Steps to Take Immediately After a Workplace Injury in the Houston Area
When you’re injured at work, everything can change in an instant. One minute you’re on the job, doing what you’ve done a thousand times, and the next you’re in pain, unsure of what comes next. Workplace injuries can be serious, even catastrophic, and if you’ve been hurt on the job in Houston or anywhere across Texas, the steps you take immediately after the incident can significantly impact your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
At the law office of Amy Dunn, we understand how overwhelming it can be. As a Houston-based injury lawyer who has helped clients all over Texas, Amy is committed to guiding injured workers through every step of their recovery—physically, emotionally, and legally.
“You don’t need to navigate this alone. My job is to fight for the injured, and to help make sure the system works for you—not against you.”
Here are the crucial steps to take immediately after a workplace injury in the Houston area to protect your health, your job, and your rights.
Step 1 – Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health comes first. No matter how minor you think your injury might be, seek medical treatment right away. Some injuries, such as internal trauma or traumatic brain injuries, might not present symptoms immediately but can become life-threatening if left untreated.
Call 911 or go to the ER if it’s an emergency. Otherwise, notify your supervisor and ask to be seen by an approved medical provider, especially if your employer is part of a Texas workers’ compensation insurance network.
What if my employer refuses to send me to a doctor?
If your employer hesitates or refuses, document everything. Then seek medical care on your own and inform the medical provider that it was a work-related injury. In Texas, not all employers carry workers’ comp, but you still have the right to medical care and potential legal action if negligence was involved.
Step 2 – Report the Injury to Your Employer
As soon as possible, inform your supervisor or manager about the injury in writing. In Texas, you have 30 days from the date of the injury (or the date you knew your injury was work-related) to report it.
Include these details in your report:
The date and time of the incident
The location where it occurred
A description of what happened
Any witnesses to the injury
“Don’t assume your employer knows what happened or that verbal reports are enough. Written documentation protects your claim.”
Make sure to keep a copy of the report or email for your records.
Step 3 – Document Everything
Start building a record of everything connected to your injury. This can become vital if there’s ever a dispute about what happened or how severely you were hurt.
Your documentation should include:
Photos of the injury and the accident scene
Names and contact info of any witnesses
Copies of any incident reports or emails
Medical records and bills
Prescriptions and treatment plans
Time missed from work
In the Houston area, many jobs—especially in petrochemical plants, construction sites, warehouses, and industrial facilities—require safety gear and follow OSHA regulations. If safety violations contributed to your injury, documentation will be critical to your legal case.
Step 4 – Understand Texas Workers’ Compensation (and Its Limitations)
Texas is the only state that does not require private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This means you could be employed by a “non-subscriber,” which has serious implications for your recovery options.
What happens if my employer does offer workers’ comp?
You may be entitled to:
Medical benefits
Income replacement (Temporary Income Benefits)
Impairment Income Benefits
Supplemental or Lifetime Income Benefits (in certain cases)
However, workers’ comp typically does not cover pain and suffering, and you usually cannot sue your employer if you accept benefits.
What if my employer is a non-subscriber?
If your employer does not carry workers’ comp, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. In these cases, you can pursue damages for:
Medical expenses
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Long-term disability or disfigurement
“We hold employers accountable when they fail to protect their workers. If a company cuts corners on safety and you get hurt, they should be held responsible.”
Step 5 – Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case
Injured workers are often pressured to return to work too soon, downplay their injuries, or give recorded statements to insurance companies. These missteps can affect your ability to recover full compensation.
Here's what to avoid:
Delaying medical care – waiting can make it look like your injury isn’t serious.
Giving a recorded statement – insurance adjusters are not on your side.
Posting on social media – insurers will monitor your posts to discredit your claim.
Signing documents without legal review – some forms may waive your rights.
Step 6 – Speak to a Texas Workplace Injury Lawyer
Whether your employer is a subscriber or a non-subscriber, consulting a skilled injury attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make. An experienced lawyer can:
Investigate the cause of your injury
Identify liable third parties (contractors, manufacturers, etc.)
Explain whether you can sue your employer
Handle communication with insurance adjusters
Help you pursue maximum compensation under Texas law
Amy Dunn has a track record of fighting for injured workers across Houston, Pasadena, Galveston, Baytown, The Woodlands, and beyond. Whether your injury happened on a construction site in Katy, at a refinery in Texas City, or in a warehouse in Pearland, she’s ready to help you protect your rights and move forward.
Common Workplace Injury Scenarios in Houston
Houston’s booming industries mean more jobs—and unfortunately, more opportunities for serious injuries. Here are some of the most common injury types Amy Dunn sees in her practice:
Common workplace injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Back and spine injuries
Burns and chemical exposure
Broken bones and crush injuries
Repetitive stress and lifting injuries
Falls from heights or scaffolding
Equipment or machinery accidents
If your injury was caused by faulty equipment, a reckless coworker, a third-party contractor, or unsafe working conditions, legal accountability may go beyond your employer.
What If a Loved One Died in a Workplace Accident?
If your spouse or family member suffered a fatal workplace injury, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit or seek survivor benefits under Texas law. These cases are emotionally and legally complex.
Amy Dunn brings compassionate, clear legal guidance to families who are grieving and looking for answers.
“No one should lose their life simply for going to work. When families are left behind, they deserve the truth and the justice they’re owed.”
Take the Next Step — Get the Help You Deserve
The aftermath of a workplace injury can leave you with more questions than answers. Medical bills are piling up. You're unsure if you can return to work. And you may be hearing conflicting advice from your employer, coworkers, or the insurance company.
This is where strong legal guidance can make all the difference.
Don’t wait and hope things sort themselves out. Get an advocate in your corner who knows the law, understands the system, and is ready to fight for you.
If you’ve been injured at work in Houston or anywhere across Texas, it’s time to act. Reach out to Attorney Amy Dunn today for a free, confidential consultation. She’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you chart a path forward—on your terms.