Every day, thousands of Texans go to work expecting to return home safely — but workplace hazards remain a leading cause of injury and death across the state. From construction sites and oilfields to offices and retail stores, workers face a wide range of risks, especially when their employers cut corners or fail to provide safe conditions.
At Zehl & Associates, we don’t just talk about accountability — we deliver it. Our undefeated work injury lawyers have secured Billions for clients, including record-breaking settlements and verdicts for those who suffered lasting injuries on the job. We know how aggressively companies fight to avoid responsibility, and we are the team that stands up, fights, and wins for injured workers and their families in Texas and across the U.S.
If you work in Texas, you need to know your rights — and what hazards to watch for — before it’s too late. Here’s what every worker needs to know about protecting their health, safety, and financial future if a workplace accident occurs.
Common Types of Workplace Hazards
Workplace hazards come in many forms, and some are more obvious than others. Under Texas Labor Code § 411, employers are legally required to maintain safe environments and comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. However, incidents still happen.
Here are the most common types of workplace hazards seen in Texas:
- Physical hazards: These include falls from heights, slipping on wet floors, being struck by objects, and exposure to loud noise or vibration.
- Chemical hazards: Exposure to things like cleaning solvents and industrial fumes can cause respiratory issues as well as other serious concerns. Workers should be trained in safe handling and provided with protective gear.
- Biological hazards: Healthcare workers, for instance, may encounter viruses and bacteria that can cause infections or long-term illness.
- Ergonomic hazards: Poor posture, repetitive movements, and heavy lifting can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, especially in office and manufacturing settings.
- Environmental hazards: Texas’s extreme heat is a major concern. Outdoor and maritime workers face serious risks of heatstroke and dehydration.
Employers must identify these dangers early on and, from there, take steps like providing appropriate safety equipment and training employees on prevention measures. When they fail to do so, they could be liable for any injuries and accidents that take place.
Your Rights Under Texas Law
Texas law allows most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance or an equivalent coverage plan. This system provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job, regardless of fault (with only a few exceptions, like for self-inflicted injuries on purpose).
However, Texas is the only state where workers’ compensation is not mandatory. This means some employers, known as “nonsubscribers,” may opt out. If your employer does not provide coverage, you can still file a personal injury lawsuit to recover full economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills and pain and suffering.
Recovery Under Workers’ Compensation
If your employer does carry workers’ compensation, you and/or your loved ones are generally entitled to:
- Medical benefits: Coverage for necessary treatment related to your work injury
- Income benefits: Partial wage replacement if you cannot return to work
- Death benefits: Financial support for dependents of workers killed on the job
It’s critical to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, as delays can hurt your claim or limit your right to benefits. Note that in some cases, you may be able to both file a workers’ comp claim and file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.
Check with a lawyer to see if this possibility applies to your case.
Contact the Undefeated Workplace Accident Lawyers With Zehl & Associates at 888-603-3636
If you’ve been injured at work, you don’t have to face mounting medical bills, lost wages, or uncertainty about your future alone — and you shouldn’t. Zehl & Associates has secured Billions for our clients, including some of the largest workplace accident settlements and verdicts in Texas history. We fight relentlessly for the full compensation you deserve and stand by your side every step of the way.
Even if your employer carries workers’ compensation, you still have legal rights and options — and it’s critical to explore them before it’s too late.
Call 888-603-3636 today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.
For more information, please contact our Undefeated Workplace Accident attorneys at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours