Serious Fall Involving Construction Worker in Houston
On June 24, 2025, a construction worker suffered serious injuries after a fall at a Houston job site, highlighting the ongoing risks employees face in hazardous work environments. According to a report from CW39 Houston, the worker was hospitalized but is now in recovery. This incident underscores the dangers that come with construction work and raises broader concerns about workplace safety standards across Houston and Harris County.
Workplace accidents like falls, equipment malfunctions, and exposure to unsafe conditions remain a leading cause of injury in Texas. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues to rank falls as one of the “Fatal Four” causes of construction-related deaths nationwide. In Houston, where large-scale projects and industrial operations are part of daily life, workers face heightened risks if safety regulations are not properly followed or enforced.
At Lassiter Law, we know how devastating Houston workplace injuries can be for employees and their families. If you or a loved one has been hurt on the job, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our legal team is committed to protecting workers’ rights and helping them recover the compensation they need. Call us today at (713) 538-2593 for a free consultation.
How a Skilled Houston Workplace Injury Lawyer Can Help You Recover Money
After a serious workplace accident in Houston, injured workers often struggle with more than just the physical pain of recovery. Medical bills arrive quickly, employers may pressure workers to return before they are healed, and insurance companies often undervalue or deny legitimate claims. A skilled Houston workplace injuries lawyer, such as Lassiter Law, can step in to protect your rights and ensure you pursue the full amount of compensation available under Texas law.
Understanding the Role of a Workplace Injury Attorney in Houston
An experienced workplace accident attorney in Houston does far more than file paperwork. They serve as your advocate from the moment you are injured until your claim is resolved. This includes investigating how the injury happened, determining liability, and pursuing damages through workers’ compensation, third-party claims, or civil lawsuits when negligence is involved. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, falls, struck-by accidents, and equipment-related incidents are among the leading causes of injuries in construction and industrial work. A lawyer familiar with these hazards knows how to hold employers and contractors accountable for failing to protect workers.
How Attorneys Build Strong Cases for Injured Workers
When an employee suffers a workplace accident in Houston, proving responsibility is often the most difficult part of the claim. A lawyer trained in personal injury law has the resources to collect the evidence necessary to establish liability and push back against insurance company denials.
Gathering Evidence After a Houston Workplace Accident
Evidence is critical in workplace injury cases. Attorneys collect accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and sometimes video footage from the worksite. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health emphasizes that accurate reporting and investigation of accidents are essential for preventing future incidents and improving worker safety. Lawyers rely on this documentation to build a compelling narrative about what went wrong and why the employer or third party should be held accountable.
Using Expert Testimony to Strengthen Claims
In many Houston workplace injury cases, attorneys consult experts in fields like occupational safety, engineering, or medicine to explain how the accident occurred and the long-term effects on the worker’s health. Expert testimony can clarify issues like whether scaffolding was improperly erected, whether machinery lacked proper guards, or whether safety training was inadequate. The American Bar Association notes that expert testimony often plays a decisive role in personal injury cases by helping juries and judges understand technical details.
Legal Pathways to Recovering Money After a Houston Workplace Injury
Not every injured worker has the same legal options, which is why working with a skilled workplace accident attorney is so important. In Texas, the availability of workers’ compensation depends on whether the employer subscribes to the state system. Some employers are non-subscribers, which opens the door to personal injury lawsuits.
Workers’ Compensation Claims in Houston
Workers’ compensation is designed to cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages without requiring proof of fault. However, employers and insurance carriers often dispute the extent of injuries or the need for ongoing care. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, thousands of disputes over workplace compensation benefits are filed each year. A Houston workplace injury lawyer can represent you in hearings, appeals, and negotiations to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Third-Party Liability Claims After a Workplace Accident
When a party other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may have a right to pursue a third-party liability claim. Examples include subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. If defective machinery caused the accident, the Consumer Product Safety Commission may list relevant recalls that support your case. Third-party lawsuits often provide broader recovery than workers’ compensation, including damages for pain, suffering, and future lost earning capacity.
Wrongful Death Claims for Families of Workers
Tragically, not all Houston workplace injuries are survivable. Families who lose loved ones on the job may have the right to file wrongful death claims. These cases can recover compensation for lost financial support, funeral expenses, and the emotional loss of companionship. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that fatal occupational injuries remain a pressing public health issue across the United States, with construction consistently ranking as one of the most dangerous industries.
Maximizing Compensation With the Help of an Experienced Lawyer
Recovering money after a workplace accident involves more than simply submitting an insurance form. A skilled attorney will fight to maximize every category of compensation available under Texas law.
Types of Damages Available in Houston Workplace Injury Cases
Courts and insurers often recognize several types of damages in workplace injury cases. These can include medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning potential, and damages for emotional suffering. Severe injuries may also warrant compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement. The National Safety Council provides statistics showing that workplace injuries cost billions each year in lost productivity and medical care, which underscores why fair compensation is essential.
Medical Expenses and Ongoing Care
Medical costs from Houston workplace accidents often extend far beyond the initial hospital visit. Victims may require surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term prescriptions. Lawyers make sure that these expenses are fully documented and included in the claim.
