Subcontractor Liability in Woodway TX - When Another Company Causes Your Injury
The Carleen Bright Arboretum is the crowning glory of Woodway, a breathtaking botanical garden complete with an amphitheater, event center, and chapel. Its proximity to Waco also makes Woodway a popular residence for construction workers who enjoy the easy commute between cities. Sadly, some of these employees suffer accidents at work that prevent them from visiting the arboretum or other Woodway attractions.
A construction accident can leave victims severely injured and unable to work. These accidents are common and complex due to the multiple workers involved in construction projects. The Woodway work accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw investigate these accidents to help victims hold responsible parties liable for damages. We offer free case reviews 24/7 in English or Spanish at 800-862-1260.
Construction Accidents in Woodway, Texas, by the NumbersConstruction is a hazardous industry in the U.S., accounting for approximately 20% of all workplace fatalities in 2023. The most common causes of these accidents, labeled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as the fatal four, include:
- Falls
- Getting struck by an object
- Getting caught between equipment
- Electrocutions
Workers who survive these accidents may face debilitating injuries that impact their quality of life and ability to care for themselves and their families. When another worker causes an accident, a Woodway TX construction accident attorney may pursue damages from responsible parties to cover medical bills and other losses for victims.
The Liability Question: Contractor vs. SubcontractorProperty owners or developers hire contractors to oversee a construction project. The contractor may hire subcontractors, specialists in specific areas such as roofing, plumbing, or HVAC, to support the construction team. If you are injured in a construction accident, your Texas attorney will investigate to determine whether the actions of the contractor or subcontractor contributed to the incident and your injuries.
What is Vicarious Liability?Subcontractors are often responsible for their work, including following correct safety procedures. However, contractors may also be responsible for ensuring that subcontractors complete their tasks safely and correctly. Contractors with direct authority over how subcontractors do their job may have “actual control.” In this case, the contractor may be held vicariously liable for a subcontractor’s negligence leading to an accident.
What is Proportionate Responsibility?Construction sites involve multiple parties, and any of them could contribute to unsafe conditions that lead to a serious accident. Some accidents may involve more than one at-fault party, such as a contractor, subcontractor, developer, or property owner. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility rule, your lawyer can hold all responsible parties liable for your injuries according to their percentage of fault, maximizing your damages.
When to Consider a Personal Injury LawsuitMost construction companies in Texas carry workers’ compensation to help injured employees cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages. Workers’ comp also protects employers from personal injury lawsuits. While workers’ comp is available regardless of accident fault, it rarely covers all a victim’s expenses, particularly if injuries are severe.
If a subcontractor outside your company contributed to your accident, your construction injury lawyer in Woodway, Texas, can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek additional damages, such as:
- Loss of earning potential
- Disfigurement and disability
- Additional lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
A lawsuit requires you to show that the at-fault party’s negligence led directly to your accident, injuries, and expenses. Your legal team will investigate the accident, gathering evidence like accident reports, eyewitness testimony, and medical records to build your case. Most personal injury cases are settled before they get to court. However, your team will be ready to take your case to trial if you and the defendant cannot agree on a settlement amount.
Hurt on the Job? Call the Top Texas Work Injury Attorneys at Carabin Shaw Now & Schedule Your FREE Case EvaluationConstruction accidents often result in severe injuries that permanently change lives. You need the experienced lawyers at Carabin Shaw to protect your rights and maximize your damages. We offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Check our reviews to see how we’ve helped other accident victims, and then call us toll-free today at 800-862-1260.
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