In a city built by hard work, your job is more than just a paycheck—it’s a source of pride and the way you provide for your family. Whether you’re working on a high-rise downtown, a rig offshore, or in a refinery along the Ship Channel, you expect your workplace to be safe.
When that trust is broken and you get hurt, the impact is devastating. Suddenly, you’re facing pain, mounting medical bills, and the stress of not knowing when you can work again. You need a partner who understands what’s at stake.
At Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers, our job is to fight for yours. A dedicated Houston workplace injury lawyer from our team is ready to stand by your side, combining the hard work of the BOOTS with the legal skill of the SUITS to secure the money you and your family need to move forward.
Key Takeaways about Houston Workplace Injury Claims
- Texas law allows many private employers to operate without state workers' compensation insurance, which are known as "non-subscriber" cases.
- An employee injured while working for a non-subscriber employer may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the company for negligence.
- In addition to claims against an employer, an injured worker might have a "third-party claim" against another person or company whose negligence caused the accident.
- Compensation in a workplace injury case can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Properly documenting the incident and injuries is a critical step in protecting an individual’s legal rights after an on-the-job accident.
Why Choose Suits & Boots for Your Houston Workplace Injury Claim?
Yep, we’re different, and we’re proud of it. We started this firm because we were tired of seeing good people get shortchanged by law firms that put profits first. At Suits & Boots, we don’t just represent clients; we champion them while helping you understand what questions should I ask when choosing the right workplace injury lawyer for your case.
Here’s how our unique approach makes a difference:
- The Power of BOOTS and SUITS: We combine relentless, on-the-ground investigation (the BOOTS) with sharp, strategic legal skill (the SUITS) to build the strongest possible case for you.
- Immediate Financial Help: The bills don’t stop just because you’re injured. We have options to help our clients get immediate financial relief to ease the burden while your case is underway.
- A Real Investigation, Not a Quick Chat: Forget those “all hat, no cattle” consultations. We offer a No Cost, No Obligation 30-Day Investigation to give you real, “take it to the bank” answers about your case’s potential.
- The Max Money Method: We don’t bluff. Our proprietary method for negotiation and trial preparation is designed to maximize the money you receive for your injuries.
We are here to help you heal, recover, and move forward with the dignity and financial stability you and your family deserve.
Understanding Your Rights After a Workplace Injury in Texas
Many people believe that workers’ compensation is their only option after an on-the-job injury. However, Texas is unique. Unlike most states, private employers in Texas are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Companies that opt out of the state system are known as non-subscribers. If you are injured while working for a non-subscriber, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against your employer to recover money for your injuries. This is a critical difference because it opens the door to securing compensation not just for medical bills and a portion of lost wages, but also for the full impact of your injury, including pain and suffering.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, employers who choose not to have workers' compensation must notify their employees. However, many workers are unaware of their employer’s status or what it means for their rights. A Houston workplace injury lawyer can determine if your employer is a non-subscriber and explain the specific legal options available to you.
Common Causes of Workplace Accidents in Houston
Houston’s dynamic economy is fueled by industries that, while vital, can also be dangerous. From the refineries along the Houston Ship Channel to the constant construction reshaping our skyline, workers face significant risks every day. We frequently see cases arising from preventable accidents that sometimes result in accident claims go to court when employers or insurers refuse to offer fair compensation.
Common causes of serious workplace injuries include:
- Falls from Heights
- Machinery and Equipment Accidents
- Oilfield and Refinery Accidents
- Trench Collapses
- Work-Related Vehicle Collisions
These incidents are rarely just "accidents" in the true sense of the word; they are often the direct result of negligence or a failure to prioritize safety.
The Critical Difference: Non-Subscriber vs. Third-Party Claims
After an injury at work, your path to financial recovery generally follows one of two main routes: a claim against a non-subscriber employer or a claim against a negligent third party. Understanding which path applies to you is the first step toward getting justice.
Pursuing a Claim Against a Non-Subscriber Employer
If your employer is a non-subscriber, you can file a lawsuit, but you must prove they were negligent. Negligence is a legal term that simply means your employer failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused your injury. In the context of a workplace, this often means they failed to provide a safe environment — a situation where an accident lawyer help you gather evidence, prove fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
An employer’s negligence can take many forms. Here are a few examples:
- Inadequate Training: Failing to properly train employees on how to safely use dangerous equipment or handle hazardous materials.
- Lack of Safety Gear: Not providing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats, safety harnesses, or respirators.
- Poorly Maintained Equipment: Allowing employees to work with tools, machines, or vehicles that are known to be faulty or in need of repair.
- Unsafe Premises: Ignoring dangerous conditions like cluttered walkways, oil spills on the floor, or inadequate lighting.
In a non-subscriber case, your employer cannot use certain traditional defenses. For example, they cannot argue that your own carelessness contributed to the accident unless they can prove it was your sole cause. This gives you a significant advantage in holding them accountable.
