Pasadena Construction Accident Lawyer
Did a fall, equipment defect, or safety failure leave you injured on a Pasadena, TX construction site? You might be out of work, in pain, and unsure where to turn. Medical bills can pile up fast, and insurance companies don’t always play fair.
At The Callahan Law Firm, we’ve spent more than 30 years helping injured workers like you. Attorney Michael S. Callahan is board-certified in personal injury trial law, and partner Casey M. Brown brings valuable insight from his past work defending injury claims. Our lawyers know how to take on contractors, property owners, and others who cut corners and put lives at risk.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you take your next steps. You pay nothing unless we win your construction accident case.
What a Pasadena, TX Lawyer Can Do in a Construction Accident Case
If you were hurt in a construction accident in Pasadena, you might have more than one way to recover the money you need to get your life back on track. A Pasadena, TX construction accident lawyer from The Callahan Law Firm can review the facts and help you file a workers’ compensation claim or bring a personal injury claim against a third party. Your attorney can also handle every aspect of your claim, including filing paperwork and dealing with insurance companies, while you focus on rest and recovery.
At The Callahan Law Firm, we know how to deal with insurance companies and large businesses that try to avoid taking responsibility. Our team prepares every case for trial and fights for the most favorable outcomes possible. When you are ready, we are happy to discuss your case with you in person, by phone, or online.
What Compensation Could I Pursue After a Construction Accident?
If your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you could receive benefits that cover your medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages. These benefits can cover doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medications. If a workplace injury keeps you from working for a while, you could also receive weekly payments while you recover. In some cases, you might also be entitled to a lump sum payment for permanent injuries or long-term disability.
Texas is one of the only states where workers’ compensation insurance is not required for most private businesses. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, 25 percent of private, year-round employers don’t subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance. Interestingly, some of the largest businesses in the state have willingly opted to become non-subscribers. The reason for an employer being a non-subscriber is usually financial — the employer wants to save money by not paying for workers’ compensation insurance.
If your employer does not carry workers’ compensation, you still have the option of pursuing a case against your employer to recover money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and physical impairment. By not carrying workers’ compensation insurance, employers can be sued by their injured employee for negligence, and the employer gives up certain legal defenses, including assumption of the risk and the fellow servant doctrine. If you are not sure if your employer carries workers’ compensation, contact the attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm and let them look into it for you.
If someone other than your employer caused the accident, you might have a separate personal injury claim. In that claim, you can pursue third-party compensation for all your losses. This includes the full amount of your income losses, future medical needs, and pain and suffering. If your injury limits your ability to work in the future, you can also seek compensation for reduced earning capacity.
A construction accident lawyer in Pasadena, TX can help you determine what you might be entitled to and build a case that supports the full value of your claim.
Who Could Be Liable for a Construction Accident?
In some construction accident cases, parties other than your employer might have caused or contributed to your injury. This is referred to as a third-party claim. The following third parties often do not fall under the workers’ compensation system and could be held liable through a personal injury claim:
- Subcontractors – When a subcontractor fails to follow safety rules or creates a dangerous condition that causes an injury, that entity could be held responsible.
- Property Owners – If the property owner knew about a hazard on the site and failed to fix it or warn workers, they might be liable for any resulting harm.
- Equipment Manufacturers – When a tool, machine, or safety device fails because of a defect, the company that made, sold, or maintained the equipment could face legal responsibility.
- Delivery Companies – If a delivery driver drops materials in the wrong place or creates a hazard while unloading, the delivery company might be at fault for any injuries that follow.
- General Contractors – Should a general contractor overseeing the site ignore safety standards or fail to manage the job properly, they could be liable for preventable accidents.
What’s the Difference Between a Workers’ Compensation Claim and a Third-Party Claim?
