Working in construction remains one of the most dangerous occupations in 2026. On any given day, workers handle live electrical wiring, operate heavy machinery, work on scaffolds, and perform tasks at significant heights. When safety precautions are ignored or proper training and equipment are not provided, the risk of serious or fatal injury increases dramatically.
Tragically, many construction accidents are still preventable. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues to inspect companies nationwide to ensure compliance with federal safety standards designed to protect workers. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that construction consistently accounts for one of the highest numbers of workplace fatalities each year, representing a significant share of all worker deaths in the United States. Despite ongoing enforcement and safety campaigns, thousands of violations are still cited annually, underscoring the continued risks on job sites.
If your family has lost a loved one in a construction accident in McAllen, please accept our deepest condolences. We are prepared to review the details of the incident and explain your legal options. An experienced construction accident lawyer at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. can help you determine whether you are eligible to claim workers’ compensation death benefits and whether you may pursue a wrongful death action against those responsible. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are ready to put that experience to work for you. We can answer your questions in both English and Spanish. Contact us today. Our offices are conveniently located in McAllen, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Brownsville.
Common Causes of Fatal Accidents in the Construction Industry
OSHA continues to identify the “Fatal Four” as the leading causes of construction deaths. Together, these four categories account for the majority of fatalities in the industry each year:
Falls – Falls from roofs, scaffolds, ladders, and other elevated work areas remain the leading cause of construction deaths. Many of these tragedies could be prevented with proper fall protection systems, guardrails, harnesses, and training.
Struck by Objects – Workers are frequently injured or killed by falling materials, moving equipment, cranes, or heavy trucks. Clear communication, secure loads, and proper site management are critical to prevention.
Electrocutions – Exposure to live wires, damaged electrical cords, and overhead power lines continues to pose serious risks. Proper lockout/tagout procedures and electrical safety protocols are essential.
Caught In/Between – These incidents occur when a worker is crushed, pinned, or compressed between equipment, structures, or materials. Though less common than falls, they are often catastrophic and fatal.
In addition to the Fatal Four, serious and fatal accidents also involve forklifts and other powered industrial vehicles, particularly on busy or poorly managed job sites.
Construction Fatalities in Texas and McAllen
Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in Texas. State-level data continues to show high numbers of fatal workplace incidents, especially in fast-growing regions where development projects are expanding rapidly. Texas has historically ranked among the states with the highest number of construction fatalities, including crane-related and heavy equipment incidents.
As development continues in McAllen and surrounding areas, job site safety remains a critical concern. Families affected by construction accidents often face not only emotional devastation but also significant financial hardship.
What to Do If a Loved One Died in a Construction Accident
When a work-related death occurs, surviving family members may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation death benefits. These benefits can include a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage as well as funeral and burial expenses.
However, Texas does not require all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If an employer is a non-subscriber, your family may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible parties. This legal action may seek compensation for:
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Medical expenses incurred prior to death
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Loss of present and future income
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Loss of financial support
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Funeral and burial expenses
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Pain and suffering and mental anguish
While no financial recovery can replace a loved one, pursuing a claim may help provide stability and accountability during an incredibly difficult time. If your family has experienced a construction-related loss, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and determine the best path forward.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
