Corpus Christi Workplace Injury Lawyer

Corpus Christi Workplace Injury Attorney

Corpus Christi, as the sixth largest port in the United States, features several key industries since its 1852 incorporation: petrochemical, healthcare, shipping, and agriculture. While these jobs are vital to the city’s local economy, they all carry a high risk of workplace injuries. If you or a loved one has been hurt on the clock, contacting a Corpus Christi workplace injury lawyer is a vital first step to making sure your rights are protected.

Stevenson & Murray represents individuals injured in workplace accidents in Corpus Christi and surrounding areas. Our firm provides legal assistance to clients who are pursuing injury claims due to employer negligence or unsafe working conditions.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Texas

In 2023, private industry employers in Texas reported 175,900 total nonfatal injury cases and 564 fatal cases. Understanding Texas’s laws on workers’ compensation is important when getting hired at a new job.

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that helps cover medical expenses and a percentage of employee wages if they get sick or injured because of their job. In Texas, most private employers are not legally required to carry this insurance, but they can choose to offer it.

If an employer decides not to provide workers’ compensation, they could be held legally responsible if a worker is injured. It’s especially important to contact a personal injury attorney in Corpus Christi if you’ve been injured and your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation.

Types of Workplace Injuries

While we tend to think of more severe injuries first, like amputation or head trauma, less severe workplace injuries should also be given attention. For example, if you begin to experience wrist pain on the job, you should seek medical attention.

Over time, small twinges of wrist pain can develop into more serious issues, like carpal tunnel or tendinitis. This is quite common in work environments that require repetitive motions, like coffee shops or factories.

What seems to be a minor issue can lead to you being unable to work, requiring physical therapy, or even surgery to fix the problem. It’s important to take your health, no matter how small of an issue you think it might be, seriously.

Employee Right to a Safe Work Environment in Texas

All employers in Texas, along with every state in the U.S., must do everything reasonable to maintain a safe working environment and protect their employees’ health. Federal law also states that your employer cannot legally retaliate if you report any workplace hazards.

You are entitled to the following rights on the job:

• Training on workplace safety and health in a language you understand
• The ability to decline work that puts you at risk of harm
• Access to necessary safety gear, such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• The option to request an OSHA inspection and talk with the inspector
• The right to report a job-related injury or illness and obtain your medical records
• Access to records of past workplace injuries and illnesses
• The opportunity to review test results that identify hazards in the workplace

Workplace Injury Process Step-by-Step

The steps for workers’ compensation vary depending on whether your employer has insurance or has opted out. In both cases, the immediate first step is to seek medical attention. Your health always comes first. Be sure that your doctor notes that your illness and/or injury is because of your job. Be sure to request any medical copies and take photographs of the injury if applicable.

If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you’re legally allowed to file a personal injury claim against your employer. This can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Opening a legal case will require proving employer negligence, making it imperative to seek legal counsel to review your unique case.

Here at Stevenson & Murray, we can help you understand your rights, gather necessary evidence, and represent you during your case to help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

FAQs

Can I File a Claim Against My Employer for Pain and Suffering in Texas?

In Texas, you may pursue compensation for pain and suffering if your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance. These employers are called “non-subscribers,” and injured workers may file a personal injury claim against them if the employer’s negligence caused the injury. You must show that the employer failed to provide a safe workplace.

The skilled attorneys at Stevenson & Murray can evaluate your case and determine whether pain and suffering damages are available based on your specific situation.

How Hard Is It to Win a Personal Injury Case?

A majority of personal injury cases are settled before going to trial. Winning your case depends on how strong your evidence is and your ability to prove employer negligence. Evidence, which your attorney can assist you in gathering, includes medical records, photographs, eyewitness testimonies, and expert testimony. Your employer’s willingness to settle will also impact the outcome of the case.

How Much Do Most Injury Lawyers Charge?

Most injury lawyers charge a contingency fee, which means that instead of an hourly rate, they’ll collect a percentage of any money you win from the settlement. The percentage could depend on the complexity of your case and whether it goes to trial. Always be sure to review the fee agreement carefully and ask questions before hiring an attorney. At Stevenson & Murray, we can explain pricing transparently before signing any agreements.

Can I Recover Lost Wages During My Case?

While a case is never guaranteed, you can request lost wages in your claim. If you were injured and are able to prove employer negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the wages you lost during that time of injury. This can also include any future lost wages or diminished capacity to work you may experience as a result of your injury. Stevenson & Murray calculates lost earnings using pay stubs and tax records to support your claim.

A Workplace Injury Law Firm You Can Trust

If you have been injured on the job in Corpus Christi, don’t wait to contact an experienced attorney to represent you. The award-winning lawyers at Stevenson & Murray can help. Contact our legal team today to schedule your consultation.