Houston is booming. As one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States, construction is ubiquitous across the city. However, rapid growth comes with risks – especially for construction workers. With so many active construction sites, accidents and injuries are far too common. Workers have rights, though many are unaware or unable to advocate for themselves after an incident. This article will examine construction accidents in Houston, workers’ rights, and steps you can take if injured on the job.
Construction Accidents in Houston
Houston added over 69,000 residents between 2020 and 2021. To accommodate this growth, cranes dot the Houston skyline and construction sites are everywhere.
While growth is positive, more construction means more opportunities for accidents:
- Falls – Slips, trips and falls from heights are the leading cause of construction fatalities, accounting for over a third of deaths. Falls also represent 20-30% of disabling injuries.
- Struck-By Incidents – Construction workers can be struck by vehicles, equipment, and falling objects. These accidents account for around 10% of construction deaths.
- Electrocutions – Electrical accidents cause around 8% of construction fatalities. Workers risk shocks from power lines, cords, and tools.
- Caught In/Between – Workers can be caught in unguarded machinery or crushed between objects. These incidents cause around 6% of deaths.
With so many active projects, Houston sees high rates of construction injuries and fatalities compared to other metro areas. For example, in 2020, Texas had the most construction-related deaths of any state at 224. California followed at 186 deaths, then Florida at 147.
Factors Contributing to Construction Accidents
Several factors make Houston construction sites prone to accidents and injuries:
- Lax Safety Culture – Some contractors fail to prioritize safety or provide adequate training. Workers may not understand hazards.
- Fast Pace – Trying to complete projects quickly leads to safety lapses. Workers take risky shortcuts and don’t use proper safeguards.
- Long Hours – Construction often involves long, tiring days. Fatigue causes impaired alertness and poorer decision-making.
- Weather Extremes – Houston’s hot summers and humid climate create additional health and safety risks for workers.
- Complex Sites – Densely populated sites with multiple trades further increase accident risks.
Most Dangerous Construction Professions
While all construction work carries hazards, some roles are especially high-risk:
- Roofers – Roofing requires working at extreme heights. Falls cause 1 in 5 roofer deaths.
- Ironworkers – Assembling structural frames and reinforcing steel involves dangerous heights.
- Electrical power installers – Working with high voltage power lines and equipment raises electrocution risks.
- Truck drivers – Construction vehicle accidents kill over 600 drivers annually. Large blind spots contribute.
- Carpenters – Using nail guns, saws and other equipment leads to frequent hand and finger amputations.
Paying attention to jobsite hazards and using proper safety gear can help reduce risks for these professions.
Houston Construction Workers’ Rights
If you’re injured on a Houston construction site, you have legal rights. Key rights include:
- Workers’ Compensation – This insurance covers medical treatment and lost wages after job-related injuries. Most Texas employers carry this.
- Safe Work Environment – Federal OSHA regulations establish safety standards for construction sites. Employers must provide proper protective gear, training and procedures to minimize risks.
- Medical Leave – If you are seriously injured, you may qualify for 12 weeks of job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Compensation – For negligence that caused an injury, you may pursue compensation for damages like medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Freedom from Retaliation – You have a right to report safety issues without retaliation from your employer.
Don’t hesitate to speak up if you see unsafe conditions on a construction site. Employers legally can’t retaliate against workers who report legitimate safety concerns.
Taking Action After a Construction Injury
If you’re injured on the job, here are important steps to protect yourself and access benefits:
- Report the Incident – Immediately notify your supervisor and request medical assistance if needed. Reporting promptly helps establish that the injury occurred at work.
- Document What Happened – Write down details, take photos, and collect contact info for witnesses. Thorough documentation will assist with the claims process.
- File Workers’ Compensation – To start your workers’ comp claim, notify your employer in writing within 30 days. A claim triggers benefits like medical care and partial wage replacement.
- Consult an Attorney – For serious injuries, speak with a personal injury attorney in Houston. They can investigate fault, estimate damages, and pursue maximum compensation through settlement negotiations or litigation.
Navigating Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation provides medical and income benefits after job-related injuries. However, the system can be complex to navigate:
- You must follow reporting deadlines and procedures to qualify for benefits. Missing a deadline could ruin your claim.
- Pre-approval for treatment may be required, and only certain approved providers can be seen. Attempting to see an unapproved doctor could result in rejected coverage.
- Benefits have limits and caps that may result in out-of-pocket expenses. Maximum payouts exist for things like wage replacement and death benefits.
- Missed filing deadlines or paperwork issues can jeopardize your claim. Errors and omissions give insurance carriers reasons to deny benefits.
- The settlement process involves many factors for calculating compensation. Your settlement value depends on your age, wages, nature of injury, and degree of disability.
- Insurance companies often try to close claims quickly for minimal payouts. An experienced attorney ensures you receive full entitled benefits.
An experienced attorney can help you avoid pitfalls and maximize benefits. Legal representation greatly improves claim outcomes. Don’t go it alone against the insurance carriers.
Contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has suffered a construction injury in Houston, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys are here to help. We will evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and discuss your options at no charge. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (713) 984-4559 or stop by our office located at 550 Post Oak Blvd #405, Houston, TX 77027.
At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, we understand the financial and emotional devastation workplace accidents cause. Our clients become part of the Karns family. We will work tirelessly to obtain a just outcome so you can move forward. Don’t go it alone when we can help you every step of the way.
