The ExxonMobil refinery in Baytown provides over 10 percent of the oil-processing capacity in the Gulf Coast refining district of Texas. Unfortunately, jobs in petrochemical processing come with numerous safety hazards: fire risks, toxin exposure, and the dangers of working with large machines—to name a few.
Whether you make your money in the refinery or another Baytown workplace, the top Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw believe you deserve every resource possible following a work injury.
Immediate Steps Following a Work AccidentAlthough a lawyer can serve you at any point, you may take several steps before you secure legal counsel. As a result, knowing how to respond to a work accident serves both your healing and future legal action.
1. Seeking Medical Attention for Work InjuriesIt’s important to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan, even if you think your injuries aren’t serious. In fact, many accident injuries appear or worsen later. A Baytown Tx work injury attorney can help you follow procedures for choosing the right providers.
2. Meeting Deadlines for Reporting Your Work IncidentYou should follow your company’s protocol to report your injury in writing as soon as possible. In Texas, reporting to your employer within 30 days also keeps you eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
The deadline for filing a workers’ comp claim with the Texas Department of Insurance is less then one year. You should also report to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) if your employer retaliates against you. Your work injury lawyer in Baytown ensures that every necessary report is timely.
3. Preserving Evidence for Future ActionAfter a work injury, you’ll notice several opportunities to collect documentation. The following kinds of evidence can help an attorney prepare stronger claims on your behalf:
A Baytown workplace accident lawyer can elaborate on any of the legal rights protecting Texas workers outlined below.
How Workers’ Compensation Works in TexasTexas is the only state that doesn’t require private employers to offer workers’ compensation insurance. However, most private employers still do. This “no-fault” system protects employers from lawsuits and offers eligible employees benefits even if they’re partly responsible for the injuries.
Under Texas law, you have certain rights that include the following:
A third party—an individual or company who isn’t a full-time employee—is sometimes responsible for injuries. If a company hired you as a contractor or vendor, rather than a full-time employee, you might also be able to sue for damages. No matter your case, Carabin Shaw’s client reviews demonstrate how we research and pursue every valid course of action.
Navigating the Workers’ Compensation Claims ProcessResearch literature suggests that negative interactions between injured workers and insurers contribute to poorer health outcomes for the workers. The claims process puts an added burden on employees who might need to endure lengthy appeals and negotiations while also trying to heal.
Thus, a comprehensive guide for work accident victims in Baytown still doesn’t compare to the guidance of expert legal aid.
Lawyers Who Look Out for YouAt Carabin Shaw, staff members who speak both English and Spanish are available 24/7, toll-free at 800-862-1260. To ease the process of finding legal support, we offer free initial consultations and case reviews. By working with us, you gain a team of advocates who consider your complete experience, including your pain, priorities, and long-term needs.
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