The Most Common Construction-Related Injuries in Texas

Construction work is physically demanding, and workers across Texas face hazards every day. From falls at a job site to injuries involving heavy machinery, electrical systems, vehicles, and construction materials, accidents can result in serious injuries that affect a worker’s health, ability to work, and financial stability.

In 2024, the construction industry reported approximately 167,100 nonfatal injury and illness cases in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Construction and extraction workers also experienced 1,032 fatal work injuries that year.

For construction workers in McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Pharr, and throughout the Rio Grande Valley, understanding common construction-related injuries and what to do after an accident can be important.

If you have been injured while working on a construction site, an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, determine what types of benefits or claims may be available, and guide you through the process.

What Are the Most Common Construction-Related Injuries?

Construction sites can involve ladders, scaffolding, power tools, heavy equipment, electrical systems, vehicles, trenches, and large quantities of construction materials. Because of these hazards, workers can suffer many different types of injuries.

Some of the most common construction-related injuries include:

• Broken and fractured bones
• Sprains and strains
• Back and neck injuries
• Head and traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Burns
• Electrical injuries
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Hearing damage
• Respiratory injuries
• Heat-related illnesses
• Injuries caused by falls

The circumstances surrounding an accident can determine what caused the injury and what legal options may be available.

1. Construction Site Falls

Falls are one of the most serious hazards in the construction industry.

Workers may fall from:

• Roofs
• Ladders
• Scaffolds
• Elevated platforms
• Construction equipment
• Unprotected edges
• Floor openings
• Stairs

OSHA identifies falls as one of the construction industry’s four major hazards, along with struck-by incidents, caught-in or caught-between incidents, and electrocutions.

Falls can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, paralysis, and other serious conditions.

In 2024, construction and extraction workers experienced 370 fatal falls, slips, and trips, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A fall does not have to happen from a tall building to cause serious harm. Even a fall from a ladder or lower platform can result in a significant injury.

2. Injuries From Being Struck by Objects or Equipment

Construction sites often contain moving machinery, vehicles, tools, materials, and equipment.

Workers can be struck by:

• Falling materials
• Construction tools
• Cranes and suspended loads
• Forklifts
• Backing vehicles
• Heavy equipment
• Construction debris
• Objects being transported or moved

OSHA considers struck-by incidents one of the Focus Four construction hazards.

These accidents can cause fractures, lacerations, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious conditions.

Vehicle and equipment movement can be particularly dangerous when workers are operating or working near heavy machinery.

3. Caught-In or Caught-Between Injuries

Construction workers may also be injured when they become caught in or compressed by machinery, equipment, materials, or collapsing structures.

Examples can include:

• Machinery with inadequate guarding
• Collapsing trenches
• Workers caught between vehicles and fixed objects
• Equipment movement
• Collapsing construction materials
• Excavation accidents

Trenching and excavation work can be especially dangerous. OSHA specifically identifies caught-in and caught-between incidents as one of the four major construction hazards.

A recent Texas example demonstrates how serious these hazards can be. In July 2026, OSHA announced citations against a Houston-area utility construction company following an excavation collapse that hospitalized a worker in Brazoria County. OSHA alleged that the excavation lacked adequate protection and a safe means of egress.

4. Electrical Injuries and Electrocution

Construction workers can encounter electrical hazards while working around:

• Power lines
• Electrical panels
• Wiring
• Generators
• Power tools
• Temporary electrical systems
• Electrical equipment

Electrical accidents can cause electric shock, burns, falls, serious internal injuries, and electrocution.

OSHA identifies electrocution as one of the construction industry’s four major hazards.

Workers can also suffer secondary injuries after an electrical shock. For example, a worker who receives an electrical shock while working on an elevated surface may fall and suffer additional injuries.

5. Sprains, Strains, and Back Injuries

Not every construction injury involves a dramatic accident.

Construction workers routinely lift, carry, pull, push, and maneuver heavy materials. Repetitive physical work can contribute to strains and other musculoskeletal injuries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sprains, strains, and tears accounted for 568,150 cases involving days away from work across private industry in 2024.

Construction workers may experience injuries involving the:

• Lower back
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Knees
• Arms
• Wrists
• Muscles and joints

Some injuries develop gradually rather than from one obvious accident, which can make determining the cause and documenting the injury especially important.

6. Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries

A construction worker may suffer a traumatic brain injury after falling, being struck by an object, or being involved in a machinery or vehicle accident.

A head injury can involve symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of consciousness
• Changes in mood or behavior

Some brain injuries are not immediately obvious. A worker may initially believe they are fine before symptoms become more noticeable.

