Dallas is well-known for its rapid growth and urban development. It is a city where construction projects are a constant sight. While these projects contribute to the city's progress and modernization, they also bring inherent risks to the workers involved. Construction accidents in Dallas can lead to devastating consequences, resulting in personal injury, death and financial hardships for the affected individuals and their families.
If you've been injured or a family member has been killed in a construction accident you need lawyers that can take on large companies and their insurance carriers. The Dallas construction accident lawyers at Miller Weisbrod Olesky can begin working on your case immediately while you and your family heal. Our experienced and accomplished legal team is dedicated to fighting for your rights, ensuring you receive the largest possible financial compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and losses.
Construction Accident Verdict:
A general contractor ignored its own requirements for safety training of a subcontractor workforce. As a result, our client never received training in how to properly use his fall protection equipment. Our client fell two stories and hit the ground because the equipment was hooked up improperly. He was left paralyzed. When the general contractor refused to tender their insurance limits, Construction Accident Attorney, Clay Miller tried the case in Texas, and obtained a verdict of $26,500,000, including $15,000,000 of punitive damages.
This is my first time needing a law firm and I can’t think of anyone better, they were extremely courteous, and determined to get me exactly what I am owed. I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me they really do care when it comes to their clients!
Ryan
Miller Weisbrod Olesky Client
What are the Most Common Construction Accident Injuries?
The regulations for guardrail systems in construction are specified in OSHA's Fall Protection Standard 29 CFR 1926.502(b). Our construction accident lawyers in Dallas will investigate whether negligence in following OSHA’s requirements and specifications for guardrail design, construction, and installation led to your accident and injuries, and prove liability of the defendants.
Height Requirements: Guardrails must be installed on all open sides of walking-working surfaces that are six feet or more above lower levels. They must also be provided on scaffolds, runways, ramps, and other similar elevated work surfaces.
Guardrail Components: OSHA's guidelines stipulate the following components for guardrail systems:
Top Rail: The top rail must be located 42 inches (+/- 3 inches) above the walking surface. It serves as the primary handhold for workers.
Mid Rail: The mid rail should be installed midway between the top rail and the walking surface to provide additional protection.
Toeboard: A toeboard must be installed along the entire length of the open sides of the scaffold or elevated surface. It prevents objects from falling and serves as a secondary barrier.
Construction Guardrail Accident:
Our client fell approximately 35 to 40 feet from a balcony without safety guardrails on a construction site, fracturing his spine causing paraplegia. Our Construction Accident Attorneys got $4,350,000.00 for his future medical therapy and his family.
Injuries Caused by Heavy Objects
Construction sites have numerous moving parts and heavy equipment, putting workers at risk of being struck by falling objects, construction materials, tools, or vehicles. These incidents can cause head and brain injuries, fractures, spinal cord, and internal injuries.
Construction Heavy Object Accident:
Our client was working on welding ramps when something fell from roof, struck him and he lost consciousness. Our Construction Accident Lawyers got him a $1 Million Dollar Settlement.
Electrocution and Electrical Shock Injuries
Construction workers often work around electrical wiring and equipment, making them susceptible to electrical accidents. Electrocutions can lead to severe burns, amputations, cardiac arrest, and other life-threatening injuries.
Construction Heavy Object Accident:
Our client was using a concrete mop under unguarded electrical lines when the handle of the mop made contact with the power lines, and was electrocuted. Our Construction Accident Lawyers got him a $1.5 Million Dollar Settlement.
Crush Injuries and Amputations
Construction workers in Dallas may get caught between machinery, equipment, or structural components, leading to crush injuries, amputations, and internal organ damage.
Construction Accident:
Our client was severely injured when a Concrete Pump Truck tipped over crushing his foot. The concrete pump truck overturned because the operator failed to place the vehicle support booms on a secure surface.
Injuries from Construction Equipment
Operating heavy machinery (such as cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts) can result in accidents, if proper safety measures are not followed. Injuries may include broken bones, crush injuries, and traumatic amputations.
Construction Accident:
When our clients arrived on a work site to dispose of material, a Front-End Bucket Loader was provided by the property owner to unload the debris. The Front-End Loader operator was on his first day on the job and had never operated this particular brand of heavy machinery. When he went to back up, he accidentally put the loader into forward crushing our client’s legs, causing severe fractures. The accident was caught on video. The $3M was total policy limits of insurance maybe make that clear in last slide showing the settlement.