A workers’ compensation claim allows you to get benefits after a work injury, no matter who caused the accident. If your employer provides coverage, you can get medical care and partial wage replacement without having to prove fault. If your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, you usually cannot sue your employer, even if their actions led to the accident. Workers’ comp also does not cover non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
A third-party claim gives you the chance to seek full compensation from someone (other than your employer) who caused or contributed to your injury. For example, you might file a claim against a subcontractor, equipment company, or property owner. In a third-party claim, you must prove that the other party acted carelessly or failed to follow safety rules. If your case succeeds, you could recover money for medical bills, lost income, and future financial losses, as well as non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.
You can have both a workman’s compensation claim and a third-party claim at the same time. An attorney from The Callahan Law Firm can manage both case types on your behalf and protect your rights throughout the process.
How Can I Prove Fault in a Construction Accident?
You don’t have to figure out fault on your own after a construction accident; instead, a lawyer can handle that part for you while you focus on your health and recovery. Your attorney can investigate the accident, collect evidence, and build a case that shows who caused your injuries.
To prove fault, your lawyer will likely start by visiting the accident scene and gathering photos, video footage, and physical evidence. They might interview witnesses, talk to other workers, and review any incident reports. They can also request safety records, inspection reports, and training logs to see if anyone broke the rules or ignored safety standards. If equipment failed, they can work with experts to examine the equipment and determine what went wrong.
In severe cases, your lawyer might bring in medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, or engineers to explain how the accident happened and how the injury affects your life. These steps can make a big difference in showing fault and strengthening your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
If you plan to file a workers’ compensation claim, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident. You then have one year from the date of the injury to file your claim with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation. If you miss either deadline, you could lose your right to claim benefits.
If you have a personal injury claim against a third party, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, the court may dismiss your case, and you won’t be able to recover anything.
These deadlines can come up fast, so you should contact a lawyer from The Callahan Law Firm right away. They can take over the process and handle everything on time so you don’t miss your chance to recover the money you need.
What Are the Common Causes and Types of Construction Accidents?
Construction sites involve many moving parts, and when someone cuts corners or fails to follow safety rules, workers often pay the price. Common causes of construction accidents include the following:
- Falls from Heights – Workers can get hurt if scaffolding, ladders, or lifts are not secure, or when fall protection is missing or misused.
- Falling Objects – Tools, equipment, or building materials dropped from above can strike workers below and cause head, neck, or back injuries.
- Electrocution – Contact with exposed wires, faulty equipment, or power lines can cause severe burns and other injuries.
- Equipment Accidents – Forklifts, cranes, bulldozers, and other machines can cause harm if operators lack training or equipment malfunctions on the job.
- Trench Collapses – If a trench is not properly supported, the walls can cave in and trap or crush workers inside.
- Slip-and-Falls and Trip-and-Falls – Preventable hazards like wet surfaces, uneven ground, and scattered tools or debris can cause workers to lose their footing.
- Exposure to Toxic Chemicals – Breathing in harmful fumes or coming into contact with dangerous substances can cause long-term health issues.
Construction workers face real risks every day on the job. The following are some common types of construction accidents that often lead to injury claims:
- Falls from scaffolding
- Ladder falls
- Roof falls
- Trench collapses
- Electrocutions
- Forklift accidents
- Crane accidents
- Caught-between accidents
- Struck-by object accidents
- Equipment malfunctions
- Machinery entanglements
- Slip and fall accidents
- Trip and fall accidents
- Fires
- Explosions
- Collapsing structures
- Onsite vehicle accidents
- Chemical spills
- Gas leaks
What Are Common Injuries in Construction Accidents?
Construction work involves heavy equipment, elevated surfaces, power tools, and other hazards that can lead to numerous types of injuries. They include the following:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Burns
- Electric shock injuries
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Respiratory injuries from toxic exposure
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Internal injuries
- Knee and shoulder injuries
- Ligament tears
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Heatstroke or heat exhaustion
Speak with a Construction Accident Lawyer in Pasadena, TX, Today
If you got hurt on a job site, don’t wait to get legal help. A Pasadena, TX construction accident attorney at The Callahan Law Firm can review your case and help you explore your options. Contact us now to get started with your free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless our attorneys win money on your case.