Understanding the types of injuries workers commonly experience in Houston can help you take the proper steps and maximize your compensation following a workplace injury (also known as a corporate injury). By understanding the type of injury you sustained and how it occurred, you’ll be better prepared to gather the evidence needed for a successful claim.
Houston’s Most Common Workplace Injuries
Some of the most common workplace injuries in Houston include the following:
- Overexertion and bodily reaction, which often occur from lifting heavy objects or excessive physical strain
- Slip-and-falls and trip-and-falls on wet or greasy floors, cluttered hallways, and over cords
- Falls from heights, such as ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and other locations in the construction setting
- Contact with heavy equipment and objects that result in being crushed or struck due to collapse or falling objects
- Shock and electrocution due to exposed wires, incomplete electrical installations
- Workplace violence, such as physical assaults or threats from co-workers or customers
- Motor vehicle incidents, which are common among those who work in transportation and warehousing companies
Industries Most Affected in Houston
Industries that report the more common work-related injuries in Houston include the following:
- Construction accounts for high rates of injuries due to falls, scaffolding accidents, electrocutions, and falling objects.
- Oil and gas/refining is a major industry hub where workers face risks of fires, equipment failures, and explosions caused by chemical leaks.
- Manufacturing and industrial plants commonly report assembly-line accidents, which can result in amputations and injuries from crushing or from moving parts.
- Transportation, warehousing, shipping terminals, and ports are fast-paced environments involving heavy vehicles and stacked materials, with accidents and injuries caused by forklifts and falls from heights.
- Health care workers frequently experience back and shoulder strains from lifting patients, puncture wounds from needles, infections, and slip-and-falls on wet floors.
Other industries that see high rates of injury include the retail trade, agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting.
Preventive Measures for Houston Employers
Houston employers should routinely inspect their work sites and ensure that all workers follow safety rules and OSHA guidelines. It is in the best interests of both employers and their workers that no workplace incidents occur.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
For accidents at work, you should take the following steps afterward:
- Report the injury to your employer immediately with detailed information about the injury, and keep a copy of your written report for your records.
- Seek medical treatment and be sure to tell the healthcare provider you were injured in a work accident. If the injury isn’t an emergency, ask your employer for guidance on where to seek medical treatment.
- Document the incident and your injuries, including the date, time, location, and circumstances surrounding what happened.
- Preserve evidence related to the incident, such as damaged equipment, torn clothing, or any other objects that played a role in the accident.
- Consult a workers’ compensation lawyer, who can review your case and fight for the benefits you deserve while you tend to your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about work-related injury cases in Houston, TX.
What industries see the highest injury rates?
According to data from the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation, transportation and warehousing workers are the most likely to sustain on-the-job injuries, with an injury rate of 3.7 per 100 full-time employees in a recent year.
Should I report minor workplace injuries?
Even if you believe your injury is minor, you should always report it to your employer or supervisor. If the injury worsens later, having previously reported it can be vital to the success of a workers’ compensation claim.
When’s the latest I can file a workplace injury claim in Texas?
With workers’ compensation claims, you must report your injury within 30 days of the injury and file your claim within one year. If your injury is due to a third party’s negligence (such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer), you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
What if my employer denies my claim?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you can appeal it to the Division of Workers’ Compensation under the Texas Department of Insurance. The best way to increase your chances of a successful appeal is to work with a lawyer experienced at handling cases involving injuries in the workplace.
Can I be terminated for filing a workplace injury claim?
No. A Texas employer cannot fire you or retaliate against you if you file a valid workers’ compensation claim in good faith.
Contact Our Houston Work Injury Attorneys to Learn More
Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs has been representing injured workers in Houston for over three decades. We have a long history of supporting the Houston community and a track record of success, including several multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.
When you work with our firm, you’ll have access to several board-certified attorneys, including Founding Partner Tommy Fibich, who is board-certified in civil trial law, and attorney Russell Briggs, who is board-certified in personal injury law.
Contact us today to get started on your work-related injury case with a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and the steps to seek the compensation you need.
