Legal Steps After a Workplace Injury in Houston

Getting hurt at work can turn your life upside down. Medical bills pile up, you miss work, and you worry about how to support your family. But you don't have to handle this alone. Understanding your rights and taking the right steps after a workplace injury in Houston is key to protecting yourself.

Let's walk through exactly what you need to do after getting injured on the job, from getting medical care to working with a workplace injury lawyer in Houston.

First Steps After a Workplace Injury

The actions you take right after getting hurt matter a lot. Here's what you need to do:

• Get medical help right away - even if you think the injury is minor
• Tell your supervisor about the injury in writing
• Take photos of your injuries and the accident scene
• Get names and contact info from any witnesses
• Keep all medical records and work injury reports

Report Your Injury Properly

Texas law says you must report work injuries within 30 days. But it's best to report it right away. Make sure to:

• Put the report in writing
• Keep a copy for yourself
• Include the date, time and how the injury happened
• List any witnesses
• Get confirmation that your employer received the report

Getting Medical Treatment

Your health comes first. If your company has workers' comp insurance, you may need to see approved doctors. If not, you can pick your own doctor. Either way:

• Keep all appointments
• Follow your doctor's orders exactly
• Save all medical bills and records
• Track your mileage to medical visits
• Document any work you miss for treatment

Know Your Rights Under Texas Law

Texas workplace injury laws can be complex. A Houston personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, including:

• Right to medical care for your injuries
• Right to income benefits if you can't work
• Right to choose your doctor in non-workers' comp cases
• Right to appeal denied claims
• Right to sue third parties who caused your injury

Workers' Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims

Not all Texas employers have workers' compensation insurance. Your options depend on your situation:

If Your Employer Has Workers' Comp:

• You get benefits regardless of fault
• Benefits cover medical care and lost wages
• You usually can't sue your employer
• Benefits may be limited

If Your Employer Doesn't Have Workers' Comp:

• You can file a personal injury lawsuit
• You must prove your employer was at fault
• You can seek full compensation for all damages
• You need a workplace accident attorney

Common Types of Workplace Injuries

Our Houston injury lawyers handle many types of work accidents:

• Falls from heights
• Equipment accidents
• Vehicle crashes
• Chemical exposure
• Lifting injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Burns and explosions

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

The money you can get depends on your case type:

Workers' Comp Benefits:

• Medical treatment costs
• Income benefits while off work
• Permanent disability payments
• Death benefits for families

Personal Injury Damages:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Physical impairment

Time Limits for Taking Legal Action

Don't wait to get legal help. Texas has strict deadlines:

• 30 days to report the injury to your employer
• One year to file a workers' comp claim
• Two years to file a personal injury lawsuit

How a Workplace Injury Lawyer Helps

A skilled Houston workplace injury attorney will:

• Investigate your accident
• Gather evidence and witness statements
• Handle insurance company talks
• File required paperwork on time
• Fight for maximum compensation
• Take your case to court if needed

Get Help With Your Workplace Injury Case

Don't try to handle a work injury case alone. Our experienced Houston workplace injury lawyers will protect your rights and fight for the money you deserve. Contact Leo & Oginni Personal Injury Lawyers, PLLC at 713-280-3204 to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help.

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