Common Work Injuries in San Antonio TX - What to Know If You’ve Been Seriously Hurt

Some of San Antonio’s biggest industries, including oil and gas, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare, are also some of the most dangerous for workplace injuries. From life-threatening falls to overexertion, an accident at work can leave you facing mounting medical bills with no source of income to pay them.

Work injuries cost the U.S. $167 billion in 2022, and each accident victim who sought medical treatment paid an average of $40,000. The San Antonio work injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw understand the high cost of workplace accidents. We help victims navigate the complexities of Texas workers’ compensation and hold responsible parties liable for their injuries. Our team is available 24/7, with English- and Spanish-speaking professionals ready to answer your questions.

A workplace injury occurs while you are performing your employee duties. If the accident occurred while you were intoxicated or neglecting mandatory safety equipment or procedures, you are unlikely to receive compensation. Other injuries are typically covered under workers’ compensation in Texas, even if your employer was not responsible for the accident.

Common work-related injuries include:

• Overexertion
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Slip and fall accidents
• Contact with objects
• Exposure to harmful substance
• Vehicle accidents

These accidents may lead to severe injuries like burns, fractures, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Some injuries may have lifelong repercussions, involving massive expenses and possibly affecting your ability to ever work again.

Many Texas workers injured on the job rely on workers’ compensation. If your employer carries the insurance, that will be your first action. Texas doesn't require workers' comp, but employers carry it to provide compensation for injured employees and protect themselves from lawsuits.

Workers’ comp may seem like a good option, but the benefits provided by the insurance are often insufficient to cover all the costs associated with a serious injury. Workers’ compensation provides the following benefits:

• Medical benefits
• Income benefits
• Death benefits

Medical benefits pay for “reasonable” medical care, as determined by a physician in the workers’ comp network. Income benefits only provide a portion of your income, and death benefits replace “some” of the money lost when an employee dies from a workplace injury. Employees who have workers’ comp through their employer also forfeit their ability to file a personal injury claim against them even if the employer’s negligence contributed to the accident.

While a work injury can leave you reeling, steps you take after your accident can protect you as you pursue compensation. Some of the frequent mistakes employees make after an accident include:

• Waiting to seek medical care (or not seeking it at all)
• Delaying the submission of an employer report
• Failing to disclose previous work injuries
• Minimizing the extent of the injuries
• Handling the claim without legal representation

The biggest mistake employees make is failing to secure legal representation. An insurance company aims to turn a profit, not pay your medical bills, motivating adjusters to search for reasons to reduce or deny your claim. An experienced lawyer may ensure you receive all the damages you are due.

Injured employees often assume receiving workers’ compensation restricts their ability to pursue additional compensation. While you can’t file a lawsuit against your employer, you may still have recourse against other responsible parties. Some accidents may involve a third party outside your company, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or motorist.

If this third party was negligent and that negligence contributed to your injuries, you can hold this party liable for a portion of your injuries. A third-party claim allows you to seek additional damages, such as pain and suffering, with additional compensation for medical bills and lost wages.

You may think workers’ compensation is your only option, but think again. Work accident attorneys in San Antonio TX fight for you against the insurance company and responsible third parties. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis and free case reviews, allowing you to explore legal options at no cost. Read reviews from satisfied clients and contact Carabin Shaw today at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Injury Facts
• Statutes Capitol Texas
• TDI Texas
• Statutes Capitol Texas