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Construction work is an integral part of community and economic growth in Denton County. With the help of construction workers, road expansion, housing growth, commercial space development, and public projects all help Denton County move forward. This work is crucial, but it also exposes construction workers and bystanders to serious risks. Heavy machinery, elevated work platforms, moving materials, and crowded job sites can create hazards that risk the lives and livelihoods of those in the area.
The steps after a construction injury are not always clear, and the steps to take may differ depending on the cause of the accident. A Denton County construction injury attorney at Chandler Ross can help you work through these challenging situations and hold the responsible parties liable for your damages. Contact Chandler Ross at (940) 800-2500 to discuss your Denton construction accident case with a member of our personal injury team.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Construction Accident
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a construction accident, you may be entitled to damages. The type of claim and damages depends on various factors, such as why you were on the site and what preventable incident caused your injuries. That is one of the many reasons that these types of claims and lawsuits can become challenging.
While the exact steps can vary depending on your specific situations, generally, some steps to take include the following:
- Contact the supervisor or manager to report what happened;
- Seek emergency medical treatment and follow-up treatment;
- Document as much as you can, including signs, hazards, and defective equipment;
- Collect names and contact information for witnesses; and
- Contact an experienced Texas construction site injury attorney.
These steps can help preserve evidence and increase the likelihood of maximum compensation.
Understanding Construction Injury Claims in Texas
The path a Texas construction injury claim takes depends on who caused the accident, where it occurred, and what type of damages you are trying to recover.
How Do Workers’ Compensation Claims Work in Denton?
The workers’ compensation program is a no-fault program that provides workers with certain benefits for qualifying work-related injuries. While workers’ compensation does not require employees to prove fault, it also limits the damages that can be recovered.
Workers’ compensation generally covers:
- Medical treatment related to the injury;
- A portion of lost wages; and
- Disability benefits in certain cases.
This system offers basic protection, but it does not provide full compensation for many injured workers.
Third-Party Construction Injury Claims
A third-party claim allows you to pursue compensation from someone other than your employer who contributed to the accident. These claims often arise on construction sites where multiple companies operate at the same time.
You may have a third-party claim against:
- Subcontractors performing unsafe work;
- Property owners who failed to maintain safe conditions;
- Equipment manufacturers responsible for defective tools; and
- Drivers involved in work-related vehicle accidents.
These claims can include broader damages, including pain and suffering, which are not available under workers’ compensation alone.
Non-Subscriber Employer Claims
According to Section 406.033, Texas allows employers to opt out of workers’ compensation coverage. These employers are known as non-subscribers. It’s best to discuss your unique situation with an experienced Denton County construction work injury attorney to discover your legal options.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Denton County
Insurance companies and at-fault parties may claim that the cause of the accident is just an inherent and accepted risk or a true accident. However, in reality, many construction site accidents result from preventable safety failures.
Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs;
- Struck-by incidents involving tools or materials;
- Equipment malfunctions or lack of maintenance;
- Electrocution from exposed wiring or unsafe installations; and
- Caught-in or caught-between accidents involving machinery.
Each cause requires a detailed investigation to determine who bears responsibility.
Types of Injuries Seen on Construction Sites
Construction injuries often involve significant physical trauma, and the severity of these injuries can affect every aspect of your life. The type of injury also plays a role in determining compensation.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions;
- Spinal cord injuries and back damage;
- Broken bones and fractures;
- Severe lacerations and amputations; and
- Burns caused by electrical or chemical exposure.
These injuries often require long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
How Much Is a Construction Injury Case Worth
You may want a clear estimate of what your case is worth, and the value depends on several factors. A thorough evaluation considers both financial losses and personal impact.
Economic damages refer to measurable financial losses such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages refer to personal losses, including pain and reduced quality of life.
Compensation may include:
- Current and future medical expenses;
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity;
- Physical pain and emotional distress; and
- Permanent disability or impairment.
A detailed review helps ensure that no loss category is overlooked.
Construction Industry Risks in Texas and Denton County
Recent data shows that construction work remains one of the most dangerous industries in Texas, and these risks affect workers throughout Denton County. These statistics help explain how often serious injuries occur.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that construction consistently ranks among the top industries for workplace fatalities nationwide. Texas continues to report one of the highest numbers of fatal occupational injuries each year due to its large workforce and active construction sector.
Falls remain the leading cause of death in construction, accounting for a significant percentage of fatal incidents each year, according to federal safety data. Struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in accidents also contribute to serious injury rates.
The National Safety Council estimates that work injuries cost $176.5 billion in 2023, including $53.1 billion in lost wages and productivity and $36.8 billion in medical expenses. These figures highlight the financial impact of workplace injuries nationwide.
Additional federal data confirms that thousands of construction workers suffer nonfatal injuries each year that require time away from work, many of which result in long-term limitations.
These numbers show that construction injuries are not isolated incidents and often result in serious consequences.
Local Construction Activity and Injury Risks in Denton County
Denton County continues to experience rapid growth, driving ongoing construction across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Increased activity often leads to greater exposure to job site hazards.
Major highways such as Interstate 35 and U.S. Route 380 support constant development projects, including roadway expansions, retail construction, and housing developments. Cities such as Denton, Lewisville, and Flower Mound continue to see new construction that requires large crews and complex coordination.
Local job sites often involve multiple contractors working simultaneously, increasing the risk of communication failures and unsafe conditions. Heavy equipment, elevated work areas, and tight deadlines can all contribute to accidents.
Understanding these local conditions can help identify responsible parties and strengthen a claim after an injury.
How Insurance Companies Respond to Construction Injury Claims
You may encounter resistance when pursuing compensation, and insurance companies often take steps to limit payouts. Recognizing these tactics can help you protect your claim.
Common strategies include:
- Disputing how the accident occurred;
- Questioning the severity of injuries;
- Delaying claim processing;
- Offering early settlements before full recovery is known; and
- Attempting to shift blame to the injured worker.
Awareness of these approaches helps you make informed decisions throughout the process.
How Long Do You Have to File a Construction Injury Claim
You must act within certain deadlines to protect your right to compensation, and missing those deadlines can prevent recovery entirely. Early action allows you to preserve evidence and build a strong claim.
Workers’ compensation claims require prompt reporting to your employer, with deadlines that vary by state. In many jurisdictions, employees should notify their employer as soon as possible after an injury, and formal claims must be filed within a statutory period that varies by state, often ranging from 30 days to one year or more. Check your specific state’s workers’ compensation laws for applicable deadlines.
Personal injury claims in Texas are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, though exceptions may apply depending on the type of claim or the defendant involved (e.g., government entities).
Contact a Denton County Construction Injury Attorney at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys
You do not have to handle a construction injury claim on your own. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys works with injured workers throughout Denton County to evaluate claims, identify responsible parties, and pursue full compensation under Texas law.
If you were injured on a construction site, you can contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500 to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.
FAQs About Denton County Construction Injuries
Can I file a lawsuit if I receive workers’ compensation benefits?
You may still pursue a third-party claim against other responsible parties even if you receive workers’ compensation benefits.
What if multiple companies were working on the same construction site?
Multiple parties may share responsibility, and an investigation can identify each entity that contributed to the accident.
Do I need to prove fault in a construction injury case?
You may need to establish fault in certain types of cases. Third-party cases typically require proof of negligence.
How long does a construction injury case take to resolve?
Construction injury cases depend on how severe your injuries are, the number of liable parties, and whether the case requires litigation.
Can I recover compensation for long-term injuries?
If you have medical proof you may be able to recover damages for long-term or permanent injuries.