Lost Wages and Future Earning Potential
If you cannot return to work after an accident, you may be entitled to recover not only your past lost wages but also the income you would have earned in the future. Attorneys often work with economists and vocational experts to calculate these figures.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Although harder to quantify, the emotional toll of workplace accidents is significant. Chronic pain, depression, and post-traumatic stress are common. Courts in Texas allow these damages to be included in claims, and skilled attorneys know how to present this evidence effectively.
How Much Is a Houston Workplace Injury Claim Worth
After suffering a serious workplace accident in Houston, one of the first questions injured workers and their families ask is how much their claim might be worth. The answer is not simple because every injury case depends on unique factors such as the severity of the injury, the type of employment, and whether negligence was involved. A Houston workplace injury lawyer can evaluate these elements and calculate the potential value of a claim by reviewing both financial and non-financial losses.
Factors That Influence the Value of a Workplace Injury Claim in Houston
Several important considerations go into determining the value of a workplace accident case. These include direct medical expenses, lost income, the impact on your future career, and the emotional suffering caused by the injury. The National Safety Council reports that workplace injuries in the United States cost over $167 billion annually, which demonstrates just how financially devastating these incidents can be.
Medical Expenses and Long-Term Care Costs
The cost of medical treatment is usually the largest component of a workplace injury claim. Victims often need emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and sometimes lifelong treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that traumatic injuries are one of the leading reasons for emergency department visits nationwide, with construction workers among the most at risk. In Houston, attorneys ensure that not only immediate hospital bills but also future medical expenses are included when pursuing compensation.
Rehabilitation and Therapy Expenses
Many Houston workplace accident victims require months or even years of physical therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling to cope with the long-term impact of their injuries. These costs can quickly add up, and without strong legal representation, insurance carriers may refuse to cover them. The Mayo Clinic provides extensive resources on rehabilitation methods, which lawyers often use as evidence to show the ongoing financial burden of recovery.
Prescription Medications and Medical Devices
Injuries that cause chronic pain or permanent disability frequently require expensive prescription medications, braces, wheelchairs, or prosthetics. These costs are recoverable under Texas personal injury law. A workplace accident attorney in Houston can work with doctors to estimate the future cost of these necessities so clients are not left paying out of pocket.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
Another major factor in determining claim value is how much income the injured worker loses during recovery and whether they can ever return to their previous occupation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of workplace fatalities and severe injuries, many of which remove employees from the workforce for months or years.
Calculating Past Income Losses
A Houston workplace accident lawyer will gather pay stubs, tax records, and employer verification to calculate exactly how much income a worker lost while recovering. This includes overtime, commissions, and bonuses, not just base salary.
Projecting Future Earning Capacity
In more severe cases, workers may never return to the same job or industry. Economists and vocational experts are often consulted to project how much income the worker would have earned over a lifetime had the accident never happened. The Texas Workforce Commission provides wage data that can be used to support these calculations.
Non-Economic Damages in Houston Workplace Accident Cases
Not all damages are purely financial. Serious injuries often cause physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These losses, while more difficult to measure, can significantly increase the overall value of a Houston workplace injury claim.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical discomfort and long-term challenges associated with workplace injuries. The American Bar Association recognizes pain and suffering as a critical element of personal injury cases, and attorneys present medical records, personal testimony, and expert reports to demonstrate the impact of chronic pain.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Many Houston workers suffer anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress after a severe accident. These conditions are legitimate damages that can be included in a claim. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, trauma-related mental health conditions affect millions of Americans each year, especially those recovering from sudden and violent events.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
A workplace accident can prevent victims from enjoying hobbies, family time, or even basic daily activities. This loss of independence and quality of life is considered a compensable damage under Texas law.
How Lawyers Maximize Compensation for Houston Workplace Injury Victims
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by questioning the severity of injuries or denying responsibility. A skilled Houston workplace accident attorney pushes back by gathering strong evidence and negotiating aggressively.
Challenging Insurance Company Tactics
Insurers may argue that the injury was preexisting, unrelated to work, or less serious than reported. The Texas Department of Insurance outlines how claims are often disputed, which is why injured workers benefit from having legal counsel manage all communications with insurers.
Proving Negligence and Safety Violations
Attorneys frequently investigate whether employers violated Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. If unsafe scaffolding, missing protective equipment, or a lack of training contributed to the accident, this can increase the value of the claim by proving negligence.
Using Expert Witnesses to Strengthen Valuation
Medical specialists, financial experts, and accident reconstruction professionals often testify about the long-term costs of injuries and the economic impact of being unable to work. Their testimony can dramatically increase settlement offers and jury verdicts.
Wrongful Death Claims and Compensation for Families
When workplace injuries in Houston lead to fatal outcomes, surviving families can pursue wrongful death claims. These cases allow recovery for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health confirms that falls remain a leading cause of workplace deaths in construction, making wrongful death claims tragically common.
Damages Available in Fatal Workplace Accident Cases
Families may recover compensation for lost household income, future earnings, and the loss of companionship. Wrongful death lawsuits in Texas are governed by Chapter 71 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which gives spouses, children, and parents the right to file suit.
