Workplace & On-Site Injuries in Corpus Christi: When Your Job Causes Serious Harm

Corpus Christi is a city built on industry. From the refineries along the Inner Harbor to the petrochemical plants on the Southside, from the Port of Corpus Christi to the shipyards and construction sites across the Coastal Bend, our community depends on the hard work of men and women who labor in some of the most dangerous occupations in the country. When workplace injuries occur, the consequences can be devastating—crush injuries, amputations, burns, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even death. In Corpus Christi and throughout the Coastal Belt, workplace injury cases require attorneys who understand the complex interplay between workers’ compensation, third-party liability, and the specific regulations that govern workplace safety.

At Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we represent individuals and families throughout Corpus Christi and the Coastal Belt who have been injured on the job. Whether you work at a refinery, chemical plant, construction site, shipyard, or any other industrial setting, we provide the knowledgeable, aggressive representation you need to seek justice and recover the full compensation you deserve. With extensive experience in workplace injury litigation, we guide our clients through every stage of the complex claims process.

Understanding Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries can occur in any industry, but certain occupations carry significantly higher risks. In Corpus Christi, the industrial and maritime sectors present unique hazards that workers face every day.

Common Types of Workplace Injuries

Crush Injuries

• Caused by heavy machinery, falling objects, or equipment

• Can result in amputations, fractures, and internal injuries

Amputations

• Loss of fingers, hands, arms, toes, feet, or legs

• Often caused by machinery without proper guards

Burn Injuries

• Thermal burns from fires and explosions

• Chemical burns from hazardous materials

• Electrical burns from contact with power lines or equipment

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• Falls from heights

• Struck by falling objects

• Vehicle accidents

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Falls from ladders or scaffolding

• Heavy equipment accidents

• Crush injuries

Repetitive Stress Injuries

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Tendonitis

• Back injuries

Respiratory Injuries

• Inhalation of toxic chemicals

• Silica dust exposure

• Asbestos exposure

Hearing Loss

• Exposure to loud machinery without proper protection

High-Risk Industries in Corpus Christi

Refineries and Petrochemical Plants
Corpus Christi is home to numerous refineries and petrochemical facilities. Workers face risks from:

• Explosions and fires

• Chemical exposure

• Heavy machinery

• Confined spaces

• Falls from heights

Port of Corpus Christi
As one of the largest ports in the nation, the Port of Corpus Christi employs thousands of workers. Risks include:

• Cargo handling accidents

• Shipyard accidents

• Heavy equipment accidents

• Maritime injuries

Construction
Construction sites throughout Corpus Christi pose significant risks:

• Falls from heights

• Struck by objects

• Electrocution

• Caught-in/between accidents

Shipyards and Maritime
Shipyard workers face unique hazards:

• Welding and cutting accidents

• Exposure to asbestos and other toxins

• Heavy equipment accidents

• Falls

Healthcare
Healthcare workers face risks from:

• Patient lifting injuries

• Needlestick injuries

• Workplace violence

• Exposure to infectious diseases

Oil and Gas
Offshore and onshore oil and gas operations pose serious risks:

• Explosions and fires

• Equipment failures

• Transportation accidents

• Confined space hazards

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims

When you are injured on the job, you may have multiple avenues for recovery:

Workers’ Compensation

Most Texas employers carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation provides:

• Medical benefits

• Disability benefits (temporary and permanent)

• Death benefits for surviving family members

However, workers’ compensation does not compensate for pain and suffering, and benefits are often limited.

Key Points about Workers’ Compensation:

• No-fault system (you do not need to prove employer negligence)

• Exclusive remedy against your employer (you generally cannot sue your employer)

• Benefits are limited and may not cover full losses

Third-Party Claims

Even if workers’ compensation covers your medical bills and lost wages, you may have a claim against third parties whose negligence contributed to your injury. Third parties may include:

• Equipment manufacturers (defective machinery)

• Property owners

• Contractors and subcontractors

• Other drivers (in work-related vehicle accidents)

• Chemical manufacturers

Third-party claims allow you to recover damages not available through workers’ compensation, including:

• Pain and suffering

• Full lost wages

• Future lost earning capacity

• Loss of enjoyment of life

Jones Act and Maritime Claims

Workers in maritime industries have special protections under federal law:

• Jones Act: Covers seamen injured aboard vessels

• Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): Covers dockworkers, shipyard workers, and harbor workers

