Back Injuries at Work: Your Legal Options in Texas
Back injuries are fairly common in physically demanding positions. All it takes is lifting one heavy box incorrectly and you’re left in pain, unable to do your job. If you’ve experienced a back injury at work, you could have several legal options that you’ll want to consider pursuing with help from a Texas workplace injury attorney. But to qualify for those options, your injury must qualify as a workplace injury. Let’s look at what makes a workplace injury eligible for certain legal options and what you may be able to do to protect your savings.
What Qualifies as a Workplace Injury?
Workplace injuries are those that happen in the course of your duties. They can happen at your business’s headquarters or away, as long as the activities you were engaging in are consistent with fulfilling your duties.
If you’re injured goofing off with some friends, your injury won’t likely quality as a workplace injury. But if you fall off a ladder while trying to change a light bulb or you hurt your back trying to stock shelves where you work, your injury should qualify as a workplace injury.
Legal Options for Back Injuries Suffered at Work
If your back injury is clearly a workplace injury, you have several legal options that you may want to pursue. These can give you access to the money you need to focus on your recovery without having to rely solely on your savings.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
In Texas, private employers are not legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance. But many do to protect themselves and their employees. If your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, you may be able to file a claim. If your claim is successful, the insurance will give you a portion of your missed wages and cover most if not all of your medical expenses resulting from your injuries.
Talk to your employer to see if they have coverage, and if they do, let them know that you want to file a claim.
File a Lawsuit Against Your Employer
If your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance and your injuries resulted from their negligence, you may be able to sue them for your injuries. To set yourself up for success, you’ll want to speak with an experienced Texas workplace injury attorney as soon as possible. They’ll help you figure out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, the types of documentation you’ll need to strengthen your case, and the types of damages you may be able to recover.
File a Lawsuit Against a Responsible Third-Party Individual or Business
If your injuries happened as a result of faulty equipment or an accident involving a third party that’s unaffiliated with your employer, you may be able to file a lawsuit against that third party. This could involve suing:
- An equipment manufacturer
- The property owner of the building you work in
- A driver who hit you while you were driving for work
The party you can sue will depend on the circumstances surrounding your case. Your attorney will help you fully understand your options and, if you decide to move forward, sue the third party responsible for your injuries.
Speak With a Texas Workplace Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured on the job and can’t work because of a back injury sustained during the course of your work, you have options. The sooner you speak with a Texas workplace injury attorney, the better. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the types of actions you can take, the damages you may be able to recover, and what to expect as you move forward in the process.