Construction Accidents

Need a Houston Construction Accident Lawyer?

We Help Those Affected by Construction Accidents in Texas

Construction accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and deaths. Affected workers frequently find themselves facing immense physical, emotional, and financial hardships in the wake of a construction accident, and many will be left with lifelong impairments and disabilities that prevent them from returning to work and earning a living for themselves and their families.

If you were injured or if your family member died due to a construction accident, you deserve justice. While nothing can undo the devastating experience you have been through, a Houston construction accident attorney can help you receive fair financial compensation. That compensation can help you obtain the critical medical care you need and manage everyday expenses without having to worry about the cost.

At The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC, our Houston construction accident attorneys represent injured workers and their families, as well as the surviving loved ones of those involved in fatal construction accidents. Whether you need help filing a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party personal injury lawsuit, or a wrongful death action, our team is prepared to advocate on your behalf and guide you every step of the way.

Contact us 24/7 at (713) 999-6855 or submit a free online case evaluation form to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Houston construction accident lawyer from our team.

Common Construction Accidents & Injuries

Every day, construction workers face countless hazards on the job. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about one in five worker deaths in the private industry sector in 2019 were in construction. Of the 5,333 Americans who died on the job during that same calendar year, 1,061 were in the construction industry.

Construction injuries and fatalities result from all types of accidents, including:

  • Falls, including falls from heights and slip, trip, and fall accidents
  • Scaffolding accidents, including structure collapses
  • Crane, forklift, and other construction vehicle accidents
  • Machinery- and equipment-related accidents
  • Being caught in between or crushed by moving objects
  • Being struck by falling objects, tools, debris, equipment, etc.
  • Use of defective tools, machinery, and equipment, including power tools
  • Ground and trench collapses and cave-ins
  • Gas leaks, electrocutions, fires, and explosions
  • Exposure to toxic/harmful substances
  • Elevator shaft accidents, including falls

These and other common construction accidents often result in severe bodily injury, including head injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, amputation, broken bones, and respiratory illness. Repetitive stress injuries are also common in the construction industry, as are sprains, strains, and overexertion/overuse.

How Do Construction Accidents Happen?

Most construction accidents happen as a result of safety violations, negligence, or intentional misconduct. When various standards and safety protocols are ignored, or when others act carelessly, recklessly, or wrongfully, construction workers can be seriously injured or killed.

According to OSHA, the most commonly cited OSHA violations in 2020 included:

  • Lack of adequate fall protection
  • Failure to properly communicate hazards
  • Improper respiratory protection
  • Defective or unsafe scaffolding, ladders, and other equipment
  • Improper control of hazardous energy/materials
  • Issues involving powered industrial trucks
  • Insufficient training on fall protection and other safety standards
  • Lack of adequate face protection and eye protection
  • Improper machine/machinery guarding

Depending on the specific details of your situation, it may be possible to hold an employer, an independent contractor, a manufacturer, or another party liable for your injuries and resulting damages. You could also be covered by workers’ compensation (if your employer has elected to obtain this type of coverage).

Because workplace accidents, including construction accidents, tend to be very complicated in Texas, we strongly recommend that you reach out to The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC today to learn more. Our Houston construction accident attorneys can review the details of your case and determine the best course of action. We offer personal attention and advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Who Is Liable for a Construction Accident?

Texas is unique in that it is the only state that doesn’t require private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance (with some exceptions). In the construction industry, only building contractors for public employers must carry workers’ compensation. As a result, many construction workers are not covered under this no-fault system.

If your employer has not elected to carry voluntary workers’ compensation, and you are injured on the job, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against your employer or another party based on negligence. To do so, you will typically need to prove that the defendant failed to uphold a duty of care owed to you, resulting in your injuries and damages.

If your employer does have elective workers’ compensation, you may file a claim for benefits as long as you can prove that your injuries are related to your work. You do not need to prove that your employer (or anyone else) was negligent to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, in exchange, you generally cannot sue your employer for damages.

When Should You Hire a Construction Accident Attorney?

If you are unsure whether you are covered by workers’ compensation, or if you believe you have grounds for a third-party personal injury claim, reach out to The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC right away. Our Houston construction accident lawyers can review the details of your case during a complimentary consultation and provide information related to your specific situation. We take great pride in providing highly personalized legal representation, as well as an aggressive and collaborative approach to litigation.

Call our office today at (713) 999-6855 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation. There are no legal fees unless/until we recover compensation for you.

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What Attorney Shellist and His Team Bring to the Table

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Call The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC at (713) 999-6855 today to speak with our experienced team.