Strengthening Your Richmond TX Work Injury Claim - Third Party Construction Site Accidents

Texas construction sites are dynamic environments that involve raw materials, heavy machines, and a diverse group of workers who manage it all on deadline. One mistake by someone outside your company can easily disrupt this flow. In Richmond—part of the Houston area where construction employment growth is triple the national rate—more and more workers face the inconveniences of these disruptions. Unfortunately, some also experience firsthand the physical risks.

If you’ve been hurt on site and someone else is to blame, a Richmond TX work injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex path ahead. When a “third party” (someone other than your employer) is responsible, your case may open the door to much more than standard workers’ compensation benefits.

Many Texans don’t know that you can pursue a third party construction accident claim while you also pursue a workers’ comp claim. The benefit? Third-party claims allow you to seek compensation for things like pain and suffering and loss of future earnings, beyond the basics of workers’ compensation.

But which third parties might be responsible for construction accidents? Common examples include:

• Motorists, such as delivery drivers
• Maintenance teams that don’t adequately care for equipment
• Manufacturers of defective tools
• Contractors or subcontractors who fail to communicate hazards or coordinate with others, key OSHA-recommended safety practices

Think of your work injury claim in Richmond TX, as a house under construction. Workers’ comp may cover the framework, but third-party claims help you rebuild completely. Talk to a local attorney as soon as possible to learn more.

The following tips are tried-and-true actions that help fortify your case:

1. Report your injury to your employer ASAP.
2. Document photos of the accident site, equipment, and your injuries, along with witness contact info. Don’t rely on memory.
3. Seek medical attention, even for minor symptoms. Medical records not only protect your health but also tie your injuries to the accident.

Remember that your actions in the first moments and days after a worksite injury shape the possibilities for your third-party claim.

For most third-party claims in Richmond, Texas, you’ll need to prove the following:

• A third party owed you a duty of care.
• They breached that duty through negligence.
• Their negligence caused your injury.

This process requires more in-depth knowledge than filing a workers’ compensation claim, which allows you to collect benefits without proving anyone’s negligence. Your fault also doesn’t generally affect how much workers’ comp you can collect. In contrast, your degree of responsibility can reduce the amount you receive through a third-party lawsuit—or even disqualify you from filing.

So, although third-party claims can yield high rewards, they get complicated fast. That’s why it’s smart to call the Richmond work accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw.

You wouldn’t construct a foundation without the right tools, and you shouldn’t pursue an injury claim without a team that knows what they’re doing. As you move forward, put the following on your to-do list:

1. Talk to a lawyer in a free consultation. Call our 24/7 phone line 800-862-1260 at no cost to set one up with staff who can speak English or Spanish. We’ve represented thousands of injured workers in Texas, and our client reviews speak to our dedication and results.
2. Keep records, including doctors’ notes, bills, missed work hours, text messages, and insurance letters.
3. Avoid posting about your accident online. Insurers and defense lawyers may use your posts to cast doubt on your testimony.

Your attorney will help you file the most effective work injury claim. At Carabin Shaw, we also work on a contingency-fee basis, so there are no upfront costs or hourly bills. That way, you can focus on healing. Let us help you hold all third parties accountable so you can get back to building your future.

For more information:

• Texas Statutes 417.
• BLS
• OSHA