San Antonio Industrial Accident Lawyer
Industrial accidents can be severe and prevent you from working for extended periods. In some cases, you may not be able to return to your position. Medical care is costly, and the financial strain of being unable to work can be overwhelming.
If you suffered harm at work due to negligence, you have options even if your employer is a non-subscriber. It is essential to engage the services of a practiced attorney. Contact a skilled San Antonio industrial accident lawyer for help with your case.
How Can I Protect My Rights?
Employers have the option of choosing not to participate in the state’s workers’ compensation system and register as non-subscribers. If a company opts out of insurance benefits, employees involved in industrial accidents at work will not receive automatic no-fault benefits, such as payment for medical care and lost wages. However, that exposes the company to civil lawsuits, allowing the injured employee to seek damages by filing a lawsuit in civil court.
When avoidable accidents occur due to a dangerous and negligent condition, the court will hold businesses financially accountable. To establish liability and win a settlement, the case must demonstrate that the employer’s carelessness contributed to the hazardous situation and accident, even if it was only minimal.
For injured workers to protect their rights, they must take prompt action to collect and preserve evidence and comply with state laws. A skilled commercial injury attorney in San Antonio can assist throughout the process and advocate for a fair outcome.
Essential Steps After an Industrial Accident
Acting quickly to safeguard health and build a strong case is essential for civil lawsuits resulting from injuries sustained at work. A San Antonio factory injury attorney can assist in gathering relevant documentation and maintaining detailed notes of the injuries and the employer’s response. Additional requirements include the following:
Medical Care
All injured employees must seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury does not appear severe initially. After the appointment, they should follow the doctor’s treatment plan and keep all records, bills, and notes about the condition.
Report to Employers
Notifying employers, including supervisors or human resources, in writing to provide the details of the accident and injuries is crucial. According to Texas Labor Code § 409.001, all workers, including non-subscribers, must report incidents to their employer. It is important to follow the company’s policies, even when considering filing a lawsuit in civil court.
Document Everything and Avoid Discussions
Take photos, videos, or both to document the accident scene and hazards, such as faulty machinery or equipment, and the resulting injuries. Gather witness statements, contact information, and all relevant documents, and store them securely. It is important for individuals to avoid discussing the case or civil action at work in order to protect their rights and interests.
Potential Recoverable Damages
There is no standard settlement amount, and the potential recoverable damages can vary substantially depending on the specific case. The award amount can be significant when workers suffer severe injuries, leaving them with long-term or permanent disabilities, due to company negligence. The court awards compensation for economic damages, such as emergency room fees, medical bills, ongoing treatment, medication, and lost wages for time spent recovering at home.
Additionally, they may award compensation for non-economic damages, such as psychological, mental, and emotional anguish, as well as pain and suffering. An attorney in San Antonio, experienced in manufacturing accidents, can provide more specific guidance during the consultation after reviewing the case.
Contact a Seasoned Industrial Accident Attorney in San Antonio Today
Industrial jobs often pose higher risks than many other fields because workers are in close proximity to machinery and equipment. Unfortunately, many suffer severe or fatal injuries while at work.
If your employer does not participate in workers’ compensation programs, you have the right to initiate legal action to pursue payment from the liable party. Call an experienced San Antonio industrial accident lawyer today to begin your case.
