Retail is one of the largest employment sectors in Texas, with thousands of people working in department stores, grocery chains, clothing shops, warehouses, and big-box stores throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. While many see retail as lower-risk compared to construction or manufacturing, retail work injuries in this industry are common and often serious. Retail employees spend long hours on their feet, frequently lifting, stocking, cleaning, and assisting customers. These tasks create daily opportunities for accidents, ranging from sudden slip-and-fall incidents to long-term injuries caused by repetitive stress.
Because Texas does not require employers to carry traditional workers’ compensation, many large retail companies in the state operate as non-subscribers. This means that if you are hurt on the job, your rights and legal options may look very different compared to employees in other states. At Armstrong Personal Injury Law, Texas work injury lawyer Warren Armstrong represents injured retail employees across Dallas-Fort Worth, helping them navigate the unique challenges of non-subscriber cases. Understanding those rights—and the steps to take after a workplace accident—can make a critical difference in protecting your future.
Common Causes of Retail Work Injuries
The retail industry involves a wide variety of tasks, environments, and hazards. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), retail trade consistently ranks among the top industries for nonfatal workplace injuries in the United States. Some injuries happen suddenly, while others develop over weeks or months of physical strain. Below are some of the most common causes of retail work injuries in Texas stores and warehouses.
- Slips, trips, and falls. Retail floors can quickly become hazardous due to spilled liquids, freshly mopped areas, or cluttered walkways. Employees who fall may suffer broken bones, back injuries, or concussions.
- Overexertion and lifting injuries. Stocking shelves, moving merchandise, or unloading deliveries often requires repetitive heavy lifting. Improper technique, lack of training, or inadequate staffing can result in strained muscles, herniated discs, or long-term spinal issues.
- Falling merchandise. Items stored on high shelves or overhead racks may fall unexpectedly, especially in large warehouse-style stores. These accidents can cause head injuries, fractures, or even traumatic brain injuries.
- Repetitive stress injuries. Constant scanning, typing, folding, or stocking can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. These injuries may seem minor at first but often worsen without rest or medical treatment.
- Equipment accidents. Retail workers frequently use ladders, pallet jacks, and even forklifts. Without proper safety measures, these tools can cause serious injuries, including crush injuries and amputations.
- Violence and robberies. Unfortunately, retail employees are sometimes targeted during thefts or altercations with customers. Injuries may include bruises, lacerations, or psychological trauma from workplace violence.
Every one of these scenarios can leave a retail employee struggling to pay medical bills, cover lost wages, and manage physical recovery. That’s why knowing your rights after an accident is so important.
Common Injuries Sustained in Retail Accidents
Retail work injuries vary in severity, but even seemingly minor accidents can have long-term consequences if left untreated. Some of the most frequent injuries reported in retail workplaces include:
Back and Neck Injuries
Heavy lifting, awkward movements, and repetitive bending often lead to back and neck injuries. These conditions may require extensive treatment, including physical therapy or surgery.
Sprains and Strains
Soft tissue injuries are extremely common in retail, especially among employees who stand for long hours or handle stock. These injuries may seem minor but can severely impact mobility and ability to work.
Fractures
Slip-and-fall accidents or being struck by falling merchandise often result in broken bones. Recovery may involve weeks off the job and long-term rehabilitation.
Repetitive Stress Disorders
Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis can affect cashiers, stock clerks, and office staff. Left untreated, these injuries can become chronic and limit an employee’s ability to continue working in retail.
Head Injuries
Falls, collisions with shelving, or merchandise striking a worker can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries. These injuries are particularly dangerous due to their potential for lasting cognitive or physical effects.
Cuts and Lacerations
Workers handling box cutters, sharp shelving, or broken glass often suffer cuts and lacerations. Some require stitches or leave permanent scars.
By documenting every injury carefully and seeking prompt medical attention, retail workers strengthen both their recovery and any potential legal claim.
Legal Rights of Injured Retail Workers in Texas
Unlike most states, Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Many retail employers are “non-subscribers,” meaning they opt out of the traditional workers’ compensation system. Instead, these employers may offer alternative benefits—or none at all.
For injured workers, this distinction is important. If your retail employer is a non-subscriber, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim directly against the company if its negligence contributed to your injury. Examples of employer negligence include:
- Failing to provide proper safety training
- Ignoring known hazards in the workplace
- Failing to provide adequate staffing or assistance
- Requiring unsafe lifting practices or unreasonable workloads
Texas law restricts certain defenses non-subscriber employers can use in court, making it easier for injured employees to pursue compensation. However, proving negligence and building a strong case requires thorough investigation and legal knowledge.
That’s where an experienced Texas work injury lawyer like Warren Armstrong becomes essential. His practice focuses specifically on non-subscriber cases, providing representation to injured workers across Dallas-Fort Worth.
Steps to Take After a Retail Work Injury
If you are hurt while working in retail, the decisions you make in the minutes, days, and weeks afterward can significantly affect both your health and your legal rights. Taking the following steps can help protect you:
- Report the injury immediately. Notify your manager or supervisor as soon as possible and make sure an incident report is filed. Keep a copy for your records.
- Seek medical attention. Even if the injury feels minor, it is important to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries worsen over time, and medical records will be critical evidence.
- Document everything. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards that caused the accident. Collect names of any witnesses.
- Avoid giving recorded statements. Employers or insurers may request a recorded statement about the accident. These can later be used against you. Speak with a lawyer before making any formal statements.
- Consult with a Texas work injury lawyer. An attorney can explain your rights, help determine if your employer is a non-subscriber, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
Following these steps not only ensures your health and safety but also strengthens your ability to hold your employer accountable if negligence was involved.
How Warren Armstrong Can Help Retail Workers
Handling a workplace injury claim against a non-subscriber employer can be intimidating, especially while recovering from physical injuries. Warren Armstrong has dedicated his practice to helping injured workers in Texas, with a focus on non-subscriber retail and warehouse cases.
When representing injured retail employees, Warren Armstrong can:
- Investigate the accident to determine the root cause and any employer negligence
- Gather witness statements, medical records, and workplace safety documents
- Negotiate with the employer or their insurer to pursue fair compensation
- Represent workers in court if a settlement cannot be reached
Retail work injuries in Texas are more common than many realize, and the consequences can be life-changing. From slips and falls to repetitive stress conditions, injured employees often face costly medical treatment, missed paychecks, and uncertainty about their future.
Because Texas allows employers to opt out of workers’ compensation, retail workers in Dallas-Fort Worth may have unique legal options if their employer is a non-subscriber. By taking quick action after an accident and seeking help from an experienced Texas work injury lawyer, injured employees can protect their rights and hold negligent employers accountable.
Warren Armstrong of Armstrong Personal Injury Law focuses on representing injured retail workers in non-subscriber claims, guiding them through the legal process with skill and compassion. If you’ve suffered a workplace accident in retail, knowing your rights and securing legal support can be a crucial first step toward recovery.