Industrial Accident And Wrongful Death Lawyers in Dallas And Fort Worth

Accidents at industrial facilities and plants can be very dangerous. Dealing with the aftermath of the injuries can be painful and expensive. When you or someone you love suffers one of these injuries, it is important to make sure that you have legal counsel who can represent you and make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Kastl Law, P.C., has helped clients throughout Texas do just that.

How Do Industrial Accidents Happen?

Workplaces can be dangerous no matter what field you are in, but when those workplaces are inherently dangerous, such as refineries and chemical plants, the danger level is higher. Negligence of any type in these areas can result in severe accidents and even death. If the equipment at the facility is outdated or if the employees do not receive proper training, the danger level goes up. If the company does not follow certain safety procedures, it is only a matter of time before an accident takes place.

Other types of industrial accidents besides explosions can and do occur. Defective equipment and falling objects are two big dangers. Slip-and-fall accidents, untrained employees and exposure to toxic chemicals are also dangers that workers face regularly. Those who suffer from injuries related to these and other industrial accidents often do not know what to do or where to turn. We are here to help.

Burns Are Serious Injuries

Injuries from burns are sometimes unexpected. Obvious sources of burns, such as a hot stove or open flame, are often recognizable. Yet, we are also exposed to risks from burns in less subtle ways. Less-apparent sources of burns include:

• Electricity
• Chemicals
• Hot liquids
• Radiation

Burns can be serious injuries requiring medical attention. According to the American Burn Association, thousands of people die from burn-related complications. Even minor burns can become infected or cause blistering and scarring. Severe or untreated burns can cause shock and even death.

Preventing burns should be anyone’s first step, but when a responsible party neglects their duty of care, their negligence can harm innocent people.

Explosions And Blast Injuries

Most people know the dangers of gas leaks, improper storage of combustible chemicals, and mishandling explosives and fireworks. Yet, thousands of people are injured every year from detonations in the United States. While accidents do happen, injuries are sometimes preventable and negligence can be a cause of these explosions.

What makes these injuries so dangerous is the number of ways they can harm a person. The sound of an explosion can damage someone’s hearing. Depending on a person’s proximity to the blast, damage from shrapnel can cause cuts, burns, dismemberment and even death. A person who is near a chemical explosion could face respiratory damage. All of these injuries have the potential to negatively impact a person’s quality of life in both the short and long term.

Stories of facilities like chemical plants exploding have become far too common in Texas over the last decade. However, blasts and explosions can occur anywhere if a responsible party fails to recognize the warning signs.

When Multiple Parties Share Blame For Your Accident

While workers’ comp provides benefits regardless of fault, it often falls short of covering all your losses after a workplace injury. You may have the right to hold other parties responsible for your injuries beyond your employer.

Several third parties might share liability for industrial accidents, including:

• Equipment manufacturers that made defective machinery or tools that caused the accident
• Contractors who failed to follow safety rules at your job site
• Property owners who did not maintain proper conditions in their premises
• Maintenance companies that failed to ensure the safety of equipment or facilities
• Chemical suppliers that provided hazardous materials without proper warnings or handling instructions

Finding all the parties responsible for your accident can significantly increase your compensation beyond what workers’ comp provides.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

You deserve compensation that truly reflects all the ways your injury has affected your life. Your financial recovery may include:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability

We understand the full impact your injuries have on your daily life and future. We are here to fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Straight Answers To Your Industrial Accidents Questions

Below, we address the most common questions our clients ask about workplace accidents in Texas. If you do not find the answer you need, please call us for a free consultation.

Can I file a lawsuit if I am already receiving workers’ compensation?

Workers’ comp typically prevents you from suing your employer, but it does not stop you from taking legal action against other companies or individuals who contributed to your injury. These could be the manufacturer of faulty equipment, an outside contractor or a property owner. Filing a third-party claim allows you to recover damages that workers’ comp does not cover such as full wage loss, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

What if my Texas employer does not have workers’ compensation?

When a Texas employer chooses not to carry workers’ compensation, they are considered a “nonsubscriber.” This status gives you the right to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against them. Although you must show their negligence caused your injury, they lose the ability to use certain legal defenses, which makes it easier for you to hold them accountable.

How long do I have to file a claim for an industrial accident in Texas?

You generally have one year from the date you were injured to file an official workers’ compensation claim. If you are pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against a third party or a nonsubscriber employer, the deadline is typically two years from the date of the accident.

Don’t Wait; Call Today

After getting medical treatment for yourself or your loved one, one of the next steps you need to take is to speak with an attorney. Working with a lawyer who has experience lets you and your family focus on resting, recuperating and trying to get back to life as normal. Trust a firm with the experience and the compassion needed to help you and your family through this difficult time. To reach someone in one of our three offices located in Dallas, Fort Worth and El Paso, call us today at 214-427-6043 or fill out our contact form.