Working with heavy machinery comes with the risk of being crushed and injured. The same is true when your employment requires you to be in close proximity to moving vehicles or at risk of falling objects.
If you were injured on a job site, a Baytown crush injury lawyer may be able to help. You could be entitled to damages, but holding your employer accountable can be more difficult than it seems. Let a dedicated work injury attorney advocate on your behalf during these challenging times.
How Crush Injuries Happen
A person can quickly become crushed at their workplace in a variety of ways. Some industries face a higher risk of injury than others, with construction and factory work often at the top of the list. Some potential causes include the following:
Given the size of the equipment typically used in a factory setting or construction site, it should come as no surprise that these accidents are often catastrophic. It is possible for a worker to face a variety of issues, from paralysis to amputation or traumatic brain injuries.
When these incidents happen at work, it may be possible to pursue a claim for compensation, but the value of a claim might not be immediately obvious. One benefit of working with a Baytown crush injury attorney is that they can evaluate the circumstances surrounding an accident and determine the types of damages that might be available.
Seeking Justice Through Texas’s Non-Subscriber Law
There is a common misconception that suing an employer is not possible after a workplace injury. While workers’ compensation laws can prevent this type of lawsuit in some situations, many employers opt out of that system. Under the Texas non-subscriber law, businesses have the right to waive any workers’ compensation requirements for their workforce.
When a company takes advantage of this law, it is directly liable for the cost of any accidental crush injuries that happen on the job. This can be a positive thing for an employee, as workers’ compensation benefits do not provide the same range of damages as a personal injury lawsuit.
It is understandable to have questions about whether or not suing an employer is an option after a catastrophic accident. Let a crush injury attorney in Baytown review the facts and provide guidance on all available legal options.
Suing Third Parties
Outside of the possibility of suing an employer, there are other potential defendants following a crush injury. These claims are always an option, as third parties are not shielded by workers’ compensation laws.
One of the most prominent examples of this is when an injury occurs as the result of a mechanical defect, which can occur when a defective piece of machinery or equipment causes an accident. It is possible in these cases to pursue legal action against the manufacturer that is responsible for creating the defective machinery or part.
Other third parties might also be to blame, as well, like negligent motorists, independent contractors, or vendors who cause someone to be hurt at work.
Talk to a Crush Injury Attorney in Baytown Today
If you are living with a debilitating crush injury following an on-the-job incident, now is the right time to talk to a lawyer about your legal options. You might be surprised to learn that a lawsuit against your employer could be a possibility.
Trying to resolve these claims without help is a risky mistake that can cost you financially. Instead, reach out today to learn how a Baytown crush injury lawyer can help.
