Too many Houston workplace accidents occur due to negligence by an on-site contractor or because of a defective piece of equipment used on the job. If you or a loved one suffered an injury because of something a contractor or equipment supplier did, you could have grounds for a lawsuit against that party. A knowledgeable work injury lawyer in Houston can explain your options for pursuing full justice under the law.
When Can You Sue a Contractor After a Work Injury in Houston?
Work sites often have one or more contractors performing work on a given day. In addition, your place of work may have a contractor on site performing a certain task. These contractors (a company or person who is not your employer) are known as third-parties. Third-party contractors or companies that engage in careless or reckless actions put other workers at risk of injury. If you sustained a workplace injury caused by a person or company who was not your employer, you may have a legal claim against a third-party contractor. For example, a contractor who carelessly operated equipment or created hazardous conditions, like unsafe scaffolding, might be liable if you were hit by the equipment or fell.
Equipment Supplier Liability in Houston Workplace Accidents
Equipment suppliers may also bear liability for a worker’s injury. These cases typically arise when an equipment’s design or manufacturing defect causes a workplace injury. In some instances, a supplier that distributes or leases workplace equipment may also be responsible if the equipment is defective or in an unreasonably dangerous condition that caused an injury.
Pursuing a Texas Workplace Accident Lawsuit Against a Third Party
In most cases, a Texas employee cannot sue their employer for an injury suffered on the job and that was caused by the employer’s negligence if the employer carries workers’ compensation insurance. An exception is if the employer did not have workers’ compensation insurance at the time of the incident, and if that is the case, then the injured employee can sue the employer for negligence. When it comes to third-party contractors and defective equipment, a contractor, as well as equipment manufacturers and providers, can be sued for negligence. That means that if a third party is responsible for an accident that injured you, you could be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
Furthermore, a third-party workplace injury claim can provide financial recovery beyond that available through workers’ comp benefits.
A third-party workplace injury case can seek compensation for losses such as:
- Out-of-pocket medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses
- Costs of long-term care, such as home health services, purchases of mobility equipment, or home renovations to install disability accommodations
- Lost wages
- Lost future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Mental anguish
- Visible disfigurement/scarring
Get Help from a Skilled Work Injury Lawyer in Houston
Have you or a loved one been hurt in the workplace because of faulty equipment or a contractor’s negligence? You could be entitled to compensation beyond what your workers’ compensation benefits provide. The experienced workplace attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm can evaluate your legal options for pursuing a third-party workplace injury claim.
Contact us today or call us 24/7 at (713) 589-7767 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a trusted Houston work accident attorney. We’re ready to stand up on your behalf and fight for the justice you deserve.
