Workplace Accident Attorney

John T. Flood is an attorney in Corpus Christi, TX who focuses on workplace accident cases. Call (361) 654-8877 today for a free initial case evaluation.

A workplace accident is an incident that occurs on the job resulting in an injury or other adverse health condition. When companies lack proper safety equipment and fail to implement routine inspections and safety trainings for employees, workers pay the price. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) outlines specific federal guidelines aimed at protecting the wellbeing of all workers and ensuring the prevention of serious injuries and deaths in the workplace.

Vulnerable Industries

Injuries sustained on the job can vary in severity based on the industry or type of work the employee was performing at the time of incident. Depending on the line of work, injuries can be catastrophic or fatal in the most severe cases. OSHA reported workplace 4,779 fatalities across all industries in the United States. Top industries for worker injuries and deaths include:

• Construction industry, totaling nearly 20% of all worker fatalities with 1,008 deaths.
• Maritime industry, such as commercial fishing, cargo transportation, and vessel maintenance.
• Industrial work, including fabrication shops, commercial factories, and warehouses.
• Oil and gas work, including refineries and oilfields.
• Transportation industry, including trucking and airplane cargo.

Workers’ Rights

While some industries have historically reported more deaths, injuries, and illness than others, all workers – regardless of industry – have the right to a safe work environment free of potential hazards. OSHA gives workers the following rights under federal law:

• The right to working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm.
• The right to receive information and training in a language and vocabulary the worker understands about workplace hazards, methods to prevent them, and the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace.
• The right to review records of work-related injuries and illnesses.
• The right to file a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their workplace if they believe there are serious hazards or that their employer is not following OSHA’s rules.
• The right to exercise their rights without retaliation. If a worker is retaliated against, they must file a complaint with OSHA no later than 30 days thereafter.

It’s important that the country’s workforce not only feels protected but also has its concerns heard in order to continuously improve worker safety. When employers fail to abide by federal guidelines regarding workplace safety, they knowingly endanger the lives of employees while simultaneously breaking the law. Employers should never place profits over the wellbeing of employees, however, unfortunately thousands of employees are injured or killed each year due to employer negligence.

Corpus Christi Workplace Accident Attorneys

A workplace injury or illness can dramatically impact every aspect of a person’s life; a fatal workplace accident completely alters lives forever. When senseless and preventable tragedies happen, employers need to be held accountable for their actions. Workplace accidents can cause a disruption in more than just a worker’s income; workplace accidents have the potential to change the course of a person’s life forever. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Accidents

I was injured at work. Should I hire an attorney?

If you are injured at work and your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, you may not need a lawyer but you should always at least speak with a lawyer. Non-lawyers are not trained to identify when a third party could be at fault for a workplace injury, such as contractors, operators, consultants, defective equipment manufacturers, and more. The best thing you can do for your claims is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Can an employer ask about previous injuries?

The law prohibits employers from asking potential employees about previous injuries during the interview process; however, you cannot and should not conceal or misrepresent facts related to your physical condition or work limitations once employed. A preemployment physical may be required and you cannot lie during that appointment about your medical history.

How long do you have to report a work injury in Texas?

Under Texas law, an injured employee has 30 days from the date of injury to report it to their employer; however, the longer you wait, the more the insurance carriers involved will question why you waited and whether or not you were really injured. The best practice is to inform those you work for as soon as possible after you are hurt on the job.