Who Can Be Sued After a Construction Accident in Houston, Texas? | Free Case Review

From new developments to expanded roadways, Houston strives to keep up with its growing population. Construction is a necessary evil in this thriving metropolis, but it also poses risks to workers. Accidents on construction worksites and cone zones often cause severe, life-changing injuries, rendering victims unable to return to their jobs and support their families.

When an accident happens, the Houston work injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw help victims hold responsible parties accountable and pursue compensation for their injury-related expenses. We offer free consultations and services on a contingency-fee basis to make our expertise affordable to everyone. Call us 24/7 to speak to one of our

English- or Spanish-speaking professionals at 1-800-862-1260.

Employees who are injured on the job can file a workers’ compensation claim if their employer has workers' compensation insurance. Workers’ comp offers reimbursement for medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. The compensation is straightforward but limited, particularly for workers who suffer catastrophic injuries. You can have an attorney assist you with filing your claim to ensure you receive all the compensation you are entitled to.

Texas is the only state that does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Companies that do are known as subscribers. If your employer is a subscriber, you may not file a personal injury lawsuit against your company, even if your employer’s conduct contributed to your accident.

If your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance (known as a non-subscriber), you may file a lawsuit seeking damages. However, a lawsuit requires your Houston construction accident attorney to show that your employer’s negligence was a direct cause of your injuries.

Other parties that may be liable in a construction accident include:

• General contractors and subcontractors
• Property owners
• Equipment manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Delivery companies
• Motorists (in a road construction zone)
• Architects and engineers

If one or more of these third parties causes or contributes to your accident, you can file a third-party lawsuit against them even if you are also filing a workers’ compensation claim. The lawsuit allows you to seek more damages, such as additional lost income, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life. Similar to a lawsuit against your employer, a third-party lawsuit requires your attorney to demonstrate negligence to hold at-fault parties liable for your injuries.

Liability and negligence go hand-in-hand—you can’t have one without the other. To demonstrate negligence, you must show:

• The party had a duty of care to keep you safe
• The party’s conduct breached that duty
• The breach directly caused your accident and injuries

Proving negligence is a complex process that requires a thorough investigation of your accident. During the investigation, your legal team will gather key pieces of evidence, such as:

• Incident reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Photos and videos of the accident site
• Maintenance and repair logs
• Safety records

Your lawyer will use this evidence, in addition to your medical records and expert testimony, to demonstrate that the at-fault party’s negligence directly caused your accident. Once negligence is established, you can hold the at-fault parties liable for your injuries and related losses.

You can also take steps immediately after an accident to help your lawyer establish liability, such as:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Report the accident to your supervisor and employer
• Preserve as much evidence as you can at the scene
• Gather eyewitness contact information and statements
• Contact a construction injury lawyer in Houston TX

A construction accident injury can disrupt your life, leaving you feeling like things will never return to normal. Our compassionate team at Carabin Shaw has helped many accident victims like you restore their lives, as our law firm’s client reviews attest. Call us toll-free today at 1-800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Texas Department of Insurance
• Cornell Law School
• Texas Statutes 417