Houston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

Scaffolding Accident Statistics

Preventing Elevator Shaft Accidents

Texas Construction Workers Sometimes Suffer from Heat Stroke

As the temperatures rise in Texas, so does the risk of serious heat-induced illnesses.  Construction workers are especially in danger of developing heat stroke, heat exhaustion or other sickness caused by the heat.  These workers spend long hours in the sun and heat, which can lead to serious health problems.

Working in hot weather, and in the case of Texas, a humid environment, can be life threatening.  It is crucial to recognize the signs of a severe heat illness and take precautions to minimize the chances of death. 

Heat stroke is the most serious of all heat related illnesses and the symptoms include confusion, irrational behavior, high body temperature, loss of consciousness, convulsions and hot, dry skin.  This condition can be fatal and it is vital that emergency medical treatment be pursued.

Heat exhaustion can also be dangerous, even though it is not as serious as heat stroke.  Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, dizziness, thirst, nausea, giddiness and lightheadedness. 

Employers are recommended by OSHA to provide cool water, reduce physical demands during the heat of the day and provide air-conditioned areas for their employees. 

If you or a loved one has suffered heat stroke from working on a construction site, contact Steve Lee, an experienced Houston construction attorney, at 713-921-4171 or 800-232-3711 for legal advice.

Texas Construction Accidents Often Involve Falls

If you work in the construction industry, the heavy machinery and equipment you handle isn’t your biggest danger, its gravity.  The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) states that falls are the leading cause of construction deaths in the United States.  Every year, over three hundred deaths occur from construction falls.

According to OSHA, most fall-related injuries are associated with scaffolding accidents, unprotected sides or wall openings, unguarded protruding steel rebars and misuse of portable ladders.  Since construction is most often conducted several feet above street level, a fall accident can be catastrophic.

Scaffolding creates one of the greatest fall hazards.  Scaffolds are not always constructed properly and when you combine that with the fact that there is little space to work with, falls seem to be inevitable.   A scaffolding accident can cause serious head injury and death.  OSHA recommends installing guardrails to minimize the fall risk.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall on a construction site in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation.  A case involving a Texas construction accident can result in compensation for the injured construction worker.  Contact Steve Lee, an experienced Houston construction accident lawyer, today at 713-921-4171 or 800-232-3711 for legal advice.

Texas Workers’ Compensation

If you have been injured on the job in Texas, you may be able to file a claim for workers’ compensation.  The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation regulates the delivery of workers’ compensation benefits to injured workers and eligible family members.  This state agency also assists in resolving workers’ compensation disputes.

Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that provides benefits when you are injured at work or have developed a work-related illness.  The compensation is designed to pay your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income.  To receive workers’ comp benefits, your employer must have a workers’ compensation insurance policy under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act.

Your medical treatment will be paid through workers’ compensation if your work injury or occupational illness occurred as a result of your employment.  You can also receive compensation for a portion of your lost income if your injury or illness causes you to lose all or some of your income for more than seven days from one or more jobs.

If you have been injured at work, contact a Texas workers compensation attorney who can help you recover the compensation you deserve.  Steve Lee is an experienced lawyer who can help you.  Call 713-921-4171 or 800-232-3711 today for legal advice.

The Anatomy of a Refinery Accident

Anyone who works in an oil refinery knows that it is dangerous work, and there was no better illustration of that fact than the explosion at the Texas City BP refinery in 2005, in which fifteen people were killed.  

We recently came across an article in Popular Mechanics that gave a thorough and complete account of what went wrong that day in March, and we think it should be required reading for any refinery employee. It lets you know exactly what could go wrong amidst all the oil, fumes, electricity and moving parts at an operating refinery.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a refinery or offshore oil platform, contact Houston injury attorney Steve Lee for a free legal consultation today.

Any Questions About Texas Workers' Compensation Insurance?

Workers' compensation is not a requirement for private employers in Texas, but there are still plenty of businesses that are required to have coverage for their employees.

Anyone in Texas who works for a living should know everything that they possibly can about workers' compensation insurnace. If you get injured on the job, knowing as much as you can about the basics can help you establish a successful claim.

By following this link:

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/pubs/consumer/cb030.html

you will be provided with the basics on workers compensation insurnace coverage in Texas.

If you or a loved one has been injured on the jo in the Houston area, contact the law offices if injury attorney Steve Lee for a free legal consultation today.