Abilene Construction Accident Attorney

Construction keeps Abilene moving. New neighborhoods crop up south of Loop 322, utilities get updated near Buffalo Gap Road, and commercial development near the malls and universities seems nonstop. But behind all that progress are real people doing dangerous jobs, and when something goes wrong, it goes wrong fast.

If you’ve been hurt on an Abilene construction site, you deserve someone who understands both the local industry and the legal system.

Our Abilene construction accident lawyer at Barrera Law Group LLC can step in, look through the chaos, and help you fight for the compensation you need to rebuild.

Workers’ Compensation in Texas Construction Accidents

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry recorded 2.3 nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses per 100 full-time equivalent workers. Accidents happen on the job.

And when they do, you expect to get workers’ compensation, but the Lone Star State works differently from others.

In Texas, workers’ compensation is optional for most private employers, including many construction companies. That means not every injured worker automatically has access to benefits. It can be confusing to know what you’re entitled to after an accident.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Coverage basics: Workers’ comp pays for medical care and a portion of lost wages. However, it does not cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, or other non-economic damages.
• Non-subscriber employers: Some construction companies choose not to participate in workers’ comp. If you are injured while working for a non-subscriber, you may need to pursue a personal injury claim against the employer or other responsible parties.
• Temp and day labor complications: Temporary workers, subcontractors, and day labor crews often face gray areas. Sometimes, a staffing agency carries coverage; sometimes it does not. Injuries may also involve third-party liability, such as equipment suppliers, property owners, or subcontractors.
• Third-party claims: Even if workers’ comp applies, you may be entitled to additional compensation if another party contributed to the accident.

Even if your employer does have workers’ comp, it may not cover all of your expenses. With the right legal help, you can make sure your case reflects the full scope of your physical, emotional, and financial injuries.

Why Construction Injury Cases Get Complicated

On paper, a construction accident looks simple: someone got hurt, someone caused it, and someone should pay. But once you peel back the layers of a real job site, you realize these cases are not as straightforward as they seem.

Construction sites operate as a full-on ecosystem. Every day brings a mix of trades, vendors, supervisors, and outside parties wandering through the site. Many of these projects here involve:

• Out-of-town contractors who come in with their own crews, safety practices, and management styles.
• Local subcontractors are hustling to meet deadlines set by companies that may not understand the pace or conditions of West Texas projects.
• Equipment rentals from third-party suppliers could malfunction due to defects, poor maintenance, or misuse.
• Property owners who live hours away and are not on-site to monitor hazards, upkeep, or compliance.
• Oilfield-adjacent contractors are drifting between industries and bringing rushed, high-pressure work habits onto construction sites that are not built for that pace.

When you mix those ingredients together, you have a recipe for confusion. One unsafe ladder could technically involve three companies. A trench collapse could trace back to a subcontractor’s shortcut and a general contractor’s lack of supervision. A wiring accident might stem from old building conditions, poor labeling, or a rushed schedule.

And that’s before you factor in OSHA rules, state regulations, or insurance carriers pointing fingers at each other.

When an injury happens, it is rarely as simple as saying, “This company caused it.” Often, it is a chain reaction of small failures that stack up until something finally gives. Sorting out who did what, who knew what, and who should have done something differently takes patience, strategy, and an in-depth investigation.

Our Abilene construction accident lawyer untangles the mess, identifies all liable parties, and ensures no one slips out without taking responsibility.

In a world where companies rush to deny fault or blame someone else, your lawyer is the one who makes sure the truth does not get buried under paperwork and excuses.

Workers’ Comp Isn’t the Whole Story

Texas is a unique landscape when it comes to on-the-job injuries. Workers’ compensation is just one option. It covers medical care and a portion of lost wages.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t include the other damages that a construction injury can cause. Pain, long-term limitations, emotional strain, and loss of earning potential are not covered.

In these instances, you might be able to file a third-party claim under the right circumstances.

A third-party claim is a completely separate personal injury case against someone other than your employer who played a role in the accident. And on a bustling Abilene job site, that list of other people can get long.

You may have a strong third-party case if:

• A subcontractor caused the accident: If an HVAC crew left an opening uncovered or a framing team ignored safety protocol, and they caused your injuries, they can be held liable.
• A machine or tool malfunctioned: If equipment rented from a supplier or manufactured by a major company failed, that could constitute third-party liability.
• A property owner neglected a known hazard: Outdated wiring, unstable flooring, or hidden structural issues can trigger a separate claim against the property owner.
• A delivery driver or outside vendor created danger on-site: This can include unsecured loads, forklifts operated by non-employees, or supply drop-offs that block safe walkways.

Why does this matter? Third-party cases can dramatically expand what you’re able to recover. Unlike workers’ comp, these claims can include:

• Full lost wages
• Future earning losses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental and emotional distress
• Long-term medical costs and rehabilitation

For some injured workers, the third-party claim is the difference between staying barely financially afloat and rebuilding.

However, workers do not even realize they have one of these claims because no one on the job site is willing to explain it to them.

We will look at every angle, every company involved, every piece of equipment, and every person who set foot on that site. If there’s a viable third-party claim, we will find it.

Temporary Workers and Day Labor Crews Face Risks in Abilene

A lot of construction work in Abilene runs on the backs of temporary workers. These workers get called in for a roof tear-off, a concrete pour, a framing job, or a quick commercial remodel. Some come through staffing agencies, subcontractors bring others in, and some are picked up for day labor on short-notice projects.

Unfortunately, these workers are the least protected on the job. Many temp and day labor crews in Abilene deal with:

• Little to no formal training: Sometimes, they’re handed a tool and pointed toward a task they have never done before.
• Minimal safety oversight: General contractors assume the subcontractor is handling safety, while subcontractors assume the opposite.
• No guaranteed protective equipment: Hard hats, gloves, and fall harnesses should be provided, but that doesn’t always happen.
• Confusion over who their actual employer is: In Texas, this matters because workers’ comp coverage changes depending on who’s responsible.
• Language barriers: Many temporary workers are Spanish-speaking, and critical instructions or warnings aren’t always translated.
• Pressure to work fast: When projects around Abilene fall behind schedule, temp crews are the first ones pushed to “hurry it up.”

All of these factors create a perfect storm for injuries. When something goes wrong, workers are often left wondering who’s responsible and whether they even have any rights.

In Texas, even if a temp agency supplies the worker, the job site still has strict safety obligations. Third-party claims can happen if:

• The subcontractor failed to train properly
• The general contractor ignored safety protocols
• The property owner allowed dangerous conditions
• The equipment supplier provided faulty machines

Temp workers don’t have to settle for being overlooked or under-protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still have a case if I was partly at fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, which means you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. An experienced construction accident lawyer can help gather evidence and witness testimony to minimize your share of responsibility.

What if my employer doesn’t carry workers’ compensation?

Many construction employers in Texas opt out of the workers’ comp system. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may be able to file a personal injury claim directly against them, which often allows you to recover full damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs.

Can undocumented workers file a claim?

Yes, your immigration status does not prevent you from seeking compensation. Texas law protects all workers from unsafe working conditions and allows injured parties to file claims against negligent employers or third parties.

How long do I have to act?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a construction accident claim is typically two years from the date of the injury.

When You’re Ready, a Abilene Construction Accident Lawyer Is Here

A construction accident in Abilene can throw everything off balance. But help is on the way. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we are here to assist with these types of claims.

Our dedicated Abilene construction accident lawyer can step in, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve, whether through workers’ comp or a third-party personal injury claim.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options.