Injuries that workers sustain at construction sites or in oil refineries can be life-changing. To cover the mounting medical bills and support their families, employees have the right to seek compensation. While Texas does not obligate employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, it allows hurt employees to file personal injury claims.
If you were hurt while performing your duties for a construction company or refinery, you can initiate a legal process for damage recovery. A Cypress construction-refinery accident lawyer can help you navigate your work accident case.
Common Injuries Sustained in Construction and Refinery Accidents
Both construction sites and refiners are high-risk workplaces. The most common injuries employees sustain are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Workers who suffer falls or are struck by heavy objects experience serious brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or platforms may damage the spinal cord.
- Burns and explosions: Construction sites that involve flammable materials can expose employees to fires and explosions.
- Fractures and broken bones: Heavy machinery accidents and falling debris can result in fractures.
- Respiratory injuries: Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes can lead to lung damage.
- Electrocution injuries: Contact with live electrical wires or malfunctioning equipment may cause electrical burns.
- Soft tissue injuries: Strains, sprains, and torn ligaments are common when lifting heavy objects.
An experienced Cypress lawyer can evaluate the injuries after a construction-refinery incident and explain what damage recovery options are available.
Non-Subscriber Refinery Employers
Non-subscriber employers in Texas are companies that decide to opt out of purchasing workers’ compensation insurance. By doing so, they are also losing the protection against personal injury lawsuits.
If an employee sustains injuries, they can file a personal injury claim against the non-subscriber employer. The process of damage recovery is similar to filing a claim against a private party.
For example, one employee works for Company A that has workers’ comp insurance, while the second worker is employed by Company B without such insurance. Both sustain head trauma at an oil refinery. In the first case, the employee receives a payment that covers medical expenses and some lost wages from the company’s workers’ comp insurance. Meanwhile, the second employee files a personal injury lawsuit against Company B and could recover medical expenses, full lost wages, and non-economic damages.
Statute of Limitations
An employee who is filing a lawsuit against a construction-refinery employer has a limited time to do so. In Texas, the statute of limitations for such lawsuits is two years. The clock starts running on the date of the injury, and failing to file a lawsuit before these two years are up is likely to lead to immediate case dismissal.
A skilled Cypress refinery accident attorney can explain all the deadlines and possible exceptions that apply to the case. The faster the injured employee initiates the legal process, the easier it is to fight for maximum compensation.
Talk to a Qualified Construction-Refinery Accident Lawyer in Cypress Today
If you are recovering from workplace injuries, you are likely facing significant expenses. Filing a lawsuit is your right. With proper legal assistance, you have an opportunity to receive full compensation.
A team of Cypress construction-refinery accident lawyers from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP has already helped many injured workers receive the money they deserve. Call us for a free in-depth consultation today.
