Mercedes TX - When Third Parties Are Liable for Construction Site Injuries

Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Mercedes is a popular place to live and play in Texas. Many families choose to build a home here, keeping the construction industry busy. Unfortunately, this hazardous industry also sees an alarming number of workplace accidents, leading to fatalities and severe injuries. Construction had the second-most fatalities in Texas in 2022, with 141 deaths.

Construction workers who survive accidents may suffer debilitating injuries that prohibit them from working and taking care of their families. The Texas work injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw help victims of these accidents pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Our Spanish- and English-speaking professionals are available 24/7 for a free consultation at 800-862-1260.

Third parties are people other than your employer or co-worker who might contribute to a construction accident. A third-party claim allows the injured worker and their attorney to pursue compensation beyond what workers’ compensation might provide. Common examples of third parties include:

A property owner must maintain a safe environment for construction workers and visitors through appropriate barricades and adequate warning of potential hazards. If the owner is aware of a risk on the property and fails to warn or protect workers, they can be liable for accidents. For example, a worker who falls through an unmarked hole or is exposed to a toxic substance may pursue damages from the negligent property owner.

General contractors are responsible for coordinating the work of subcontractors and ensuring all contractors have the appropriate safety equipment and training for the job. If a general contractor does not provide proper supervision, they can be liable if an accident occurs. Subcontractors can also be responsible if they don’t follow correct procedures and create dangerous conditions for other workers. Be sure to discuss the specifics of your case with an attorney in Texas for more information as soon as possible.

Companies that produce construction equipment must ensure their products work correctly and are safe for users. A warning must mark potential hazards so users understand the risks. A design or manufacturing defect can lead to severe injuries if a worker unknowingly uses the defective tool. Defective safety equipment is also a problem if it fails to protect a worker.

Workers’ compensation is insurance carried by most private employers in Texas to cover employees who are injured on the job. Employees can file a workers’ comp claim regardless of whether their employer was at fault for the accident. These claims cover a portion of your lost wages and necessary medical bills. Workers’ compensation does not cover non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

If your employer carries workers’ compensation, you cannot file a lawsuit against your employer, even if they were at fault for the accident. Unfortunately, the severity of many injuries from construction zone accidents in Mercedes TX cost much more than your workers’ compensation covers. If a third party played a role in the accident, it significantly changes the damages you can seek.

A third-party lawsuit allows accident victims to collect additional damages for medical bills and lost wages not covered by workers’ comp and non-economic damages to compensate them for the accident's impact on their physical, mental, and emotional health. However, your lawyer must show that the responsible party’s negligence led directly to your injuries and the associated costs through witness statements, accident documentation, and expert testimony.

Third-party lawsuits can quickly become complex, requiring ample evidence to prove that the responsible party’s negligence led to your injuries. It is critical to enlist the help of a personal injury law firm like Carabin Shaw early in the process. Client reviews attest to our attorneys’s abilities to maximize damages for accident victims like you.

If you have been injured on the job, contact our team now. We offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis, so you only pay us once we win your case. Call us toll-free at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• TDI
• Cornell Law
• TDI