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San Antonio Work Injury Lawyer
Work Injury Accidents
Reviewed by Marco Crawford, Trial Attorney · Updated September 2026
You work hard to provide for your family. When an injury on the job takes away your ability to work, it can put your paycheck, your health and your family's stability at risk all at once.
Texas is different from every other state: private employers can choose not to carry workers' compensation insurance. That changes what options an injured worker has. Marco Crawford is a San Antonio work injury lawyer who helps construction workers, welders, linemen, warehouse workers, oilfield hands, drivers and other working people understand their options and fight for full recovery.
- Free consultation
- No fee unless we win
- Hablamos español
Tell Us What Happened. We'll Take It From Here.
- 1You tell us your storyA few details is all we need to get started.
- 2Our team reviews itFree and confidential, with no pressure and no obligation.
- 3We call you backUsually within the hour, in English or Spanish.
Prefer to talk now? Call 210.756.5400
Workplace Injuries We Handle
Marco represents workers hurt in a wide range of job site and on-the-job accidents across San Antonio and South Texas.
Construction accidents
Falls from roofs, ladders and scaffolding, struck-by and caught-between accidents.
Oilfield injuries
Rig accidents, explosions, burns and equipment injuries in the Eagle Ford.
Warehouse and distribution injuries
Forklift accidents, falling objects and conveyor injuries.
Electrical and lineman injuries
Electrocution, burns and falls from utility poles and bucket trucks.
Machinery and equipment injuries
Crush injuries, amputations and defective equipment.
On-the-job vehicle crashes
Crashes while driving for work or at a work site.
Understanding Texas Work Injury Law
In most states, nearly every employer must carry workers' compensation. Texas is different. Private employers can choose to opt out, and those that do are called non-subscribers. This choice has a big effect on what an injured worker can do.
If your employer carries workers' comp, benefits for medical care and part of your lost income generally come through that system, and you usually can't sue your employer for negligence. But you may still have a claim against a third party, such as a general contractor, equipment manufacturer or negligent driver.
If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may be able to file a negligence lawsuit directly against your employer, and Texas law takes away some of the defenses non-subscribers could otherwise use. Many non-subscribers offer their own injury benefit plans, which can include deadlines, arbitration agreements or releases, so it's important to understand them before signing anything.
Workers' Comp vs. Non-Subscriber Employers
Your options depend on whether your employer carries workers' compensation and who else was involved. Here is what injured Texas workers should know.
If your employer has workers' comp
Benefits for medical care and part of your lost wages usually come through the workers' comp system, and you generally can't sue your employer for negligence.
If your employer is a non-subscriber
You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer for negligence.
Lost defenses for non-subscribers
A non-subscriber sued for negligence generally can't argue that you were partly at fault, assumed the risk or were hurt by a coworker's negligence.
Third-party claims
Even with workers' comp, other companies like contractors, equipment makers or property owners may be responsible.
Workplace deaths
Families of workers killed on the job may have additional claims under Texas law.
Company injury plans and releases
Some non-subscribers offer injury benefit plans. Read carefully and talk to a lawyer before signing anything.
What You May Be Able to Recover
Under Texas law, people injured by someone else's negligence may be able to recover compensation for losses like these. Every case is different, and an attorney can explain what may apply to yours.
Medical bills
Past and future treatment, surgery, therapy and medication.
Lost wages
Income lost while you recover, plus reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
The physical pain an injury causes.
Mental anguish
The emotional toll of the injury and recovery.
Impairment and disfigurement
Lasting physical limitations and scarring.
Property damage
Repair or replacement of your vehicle and property.
What to Do Next
The steps you take early can make a real difference. Here's what to do.
- 1Get medical careTell the doctor the injury happened at work.
- 2Report the injury in writingReport it to your employer as soon as possible. In Texas workers' comp cases, you generally must notify your employer within 30 days.
- 3Ask whether your employer has workers' compThis affects which options you have.
- 4Don't sign anything yetTalk with a lawyer before signing releases, statements or plan documents.
- 5Call Marco Crawford LawFree case review at 210.756.5400. Hablamos español.
Why Clients Choose Marco Crawford
Trial-ready preparation
Every case is prepared as if it's going to trial, because insurers pay more when they know you're ready.
Direct access to Marco
You'll talk with your lawyer, not just a case manager.
No fee unless we win
Injury cases are handled on contingency. Nothing up front.
Hablamos español
Your case explained clearly, in English or Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-subscriber employer in Texas?
A non-subscriber is a private Texas employer that chose not to carry workers' compensation insurance. Injured employees of non-subscribers may be able to sue their employer for negligence.
Can I sue my employer if they have workers' compensation?
Generally, workers' compensation is the main remedy against a subscribing employer, but you may still have claims against other companies involved. Families of workers killed on the job may have additional options.
Can I be fired for reporting a work injury?
Texas law protects employees from being fired for filing a workers' compensation claim in good faith. If you're worried about retaliation, talk to a lawyer.
How long do I have to report a work injury?
Report it right away. In workers' comp cases, you generally must notify your employer within 30 days, and lawsuits have their own deadlines.
Do you handle work injury cases in Spanish?
Sí. Our team speaks Spanish and will explain every step of your case in the language you're most comfortable with.
How do I find out if my employer has workers' compensation?
Ask your employer in writing. You can also check with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation. We can help you find out as part of a free case review.
My employer wants me to sign papers after my injury. Should I?
Talk to a lawyer first. Some documents offered after an injury, like plan enrollment forms, arbitration agreements or releases, can affect your rights.
Serving San Antonio and Surrounding Communities
San Antonio's workforce builds and powers South Texas: construction crews on new neighborhoods and highway projects, linemen and utility workers, oilfield hands in the Eagle Ford, warehouse and distribution workers along I-35, and healthcare workers in the Medical Center. Marco Crawford Law represents injured workers across all of these industries.
Related Practice Areas
You Show Up for Everyone. We'll Show Up for You.
Talk to Marco directly about what happened. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.