Austin Construction Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Construction Accident in Austin, TX?
Knowing how dangerous construction sites can be, parties such as construction companies, construction workers, and manufacturers of construction machines and tools should be particularly careful in making sure their actions don’t further endanger others. Unfortunately, this precaution is not always taken, causing innocent people to suffer serious injuries and losses as a result of someone else’s negligence.
At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., our Austin construction accident lawyers understand that construction sites are extremely hazardous locations. From construction workers to innocent passersby, these sites can cause devastating harm to innocent people, especially when someone acts negligently.
Call (254) 938-6885 to talk with an Austin construction accident attorney about taking action against the party who caused you harm.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Construction sites involve heavy machinery, dangerous heights, and constantly changing conditions. These factors create numerous opportunities for accidents, including:
- Falls from heights: One of the leading causes of injury and death on construction sites, often involving ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops.
- Electrocutions: Contact with live wires, exposed circuits, or faulty equipment can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
- Struck-by incidents: These involve workers being hit by falling tools, building materials, or moving vehicles.
- Caught-in/between accidents: Occurs when workers are trapped between machinery, equipment, or collapsing structures.
- Machinery accidents: Involves equipment like forklifts, cranes, bulldozers, or nail guns malfunctioning or being improperly used.
- Trench collapses: A serious hazard in excavation work that can bury workers under tons of soil.
- Tool-related injuries: Power tools and hand tools can cause lacerations, amputations, or other trauma if not used safely.
Regardless of the type of accident, it is critical to understand your rights and options under Texas law.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can result from a variety of preventable causes, such as:
- Lack of proper safety training
- Failure to use protective gear (PPE)
- Defective or poorly maintained equipment
- Inadequate supervision or oversight
- Violations of OSHA safety standards
- Negligent subcontractors or third parties
- Unsafe work environments or rushed deadlines
In many cases, these accidents are not just unfortunate events—they are the result of negligence. Whether it’s an employer failing to provide fall protection or a contractor ignoring safety guidelines, you may have the right to hold responsible parties accountable.
Recovering Workers' Compensation After a Construction Accident
If you're injured on the job in Texas, your first avenue for financial recovery is usually workers' compensation. Texas does not require all employers to carry workers’ comp insurance, but if your employer does have coverage, you may be eligible for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages (Temporary Income Benefits)
- Impairment income benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits for surviving family members
However, workers' compensation can be limited and may not fully cover all your losses. Furthermore, if your employer does not carry workers’ comp insurance, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for full damages.
Even if your employer has insurance, third-party liability may still exist. For example, if your injury was caused by a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, you may be able to seek additional compensation through a personal injury claim.
At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we evaluate all aspects of your case to determine every available source of compensation.
FAQs About Construction Accident Claims in Austin, TX
Can I sue my employer if I'm injured on a construction site?
In most cases, if your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you are limited to filing a claim through that system. However, if they do not have coverage or if a third party was at fault, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
What should I do immediately after a construction accident?
Report the injury to your employer, seek immediate medical attention, and document the scene if possible. Then, contact an experienced Austin construction accident lawyer to understand your rights.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
For workers’ comp, you must report the injury within 30 days and file a formal claim within one year. For personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident.
What if I'm a subcontractor or day laborer?
You may still be eligible for compensation, especially if a general contractor or another third party was negligent. Legal protections vary depending on your employment status, so it's important to speak with a lawyer.
How Can a Construction Accident Attorney in Austin Help?
Construction accident claims are rarely straightforward. In some cases, you may be covered by workers’ compensation; in others, you may be ineligible to file a workers’ comp claim. Sometimes, although you may be covered by workers’ compensation, these benefits are not enough to cover your costs—and they don’t cover non-economic costs, such as pain and suffering, whatsoever. If a third party, such as an independent contractor, is liable for your injuries, you may need to bring a claim directly against that third party.
An experienced construction accident attorney can help you understand all of your legal options, as well as the best course of action in the wake of a serious construction accident. Your attorney will also be able to help you with all of the details of filing your claim—filling out paperwork, gathering medical records, evaluating evidence, submitting forms, meeting deadlines, etc.—while you focus on healing. Having a knowledgeable legal team on your side can make all the difference in a successful outcome and unnecessary delays or even outright claim denials.
Perhaps most importantly, history has shown that injured individuals who choose to work with a personal injury attorney have a higher rate of securing better settlements from liable insurance companies. When you put an attorney on your side, the insurance company knows that you are not willing to simply accept the first low-ball offer but, instead, will fight for the full recovery you need and are owed.
Call us at (254) 938-6885 if you’ve been the victim of a construction accident and want to explore your legal options.
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