SERIOUS ATTORNEYS FOR SERIOUS INJURIES
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Going to work shouldn’t put your health or financial stability at risk. Yet employees in Arlington, Texas, are often injured in situations that began as routine tasks. A fall in a parking structure, a piece of equipment that malfunctions, or a repetitive motion that slowly causes strain over time can all lead to injuries that disrupt daily life. In many cases, the immediate injury is only the beginning. Medical appointments, time away from work, and uncertainty about how to move forward quickly become part of the experience.
For injured workers in Arlington, the path to recovery is not always straightforward. Unlike many states, Texas doesn’t require most private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Some employers choose to participate in the state system, while others opt out and operate as non-subscribers. This distinction plays a major role in determining what options may be available after a workplace injury.
The Arlington workplace injury attorneys at Chandler Ross help injured workers understand their rights under Texas law. We evaluate the circumstances surrounding the work injury and find you the most appropriate path to compensation.
Where Do Arlington Work Injuries Occur?
Arlington is a major employment center within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Its economy includes a wide range of industries. Retail accounts for the largest segment of the workforce with around 23,785 employees, while the health care and social assistance sector comprises 22,170 workers. There are 16,819 Arlington residents working in construction, while 20,942 are employed in manufacturing.
Large employers and busy commercial districts contribute to a steady flow of workers across the city each day. Top employers like Arlington ISD, General Motors, Texas Health Resources, UT Arlington, and Six Flags Over Texas employ thousands of workers in jobs that vary widely in responsibility and risk.
In addition, venues such as AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field create unique work environments where employees manage large crowds, operate equipment, and coordinate logistics under demanding conditions. Retail and hospitality workers in areas like Arlington Entertainment District also work in fast-paced settings where hazards can develop quickly. Wet floors and heavy foot traffic can contribute to workplace incidents if conditions aren’t properly managed.
Because Arlington’s workforce spans so many industries, workplace injuries can occur in both physically demanding and office-based positions. The type of job often influences the type of injury, but not the likelihood of being injured.
How Do Workplace Injuries Happen?
Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases a list of the 10 most common workplace safety violations. In fiscal year 2025, fall protection topped OSHA’s list for the 15th consecutive year, with 5,914 violations nationwide. Rounding out the top five are hazard communication, ladders, lockout/tagout, and respiratory protection.
Workplace injuries often arise from a combination of environmental conditions, job demands, and safety practices. In some situations, a single event causes immediate harm. In others, injuries develop gradually over time due to repetitive strain or ongoing exposure to physical stress.
For example, a warehouse worker may be injured while lifting heavy materials without proper assistance or equipment. In a healthcare setting, a worker may experience strain while assisting a patient. In an office environment, repetitive typing or prolonged desk work can lead to chronic wrist, neck, or shoulder issues.
Common contributing factors include unsafe walking surfaces, inadequate training, insufficient supervision, and failure to maintain equipment or premises. In busy workplaces, especially those with multiple employees or contractors on site, communication breakdowns can also contribute to hazards not being addressed in time.
Work-related crashes are another source of injury, particularly for employees who travel between job sites or operate company vehicles as part of their duties. In these cases, injuries can be influenced by traffic conditions, as well as employer policies and scheduling demands.
What Are Some Common Types of Work Injuries in Arlington?
Texas recorded 261,900 work injuries and illnesses in 2024. Workers had to take time off due to 64,300 of those incidents. Meanwhile, the state’s private employers reported 172,800 nonfatal work injuries and illnesses that year.
Workplace injuries can range from minor to severe. In some cases, they may require long-term treatment or result in lasting limitations. While each case is different, certain categories of injuries appear frequently across industries.
- Back and spinal injuries from lifting or sudden movements
- Slip and fall injuries resulting in fractures, sprains, or head trauma
- Repetitive stress injuries affecting joints, hands, and shoulders
- Injuries caused by falling objects or equipment
- Burns, cuts, or lacerations in service or industrial settings
- Injuries related to work-related driving or transportation
Some injuries may initially appear manageable but worsen over time. Others may require surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing medical care. The impact of an injury isn’t always limited to physical pain, as it can also affect a person’s ability to earn income and carry out daily activities.
Understanding the Texas Workers’ Compensation System
Texas takes a different approach to workplace injury claims compared to many other states. Employers aren’t required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which creates two general categories of cases depending on the employer’s coverage.
