One Texas metalworker is suing two companies due to injuries he sustained while working. He alleges in his suit against Alabama Metal Industries and Automation Temporary Service that they failed to follow all relevant Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, properly train him for his job, provide adequate supervision, and provide necessary tools and safety gear. Because of this…
Treating Personal Injury Personally
Work-Related Injuries
Texas Worksite Accident Leads to One Fatality, Leaves Another in Critical Condition
A 23-year-old El Campo man passed away in early April after being injured in a construction site accident. Another man was left in critical condition. The accident was the result of a front-end loader moving heavy equipment around the worksite. The driver of the front-end loader and the individual directing him did not see either victim before setting down a…
The Next Big Thing?
A Dallas man wants the Texas opt-out system to become the norm in workers’ compensation plans across the United States. With a client list that includes some of the country’s largest retailers, his plan is to get opt-out laws passed in a dozen states over the next ten years. Generally, employer-sponsored plans are much more limited than state-mandated workers’ compensation;…
“Sprawling” Workers’ Compensation Fraud Case in North Texas
Federal prosecutors in Dallas charged 28 federal employees and private doctors with over $8.7 million in a workers’ compensation fraud case. According to court documents, the workers claimed they were injured on the job, the doctors fraudulently diagnosed the injuries, and claims officials received bribes and kickbacks in exchange for the approval of the disputed claims. Under the law, these…
Injuries At Work And Play
When Arlington billionaire Angus Wynne opened Six Flags Over Texas in 1961 on August 1, 1961, he envisioned the theme park as a way to create a temporary revenue stream on a vacant piece of property until it could be redeveloped. But visitors flocked to the new park, and he recouped his $3.5 million investment within about 18 months, which…
Does the System Take Care of Injured Workers?
On average, according to a recent government report, companies pay only about 20 percent of the lost wages and medical bills that injured workers incur. Texas is one of only two states where employers can opt out of the no-fault insurance system. Although not carrying workers’ compensation leaves companies open to negligence lawsuits, many firms are willing to take the…
Employer Workers’ Compensation Fraud
Employee fraud always seems to make the headlines. Recently, a postal worker claimed that she was unable to “stand, sit, kneel, squat, climb, bend, reach, grasp or lift mail trays” as a result of a workplace injury. She was, however, able to appear on The Price Is Right and spin the “big wheel” twice. However, despite the headlines, employer workers’…
Workers Compensation Disputes in Texas
It is not required by law in Texas for businesses to have workers compensation insurance. However, when an employer does carry this insurance in Texas, then their employees are protected in case of accidental injury or death at work. In most cases, benefits will be awarded regardless of fault, unless the injury was due to roughhousing, inebriation or other circumstances…
Getting Hurt at the Workplace: How Workers’ Compensation Can Help
Getting injured at work is an unfortunate and common reality for many Americans. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 3 million accidents resulting in serious injury were reported throughout the country in 2012. For any employee, getting injured can be a nightmare. Not only must workers endure the physical pain from the accident and subsequent treatment, but facing…
Workplace Dangers for Aging Workers
After the recession hit, most of the workforce who were close to retiring had to make a difficult choice to delay retirement. A Gallup poll predicted nearly a 75 percent increase in workers who are over the age of 55 by 2020. Whereas younger employees are more likely to be injured by running into things and overexertion, older workers are…