Workplace Injury Lawyers

Suffering a serious injury on the job can be devastating. Beyond the physical pain and emotional toll, many injured workers face financial uncertainty, especially when they are unable to return to work. While workers’ compensation is often the first avenue people think of for help, it may not be the only option—or the best one. If your injury resulted from your employer’s negligence, you may have grounds to pursue a lawsuit and seek full compensation beyond the limits of a workers’ comp claim.

At Nix Patterson, we represent individuals who have sustained severe, life-altering injuries due to unsafe work environments, inadequate training, or employer misconduct. We do not handle workers’ compensation claims. Instead, we pursue civil lawsuits that hold employers accountable for failing to provide a safe workplace.

When a Lawsuit Is an Option After a Workplace Injury

Workers’ compensation laws generally protect employers from being sued by their employees in exchange for providing limited benefits. However, there are important exceptions. If your injury was caused by gross negligence, willful misconduct, or a third party connected to your employer, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Lawsuits allow for the recovery of damages that go beyond what workers’ comp typically provides. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages when applicable. These cases are complex, and success often depends on demonstrating that your employer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.

Examples of Employer Negligence

Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment. When they fail in that duty, the consequences can be catastrophic. Common examples of negligence that may justify a lawsuit include:

• Failure to follow OSHA regulations or industry safety standards
• Lack of proper training or supervision
• Failure to provide adequate safety equipment
• Ignoring known hazards or previous incidents
• Forcing employees to work in dangerous conditions
• Inadequate maintenance of machinery or equipment
• Retaliation against employees who report unsafe conditions

Each of these examples can give rise to a legal claim when they result in serious injury or death. It is not enough that an accident occurred; your legal team must show that the accident was preventable and directly linked to employer negligence.

Serious Injuries That May Justify Legal Action

At Nix Patterson, we focus on representing workers who have suffered severe, often life-changing injuries. These injuries go well beyond the typical bumps and bruises of a minor accident. Common injuries we handle include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Severe burns or disfigurement
• Amputations
• Crush injuries
• Loss of vision or hearing
• Injuries leading to permanent disability

These types of injuries typically require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and significant time away from work. They can impact not just your livelihood, but your quality of life and future independence. Our team works with medical experts and life care planners to fully understand the scope of your losses.

How Workplace Injury Lawsuits Differ From Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong to receive benefits. However, these benefits are often limited to medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. They do not cover your pain and suffering, and they generally bar you from suing your employer.

A workplace injury lawsuit, on the other hand, requires proving negligence but offers a broader range of compensation. It holds employers to account in a way that workers’ comp does not. These cases are not handled through administrative processes but in civil court, where your story can be fully heard.

Proving Employer Negligence

Establishing employer negligence is a critical step in pursuing a workplace injury lawsuit. Unlike workers’ compensation claims, which operate on a no-fault basis, these cases require proof that your employer failed to uphold their legal responsibilities. A successful claim hinges on demonstrating four key elements:

Duty of Care

Employers are legally obligated to maintain a safe and hazard-free working environment. This duty includes adhering to federal and state safety regulations, such as those enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), providing proper training, and ensuring that all equipment is well-maintained and safe to use.

Employers must also implement clear safety protocols, offer protective gear when appropriate, and respond promptly to reports of potential dangers. If an employer neglects these responsibilities, their duty of care may be considered breached.

Breach of Duty

A breach occurs when an employer fails to meet the expected standard of care. This could involve ignoring safety complaints, failing to conduct regular inspections, or neglecting to train workers on proper procedures.

For example, if a construction company continues operations without fall protection measures or if a warehouse fails to repair malfunctioning equipment despite repeated warnings, those are clear breaches of duty. Establishing a breach often involves reviewing company policies, training logs, maintenance records, and incident histories.

Causation

It is not enough to show that a safety lapse occurred. Your legal team must link the breach of duty directly to your injury. This means showing that the employer’s negligence was the actual and proximate cause of the harm you suffered.

Accident reconstruction experts, workplace safety consultants, and medical professionals can play a key role in connecting the dots. Their analysis can show how the unsafe condition led directly to your injury, leaving little room for doubt.

Damages

Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered measurable harm. This includes physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost income, and long-term impacts on your quality of life. Documentation such as medical records, wage statements, and expert assessments are essential for proving the full extent of your damages.

At Nix Patterson, we use a thorough, evidence-based approach to establish all elements of employer negligence. Our team collaborates with a wide network of experts to build a persuasive case and fight for the compensation you are entitled to pursue.

