Suffering a serious injury as the result of an industrial accident in Katy, TX, or the surrounding areas can be devastating. Navigating the complex legal processes to secure the compensation you’re entitled to can be overwhelming, so it can be extremely beneficial to have an accident attorney on your side. An industrial accident lawyer in Katy from the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, can help you pursue justice and compensation.
If you have been harmed in an industrial accident in Katy, it is critical to protect your rights and receive compensation to cover your injuries now and potential medical care in the future. Contact a skilled Katy industrial accident lawyer from our firm today by calling 713-987-7107 or scheduling a free consultation online.
Understanding Industrial Accidents in Katy, TX
Industrial accidents happen in places such as warehouses, construction sites, drilling rigs, mines, factories, plants, and refineries. These accidents can lead to serious injuries, such as fractures and traumatic brain injuries. In Katy and areas all over south Texas, workers in industries involving construction, drilling rigs, manufacturing, and refineries can be especially at risk of falling victim to an industrial accident.
Industries With High Incidences of Industrial Accidents in Katy
While industrial accidents can happen in a variety of workplace contexts, specific industries in Katy and the surrounding areas tend to see more industrial accidents than others. Our Katy accident attorney at the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, is highly experienced with handling industrial accidents across a myriad of industries, including the following:
- Oil and gas industry. As Katy and south Texas feature a variety of gas and oil facilities, workers are commonly impacted by industrial accidents in this area. Risks are high for workers in refineries, and tasks such as oil drilling and supporting pipeline transportation can lead to disastrous fires and explosions. Workers in the oil and gas industry experience these hazardous conditions each day they come to the job.
- Construction sites. Construction sites commonly feature hazardous conditions, which can seriously threaten the health and well-being of workers on-site. They can be exposed to various dangerous conditions, including faulty heavy machinery, electrical hazards, and poorly designed scaffolding, which can lead to traumatic accidents.
- Warehouses. Ensuring the optimal functionality of a warehouse involves moving large amounts of material by using complex machinery, such as conveyor belts and forklifts. This can subject workers to serious hazards. If the working conditions are unsafe, if equipment malfunctions, or if improper training leads to inadequate handling, this can result in incidences that cause workplace injuries.
- Plants and refineries. In the oil and gas industry, refineries and plants come with high risks, such as conditions where workers can be exposed to dangerous situations. Furthermore, pressurized systems with high temperatures can pose a threat for serious burn injuries when equipment malfunctions or natural disasters occur.
- Factories. Companies are eager to increase their profits by boosting their productivity, but this can put employees and machinery under high pressure to perform faster, leading to a higher risk of accidents. Factory accidents commonly involve heavy machinery, and they often result from factors such as inadequate safety protocol implementation, lack of personal protective gear, and faulty equipment.
Types of Industrial Accidents
Depending on the type of industry in which the accident happens and the overall conditions of the environment, how industrial accidents unfold can vary dramatically. An experienced industrial accident lawyer in Katy can support you by protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you’re entitled to. Your attorney can help after a variety of industrial accident types, including the following:
- Heavy machinery incidents. Refineries and warehouses feature complex, heavy machinery that can pose a serious threat to workers. Accidents involving heavy machinery can lead to severe injuries, such as fractures, crush injuries, and amputations.
- Harmful substance exposure. Workplace settings such as oil refineries, plants, and factories can expose workers to toxic gasses or chemicals, which can lead to chronic health conditions.
- Motor vehicle accidents. Houses and construction sites commonly involve the use of motor vehicles, such as trucks, cranes, and forklifts, which can potentially crash or malfunction. These incidents can lead to serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, sprains, or fractures.
- Fires and explosions. Fires and explosions are more commonly seen in workplace settings such as plants and refineries. Such dramatic accidents can lead to catastrophic injury and even wrongful death.
- Falls from high places. Employees on oil rigs or construction sites work in hazardous conditions that can pose the risk of falling from high points. Reasons for these falls can include structure collapses, faulty safety equipment, and improper safety training.
How Are Katy Industrial Accidents Caused?
Industrial accidents in Katy and the surrounding areas can be a result of a variety of factors, with the majority of them being preventable. The causation of industrial accidents can often be linked back to negligence or wrongdoing on behalf of one or more parties. An experienced lawyer can look into your industrial accident to determine whether it was caused by the negligence of another party, such as:
- Malfunctioning equipment. If companies fail to adequately design or manufacture equipment, it can malfunction, leading to severe or even life-threatening injuries. Furthermore, if management fails to adequately maintain heavy machinery that ends up malfunctioning or breaking, they can be held responsible for their negligence.
- Poor safety protocols. Management has a responsibility to keep their employees safe. If they fail to adequately develop or implement safety protocols and procedures, this can cause serious accidents in already hazardous environments, such as refineries and construction sites. Failing to regularly develop safety protocols in line with Texas and federal laws and regulations can serve as a valid reason to sue for injuries.
