man falls down stairs at work

Your Legal Options in Texas for Workplace Falls

It does not take much. A wet floor, an uneven surface, or an unstable ladder can turn an ordinary workday into something far more serious. Falls are among the most common workplace accidents in Texas, and they happen in all types of jobs, from construction sites to office buildings. Sometimes the injuries are minor, but in other cases, they can be serious enough to keep you out of work for weeks or even longer.

If you have been injured in a fall on the job, you might be wondering what your rights are and whether you are eligible for compensation. Texas has some unique laws when it comes to workplace injuries, and understanding your options is an important first step. If you are not sure where to start, S. McCorquodale P.C. can help you figure out what comes next and guide you through the process.

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A Closer Look at Workers’ Compensation in Texas

If you’ve been injured on the job, one of the first things to consider is whether your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance. Texas law, unlike many other states, does not always required to provide this coverage. That alone can make the process a bit more complicated than you might expect.

When workers’ compensation is available, it typically covers necessary medical treatment and part of your lost wages while you recover. It’s important to notify your employer as soon as possible after the injury occurs. Delays can sometimes create hurdles when it comes to receiving benefits.

If your employer does not offer workers’ compensation, they’re considered a non subscriber in Texas. In those cases, you might have the option to pursue a personal injury claim. This could be particularly relevant if your injury resulted from unsafe conditions or negligence. These types of claims may allow for broader compensation including damages for pain, emotional stress, or long term effects on your ability to work.

Understanding your rights in either scenario can be challenging, especially when you’re also dealing with recovery. Speaking with an attorney who is well versed in Texas workplace injury law can help you gain clarity and make informed decisions moving forward.

What If Your Employer Does Not Have Workers’ Comp?

In Texas, some employers choose not to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you work for one of these companies and get injured on the job, your path forward will look different—but that does not mean you are out of options.

These employers are considered non subscribers under Texas law. Instead of going through the workers’ compensation system, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against your employer. To do that, you would need to show that the company was negligent in some way. Maybe they failed to provide proper safety equipment, ignored a hazard, or did not train workers adequately. If their actions or inaction contributed to your injury, they could be held legally responsible.

One important thing to understand is that a personal injury claim can offer a broader range of compensation than traditional workers’ compensation. Along with medical bills and lost wages, you might be able to recover damages for pain, suffering, and the long term effects of your injury.

These cases can be more complex, especially when an employer has a legal team defending their side. That is why it is a good idea to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process with confidence.

Third Party Liability For Workplace Falls in Texas

A worker in a hard hat falls from a ladder onto a concrete floor

Not every workplace injury is caused by your employer. Sometimes, someone outside of your company plays a role in what went wrong. This is known as third party liability, and it can open up another path to compensation.

Let’s say your injury happened because of defective equipment, or maybe a contractor on site failed to follow safety protocols. In those kinds of situations, you might have a legal claim against the third party responsible. Unlike workers’ compensation, a third party claim can include damages for pain, suffering, and other long term effects.

These cases can be harder to spot, especially when multiple companies are working on the same job site. That is why it helps to have an attorney who can look at the full picture and figure out who may be held accountable. It could make a real difference in the outcome of your case.

Speak With a Texas Workplace Injury Lawyer to Learn More About Your Options Today

If you were hurt in a fall at work, you might be facing a lot of questions. What are your rights? Who is responsible? And what should you do next? These situations can be confusing, but you do not have to figure it out alone.

Talking to a Texas workplace injury lawyer can help you get a clearer picture of your options and what steps make the most sense for your situation. Whether your employer offers workers compensation or not, you may have more legal protections than you think.

Contact S. McCorquodale P C today to schedule a free consultation. It is a simple way to get answers, understand your rights, and start moving forward with confidence.