Common Industries Where These Claims Arise

While a workplace injury can happen anywhere, certain industries pose higher risks due to the nature of the work. We frequently handle cases involving:

• Oil and gas field accidents
• Construction site injuries
• Manufacturing and industrial accidents
• Agricultural injuries
• Warehouse and logistics injuries
• Mining and heavy equipment accidents

In these environments, a lapse in safety protocols or failure to maintain equipment can lead to devastating consequences. We are experienced in the regulatory frameworks that govern these industries and know how to hold negligent employers accountable.

Third-Party Liability in Workplace Injuries

In some cases, someone other than your employer may be partly or fully responsible for your injury. This is known as third-party liability. For example, a defective piece of machinery, a negligent subcontractor, or a careless delivery driver may have played a role in your accident.

When a third party is involved, you may be able to bring a separate personal injury lawsuit against that entity. These claims are not subject to the same restrictions as workers’ compensation and can significantly increase the total compensation available to you.

Why Experience Matters

Workplace injury lawsuits are complex and often aggressively defended. Employers and insurance companies may deny wrongdoing or argue that your injuries are not as serious as claimed. You need a legal team with the experience, skill, and resources to fight back.

Nix Patterson has a long track record of handling high-stakes litigation and securing meaningful results for injured clients. We understand the challenges these cases present and take a strategic, evidence-based approach to every claim we pursue. Our firm covers all litigation expenses, including expert witness fees, so you can focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront costs.

What to Do If You Were Injured at Work

If you’ve suffered a serious injury at work and suspect that employer negligence was involved, it’s critical to take the right steps from the beginning. These actions can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your potential legal claim. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you should do after a workplace injury.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if your injuries appear minor at first, underlying trauma or internal injuries may not be immediately apparent. Go to the emergency room or see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Prompt medical care also creates an official record of your injuries, which can be crucial in any legal proceedings.

Make sure to follow all medical instructions, attend follow-up appointments, and keep copies of your medical records. These documents help establish the extent of your injuries and the care you received.

Document the Scene and Conditions

If you’re physically able, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, any unsafe conditions, and the equipment involved. Capture different angles, lighting, and perspectives. Documenting your injuries shortly after the incident can also provide strong visual evidence.

If coworkers witnessed the incident or have knowledge of ongoing safety issues, ask them to write down what they saw or know. Their statements may become valuable pieces of evidence if your case proceeds to litigation.

Report the Injury in Writing

Notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible. Verbal communication is not enough—submit a written report, even if your employer doesn’t request one. Be specific about what happened, when and where it occurred, and any contributing factors like faulty equipment or unsafe practices.

A written report creates a time-stamped record that can prevent disputes later on. Keep a copy for your own records.

Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Guidance

You may be asked to sign incident reports, waivers, or settlement offers shortly after your injury. These documents can limit your legal options or waive your right to sue. It’s essential that you do not sign anything until you’ve consulted with an experienced attorney.

Employers and insurance companies may try to minimize liability or offer quick payouts. These early offers rarely reflect the full value of your case, especially when long-term injuries are involved.

Speak With an Experienced Attorney

Legal representation is critical if you intend to pursue a lawsuit beyond workers’ compensation. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate the details of your case, identify potential claims against your employer or third parties, and develop a strategy to pursue full compensation.

At Nix Patterson, we understand the difference between a standard workers’ comp case and a lawsuit for employer negligence. We only take on cases involving serious, preventable injuries caused by unsafe working conditions or misconduct. Contacting us early can improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights

Even if you have already filed for workers’ compensation, you may still be eligible to sue. Time is of the essence. Legal claims are subject to statutes of limitations, which vary by state and type of claim. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking recovery through the courts.

Gather your records, preserve any evidence, and speak with a legal professional as soon as possible. Taking these proactive steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

A Reputation Built on Results

Our attorneys have decades of combined experience in complex litigation and have secured significant verdicts and settlements for individuals harmed by negligence. We are not afraid to take on powerful employers or major corporations. When you hire Nix Patterson, you gain a team committed to seeking justice on your behalf.

We invite you to explore our past results and learn more about our experience in workplace injury litigation. Every case is unique, but our commitment to our clients remains constant.

Contact Nix Patterson to Discuss Your Case

If you suffered a serious injury at work and believe your employer may be responsible, reach out to Nix Patterson to learn about your legal options. We do not handle workers’ compensation claims, but we can help if you have grounds for a lawsuit based on employer negligence.

Contact Nix Patterson today for a free, confidential consultation. Call us at 512-328-5333 or reach out to us online to discuss your case and learn how we can help.