When an employer carries workers’ compensation, injured employees typically receive medical coverage and partial wage replacement through that system. Proving fault is not necessary when receiving those benefits. In exchange, employees generally can’t sue their employer for negligence.
When an employer doesn’t subscribe to workers’ compensation, the situation changes. Injured workers may be able to file a personal injury claim against the employer if negligence contributed to the injury. These claims require showing that the employer failed to provide a reasonably safe workplace and that this failure contributed to the injury.
In non-subscriber cases, injured workers may seek recovery for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages may include pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
Third-Party Claims in Workplace Injury Cases
Employers are not always solely responsible for every workplace injury. In Arlington, many job sites have multiple companies working in the same space. Contractors, vendors, property managers, and equipment suppliers all play a role in daily operations. Sometimes, the source of an injury comes from one of these outside parties.
A contractor might fail to address dangerous scaffolding on a job site, for example, or a piece of equipment may have a manufacturing defect. In other situations, another driver may be at fault in a crash that injures an employee who was driving for a work-related task. Property owners may be responsible if unsafe conditions contribute to the incident.
When a third party is involved, the case may include a separate claim in addition to a standard workplace claim. Even if an employer carries workers’ compensation, an injured worker may still be able to pursue a third-party claim against the outside party that caused or contributed to the injury. In cases involving non-subscribing employers, third-party liability can also become part of a broader personal injury claim.
Figuring out who is actually responsible isn’t always obvious at first. An Arlington workplace injury attorney can examine all the facts of your workplace injury to determine how you can obtain the compensation you deserve.
Crucial Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury
If you have been injured while working in Arlington, take the following steps:
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- If it’s safe to do so, collect information about the scene of the incident. This can include photographs, witness names, or notes about what occurred.
- Seek medical attention right away. Even if symptoms seem minor, a medical evaluation can help identify underlying injuries and document the incident.
- Keep records of medical visits, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations.
- Be cautious when communicating with insurance representatives or providing recorded statements without first understanding your rights.
- Consult an Arlington workplace injury attorney who can advise you on what to do next.
Time Limits for Workplace Injury Claims in Texas
Deadlines for Arlington workplace injury claims depend on the type of claim being pursued. In workers’ compensation cases, the injury must generally be reported to the employer within 30 days, and a claim must be filed within one year to preserve eligibility for benefits.
When personal injury claims involve non-subscribing employers or third parties, Texas law generally allows two years from the injury date to file a lawsuit. The timeline that applies depends on the employer’s insurance status and the specific facts of the case.
Contact Chandler Ross for an Arlington Workplace Injury Case
A workplace injury can create challenges that extend well beyond the initial incident. Expensive medical treatment, being unable to work, and confusion about available options can make the process feel overwhelming without clear guidance. Because of the strict deadlines for filing a claim, evaluating the situation early is vital to understanding what requirements apply.
Chandler Ross represents injured workers throughout Arlington and the surrounding North Texas region. Our team works with clients to determine whether workers’ compensation benefits, a non-subscriber claim, or a third-party claim may apply. The Arlington workplace injury attorneys at Chandler Ross will also help you pursue compensation when negligence is involved. If you were injured on the job in Arlington, contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and consultation.
FAQs
What should I do right after a workplace injury in Arlington?
See a doctor as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor at first. Report the incident to your employer and make sure it’s documented. If you are able, gather basic details such as the time, location, and names of any witnesses. Keeping records of your medical treatment and communications can also be helpful if a claim is filed later.
How do I know if my employer has workers’ compensation in Texas?
In Texas, employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, so coverage varies. You can usually ask your employer directly or check employee handbooks or onboarding materials. If your employer is a non-subscriber, different legal options may be available, including a potential personal injury claim if negligence was a factor in your injury.
Can I file a lawsuit against my employer for a workplace injury?
It depends on whether your employer subscribes to the Texas workers’ compensation system. If they do, workers’ compensation is generally the exclusive remedy. If they don’t, you may be able to bring a negligence claim against the employer. In some situations, claims against third parties may also be available even when workers’ compensation applies.
How long do I have to take legal action after a workplace injury in Texas?
Deadlines depend on the type of claim. Workers’ compensation claims typically require reporting the injury within 30 days and filing a claim within one year. For personal injury claims, including those involving non-subscribing employers or third parties, the general statute of limitations in Texas is two years from the date of the injury.