- Lack of training. Employers are required to comprehensively and regularly provide training to workers, especially those employed in hazardous environments, like oil refineries. Failure to provide a comprehensive training program can lead to otherwise preventable accidents.
- Physically demanding tasks. Workers are often subject to strenuous conditions in which they are required to carry out difficult tasks, such as lifting heavy objects repeatedly. This can often lead to overexertion, which can then cause an accident and subsequent injuries.
- Falling objects. In certain industrial settings, such as warehouses and construction sites, falling objects, like equipment and tools, can be a serious threat to anyone who may be under them. Workers who are under scaffolding, for example, can be at risk of being struck by falling objects if they are not adequately secured.
- Slip and falls. Management and other third parties who fail to keep a property reasonably safe can be held accountable for accidents caused by dangerous conditions, such as cluttered walkways or slippery surfaces. Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries, such as broken hips and pelvises. They can even cause traumatic brain injuries
If you have been a victim of an industrial accident that was caused by preventable reasons, the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, can help you understand whether you can hold particular parties or organizations accountable for any wrongdoing or negligence. Our firm can gather evidence to clearly show how these parties are at fault, hold them accountable for their actions, and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
How a Katy Industrial Accident Attorney Can Support Your Case
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of an industrial accident in Katy, it can be devastating. These accidents are typically associated with serious emotional, physical, and financial damages. Navigating the complex legal process of pursuing compensation can be overwhelming. Thankfully, a Katy industrial accident attorney from the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, can provide you with the following support:
- Looking into the accident causes. A lawyer can investigate the circumstances leading up to the time of your accident. They can determine exactly what caused the accident, considering potential factors such as poorly implemented safety protocols and malfunctioning equipment.
- Gathering critical evidence. A seasoned lawyer can work to collect important evidence to prove the liability of parties involved in your accident, such as video footage, communication records, and the official accident report.
- Evaluating the extent of your damages. An attorney can help you gather critical documentation, such as hospitalization bills and diagnostic reports, to determine the full value of your damages. They can consider both non-economic and economic damages, ranging from lost income to pain and suffering.
- Handling insurance companies. Insurance companies are commonly only interested in maximizing profits, so it is typically in their best interest to lowball or even outright deny your claim. An experienced attorney can leverage critical negotiation tactics, taking over all communications with relevant insurers to facilitate an agreement on a fair and reasonable settlement.
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim. Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you adequately fill out the required paperwork and provide supporting evidence on time, making sure you receive access to these crucial benefits.
- Pursuing litigation. In certain cases, such as if your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance or third parties were responsible for your accident, you could file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawyer can navigate the litigation process, advocating for your legal interests and working to optimize your compensation.
Navigating the process of pursuing compensation after an industrial accident involves deep knowledge of Texas liability law and an in-depth understanding of the state workers’ compensation program. The Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, can help you understand your options for pursuing compensation based on the at-fault parties involved in your case, your employer’s insurance plan, and other factors.
An Industrial Accident Lawyer in Katy Can Help You Obtain Compensation
The aftermath of an industrial accident can be extremely costly,so it is critical for accident victims to obtain the compensation they are entitled to. A Katy industrial accident attorney from the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, can analyze the details of your case and help you understand whether you may be entitled to the following forms of compensation:
- Medical costs. Compensation for an industrial accident can include all expenses associated with the subsequent injuries, including those for hospitalization, clinic visits, surgeries, imaging and lab diagnostics, prescription medications, medical and assistive devices, physical therapy, and transportation to and from medical services. This compensation should cover all past, present, and future medical expenses.
- Lost income. If you have been out of work as a result of your industrial accident injuries, you could receive compensation for any income and subsequent benefits you lost as a result of being out of work. Furthermore, if you have suffered from permanent disability, a lawyer can help you obtain compensation for your lost earning potential.
- Disability costs. If your accident injuries led to temporary or permanent disability, an experienced industrial accident lawyer can seek adequate compensation to cover the costs associated with changes in your lifestyle. Disability compensation can include money to cover at-home care, retrofitting the home for wheelchairs, and other long-term benefits.
- Pain and suffering. Industrial accident victims commonly experience physical pain and emotional suffering as a result of the incident. You may be able to recover compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of consortium.
Depending on the details of your case, you could either file a workers’ compensation claim, pursue litigation against the responsible parties, or leverage multiple options to seek compensation for damages. The experienced industrial accident attorney from the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, can help you thoroughly document and evaluate the extent of your damages so your final compensation package reflects all that you have lost as well as future damages.
Seeking Legal Support After Your Katy Industrial Accident
Getting into an industrial accident can have long-term, devastating consequences, ranging from financial difficulties to physical disabilities. Therefore, it’s critical to have a skilled legal advocate who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with the compassionate and experienced Katy industrial accident lawyer from the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, today by calling 713-987-7107 or scheduling a free consultation online.
