Why Construction Accidents in Houston Require Experienced Legal Representation
Houston is booming with construction. From massive infrastructure projects to high-rise developments downtown and industrial builds along the Ship Channel, this city's growth doesn’t pause. But behind every crane, scaffold, and steel beam, there are workers exposed to serious risks. When something goes wrong on a construction site, the consequences can be life-altering or even fatal.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a construction accident in the Houston area, the steps you take next could impact your entire future. One of the most critical decisions you can make is hiring an experienced injury lawyer who understands the complexities of construction-related cases. Here’s why that decision matters more than you might think.
The High Risk of Construction Work in Texas
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in Texas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas consistently ranks at or near the top in the number of workplace fatalities, and a significant portion of those occur on construction sites.
In 2022 alone, Texas recorded over 141 fatal occupational injuries in construction, including falls, equipment-related deaths, and structural collapses. Thousands more workers suffered serious injuries such as burns, spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries, and crush injuries.
Houston, in particular, is a hub for construction activity. With a dense population, heavy traffic, and ongoing urban development, accidents can happen anywhere—from downtown high-rises to suburban road expansion zones.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Houston
Construction sites are high-risk environments where safety must be a top priority. Unfortunately, negligence, corner-cutting, or miscommunication often contribute to serious accidents. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Falls from Heights
Unsecured scaffolding, broken ladders, and lack of fall protection are major contributors to falls—one of the leading causes of death on construction sites.
2. Electrocution
Houston’s humid climate and constant building activity create a perfect storm for electrocution risks—often due to exposed wires or faulty electrical systems.
3. Struck-by Object Incidents
Falling tools, heavy machinery, and collapsing materials can cause devastating injuries to workers below.
4. Caught-In/Between Accidents
These include workers being crushed between equipment, buried by a trench collapse, or pinned by machinery.
5. Equipment Failures
Forklifts, cranes, bulldozers, and other machinery malfunctioning due to poor maintenance or operator error can be deadly.
6. Unsafe Work Practices
Improper training, inadequate supervision, and lack of enforcement of OSHA regulations often contribute to site hazards.
Construction Accident Claims Are Not Like Other Injury Cases
Construction injury claims are uniquely complex. You aren’t just dealing with one negligent party—you may be up against multiple liable entities: general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and even third-party vendors.
Unlike straightforward car accidents or slip-and-falls, construction cases often involve:
Workers’ compensation claims
Third-party liability lawsuits
Product liability issues
Violations of OSHA safety standards
Employment and contract law considerations
“You need someone who knows how to investigate every angle of a construction site accident and hold the right parties accountable.”
Why You Need a Lawyer with Construction Injury Experience
1. Identifying All Responsible Parties
In a typical construction injury, multiple companies are working on the same site. A less experienced lawyer might file a basic workers’ comp claim and stop there. But a seasoned injury attorney knows how to dig deeper.
Was a subcontractor responsible for faulty scaffolding? Did a third-party vendor fail to maintain machinery? Did the general contractor ignore safety violations? Each of these entities may be legally and financially liable for your injuries.
2. Navigating the Workers’ Compensation System
Not every employer in Texas is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit instead.
Even if workers’ comp is available, it may not cover your full damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of future earning capacity. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue additional compensation beyond basic benefits.
3. Preserving Critical Evidence
Construction sites change rapidly. Debris is cleared, machinery is moved, and witnesses scatter. If evidence isn’t preserved quickly, your case could fall apart. A knowledgeable attorney knows how to:
Issue legal holds
Send experts to investigate the scene
Obtain OSHA reports
Secure surveillance footage
Interview key witnesses before memories fade
Without this early legal action, it may be difficult to prove negligence.
4. Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim
Construction injuries often result in long-term or permanent disabilities, requiring surgeries, rehabilitation, home modifications, and lost income.
“You can’t rely on insurance adjusters to tell you what your case is worth. You deserve an advocate who will fight for the full picture of your losses.”
An experienced lawyer knows how to work with medical professionals, life care planners, and economists to build a complete picture of your damages—so you don’t get shortchanged.
Legal Time Limits in Texas Construction Accident Cases
In Texas, most personal injury claims—including construction injuries—must be filed within two years of the accident. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, can be a ticking clock.
However, the timeline can vary depending on your specific case. For example, if a government entity is involved (such as a city road project), you may have to file a notice within weeks, not years.
Working with a seasoned Houston injury lawyer ensures you meet all critical deadlines and preserve your right to pursue compensation.
Real Consequences for Injured Construction Workers
Construction accidents can be devastating not just physically, but financially and emotionally. Injuries like spinal trauma, amputations, or traumatic brain injuries can result in:
Permanent loss of income
Chronic pain or reduced mobility
Expensive, ongoing medical care
Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Loss of future opportunities
Strain on family members who become caregivers
You shouldn’t have to face this battle alone or settle for less than you deserve.
What an Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer Does for You
When you hire a lawyer like Amy Dunn, you’re not just getting someone who files paperwork. You’re getting a dedicated advocate who will:
Investigate the root cause of your injury
Identify all liable parties
Navigate Texas workers’ comp or nonsubscriber rules
Consult with safety and medical experts
Calculate long-term damages
Negotiate aggressively with insurers
Take your case to trial if necessary
“When construction workers are hurt, they need more than sympathy—they need a legal strategy that works.”
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured on a Houston Construction Site
If you or your loved one was hurt in a construction accident, take these critical steps:
Get immediate medical attention – Even if you feel okay, injuries can take time to appear.
Report the accident to your employer or site supervisor as soon as possible.
Document everything – Take photos of the scene, get witness contact info, and keep track of medical visits and expenses.
Do not speak to insurance adjusters without legal advice.
Contact an experienced injury lawyer who handles construction accident cases in Houston.
Why Choose Amy Dunn as Your Houston Construction Accident Lawyer?
Attorney Amy Dunn is known throughout Texas for handling complex, high-stakes injury cases—including those arising from construction, industrial, and petrochemical work. She brings:
Over a decade of experience in personal injury law
Deep understanding of Houston’s construction industry
A track record of holding powerful companies accountable
Compassionate, one-on-one service to every client
When your livelihood, health, and future are on the line, experience matters. Trust a lawyer who understands what’s at stake and knows how to fight for what you deserve.
Ready to Talk? Get the Legal Help You Deserve
Don’t let a construction injury ruin your life without putting up a fight. If you’re recovering from an accident, or if you’re helping a family member who’s been hurt, now is the time to reach out.
Amy Dunn will listen to your story, explain your options, and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, losses, and future needs.
Let’s Talk About What Happened—and What You Can Do Next
Schedule your free consultation today. You don’t pay anything unless we win.