Back injuries can be one of the most frustrating health complications that result from work-related accidents. Many people find the pain so difficult to manage that they cannot hold down a job or manage daily tasks that were previously not an issue. If you suffered a back injury on the job, a dedicated work accident attorney could help you get the compensation you deserve.
You have the opportunity to pursue justice after being hurt at work, and you do not have to take on this challenge without help. A Baytown workplace back injury lawyer can act as your advocate.
How Back Injuries Happen at Work
There are many ways for someone to hurt their back while working. The nature of these injuries depends in part on the type of employment. For example, professional drivers are more likely to suffer a back injury in a vehicle collision. Factory workers face a higher risk of falling or sustaining harm due to defective machinery.
Regardless of the circumstances, virtually any area of the back can be damaged on the job. Some common examples include the following:
- Herniated disks
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractured vertebrae
- Pulled muscles
- Pinched nerves
- Sciatic pain
With the help of a workplace back injury attorney, compensation could be available for people in Baytown, TX for any of these conditions.
What Damages are Available?
The consequences of a back injury can be severe and lasting, and may include physical pain that lasts for months or even years. Emotional pain can also follow a serious injury, in many cases lasting long after the physical scars have faded. An injury victim could also find themselves saddled with financial losses when they suffer a back injury as well. If a person is hurt at work, some of the damages they may be able to recover include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished future earning power
- Lost wages
- Past and future medical bills
- Emotional distress
Maximizing the financial award in these cases starts with a thorough investigation of how the accident happened. This process can be challenging without the support of skilled legal counsel.
How the Non-Subscriber Law Impacts Your Legal Options
There are times when it is not possible to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against an employer or co-worker due to the state workers’ compensation law. Typically, this system allows employees to file a no-fault claim for compensation, but they are prevented from taking legal action against the company directly. Unlike most other states, Texas lets businesses opt out of this system thanks to something known as the non-subscriber law.
A business that is a non-subscriber does not carry workers’ compensation insurance. This can save the company significantly on the cost of monthly premiums, but it is not shielded from liability claims from employers. In other words, injured workers can sue their employers for negligence in this scenario.
It is important to note that the time limits that apply to non-subscriber claims. Injured workers have the option to seek damages through the legal system, but there are strict limits on the amount of time a plaintiff has to act. Typically, injury victims must file their lawsuit within two years of the back injury for a claim to be successful.
Talk to a Workplace Back Injury Attorney in Baytown Right Away
If you have been injured at work, you might be surprised at the number of options available to you. Pursuing justice alone is difficult, but you have the opportunity to seek out guidance from compassionate legal counsel. Call a Baytown workplace back injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case in detail.
