From chemical plants and oil refineries to construction sites and manufacturing facilities, Texas is the backbone of American industry. We depend on the state’s industrial workers to keep the economy running, even though their jobs are inherently dangerous. In fact, dangerous working conditions on Texas job sites cause serious and fatal injuries to thousands of industrial workers every year.
Property owners in Houston have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe working environments. While construction and industrial companies are usually liable for on-the-job accidents, property owners may also be held liable if they own the job site. Working with a skilled Houston industrial accident attorney can help ensure you receive full and fair financial compensation from the correct party.
If you were injured on a job site due to employer negligence, you may be entitled to damages for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and more. The Texas industrial accident lawyers at Parks Law, PLLC, are here to help. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
Premises Liability in Industrial Settings
Industrial accidents can lead to serious injuries, death, and long-term health concerns. These accidents are often caused by employer negligence that allows dangerous working conditions to thrive. In most cases, workplace accidents are preventable as long as appropriate safety procedures are observed, equipment is properly maintained, and employees are adequately trained. Unfortunately, the chances of an accident happening increase exponentially when shortcuts are taken or safety regulations are ignored.
Premises liability on a Houston jobsite allows contractors, property owners, and third parties to be held liable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions. Unlike typical workplace injury claims, premises liability claims are often filed instead of or alongside workers’ comp claims, especially in cases involving third-party negligence.
In Houston industrial accidents, the leading causes of premises liability are:
- Slips, trips, and falls: Slips, trips, and falls can occur due to slippery flooring, cluttered walkways, or uneven flooring. These incidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other significant injuries that are easily preventable with appropriate maintenance.
- Shocks and electrocution: Defective electrical systems, exposed wiring, and improperly maintained equipment all put employees in danger of electrocution. Not only are these incidents often serious, but they can also cause severe burn injuries, permanent nerve damage, and death.
- Burn injuries: In an industrial environment, workers are regularly exposed to chemical spills, hot machinery, and open flames. When safety regulations are not followed, burn injuries causing disfigurement, chronic pain, and extended recovery times can occur.
- Gas leaks: Leaks from valves, storage tanks, and pipelines can produce extremely dangerous and explosive conditions. Being inside the blast radius or inhaling harmful gases can lead to catastrophic injuries and, in some cases, wrongful death.
- Toxic exposure: The inhalation of toxic fumes or prolonged contact with dangerous chemicals can lead to work-related illnesses. Conditions like organ failure, cancer, and respiratory damage are common occurrences when employers fail to provide their workers with adequate ventilation or protective gear.
- Inadequate maintenance: Machinery can malfunction during use, especially when it isn’t promptly repaired or regularly inspected. These malfunctions can lead to preventable injuries such as amputations and crush injuries.
Workers are not the only ones impacted by industrial accidents in Houston. These incidents are often accompanied by far-reaching consequences for both businesses and society as a whole. Employers can face reputational damage, legal liability, and monetary losses. In the meantime, injured workers find themselves struggling with medical bills, lost earnings, and permanent disabilities.
Preventing industrial accidents demands vigilance, including adherence to workplace regulations, frequent safety inspections, and encouraging a work culture that prioritizes the well-being of its employees.
Liability for Houston Industrial Accidents
Since responsibility for maintaining safe working conditions is usually borne by multiple parties, liability for Texas industrial accidents often extends beyond the employer. Taking into account the state’s powerful role in industries such as gas and oil, manufacturing, and construction, workplace accidents carry serious financial and legal consequences.
State law lets injured workers pursue legal claims against parties whose carelessness contributed to their injuries, particularly in cases where workers’ compensation benefits do not cover their damages.
Parties potentially liable for a Houston industrial accident can include:
- Employers: Should a company fail to maintain a safe working environment, disregard safety protocols, or fail to provide proper employee training, they could be held responsible for on-the-job accidents. Many employers in Houston subscribe to Texas’s workers’ comp system, which provides injured workers with financial benefits while also limiting their ability to sue their employer. However, “non-subscribers” (employers who opt out of purchasing workers’ comp), may be sued for negligence.
- Manufacturers: According to product liability laws, if poorly constructed safety gear, faulty equipment, or defective machinery contributed to an injury, the manufacturer can be held liable. Injured employees are allowed to pursue claims for failure to warn, manufacturing flaws, or design defects.
- Property Owners: If an accident at a job site occurs due to hazardous conditions, such as structural hazards, chemical exposure, or unsafe scaffolding, the property owner can be held liable, especially if they knew about the danger and failed to address it promptly.
How Can a Houston Industrial Accident Attorney Help?
If you were injured in a Houston industrial accident, you need to speak with a trusted Houston industrial accident lawyer as quickly as possible. An experienced attorney will:
- Investigate the incident and establish liability
- Gather important evidence, such as medical records and OSHA reports
- Negotiate with insurers for fair financial compensation
- File a lawsuit and fight for you in court
- Ensure you receive maximum damages
Talk to a Houston Industrial Accident Attorney
If you sustained an industrial injury caused by employer negligence, don’t wait. Time is a critical factor in these cases, and evidence disappears quickly. The Houston industrial accident lawyers at Parks Law, PLLC, have the resources and experience to stand up to huge industrial corporations and fight for the recovery you deserve. Call us at (713) 979-3500 or fill out the contact form on our website.