You were injured on the job, but your employer may not be the one to blame. If someone else caused your injury, you may have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit. These cases are different from workers’ compensation claims and follow separate legal rules. Understanding the deadline can help protect your right to full compensation.
The two-year deadline for most work-related injury claims
Texas law gives you a limited window to act. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003(a), you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to third-party claims, not workers’ compensation.
You may have a valid third-party claim if your injury involved:
- Faulty equipment or machinery
- Unsafe conditions created by a subcontractor
- Negligence by a property owner or vendor
- Defective safety gear from a third party
- A vehicle accident caused by someone outside your company
Failing to file within two years can prevent you from recovering damages.
When the clock starts for injured workers
The two-year period usually begins on the day of the injury. That includes incidents on job sites, in refineries or during transport. Even if symptoms appear later, the clock may still start on the accident date.
Delays can hurt your case. Here’s why timing matters:
- Evidence may be lost
- Witnesses may forget details
- Medical records may become harder to access
- Legal deadlines can pass without warning
Some cases follow different rules. You may have more or less time to file if the injured person is a minor, the defendant is missing or a government agency is involved. It’s important to speak with a lawyer about your specific situation.
Fight for what you deserve
Healing takes time. Also, adapting to a new way of life isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s proof of resilience. Keep records, stay informed and take one step at a time. Your recovery matters, and so does your right to move forward with confidence.