Survival Actions on Behalf of the Estate
In addition to wrongful death, survival claims can be filed to recover damages the deceased worker could have pursued had they survived, such as medical bills and pain and suffering.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Workplace Injury in Houston
After a serious job site accident in Houston, one of the most common questions workers ask is whether they can sue their employer directly. The answer depends on several factors, including whether the employer participates in the Texas workers’ compensation system, whether gross negligence was involved, and whether a third party shares responsibility. Texas law is unique because it allows some employers to opt out of the workers’ compensation system, which creates different legal pathways for injured employees.
How Texas Workers’ Compensation Laws Affect Workplace Injury Lawsuits
Texas is the only state that does not require all private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This makes the question of whether you can sue your employer for a workplace injury in Houston highly fact-dependent. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, many large employers are subscribers, but smaller companies often choose to opt out.
Employers Who Subscribe to Workers’ Compensation
If your employer subscribes to the state workers’ compensation program, you generally cannot sue them for ordinary negligence. Instead, you are limited to workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages but not pain and suffering. The U.S. Department of Labor explains that workers’ compensation is meant to be an exclusive remedy in most cases.
Exceptions for Gross Negligence and Intentional Harm
Even if your employer subscribes to workers’ compensation, Texas law allows lawsuits for workplace injuries in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm. For example, if an employer knowingly required workers to use unsafe scaffolding or ignored repeated OSHA violations, a claim for punitive damages may be possible. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration highlights how repeated safety violations can establish an employer’s knowledge of risks.
Employers Who Do Not Subscribe to Workers’ Compensation
If your employer is a non-subscriber, Texas law permits you to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. Unlike workers’ compensation, a lawsuit against a non-subscribing employer allows you to pursue damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of future earning capacity. The National Safety Council emphasizes the enormous financial cost of workplace accidents, which makes full compensation essential for injured workers.
Third-Party Liability in Houston Workplace Injury Cases
In many workplace accidents, another company or contractor may share fault. Construction sites in Houston often involve multiple subcontractors, equipment suppliers, and property owners. If one of these parties contributed to unsafe conditions, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against them in addition to filing for workers’ compensation benefits.
Claims Against Equipment Manufacturers and Property Owners
If defective equipment or dangerous property conditions caused your injury, you may have the right to file a third-party lawsuit. The Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains recall databases that attorneys use to show whether defective tools or machinery contributed to an accident. Similarly, property owners in Houston can be held accountable under Texas premises liability law if they failed to maintain safe job site conditions.
Proving Third-Party Negligence in Court
Third-party liability cases often require expert testimony and detailed investigation. Attorneys may work with engineers, safety experts, and medical professionals to prove how another party’s negligence caused or contributed to the accident. The American Bar Association explains that negligence must be proven through evidence of duty, breach, causation, and damages.
Damages You Can Pursue When Suing an Employer or Third Party in Houston
If you are legally permitted to sue your employer or another party, the damages you may recover often go beyond what workers’ compensation provides.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and diminished future earnings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks how many workplace injuries lead to extended absences from work, highlighting the importance of compensation for lost income.
Future Medical Treatment and Long-Term Disability
For workers who suffer spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or other permanent conditions, the cost of long-term treatment may reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Attorneys build cases to ensure that future surgeries, in-home care, and assistive devices are included in settlement demands.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life caused by workplace injuries. Courts in Texas recognize that these damages, while harder to calculate, are often the most devastating consequences of an accident.
Loss of Consortium and Emotional Harm to Families
In cases of severe injuries or wrongful death, families may be able to recover damages for the loss of companionship and emotional support. The National Institute of Mental Health confirms that trauma from sudden accidents can cause lasting psychological harm for both victims and their loved ones.
Statute of Limitations for Suing an Employer in Houston
If you are considering a lawsuit after a Houston workplace accident, it is critical to act quickly. In Texas, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury under the Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Waiting too long may result in losing your right to compensation.
Special Deadlines for Claims Involving Government Entities
If your employer is a governmental body, stricter notice requirements may apply. For example, under the Texas Tort Claims Act, claims against a city or county must typically be filed within six months.
Importance of Early Legal Representation
Because these deadlines are strict and evidence can disappear quickly, contacting a Houston workplace accident attorney immediately after an injury is one of the most important steps you can take. An attorney can file preservation letters, secure witness statements, and ensure that your lawsuit is not dismissed for missing procedural deadlines.
Contact a Houston Workplace Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered a workplace injury in Houston, you should not have to face the financial, physical, and emotional challenges alone. Whether your accident happened on a construction site, in a warehouse, or at another Houston job site, our legal team is here to fight for your rights and hold negligent employers or third parties accountable.
At Lassiter Law, we understand the toll that a serious work accident can take on a family. Medical bills, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation needs can create overwhelming stress. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to investigate your case, prove liability, and demand the maximum compensation available under Texas law. From filing workers’ compensation claims to pursuing lawsuits against negligent employers and contractors, we are ready to guide you every step of the way.
Do not wait to get the legal help you deserve. Call Lassiter Law today at (713) 538-2593 or contact us through our online form to schedule a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case, and you pay nothing unless we win.