Hillsboro Workplace Injuries Attorney
Every day, thousands of people in Hillsboro and throughout Hill County go to work to provide for their families and support our local economy. All workers have the right to a safe work environment, regardless of whether they are employed in the expanding industrial districts around the interstate, on farms in rural areas, or providing public services in Hillsboro's central business district. Workplace injuries are still a common occurrence that can cause significant harm to employees and create uncertainty about recovery.
If you’ve suffered an injury at work, knowing how long the process of healing will take can be complicated. Because the law regarding workplace injuries in Texas is very complex and often favors employers and their insurers, having an advocate who understands the local laws is essential to your ability to receive the maximum amount of compensation permissible under the rules of law. To obtain the best possible legal representation for your workplace injury, contact Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP for experienced assistance.
Understanding Workplace Injury Laws in Texas
Texas is the only state in the country that does not require private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This "non-subscriber" status creates a complex legal landscape for injured workers in Hillsboro. Depending on your employer’s insurance status, the process for seeking benefits can vary significantly.
If Your Employer Has Workers’ Compensation
If your employer is a subscriber to the state-regulated workers’ compensation system, you are generally entitled to medical benefits and a portion of your lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, these benefits are often limited. Furthermore, the insurance companies that handle these claims frequently deny necessary medical treatments or attempt to force workers back to work before they have fully recovered.
If Your Employer is a Non-Subscriber
In Hill County, many firms opt out of workers' compensation. You have the right to sue your employer directly for personal injury if you are hurt at work while working for a non-subscriber. A lawsuit enables you to pursue a wider range of damages, such as full lost income and pain and suffering compensation, than a workers' compensation claim. You must, however, be able to demonstrate that your damage was caused in part by your employer's negligence.
Regardless of which system your employer uses, Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP has the expertise to navigate these hurdles and fight for the maximum recovery available in your specific situation.
Common Workplace Accidents in Hillsboro and Hill County
Workplace injuries can happen in any setting, from a retail store to a high-risk construction site. Our firm represents workers across a wide variety of industries in Hillsboro.
Construction and Industrial Accidents
With the expansion of commercial developments and infrastructure projects along the I-35 corridor, construction accidents are a major concern in Hillsboro. Falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, and accidents involving heavy machinery can result in catastrophic injuries. These cases often involve multiple parties, such as contractors and equipment manufacturers, adding layers of complexity to the legal process.
Agricultural and Farm Injuries
Hill County has a rich agricultural heritage. Workers on local farms and ranches face unique risks, including injuries from tractors, harvesting equipment, and livestock. These accidents often occur in remote areas where immediate medical help may not be available, leading to more severe long-term complications.
Warehouse and Manufacturing Injuries
The logistics and manufacturing hubs in Hillsboro rely on forklifts, conveyor belts, and heavy lifting. Improper training, equipment failure, or a lack of safety protocols can lead to crush injuries, amputations, or repetitive motion strains.
Commercial Driving and Delivery Accidents
If your job requires you to drive a vehicle in the Hillsboro area, an accident on the road is technically a workplace injury. Whether you were operating a delivery van or a large commercial truck, Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP can help you navigate the intersection of motor vehicle law and workplace safety regulations.
Types of Workplace Injuries We Handle
At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we have seen firsthand how a single moment of negligence can change a worker’s life forever. We represent Hillsboro residents suffering from a wide range of job-related conditions, including:
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: Often caused by falls or heavy lifting, these injuries can lead to chronic pain or permanent paralysis.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Long-term cognitive damage may result from head injuries caused by falling items or machines.
- Burn Injuries: Employees working in kitchens or other industries run the risk of burns from heat, chemicals, or electrical currents.
- Amputations: Defective machinery or heavy equipment accidents can result in the loss of fingers, hands, or limbs.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: High-impact falls or crush accidents often result in severe breaks requiring multiple surgeries.
- Toxic Exposure: Long-term exposure to hazardous chemicals or materials can lead to respiratory illnesses and other chronic diseases.
Proving Negligence in a Hillsboro Workplace Injury Case
The key to a successful recovery when a company lacks workers' compensation insurance is demonstrating negligence. Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP conducts in-depth investigations to establish proof of safety violations. In Hill County, typical instances of employer carelessness include:
- Lack of Training: Not providing workers with the safety instructions required for their specific jobs.