Holding a Third Party Accountable
Sometimes, the person or company responsible for your injury is not your employer. This is known as a third-party claim. A third party is any outside person, company, or entity whose negligence caused you harm while you were on the job. The best part is that you can pursue a third-party claim even if your employer does have workers' compensation, and understanding what can a lawyer do in these cases can help you maximize your recovery and protect your rights.
Common examples of liable third parties include:
- The manufacturer of a defective power tool that malfunctioned and injured you.
- A driver from another company who caused a car accident while you were driving for work.
- The general contractor on a job site who created an unsafe condition that led to your fall.
- An outside maintenance company that failed to properly service a piece of machinery.
These cases can be complex because they often involve multiple companies and insurance policies. A skilled Houston workplace injury lawyer can investigate the incident to identify all potentially responsible parties and ensure you seek compensation from every available source.
What Kind of Compensation is Available in a Houston Workplace Injury Lawsuit?
The goal of a personal injury claim is to secure financial compensation, legally known as damages, to help you cover the costs and losses associated with your injury. We use our Max Money Method to fight for every dollar you are owed. This includes compensation for both your measurable financial losses and the intangible ways the injury has affected your life — and knowing what questions should I ask before hiring a lawyer can make all the difference in choosing the right advocate for your case.
Your potential recovery may include:
- Economic Damages: These are the direct financial costs of your injury. This category includes all past and future medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, and compensation for any diminished ability to earn a living in the future.
- Non-Economic Damages: This compensation is for the personal, non-financial losses you have suffered. It includes payment for physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement or scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the employer or third party acted with extreme or malicious negligence, Texas courts may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you for a loss but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Our team dives deep to calculate the full and fair value of your claim, ensuring that both your immediate needs and long-term security are accounted for.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury to Protect Your Rights
After you have received emergency medical care and are safely back home, the steps you take can have a major impact on your ability to recover compensation later. Taking control of the situation after an injury from an accident can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your potential claim.
- Provide Written Notice of Your Injury. Even if you verbally told your supervisor about the accident, follow up as soon as possible with a written report. A simple email or letter stating when, where, and how the injury occurred creates a formal record.
- Document Everything in Detail. Start a journal to track your recovery. Write down your pain levels, the challenges you face with daily tasks, and any conversations you have with your employer or insurance representatives. Keep a file with all your medical bills, receipts, and correspondence.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders. It is essential to attend all medical appointments and follow your treatment plan exactly. This not only helps your physical recovery but also demonstrates the severity of your injuries to the insurance company.
- Preserve Any Physical Evidence. If you have any evidence from the accident, such as torn clothing, a broken piece of equipment, or photos of the scene, keep it in a safe place. Do not give it to your employer or their insurer.
- Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement. An insurance adjuster may contact you and ask for a recorded statement about the accident. It is wise to politely decline until you have spoken with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that could be used to minimize or deny your claim.
- Consult an Experienced Houston Workplace Injury Lawyer. The legal system is complex, and large companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their bottom line. Having a skilled advocate on your side levels the playing field and ensures your rights are protected from the very beginning. They can handle all communications with the insurance company and guide you through every step of the process.
Taking these proactive steps can provide a strong foundation for your case and prevent costly mistakes that could jeopardize your recovery.
Houston Workplace Injury FAQs
We have put together some answers to common questions our clients ask about their workplace injury claims.
How much does it cost to hire a workplace injury lawyer?
At Suits & Boots, we handle workplace injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no upfront costs or attorney’s fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you through a settlement or a court verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the total recovery, so we are motivated to maximize your compensation.
How long do I have to file a workplace injury lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including workplace injuries, is two years from the date of the accident. This is a strict deadline. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this two-year window, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. It is crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
Texas follows a rule called "proportionate responsibility." This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of the blame is 50% or less. Your total compensation would then be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 10% responsible, your final award would be reduced by 10%.
My employer says I can only get workers' comp, but I don't think they have it. What should I do?
Don't just take your employer's word for it. It is essential to verify their insurance status. An experienced Houston workplace injury lawyer can quickly determine whether your employer is a subscriber to the Texas workers' compensation system or a non-subscriber. This single piece of information can completely change your legal options and the amount of compensation you may be able to recover.
Contact Our Houston Workplace Injury Lawyers Today
Dealing with insurance companies and employers who are focused on their bottom line can be intimidating, but you have rights, and you have power. At Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers, we don’t just win cases; we transform lives by getting our clients the resources they need to heal and move forward with security.
The insurance companies aren't bluffing, and neither are we. It's time to let the work of the BOOTS and the skill of the SUITS get you the money you deserve. Claim or start your free Investigation with Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers today by contacting us at (713) 489-0922 or through our online form.