Houston Workplace Injuries Attorney
Last updated on October 7, 2026
Injuries in the workplace are some of the most out-of-the-blue injuries a person may experience. My name is Rafael Quesada, and I’m a personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyer in Houston. At RQ Law Group, I help my clients pursue the compensation they deserve for on-the-job injuries by using Texas law and my years of experience.
Work Injuries Can Go Through Multiple Paths
Most work-related injuries are handled through a workers’ compensation claim. This is primarily an administrative process that will go to the Texas Workers’ Compensation Board if there are any disputes or denials. Unfortunately, there are frequent workers’ compensation denials, especially when the injury is serious, such as construction injuries, back injuries or head injuries like a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
A workers’ compensation claim offers 100% coverage for all injuries, rehab and even wage replacement for time missed at work. If you have a work injury, it’s definitely worth pursuing, and I’ll help you at every step. But workers’ compensation is only the first path, and for some injuries, it isn’t the right path at all, especially when the work injury is caused by someone who isn’t affiliated with your work.
Third-Party Injuries Are Work Injuries With A Twist
A third-party injury is a work injury, but it is caused by forces external to the job. It’s not as simple as a cumulative back injury or a trip-and-fall while carrying something at work. A third-party injury could be:
- A car crash while you were on a work-related trip
- A visitor to your workplace, such as a customer or a delivery driver, injuring you
- A facilities issue at your workplace causing toxic exposure, provided your employer does not also own the building
Third-party injuries are not pursued through the typical workers’ compensation methods but rather through the “normal” personal injury process. The same statutes of limitations and adversarial litigation methods apply.
As your attorney in a third-party liability case, I’ll help you build a winning strategy and pursue your compensation in the way that best reflects the pain you suffered.
Long-Term Work Injuries
When an injury, whether work-related or caused by a third party, is serious enough, it can have long-lasting effects. If your recovery stretches on for long enough, you may have to consider pursuing some disability compensation to help pay your bills and cover your treatment. Texas does not mandate any short-term disability for injuries that disable a person for less than 12 months.
However, if you do have a disability that keeps you from working or doing any work-related activity for more than 12 months, you may be able to pursue long-term disability through the Social Security Administration. I can help you craft your application and pursue these benefits if that is the way your case goes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sustaining an injury or illness from a work-related accident can be stressful, especially when you are also trying to figure out what your legal options are. In Texas, your path forward will depend on the type of employer you work for, the facts of the injury and whether workers’ comp is available.
Can I sue my Texas employer for a work injury?
Yes, you may sue your employer for a work injury, but it depends on whether the employer subscribes to Texas workers’ compensation. If your employer carries workers’ comp insurance, this system can help you file a claim with no need to prove who caused the accident.
If your employer does not have any coverage, you may seek recovery for your damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Additionally, if someone other than your employer, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, caused the injury, you may pursue a separate third-party claim.
What should I do if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?
You should act quickly and file an appeal through the Texas workers’ compensation process. A denial can happen for many reasons, including missed deadlines, disputes over whether the injury was work-related or problems with medical evidence. You should gather any accident reports, witness names, medical records and make sure you continue getting treatment if you need it.
In Texas, the Division of Workers’ Compensation handles disputes and follows formal steps like benefit review conferences and contested case hearings. Because deadlines can be short and the rules are technical, it is beneficial to seek legal help as soon as possible.
How long do I have to file a work injury claim in Texas?
In Texas, you must notify your employer of a work injury within 30 days of the accident or when you first realize the injury is work-related. For a workers’ compensation claim, you must file your claim within one year of the injury date.
If you are thinking about a lawsuit instead of a workers’ comp claim, the deadline can be different. For most personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is two years but the exact deadline may change based on the facts.
You Have The Right To Pursue Compensation After An Injury
Workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability are rights. Pursuing compensation for an injury caused by a third party is a right. You deserve to get the protection and advocacy that will help you get back on your feet.
I will help you do that. My career has been dedicated to helping good people just like you get the care and attention they deserve after an injury. Call my office in Houston at 832-390-4537 today to learn more about how I can help you. Or you can reach out to me by sending an email.