This week, the Texas Observer published a story confirming what many of us in the legal industry knew to be true from observation: Texas workers are dying on the job much more often than they should. Every year since 2009, Texas has had more worksite deaths than any other state, and Texas has had the highest per-capita worker death rate in the nation. To add context, in 2017, the death toll in Texas exceeded the number of murders in Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth and Austin combined. California reported 30 percent fewer worker deaths despite having nearly a third more residents.

Not requiring rest breaks in the sweltering heat, not having mandatory workers’ compensation insurance, the lack of a state occupational safety inspection agency and having the fourth lowest union representation in the nation has created a perfect storm. Falls from roofs, deaths in trenches and asphyxiations are all things we know how to prevent, but the Texas state government remains unmoved. Preventable deaths and serious injuries are the real cost of Texas’ lack of safety systems to protect workers.

At the McCraw Law Group, we can help when a worker has been killed on the job. When a death occurs, we can help file a lawsuit for exemplary damages for an employer’s gross negligence, even if workers compensation is available. Of course, if the employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, there is often a viable case against the employer directly for their negligence in causing the death, as well.

Because Texas does not have the political will to require a safer system, the only way to make Texas a safer place for workers is by pursuing these cases when they occur. If your loved one has been killed on the job, we may be able to help. When you are ready, reach out to schedule a consultation and learn about your legal options.