- Defective Equipment: Forcing employees to use tools or machinery that are poorly maintained or lack proper safety guards.
- Inadequate Staffing: Putting workers at risk by requiring them to perform tasks without enough help or by demanding excessive overtime that leads to fatigue.
- Violation of Safety Regulations: Ignoring OSHA standards or other state and federal safety guidelines to save time or money.
- Failure to Warn: Not alerting employees to known hazards on the job site.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Hillsboro
The steps you take immediately following an injury are critical to both your health and your potential legal claim.
- Report the Injury Immediately: Notify your supervisor or manager as soon as possible. Ensure a written incident report is created and request a copy. Delaying this report can give the insurance company a reason to doubt the validity of your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Go straight to a doctor in Hillsboro or to the emergency room. To ensure that the accident is recorded in your medical records as a work-related incident, explain to the healthcare professional exactly how it occurred.
- Document the Scene: Try to capture images of the accident site, including any tools or circumstances that may have contributed to the injuries. Obtain the contact details of any coworkers who were present during the incident.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Keep all follow-up appointments and complete any physical treatment ordered. The insurance company may consider your failure to heed medical advice as evidence that your injuries are not as serious as you say.
- Contact a Lawyer: Do not sign any statements or accept a quick settlement offer from your employer’s insurance company without professional advice. To protect your future, contact Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP.
Compensation Available for Injured Workers
The goal of a workplace injury claim is to provide the financial support necessary to move forward after a devastating accident. Depending on the details of your case, Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP may pursue compensation for:
- Full Medical Expenses: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, medications, and any future medical treatments or surgeries.
- Lost Wages: We fight to recover the income you lost while you were unable to work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or working at all, you may be entitled to the future income you would have earned.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
- Disfigurement or Permanent Disability: Recognition of the lifelong impact of a severe physical impairment.
Why Choose Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP for Your Hillsboro Claim?
Workplace injury cases are notorious for their red tape and aggressive defense tactics. Employers and their insurance providers often have vast resources to fight these claims. You need a legal team that is not intimidated by large corporations or complex insurance structures.
Our firm is committed to the workers of Hill County. We take the time to understand the unique details of your accident and the specific impact it has had on your life. We handle all the paperwork, the negotiations with adjusters, and the legal filings so you can focus on getting back on your feet. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to ensure you get justice.
Third-Party Liability in Workplace Accidents
In some workplace accidents, someone other than your employer may be responsible for your injuries. This is known as a third-party claim. For example, if you were injured by a defective piece of machinery manufactured by an outside company, or if a contractor from another firm caused an accident at your job site, you can file a personal injury claim against that third party. These claims can often be pursued even if you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits from your employer. Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP will investigate your case to identify every possible source of recovery.
Standing Up for the People of Hillsboro
A workplace injury does not just affect the injured person; it affects their entire family. The stress of mounting bills and the inability to provide for your loved ones can be overwhelming. We believe that no worker in Hillsboro should have to suffer because an employer chose to ignore safety in favor of profits.
Our firm has a proven track record of holding negligent companies accountable. We combine the resources and experience of a larger firm with the personal, localized service that Hillsboro residents expect. We are your neighbors, and we are proud to represent the hardworking people who keep our community running.
Contact Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP Today
If you have been injured on the job in Hillsboro or anywhere in Hill County, do not wait to seek legal help. Evidence can be lost, and witnesses’ memories can fade. The sooner we can begin investigating your accident, the stronger your case will be.
We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and your legal options. You have worked hard for your employer; now let us work hard for you. To ensure you receive the dedicated advocacy you deserve, contact Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP today. We are ready to stand by your side and fight for your recovery.
Contact Us Today
Fill Out the Form Below to Schedule Your FREE Consultation & Let Us Advocate For You.
Learn More
“I would like to give a big thanks to the law firm myself and to Joel Shields who represented me on my case. All cases are different, yes indeed. But one thing for sure, they are dedicated to each one of them. I am forever grateful to them for their work and dedication. For that I’m back on my feet again!”
Dannj Herr
Client
