Houston, Texas, might be the “energy capital of the world,” but many local workers whose labor fuels the country’s economy are expected to perform as usual even in oppressive temperatures. An attorney who handles on-the-job heat stroke cases knows that no one should be forced to work above a safe heat index, a metric that reflects how Houston’s humidity makes high temperatures even more dangerous.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency, not a minor workplace issue. When body temperature regulation fails, death is a real possibility, and survivors are left to manage chronic injuries affecting everything from the kidneys to the brain. In Houston, where heat exposure is a daily reality for labor-intensive industries, employers owe workers a basic standard of care. You can contact the Houston work injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw to help you fight for what you deserve from those who neglected that care.
Where Heat Stroke Risks Are HighestThe top industries in Houston have the highest heat exposure risks. In 2021-2022, over half of all heat-related cases that kept employees away from work involved just three fields:
However, an attorney can show how heat stroke risks are predictable and preventable in each of these Houston industries.
Warehousing and LogisticsIn this field, operations have been disrupted by the “Amazon effect,” or the pressure for on-demand delivery. As a result, productivity quotas and employee monitoring may discourage rest breaks in hot warehouses. Although businesses may want to increase efficiency, employers still need to follow laws that protect their workers.
Energy and RefiningAlong the Houston ship channel, manufacturing buildings include refineries, petrochemical plants, and industrial facilities. In these heat-intensive environments with limited air flow, protective gear might make workers even hotter. However, a Houston workplace heat stroke lawyer knows that employers have a responsibility to mitigate these heat stressors.
Construction and Road InfrastructureCrews for road improvements and other projects across Houston face exposure to direct sun, asphalt heat, and long shifts. Project managers should have plans for these conditions and never encourage workers to push through dangerous situations.
When Heat Exposure Becomes NegligenceA lawyer can determine whether your workplace heat stroke injuries are covered by workers’ compensation. However, you may need to sue for damages instead if you’re considered a contractor, your W-2 employer doesn’t have workers’ comp, or the negligence was egregious.
For example, employers could have heat exhaustion liability if they neglect federal standards for creating a reasonably safe workplace, such as:
Suing for work heat injury in Texas is also possible against parties who played a role other than official employers. A few possible liable individuals include contractors, subcontractors, site managers, independent facility owners, and equipment or protective gear providers.
What to Do After a Heat Stroke InjuryA free consultation with our team at Carabin Shaw is the best way to determine your legal path. Your damages could be extensive and should all be included in your claim, and an experienced lawyer helps you incorporate everything that applies, such as:
We also consider ways to offset financial strain. That’s why we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay only a percentage of what we win.
Call 1-800-862-1260 Toll Free Today to Book Your FREE Case Review!Our free phone line is available 24/7, with staff ready to assist you in both Spanish and English. Taking legal action can help you recover compensation while also holding Houston’s most powerful industries accountable for safer workplace practices. Heat stroke is not just “part of the job.” Our client reviews show how Carabin Shaw fights back against the normalization of workplace injuries across Houston. Contact our top Texas attorneys today to learn more.
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