Factory accidents can cause devastating injuries that sometimes lead to permanent disabilities. In many situations, you or your loved one can claim workers’ compensation, which only pays for certain expenses. However, if someone other than your employer was responsible for your injury, you may be able to file a lawsuit to pursue additional compensation. A Houston factory workers injury lawyer can help you determine whether this option applies to you.
Working with an experienced work accident attorney will ensure that you get the compensation you deserve while making the process less stressful.
What Compensation Could Be Available After a Factory Work Injury?
Factory employees in Houston who are injured on the job are not allowed to sue their employers if their employers participate in the state workers’ compensation system. Instead, they need to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation pays for reasonable medical expenses and about 70% of the worker’s average weekly wage while they are unable to work. The major upside of workers’ compensation is that the injured worker does not need to prove that their employer was negligent or caused their injury. With few exceptions, the cause of the injury does not matter.
The downside of workers’ compensation is that it does not usually replace the workers’ full income, and there is no way to get compensation for non-financial losses like pain and suffering. In Texas, employers can opt out of workers’ compensation, but this allows injured employees to sue their employers. If a third party was responsible, the injured worker can sue that person or company as well, even if the employer participates in workers’ compensation.
In a personal injury lawsuit, the injured factory worker could receive compensation for their medical bills and lost wages, as well as intangible suffering like physical pain or loss of enjoyment of life. While a lawsuit can result in more compensation, it does require the injured person and their lawyer to make a strong case that the employer or third party caused the injury by being negligent.
Does an Injured Factory Worker Need a Lawyer in Houston?
Injured factory workers in Houston can usually file workers’ compensation claims on their own, but third-party liability lawsuits are very complex. If a worker believes that a third party contributed to their injury, consulting with an attorney is a good idea. For example, if a factory hires an outside maintenance company to service its machines and one of the maintenance company employees removes a safety guard and does not put it back, the maintenance company could be liable for any harm that occurs. Investigating this type of incident and gathering the relevant evidence can be difficult. An attorney will know how to do it properly.
Discuss Your Factory Work Injury Case With an Attorney in Houston Today
If you were injured at your factory job and a third party was involved, you may be able to file a lawsuit if workers’ compensation is not an option. This can result in more compensation, which makes recovering from your injuries easier for you. A Houston factory workers injury lawyer can help you determine what you should do next. Discuss your case with Schechter, Shaffer & Harris today.
