In any given year, approximately 3 million Americans are injured in job site accidents. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration maintains that this number likely only represents a fraction of the true injuries, as fewer than 40 percent of eligible workers file claims. Unfortunately, many injured workers are refused assistance by their employer and believe that they have no alternative to seek compensation after an accident. If you have experienced a job site injury, it is important to understand that you have several options, and living with the pain and financial struggle of your injuries does not have to be one of them.

The industry with the highest number of accidents resulting in injuries in 2014 was private industries, including rope, cordage, twine, tire, cord, and tire fabric mills. This was closely followed by nursing and residential care facilities, and fire protection industries.

In all of 2014, nearly 5,000 people were killed throughout the country due to job site injuries, representing 3.4 per every 100,000 full time workers. Construction unfortunately continues to lead the country in terms of the number of injuries for every worker. Over twenty percent of all job site injuries occur in the construction industry, with the majority in the “fatal four” list. This list includes falls, electrocutions, struck by object, and caught in/between.

Texas job site injuries unfortunately often involve more than construction accidents, and include many oil and gas accidents and oil rig accidents. A majority of Texas workers are employed by the oil and gas industry, an inherently dangerous industry. The number of oil well blowouts has decreased over the years, but continues to remain high, given the high turnover rate for many oil and gas jobs, and the lack of extensive training many new workers go through. However, despite the overall high number of injuries in the workplace, the number of reported injuries has dropped by over 30 percent in Texas in the last decade.

Texas provides for workers’ compensation for injured workers after specific job site injuries. However, an employee must bring a claim within a tight time window, or might forfeit the ability to make the claim. Many employers also encourage their employees to lie about the extent of their injuries. It is illegal for an employer to refuse to bring a claim for damages after a workplace accident, and it is important to consult with an attorney if you have been told by your employer to live with the injuries or lie on the workers’ compensation form.

Unfortunately, contract workers will not qualify for workers’ compensation, which includes many construction employees and oil and gas employees. These injured employees can look elsewhere for recovery after a devastating accident. As an injured employee, you have many options available for recovery after a devastating workplace accident, and an experienced attorney can assist you in drafting a claim for damages.

If you or a loved one were injured while on the job site, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in handling job site injury claims and will work closely with you to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact our Beaumont and Houston offices today for your initial free consultation.