By now, most people have likely seen the terrifying video footage that captured the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. This fertilizer plant explosion only adds to what has been a difficult and tragic week.   But as is expected, the good people of this great state are responding to do their part to assist those in need as evidenced by blood drives popping up in communities throughout the state. I have no doubt these charitable efforts and more will continue as long as the citizens in West need our assistance. Like many who routinely drive I-35 between Dallas and Austin, a pit stop in West is a cherished tradition for many in our firm. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to the West community and all the family members affected by this tragedy.

It is being reported that two workers were killed earlier today when a crane collapsed at the UT Dallas campus. Initial reports indicate that the crane fell while it was being dismantled. Also, it is being reported that strong winds as high as 50 mph were blowing in the area of the campus at the time due to a storm in the area. The two deceased employees were from an outside construction company, and no one from the university was injured. Witnesses report hearing loud screams and loud crashing signs. We will continue to follow this story, particularly the ongoing investigation into the cause of this horrific workplace accident.

The Dallas personal injury attorneys at Wilson Trosclair and Lovins have vast experience in representing families of injured or killed workers. In fact, we are currently representing the family of a worker killed while assembling a radio tower as well as the family of a worker that fell to his death while at a construction site. If you or a family member suffered an injury while at the workplace, you deserve the level of representation that our Dallas personal injury attorneys will provide you. Call us today at 214-484-1930.

A Dallas worker was rescued yesterday after falling into an industrial mixer while on the job. The workplace accident happened at BCW Food Products on Denton Drive. It is not clear how the accident occurred. All that is known at this time is that the employee was working near a large piece of equipment that mixes flour prior to falling. What caused him to fall and whether there was appropriate fall protection equipment is uncertain. The piece of equipment had to be disassembled to remove the worker, who was at the bottom of the machine in between two sharp blades used to mix the flour. Further complicating the rescue is the highly flammable nature of the flour. Fortunately, the worker was rescued without incident and taken to Parkland Hospital. His current condition is unknown.

On the job injuries can happen anywhere. While it is uncertain in this instance what caused the accident, failure to follow or implement appropriate safety procedures, such as appropriate fall protection, causes a large majority of on the job injuries. Many workplace accidents can be avoided if a little common sense is followed. The Dallas personal injury attorneys at Wilson Trosclair and Lovins have the necessary experience to help workers injured on the job, whether that injury occurs at a factory, plant oil rig, or any other industrial area. Call us today if you have been injured so that we can begin the steps necessary to protect your rights.

Two workers attempting to locate a clog in a waste water line became trapped in a man hole after either losing oxygen or becoming overwhelmed by fumes. The two workers were employed by SJ Lewis and were working a contract job for the North Texas Municipal Water District at the time of the fatal work place accident. According to a third employee at the scene, the first employee was in the manhole when he was overcome by fumes or a lack of oxygen, and the second worker went in after him to assist. The third worker called 911 and reported that both men were unconscious. It is also reported that neither man was wearing a protective breathing apparatus at the time of the accident. The company both men worked for, SJ Lewis, was previously cited for seven federal workplace infractions in the last five years. OSHA is currently investigating this workplace accident.

While the exact cause of this horrible incident remains unknown, this tragedy does highlight the dangers many of our citizens face while trying to provide for their families. Workplace safety needs to be a priority, whether it is providing workers better safety equipment or better training. There is simply no excuse for employers in dangerous occupations like this one failing to follow common sense safety guidelines as was as comply with their legal obligations to protect the health and lives of their employees. Yet, day after day fathers and mothers are injured or killed in accidents that could have easily been avoided if safety guidelines were followed. If you or a loved one was injured in a workplace accident, the Dallas and Austin personal injury attorneys at Wilson Trosclair and Lovins can help. Call us today at 214-484-1930.

A large fire is currently burning at the Magnablend Chemical Plant in a Waxahachie, Texas. The exact cause of the fire and whether anyone was injured is unknown at this time. The major concern at the moment is the release of dangerous chemicals into the air as a result of the fire. In fact, children and teachers at Wedgeworth Elementary were instructed to remain indoors. Workers can be seen trying to remove containers from the area of the fire, but witnesses are saying that the fire is spreading quickly. Firefighters are on the scene, but one truck has already become engulfed by the fire.
Wilson Trosclair & Lovins will continue to follow this story and provide updates as information become known.

A workplace death on Monday should be a solemn reminder to everyone of the on the job dangers many Texans face in an effort to provide for their families as well as the importance of proper safety equipment and training to keep them safe. John Burnette from Boyd, Texas in Tarrant County fell to his death from 30 feet while working on a sign near Cowboys Stadium. All that is known at this time is that Mr. Burnette lost his footing and fell to the ground. Investigators are unclear if he was using any type of fall protection equipment such as a safety harness, which should be standard for his type of job.

While it is currently unclear what caused this horrific accident, in my years of experience litigating workplace injuries, workplace fatalities such as this one are often linked to inadequate safety equipment or inadequate training on how to properly use the safety equipment provided. If you have been injured on the job, it is important the you contact an experienced work place attorney to see if your employer met it’s legal obligations regarding workplace safety. Call the attorneys at Wilson Trosclair & Lovins today at 214-484-1930

Five workers at the TXI Cement Company plant in Midlothian were burned, three of which are listed in critical condition.  The three critically injured workers were taken to Parkland Hospital by helicopter, and the two additional injured workers were taken to other area hospitals by ambulance.  All that is known at this time is that the injured workers were performing “maintenance activities” at the time of the industrial accident.  It is believed that the accident occurred in a kiln, which is part of the cement making process. The plant will remain shutdown while the accident is investigated. I will continue to follow this story as it develops.

Over 3 million people are injured on the job yearly, many of which occur in industrial plants such as this TXI plant in Midlothian. If you or a loved one suffered an on the job injury, contact the workplace injury attorneys at Wilson Trosclair & Lovins to make sure your rights are protected. Call us today at 214-484-1930.

A construction worker fell to his death yesterday and another worker sustained non life threatening injuries.  The two workers fell when the scaffolding they were standing on gave way and collapsed.  Exactly what caused the scaffolding to fail (i.e improper installation, design defect, defective parts) is unclear at this time.   The deceased worker is identified as Elvis Mendez. Mr. Mendez leaves behind a wife and children who reside in the Dallas area.  

This death is another unfortunate reminder of the need to improve workplace safety throughout the country, but especially in Texas.  There were over four thousand workplace deaths and over three million workplace injuries in 2009.  Texas lead the nation with 138 work place deaths, which is approximately one death every two days.  Workplace safety must always be the first priority.   

If you sustained an on the job injury, contact the lawyers at WTL today at 214-484-1930.