Workers’ Compensation, Third-Party Claims, & Construction Accidents

By Dallas Personal Injury Attorney on February 27, 2015

Not only are construction sites notoriously hazardous, but the industry itself has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous of all occupations. By their nature, construction sites are filled with risks and hazards, and these dangers only compound when you have multiple contractors working, and even worse, poorly trained workers who do not work safely or responsibly.

Construction sites tend to involve heavy machinery, power tools, and workers are often performing their duties on top of roofs and at significant heights, which contributes to the high risk of falls. It’s not uncommon for some projects to involve the risks of electrocutions, explosions, or even trench collapse. Even when workers use the appropriate safety equipment, they can still be seriously injured.

What are third-party claims?

If you were injured on the construction site and someone other than your employer caused your injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation or a third-party claim, depending on the circumstances and whether your employer is a nonsubscriber. A third-party claim is a lawsuit that is filed in civil court.

Texas does not require employers to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer does not offer workers’ compensation and you have suffered serious injuries on the job, we can help you get the compensation you need.

An injured worker can receive damages in a third-party action for pain and suffering, and future loss of income. In effect, a successful third-party lawsuit can significantly increase the total monetary recovery for an injured construction worker.

If your injuries were caused by someone other than your employer, you may be able to sue that “third-party,“ You may be recover additional damages from the following parties:

• A subcontractor who created a hazardous condition on the job site
• The property owner (if it’s not your employer)
• The driver of an automobile (if you were injured in a car accident)
• The manufacturer or seller of defective equipment or machinery
• A customer who may have injured you at work

Contact a Dallas workplace injury lawyer from Lenahan Law Firm if you were injured in a construction accident. In a free consultation, we can review your case and determine if you may be able to file a third party claim. Since third party claims can be valuable sources of additional damages, it is a very good idea to explore this potential source of recovery.