Unfortunately, back injuries are not uncommon when it comes to workplace injuries. Suffering from a spine or back injury can cause serious consequences, including an inability to work in the future. A Missouri City, TX workplace back injury lawyer could explain your legal options and let you know if it is possible to pursue compensation through a lawsuit instead of seeking workers’ compensation.
Learn more about the non-subscriber law in Texas and how it applies to your situation by talking to an experienced work injury attorney.
The Non-Subscriber Law and Your Rights
The non-subscriber law allows employers to choose whether or not they want to participate in the state workers’ compensation system. If an employer chooses not to subscribe to workers’ compensation, an injured employee could file a direct lawsuit against the employer instead of seeking benefits through workers’ compensation.
In general, a direct personal injury lawsuit can result in higher compensation than a typical workers’ compensation claim. A workplace back injury attorney in Missouri City could determine an injured employee’s right to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages that are not always included in workers’ compensation.
Common Causes of Workplace Back Injuries
A back or spinal cord injury could occur during a motor vehicle accident involving a work vehicle, a slip and fall accident at the work site, or an accident involving heavy equipment. Here are a few of the common causes for back injuries in workplaces:
- Lifting heavy loads without the necessary safety equipment
- Lack of training when operating heavy machinery
- Jobs that require repetitive motions, including pushing, pulling, and lifting
- Jobs that require the employee to stand or sit in poor posture
- Sitting for many hours in non-ergonomic chairs
- Jobs that push employees beyond their physical limits
- Jobs that require the use of defective equipment
- Jobs done in a poorly-maintained work area
Whether the back injury happened from one unfortunate accident on the job or is the result of many days on the job, a Missouri City lawyer could help with the personal injury lawsuit process.
Types of Damages Covered in Workplace Back Injury Claims
Damages in a non-subscriber work injury claim could include economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses related to the injury
- Lost wages
- An inability to earn wages in the future
Damages could also include non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma related to the injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
Our attorneys could help determine total damages by carefully examining all evidence and paperwork related to the injury.
There is a time limit for filing a claim against a non-subscribing employer. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury, so contacting a lawyer about your intent to file suit as soon as possible is always the best plan.
Consult with an Attorney in Missouri City, TX Concerning a Back Injury at Work
Pursuing justice by yourself is very difficult. Work with an experienced Missouri City workplace back injury lawyer who understands the non-subscriber laws inside and out. You may be able to obtain much more compensation than you thought possible.
The team at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris is here to help you understand your legal options and guide you through the personal injury lawsuit process. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
