injury Attorney Today | Free ConsultationsÂ
If you have been injured in a work accident in Austin, it is important to act quickly. State laws impose strict time limits for filing a workers’ comp claim or personal injury lawsuit. You have just 30 days to report your injury to your employer, for example, and two years to file a related lawsuit. In addition, key evidence can be lost or destroyed over time.Â
Contact an attorney at Hill Law Firm for advice and assistance as soon as possible. Our lawyers have a track record of success in representing clients who have been injured in workplace accidents throughout Texas. We understand the physical, emotional and financial toll these accidents can take and are committed to helping you recover. Don’t wait to take action. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.