Workplace Injuries

Amarillo Workplace Injury Attorney

Work-Related Injuries in Texas

Work-related injuries can occur no matter your occupation. We often think of workplace accidents as those that occur in dangerous work environments and in occupations that involve hard physical labor or heavy equipment, but serious injuries can also occur in an office setting, retail environment, restaurant, or even while running errands for your employer.

If you have suffered a workplace injury, you are probably worried about how you will pay the bills while you are unable to work and who will pay for your medical care. Workplace injury cases are complicated in Texas because it is the only state that does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. However, the majority of employers choose to carry this insurance because it shields them from liability in most circumstances. The Amarillo workplace injury attorneys at Wood Law Firm, LLP can determine what type of claim you have, as well as which avenues of compensation are available to you.

For a free, no-obligation consultation with our team, call (806) 304-0447 or contact us online.

Workers’ Compensation in Texas

If you are covered by workers’ compensation, you should file a claim right away. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving much-needed benefits. Additionally, there are strict time limits involved. You must notify your employer within 30 days of your injury, and you only have one year to file your workers’ compensation claim.

Benefits are limited, but you do not need to prove fault. Workers’ compensation will pay for your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income. It may pay for training, if necessary, for you to be able to work again. Workers’ compensation does not pay for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

If you are covered by workers’ compensation in Texas, it is difficult to hold your employer liable for negligence in most cases. The Amarillo workers’ compensation attorneys at our firm will fight to help ensure that you recover fair compensation.

Employer & Third-Party Work Injury Lawsuits

If you are not covered by workers’ compensation, you are free to sue your employer for negligence. Employers who choose not to carry workers’ compensation insurance in Texas are called non-subscribers. They are not shielded from lawsuits for negligence and their defenses are limited.

In some circumstances, you may be able to pursue a third-party work injury lawsuit. This is a lawsuit against someone other than your employer, and it is an option even if you receive workers’ compensation. For example, a third-party lawsuit is appropriate if you are injured at work by a defective tool or piece of equipment.

Through a personal injury lawsuit, you can receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:

  • Medical expenses and future medical expenses
  • Special equipment and home modifications to accommodate disability
  • Long-term care
  • Home healthcare
  • Custodial care
  • Rehabilitation and therapy
  • Physical impairment
  • Mental impairment
  • Disfigurement
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Loss of consortium

Common Work-Related Accidents & Injuries

Workers in any industry can suffer serious or even catastrophic injuries when accidents and other traumatic events occur. They can also sustain injuries over time due to repetitive motions or as a result of exposure to harmful conditions in the workplace.

Examples of work-related accidents and injuries include:

  • Commercial vehicle accidents
  • Machinery accidents
  • Falling objects
  • Slip and falls/trip and falls
  • Structure fires
  • Assaults
  • Injuries from lifting
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Occupational illness

Work-Related Auto & Travel Injuries

Auto accidents and other accidents that happen during work-related travel present special challenges. We must prove that you were injured while performing an activity that was within the course and scope of your employment, for instance, while making a delivery or running errands for your employer.

If you are injured on your daily commute, that is typically not considered work-related, but if you were running an errand for your employer on your way to or from work when your accident occurred, it may be considered work-related. Injuries incurred during out-of-town business travel may also be included.

Occupational Disease

An occupational disease is a work-related injury. There are several considerations when pursuing compensation for an occupational illness. There are time limits for filing your claim or lawsuit, but unlike in an accident, it can take years to discover your illness or the connection between your illness and your job.

Depending on the type of illness, you also face the challenge of proving that your illness was caused in the course and scope of your employment. Employers and their insurers will work hard to disprove your claim. Our work injury attorneys will fight just as hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Talk to a Lawyer at Our Firm Today

Navigating the process of recovering compensation after a work-related injury can be challenging, but Wood Law Firm, LLP is here to help. Our Amarillo workplace injury lawyers have over 20 years of experience handling complex workers’ compensation claims, employer negligence lawsuits, and third-party personal injury cases on behalf of injured workers throughout Texas. We can discuss your case in detail and advise you on your specific legal options. We know that every situation is unique, which is why we provide personalized legal services tailored to our clients’ needs.

Wood Law Firm, LLP offers free initial consultations and contingency fees, meaning there are no out-of-pocket or upfront costs when you hire our team. Instead, we only collect attorneys’ fees if and when we win your case. We are happy to meet with you on weekends or in the evenings.

To learn more about workplace injuries and how we can help you recover the compensation you need, call (806) 304-0447 or submit a contact form today.

Related Reading:

Hear What Our Clients Think

  • Channy Wood was kind, compassionate, honest, & kept us informed every step of the way.

    “Channy did an amazing job on my husband’s injury case. He was kind, compassionate, honest, and kept us informed every step of the way. He and his staff were always ready and willing to help us with ...”

    - Sarah S.
  • Channy Wood was amazing throughout our case & went above and beyond for us.

    “Channy Wood was amazing throughout our case and went above and beyond for us. Not only is he a skilled and fair attorney, he is compassionate and honest. He got us the best possible deal in our case ...”

    - Rodney P.
  • They don’t leave you in the dark.

    “Wood Law Firm was by my side ever since my accident 3+ years. They will jump over the moon to make sure you are not left wondering what’s next, and they fight for you. I highly recommend if you need a ...”

    - Diana Torres
  • These guys are AWESOME!

    “They took care of ALL the headaches after the accident.”

    - Dwayne Holmes
  • They treat you like a family.

    “I highly recommend Mr. Wood and his associates for your personal injury needs.”

    - Melvin C.
/