Because of this, workers should take head injuries seriously and seek appropriate medical attention after an accident.

7. Crush Injuries and Amputations

Heavy machinery and construction equipment can cause devastating crush injuries.

A worker may suffer a crush injury when a body part becomes trapped between machinery, materials, or vehicles. In severe cases, these accidents can result in permanent disability or amputation.

These injuries can affect a person’s ability to work and may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

8. Burns and Chemical Injuries

Construction workers may encounter:

• Electrical equipment
• Welding equipment
• Hot surfaces
• Flammable materials
• Chemicals
• Construction adhesives
• Fuels and solvents

These hazards can cause thermal burns, chemical burns, or other serious injuries.

The severity of a burn can depend on the substance involved, the temperature, the length of exposure, and the area of the body affected.

9. Heat-Related Construction Injuries

Texas heat creates an additional challenge for outdoor construction workers.

Working outside in excessive heat can contribute to dehydration, fatigue, heat stress, and other heat-related injuries. OSHA specifically identifies excessive heat as a construction hazard.

This can be particularly important for construction workers in South Texas, including the Rio Grande Valley, where outdoor workers can face extreme temperatures for extended periods.

Employers and workers should take appropriate precautions when working in hot conditions, including adequate hydration, rest, shade, and appropriate heat-safety practices.

What Should You Do After a Construction Injury in Texas?

If you are injured at a construction site, your first priority should be getting the medical attention you need.

You should also consider taking the following steps.

Report the Injury

Notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible.

Texas workers’ compensation rules generally require an employee to report a work-related injury to the employer within 30 days. A claim with the Texas Department of Insurance’s Division of Workers’ Compensation generally must be filed within one year.

Waiting too long can create problems with a claim.

Seek Medical Treatment

Do not ignore an injury simply because you believe it will improve on its own.

Medical records can also provide important documentation of what happened and the treatment you received.

If your employer uses a workers’ compensation health care network, there may be specific rules about which doctors you can use for treatment.

Document the Accident

When possible, keep records of:

• How the accident happened
• Where it happened
• Who witnessed it
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Photographs of your injuries
• Medical records
• Medical bills
• Work restrictions
• Lost wages
• Communications with your employer or insurance company

These records may become important if questions arise about your injury or claim.

Find Out Whether Workers’ Compensation Applies

Texas has some important differences from many other states when it comes to workers’ compensation.

Most private employers in Texas are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, although there are exceptions. Employers that do provide coverage generally provide benefits for medical treatment and some lost income associated with compensable work injuries.

That means it is important to understand whether your employer has workers’ compensation coverage.

Can You Sue Someone Other Than Your Employer?

Sometimes, a construction worker’s injury may involve the actions of a third party.

For example, a worker could potentially be injured because of another company’s:

• Negligent driving
• Defective equipment
• Unsafe work practices
• Property conditions
• Construction activities

Texas law allows an injured employee or legal beneficiary to pursue damages against certain third parties who may be legally responsible for an injury, while also pursuing workers’ compensation benefits when applicable.

These situations can become complicated because workers’ compensation benefits and third-party claims can involve different legal rules.

An attorney can review the circumstances of the accident and help determine whether another party may have legal responsibility.

How a Construction Injury Attorney Can Help

After a serious construction accident, you may be focused on your recovery, medical appointments, and figuring out how you will support yourself while you are unable to work.

An attorney can help you understand the legal process and investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury.

Depending on the situation, this may involve:

• Reviewing accident reports
• Gathering evidence
• Identifying potentially responsible parties
• Reviewing medical records
• Communicating with insurance companies
• Evaluating available benefits
• Investigating potential third-party claims
• Negotiating with insurers
• Helping you understand your legal options

Every construction injury is different. The fact that an accident occurred at work does not automatically mean that the same legal process applies to every injured worker.

Brasure Law PLLC Helps Injured Texans Understand Their Options

Construction workers in McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Pharr, and throughout the Rio Grande Valley deserve to understand their rights after a workplace injury.

Whether you suffered a fall, were struck by equipment, experienced an electrical accident, suffered a serious crush injury, or developed an injury from physically demanding work, understanding what caused your injury and what options may be available can be an important first step.

Brasure Law PLLC can help injured workers understand the legal process and determine what steps may be appropriate for their individual circumstances.

If you have suffered a construction-related injury in South Texas, seeking legal guidance can help you better understand your rights and potential claims. Contact Brasure Law PLLC today.