Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Texas

The decisions you make in the hours and days following a construction accident in Texas can greatly influence the size of your potential settlement and even your eligibility to pursue compensation. Understanding the proper steps to take after a construction accident in Texas can help you better prepare for what it takes to protect your claim to fair compensation.

Get Immediate Medical Attention

No matter how minor an injury may seem at first, seeking immediate medical care is critical after a construction accident. Delaying treatment can not only worsen your condition but may also weaken any future claim for compensation.

In cities like Lubbock, Odessa, and San Antonio, injured workers often visit local hospitals such as Covenant Medical Center or Medical Center Hospital following job site injuries. Having a documented medical record from the start provides crucial evidence linking your injuries directly to the incident.

Texas recorded over 9,400 nonfatal construction-related injuries in 2023. About 3,400 of those injuries led to time away from work. Failing to seek timely care could prevent you from being counted among the documented cases and hurt your chances of receiving the support you’re entitled to under Texas law.

Report the Accident to Your Employer

Under Texas law, injured workers must notify their employer of a workplace accident within 30 days to maintain eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. Ideally, you should report the incident as soon as possible and preferably on the same day.

Be specific when describing what happened, where it occurred, and who witnessed it. For example, if your injury occurred on a commercial build near South Plains Mall in Lubbock or during a highway expansion outside of Midland, make sure those details are included.

Accurate and timely reporting helps create a clear paper trail that supports your claim. In a state where 39% of serious incident claims in 2023 were tied to the construction industry, early documentation can play a pivotal role in ensuring that your claim is not denied. You can ask for a copy of the report to keep for your records.

Document Everything Related to the Accident

After receiving medical care and reporting the injury, the next step is to gather as much documentation as possible. Keep copies of medical records, prescriptions, accident reports, and communication with your employer or insurance carrier. Take photos of the injury, the worksite, and any equipment involved. This can be particularly helpful in high-traffic areas like Marsha Sharp Freeway in Lubbock or a commercial site along I-20 in Odessa.

If coworkers witnessed the accident, ask them to write down what they saw. These details can be critical in proving liability, especially in cases involving third-party negligence. With 126 construction-related deaths recorded in Texas in 2023, proper documentation can make the difference between full financial compensation and unforeseen challenges, delays, or other setbacks that can compromise your claim.

Avoid Giving Statements Without Legal Advice

Following a construction accident, insurance adjusters or company representatives may reach out to you for statements. It is important to remember that anything you say can be used to limit your claim. Their focus is on saving money, not helping you secure the financial help you need to recover.

Politely decline to answer their questions until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. Even saying something seemingly minor like, “I’m feeling better,” could be used to misrepresent you and your recovery later on. In high-risk job zones across Texas, including those near Lubbock business parks or oilfield service hubs around Odessa, employers may quickly involve insurers to protect their interests.

Reach out to friends and colleagues for referrals to find a trusted injury attorney who can represent you through the claims process. Legal representation can ensure that your injury is taken seriously and that you receive the full range of benefits you are owed.

FAQs

Q: What Steps Should I Take After a Construction Accident?

A: After an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Report the incident to your employer or the proper authority. Document the scene, collect witness information, and preserve any physical evidence. Follow medical advice and keep all related records. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building a strong case for financial recovery and long-term support.

Q: How Long Do You Have to File a Construction Injury Claim in Texas?

A: In Texas, the general deadline to file a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your ability to recover damages. Some workplace injury claims, like workers’ compensation, may have shorter timelines. Speaking with a lawyer quickly ensures you meet all deadlines and preserve your chance for full compensation.

Q: What Are the Six Correct Steps to Take After You Have a Construction Accident?

A: After a construction accident, the first step is to get medical attention. Second, report the accident to your employer or the proper authority. Third, document the scene with photos and witness names. Fourth, keep all medical records and bills. Fifth, avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice. Sixth, contact an attorney to review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the next steps.

Q: What Should You Do After a Workplace Construction Accident?

A: After a workplace construction accident, report the accident to your supervisor immediately and seek medical treatment. Make sure the injury is documented accurately. Follow all treatment instructions and avoid returning to work too soon. Keep records of missed work and expenses. Contact an attorney who understands workers’ compensation and workplace injury claims to help protect your rights and maximize your potential recovery.

Contact The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. Today

Construction accidents in Texas can leave you facing serious injuries, missed work, and uncertainty about the future. Whether you fell from a scaffolding or were hurt due to unsafe conditions, what you do next matters. Reporting the accident, seeking immediate medical care, and preserving evidence are key first steps to protecting your rights and strengthening your claim for compensation.

At The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., we help injured Texas workers take the right steps from day one. Our team knows how to build strong cases and fight for maximum recovery. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.