• Maintenance and cure: Benefits available to injured seamen regardless of fault

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

Unsafe Equipment

• Lack of machine guards

• Defective tools and equipment

• Improper maintenance

• Failure to provide safety devices

Inadequate Training

• Failure to train workers on hazards

• Lack of safety training

• Insufficient supervision

Hazardous Conditions

• Slippery floors

• Unstable work surfaces

• Poor lighting

• Confined spaces

Chemical Exposures

• Failure to provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

• Lack of proper ventilation

• Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Falls

• Unprotected edges

• Improper scaffolding

• Lack of fall protection

Vehicle Accidents

• Forklift accidents

• Company vehicle crashes

• Delivery truck accidents

Proving a Workplace Injury Case

Step 1: Report the Injury

Report the injury to your supervisor immediately. Complete an incident report. Keep a copy.

Step 2: Seek Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention. Follow all treatment recommendations.

Step 3: Preserve Evidence

• Photograph the scene

• Photograph injuries

• Obtain witness information

• Preserve equipment or product

• Keep all medical records

Step 4: Workers’ Compensation Claim

File a workers’ compensation claim promptly. Your employer should provide the necessary forms.

Step 5: Consult an Attorney

An experienced workplace injury attorney can evaluate your case and advise you on your rights, including potential third-party claims.

Step 6: Investigation

Your attorney conducts a thorough investigation, including:

• Obtaining medical records

• Reviewing safety records

• Consulting with experts

• Identifying third-party defendants

Step 7: Third-Party Claims

Your attorney pursues claims against any third parties whose negligence contributed to your injury.

Step 8: Demand and Negotiation

Your attorney sends a demand letter and negotiates with the responsible parties and their insurers.

Step 9: Litigation

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney files a lawsuit and pursues your claim in court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Injuries

What should I do if I am injured at work?

Report the injury to your supervisor immediately. Seek medical care. Complete an incident report. Consult an attorney.

Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury?

In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against your employer. However, you may have claims against third parties.

What is a third-party claim?

A third-party claim is a lawsuit against someone other than your employer whose negligence contributed to your injury, such as a equipment manufacturer or property owner.

How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?

You should report the injury immediately. There are deadlines for filing claims, and delays can jeopardize your benefits.

What damages can I recover in a third-party claim?

You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in cases of death, funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

What is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a federal law that allows seamen to sue their employers for on-the-job injuries caused by negligence.

What is maintenance and cure?

Maintenance and cure are benefits available to injured seamen under general maritime law, covering living expenses and medical care.

How long does a workplace injury case take?

The timeline varies. Workers’ compensation claims may resolve quickly, while third-party claims can take months or years.

Do I need an attorney for a workplace injury?

Yes. Workplace injury cases involve complex issues of workers’ compensation, third-party liability, and often federal maritime law. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process and maximize your recovery.

How much does it cost to hire a workplace injury attorney?

Most workplace injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and the attorney is paid a percentage of any recovery.

Why Barton & Associates Is the Right Choice for Your Workplace Injury Case

Workplace injury cases require attorneys who understand the complex interplay between workers’ compensation, third-party liability, and the specific regulations that govern workplace safety. At Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we have extensive experience representing workers injured in Corpus Christi and throughout the Coastal Belt.

Our attorneys understand the unique hazards of the industries that power our local economy—refineries, petrochemical plants, the Port of Corpus Christi, construction sites, and maritime operations. We work closely with our clients to investigate the facts, gather evidence, and build a compelling case for full compensation.

We also understand that workplace injury cases require significant resources. Our firm has the resources to retain top experts, conduct thorough investigations, and take cases to trial when necessary.

Seek Justice for Workplace Injuries Today

If you have been injured on the job in Corpus Christi, you have the right to seek justice. Do not wait. Evidence can be lost, and deadlines are strict.

Contact the experienced workplace injury attorneys at Barton & Associates today. Call us directly at 361-800-6780 to speak with a member of our team. You may also complete the Free Consultation form on our website, and we will reach out to you promptly. Please note that all on-site consultations at our Corpus Christi office are by appointment only, ensuring that we can give your case the focused attention it requires.

Reach out today—let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Main Category: Personal Injury Corpus Christi
Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law
5110 Wilkinson Dr Suite 210, Corpus Christi, TX 78415
Office: 361-800-6780