Fort Worth Construction Accident Lawyers

Construction sites can be dangerous places. This is why the rate of on-the-job injuries for construction workers is higher than in many other professions. When a worker is injured in Texas, however, there are unique aspects of state law which can complicate the handling of their situation. Retaining an experienced attorney to assist you in such situations can be vital to ensuring that your case is taken through the legal system correctly. Noteboom – The Law Firm has been protecting the rights of individuals since 1977. We are proud of the results we have achieved on behalf of our clients. If you are in need of assistance then contact us today to speak with our Fort Worth construction accident lawyers.

DFW injury attorneys handling cases involving construction accidents

Texas differs from many other states in that employers are not required to enroll in the workers’ compensation insurance program. Those who opt out of workers’ comp coverage are termed “non-subscribers.” When an accident occurs and it involves a non-subscribing construction company, then the employee may be able to sue the employer directly. They may also have a claim against the makers of equipment, companies who maintain equipment, and more. One may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and punitive damages in rare situations.

A construction worker who is injured on the job should immediately report the incident to their boss. They should then seek immediate medical attention. Once a lawyer is retained, counsel will take steps to ensure that evidence of what happened is preserved. This may include roping off the scene of the accident, preserving damaged tools, and more. The Plaintiff’s attorney will also take steps to identify potential additional defendants. If a settlement cannot be reached then a lawsuit may be filed against the employer and liable third-parties. The case will then proceed through the system as would any other personal injury matter. Construction companies and other defendants will be represented by well-funded insurance companies. It is, therefore, important to retain an attorney with the experience and resources necessary to handle the matter.

A key difference between the process described above, and many other personal injury lawsuits, is that Texas’ comparative fault laws do not apply to non-subscriber claims. Non-subscriber cases are often different from ordinary negligence cases because the employer loses specific common-law defenses, while claims against third parties may follow ordinary tort principles.

Our DFW injury attorneys handle Texas construction accidents which involve non-subscriber employers. Once retained, our on-staff investigator will visit the scene of the incident if possible. We will also identify all possible defendants and inform them of the representation. We will deal with their insurance companies directly while you deal with the important business of treating your injuries. Our firm will also retain any necessary experts in order to establish liability. If a reasonable settlement offer is not presented then we are prepared to quickly file a lawsuit and to litigate the matter until completed. Our lawyers will ensure that you know what to expect from the process as your case moves forward and we will give your matter the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone today.

In addition to Texas’ greater DFW area, we also handle matters in Arlington, Austin, Denton, Frisco, Irving, Lufkin, Garland, Houston, McKinney, Richardson, San Antonio, and the rest of the state.

Fort Worth lawyers with significant resources for handling non-subscriber construction accidents

When a matter involves a non-subscribing employer then the construction company will typically be represented by a private insurance company. These insurers will have teams of highly trained lawyers on their side and vast resources. Having a firm that can litigate an expensive case is important to ensuring that your matter is handled correctly. Our firm is able to litigate against large-scale defendants. In addition to financial resources, we have two attorneys who are Board Certified in Personal Injury Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and we employ an on-staff investigator. We put these resources to work on behalf of our clients and we’re proud of our track record of success.

Common questions regarding construction accident cases

How do I know if the construction company I work for is a non-subscriber?

Most employers will inform their employers as to whether they are a “non-subscriber.” If the employer does not make this information readily apparent, then counsel will be able to determine the situation rather quickly.

Are punitive damages available in a construction accident case?

Punitive damages are rarely awarded in personal injury law. Such damages typically require a showing of intentional misconduct or a reckless disregard for safety. Some situations, however, may warrant such damages. These may include, for example, a company that knowingly uses faulty and dangerous equipment out of a desire to avoid the cost of replacing it, all while knowing it puts workers at risk. Your attorney will give you an honest assessment of whether punitive damages may be possible in your case.

Are parties other than my employer liable for a construction accident?

There are situations in which one may be able to sue parties other than their employer. If, for example, the accident occurred due to the faulty design of a piece of equipment, then the designer or manufacturer of that equipment may also face liability. Whether or not a claim exists against a third-party will always depend on the facts of the case.