High Worker Fatality Rates in Texas

Texas has recently come under fire because of its lax regulations when it comes to worker safety. In fact, recent figures show that the Lone Star State has had more on the job fatalities per year than any other state. Additionally, Texas workers have weak protections and some of the hardest-to-obtain benefits.

In 2007, the state experienced a rash of injuries and deaths in the building and construction industry thanks to the construction boom going on at that time. The boom and bust fashion of the Texan economy has resulted in investors rushing to make a quick buck while they can, all the while throwing caution to the wind when it comes to worker safety, training, and ensuring that sites are safe to work on. Statistics about common personal injuries in this sector highlight the severity of the issue, with falls, electrical hazards, and equipment-related accidents being among the leading causes of workplace incidents.

In 2012, Michael Glenn ‘Tuby’ Tramell was killed when his employer asked him to repair a blown out fuse on a pump jack in during a rainy night. Despite the fact that it was counterintuitive to ask his workers to carry out such a risky operation when it was clearly not safe to do so, Mr. Tramell’s employer sent him and other two individuals to carry out the repair, leading to his death.

Road construction deaths are far too common when you look at the numbers. This is in part due to the state’s extensive highway system, but the growth of the drilling and construction industries contribute to these numbers as well. Some stakeholders and researchers claim that Texas’s case is special because it illustrates a saw tooth pattern, with no real trends to detect.

More than 500,000 Texas workers have no workers’ compensation coverage given the fact that this is the only state which doesn’t require employers to carry such insurance. Without carrying this insurance, these employers are opening themselves up to work injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits.

You need to fully understand your rights in a work accident situation. Protect yourself by contacting an experience personal injury attorney. Call Rasansky Law Firm today and discuss your case with us for free. We’re available 24/7 at 1-877-659-1620. We look forward to helping you take the next step.