Our Dallas-Fort Worth Work Accident Lawyer Explains How Inadequate Safety Policies Can Lead to Injuries
Workplace injuries due to employer negligence are a pressing issue for employees in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. These accidents can lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial hardships, affecting workers and their families. If you've been injured on the job due to inadequate safety measures, Texas work accident lawyer Warren Armstrong is here to help you understand your rights and the necessary steps to take when dealing with a non-subscriber employer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
What is Considered Workplace Negligence in Texas?
Workplace negligence in Texas occurs when an employer fails to provide their employees with a safe and secure environment, leading to preventable injuries. Some common examples of workplace negligence include:
- Inadequate training. Employers who do not properly train their employees on safety protocols significantly increase the risk of accidents. Proper training is essential to ensure that all workers are aware of potential hazards and know how to avoid them.
- Poor maintenance. Employers are responsible for regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment to prevent dangerous malfunctions. Neglecting this duty can lead to machinery breakdowns, which can cause serious injuries or even fatalities.
- Lack of safety equipment. Providing necessary protective gear and safety devices is crucial in minimizing workplace injuries. Employers place their employees at undue risk when they fail to supply this equipment or ensure its proper use.
- Unsafe work practices. Employers who encourage or overlook unsafe practices to boost productivity are engaging in negligent behavior. Allowing shortcuts or dangerous procedures jeopardizes worker safety and can lead to severe accidents.
- Insufficient staffing. Understaffing shifts or overworking employees can lead to fatigue, a significant factor in workplace accidents. Dallas employers are responsible for ensuring that there is adequate staffing to handle the workload safely without compromising the well-being of their employees.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
If you’ve been hurt at work due to negligence in Dallas-Fort Worth, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:
- Get medical help. Even if your injuries seem minor, don’t wait to get checked out by a doctor. It’s important for your health and can also serve as proof of your injuries.
- Report the incident. Let your supervisor or HR department know about the accident as soon as possible.
- Document everything. If you can, take photos of the scene and your injuries. Keep all your medical records and any receipts related to your injury.
- Gather witness information. If anyone saw the accident, make sure to get their contact details. Their statements could be important later.
- Contact a Dallas-Fort Worth work injury lawyer. Contacting a Dallas-Fort Worth lawyer immediately after the accident can ensure your rights are protected so you can recover the compensation you deserve.
Texas Non-Subscriber Law and Your Injury Claim
Unlike most states, Texas allows employers to opt out of the traditional workers' compensation system. These companies, known as "non-subscribers," make up about 25% of Texas employers. Notably, many of Texas's largest employers—including Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Costco, Target, Lowe's, Kroger, Fiesta, and Amazon—choose not to carry or "subscribe to" workers' comp insurance.
If you're injured while working for a non-subscriber in Dallas-Fort Worth, your case falls under personal injury law rather than workers' compensation. This means:
- You can sue your employer directly for negligence.
- You may be eligible for a broader range of damages, including pain and suffering.
- The employer loses certain defenses, such as contributory negligence.
However, non-subscriber cases can be more complicated, requiring you to prove your employer's negligence. This is where having experienced Dallas-Fort Worth workplace injury lawyer, Warren Armstrong, becomes invaluable.
Types of Compensation for a Workplace Negligence Injury
In a non-subscriber case where an employer fails to provide adequate safety measures, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement or disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How Armstrong Law Help With Your Dallas Workplace Negligence Case
You may be uncertain about how to handle a workplace injury claim with a non-subscriber employer. Attorney Warren Armstrong can guide you through the process and build a strong case on your behalf by doing the following.
- Evidence collection. We will gather and preserve crucial evidence, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and workplace safety records.
- Communications with insurers. Your attorney will handle all interactions with your employer and their insurance company, ensuring your rights are respected.
- Skilled negotiations. With a deep understanding of Texas non-subscriber law and typical settlement values, your lawyer will negotiate assertively for fair compensation that covers all your injury-related expenses and losses.
- Courtroom representation. If a fair settlement can't be reached, our lawyer will take your case to trial, presenting a strong argument before a judge and jury.
Texas law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. The statute of limitations for work injury cases is two years. Missing these deadlines could jeopardize your right to compensation, making timely legal consultation essential.
At Armstrong Law, we understand the challenges faced by injured workers in Dallas-Fort Worth. Our team is committed to standing up for the rights of those hurt due to workplace negligence, particularly in non-subscriber cases. Check out the case results on our website to see how we've helped clients in similar situations secure significant compensation for their workplace injuries.