The Short Answer… Construction injuries are common and often severe. They’re frequently caused by falls, struck-by accidents, electrocutions, and caught-in or caught-between incidents. Together, they are known as the construction industry’s “Fatal Four.” These accidents regularly lead to broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, lacerations, and hearing loss, with falls from heights remaining … Read more
Workers’ Compensation
The Short Answer… Yes, you can sue for a work-related injury in Texas, but only in specific situations. If the employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, most workers cannot sue their employer and instead must file a workers’ comp claim. However, you can file a lawsuit if your employer doesn’t carry workers’ comp insurance, if they … Read more
The Short Answer… Scaffolding accidents are a major safety risk on Texas construction sites, often caused by unstable platforms, defective equipment, improper assembly, or violations of OSHA standards. These incidents frequently involve falls, collapsing structures, or falling debris, leading to severe and sometimes fatal injuries. Understanding how these accidents happen, what steps to take afterward, … Read more
The Short Answer… In Texas, you can be fired after getting hurt at work, but your employer cannot legally fire you because you reported the injury, sought medical care, or asserted your safety rights, as that would be unlawful retaliation. Still, employers often cite other “legal” reasons like performance issues, absences, or restructuring, making it … Read more
The Short Answer… To make a work-related accident report in Texas, document the incident as soon as possible by writing down what happened, when and where it occurred, who was involved, the injuries suffered, and any witnesses or safety issues. Then, submit it to your employer so they can investigate and take corrective action. A … Read more
The Short Answer… If you get hurt at work in Texas, get medical care right away, report the injury to your employer in writing, document every detail, identify witnesses, and speak with a work injury lawyer who can help you seek compensation. At Braker White, our attorneys are dedicated to helping clients in Odessa and … Read more
The Short Answer… A drunk truck driver is a commercial truck operator who gets behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Commercial drivers face tougher rules, including a 0.04% BAC limit, mandatory drug and alcohol testing, and a ban on drinking within 4 hours of driving. When a trucker violates these … Read more
The Short Answer… If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, there are several ways to get the police report depending on who responded to the crash. The most common method is through the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) online Crash Report system, but you can also request it by mail, in person, … Read more
The Short Answer… There is no fixed average settlement amount for a spinal cord injury. Every spinal cord injury lawsuit is different, and the amount someone might receive depends on how serious the injury is, how much it affects their life, and who was at fault. Still, settlements can range from tens of thousands to … Read more
The Short Answer… Personal injury settlements are usually calculated by adding up economic damages (like medical bills and lost income) and non-economic damages (like pain and suffering). The general formula for calculating a personal injury settlement is: Economic Damages + Non-Economic Damages = Estimated Settlement Value But that’s just the beginning and many different factors … Read more