As the home of a refinery and various other oil, chemical, and industrial processing facilities, Baytown sees more than its fair share of on-the-job injuries among its hard-working population. Accidents at work can be frightening, but you thankfully have options for seeking justice if you were harmed by carelessness. Depending on who is to blame for the accident and whether your employer offers workers’ compensation insurance, the process for pursuing financial compensation can vary.
Fortunately, a Baytown work injury lawyer could take the lead and help you protect your rights after getting hurt on the job. Whether you need to pursue restitution from a negligent contractor or from your “non-subscriber” employer, an experienced personal injury attorney could be your steadfast ally every step of the way.
Work Injuries at Non-Subscriber Companies
Unlike most other states, Texas does not require employers of a certain size to provide workers’ compensation insurance for all their employees. Businesses that voluntarily choose not to purchase this coverage are labeled “non-subscribers.” In the event of a workplace accident, these companies might need to directly assume financial liability for harm sustained by their workers.
It is important to understand that a claim against a non-subscriber does not function the same way as a lawsuit targeting a workers’ comp policy. Instead, non-subscriber cases are very similar to traditional personal injury claims. In order to collect compensation, an wounded party must prove that their employer’s negligent behavior or conduct directly caused an injury.
From a legal standpoint, an employer would be considered negligent when they act recklessly or carelessly to such an extent that it violates a duty of care that they owed their employee. A negligent non-subscriber supervisor or employer, for instance, might fail to provide appropriate safety equipment or training. In other situations, a careless company might understaff their facility or hire unqualified workers.
A tenacious attorney in Baytown could help a plaintiff prove that their non-subscriber employer’s negligence directly caused a debilitating work injury.
Filing a Work Accident Claim Against a Negligent Third Party
In other situations, a third-party’s negligence might have also contributed to the work injury in question. Like non-subscriber claims, third-party workplace injury lawsuits revolve around an employee suffering preventable physical harm because of negligent conduct by a third party. Contractors, industrial suppliers, or commercial equipment manufacturers are all examples of third parties that might need to assume liability for an unexpected work accident.
This can be a powerful option for local residents, as it is often the only way for employees in subscriber companies to demand restitution for non-economic damages like physical pain and emotional distress.
A knowledgeable lawyer in Baytown could help an injured worker determine whether a third-party claim is ideal for their unique circumstances
Contact a Baytown Work Injury Attorney to Learn More
If you were injured on the job, it may be difficult to determine your next steps and figure out who to turn to for help. Depending on the details of the accident, the best legal recourse changes. Seeking legal representation is key, since a dedicated advocate could help you maximize the compensation you collect.
A Baytown work injury lawyer could clarify your legal options and strive for a positive case resolution. Call the office today to schedule your initial consultation.