Construction and other job site debris accidents in San Antonio are relatively common and can cause serious injuries. If you or a loved one is injured in this type of accident, figuring out how to get compensation can be difficult. Texas law requires injured workers to file lawsuits in some cases and workers’ compensation claims in others. If you believe you need to sue your employer or a third party, a construction accident attorney can help.
Debris can fall on job sites for several reasons. These include stacking or securing loads incorrectly, overloading equipment like cranes and forklifts, or failing to train workers in proper safety procedures. Missing safety equipment, like nets and hard hats, can increase the chance of an accident and lead to more serious injuries if one does happen. Safety equipment that is provided but is not maintained properly can also cause accidents.
The severity of a San Antonio construction debris accident will depend on multiple factors, including the type of debris and the amount, weight, and height from which it falls. A worker who is struck by falling debris could suffer milder injuries like cuts or bruises as well as serious ones like broken bones, deeper cuts, concussions, and neck and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to permanent disabilities like paralysis or limb amputations.
Depending on the circumstances, a worker injured on a job site can either file a workers’ compensation claim or a lawsuit. If the employer is covered by the state workers’ compensation system, its employees cannot sue if they are injured. However, Texas allows employers to opt out of the state system. If an employer does this, employees can file a lawsuit. If a third party was responsible for the accident, the injured worker may also be able to sue them, even if their employer is covered by workers’ compensation. For example, if an outside company drops off a delivery of materials and does not secure them safely, the company could be liable if this causes an accident that injures workers.
In a site debris accident lawsuit, an injured worker in San Antonio can be awarded compensation for both financial and non-financial losses. Compensation for financial harm covers lost wages, medical bills, and ongoing expenses or losses. For example, if the accident causes a permanent disability, this would include the injured person’s lost future income. Non-economic losses are intangibles like pain and suffering, emotional trauma, or inability to do things the injured person previously enjoyed.
Job site debris accidents in San Antonio can cause serious injuries that lead to major expenses. Figuring out how to get the compensation you need to cover the bills while you are already dealing with physical pain can be overwhelming. An attorney can help you determine whether you have the option to file a lawsuit. If you do, your lawyer will guide you through the rest of the process. Contact Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm to schedule a free consultation today.