Injuries from Burns and Explosions
Construction workers may face burns from hot materials, welding sparks, or exposure to hazardous chemicals. Explosions at construction sites in Dallas can cause severe burns and blast injuries.
Construction companies and contractors in Dallas must prioritize safety by implementing proper training, providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), adhering to safety protocols, and maintaining a vigilant attitude towards preventing accidents and injuries in the construction industry.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries at a Dallas construction site, don't let medical bills, lost wages, and pain hold you back. Call our skilled and resourceful Dallas construction lawyers today for a free consultation and let us help you rebuild your life after a construction accident. Remember, time is of the essence, so don't delay – take the first step towards a brighter future with Miller Weisbrod Olesky on your side.
What is the Deadliest Risk to Construction Workers?
According to data provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls from heights consistently rank as the primary fatal risk for construction workers. In 2021, falls, slips and trips accounted for over one-third of construction fatalities in the United States. The construction industry accounted for 46.2% of all fatal falls, slips and trips in that year, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
Dangerous Construction Sites in Dallas
Where Accidents May Occur
It’s essential for construction companies, contractors, and third party vendors in Dallas to be aware of the potential hazards present at various construction sites and take appropriate measures to minimize risks. Implementing strict safety protocols, providing adequate training, and conducting regular inspections can significantly reduce the occurrence of accidents and create a safer working environment for the city’s construction workers.
High-Rise Construction Sites: Building tall structures often involves working at great heights, increasing the risk of falls and serious injuries. Workers on high-rise construction sites in Dallas may face dangers from unstable scaffolding, incomplete floors, and unprotected edges.
Road and Highway Construction Zones: Construction zones on roads and highways are particularly dangerous due to the proximity of moving vehicles. Workers in Dallas may be at risk of being struck by passing cars or construction vehicles.
Excavation and Trenching Sites: Workers in excavation and trenching sites around Dallas face the risk of cave-ins and collapses. These accidents can lead to serious injuries or fatalities, especially if proper safety measures are not followed. OSHA's guidelines for preventing excavation and trenching site accidents include ensuring competent personnel inspect the site, using protective systems like shoring or sloping to prevent cave-ins, providing safe access and egress, keeping excavated materials at a safe distance, and addressing potential hazards such as utilities. Regular inspections, proper training, and adherence to OSHA's specific standards, found in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, are critical to creating a safe work environment and minimizing risks associated with excavation and trenching activities.
Roofing Projects: Roofing construction involves working on steep slopes and often without safety barriers. Falls from roofs can result in severe injuries or death of the construction workers in Dallas. OSHA's guidelines for preventing fall accidents in roofing projects encompass using proper fall protection systems such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems when working at heights six feet or more above lower levels. Roofers should receive training on the use of equipment, safe work practices, and identifying fall hazards. Employers must ensure that workers have access to appropriate equipment, maintain a hazard-free work environment, and establish rescue plans in case of falls. Adhering to these guidelines, outlined in OSHA's Fall Protection Standard (29 CFR 1926.501), is essential for safeguarding workers engaged in roofing projects against fall-related injuries.
Demolition Sites: Demolition work poses significant risks to workers in Dallas due to the potential for collapsing structures, flying debris, and exposure to hazardous materials. OSHA's guidelines for preventing demolition accidents on construction sites emphasize thorough planning, evaluating structural stability, and ensuring the proper use of engineering controls. Prior to demolition, a competent person should conduct site assessments, including identifying potential hazards, such as utilities or hazardous materials. Adequate structural shoring and bracing must be in place to prevent unplanned collapses, and proper demolition methods should be employed to minimize airborne dust and debris hazards. Adherence to OSHA's standards, particularly in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart T, through proper training, equipment usage, and site-specific precautions, is essential to mitigate risks and promote safety during demolition activities.
Crane and Heavy Equipment Operation Areas: Accidents involving cranes and heavy machinery can be catastrophic. Malfunctioning equipment, operator error, or communication issues may lead to severe construction accidents in Dallas.
Electrical and Wiring Projects: Electricians and workers dealing with electrical installations at Dallas construction sites face risks of electrocution, electrical shocks, and fires if safety protocols are not followed.
Confined Spaces at Construction Sites: Construction workers in Dallas may need to work in confined spaces, which can be hazardous due to limited ventilation, potential for toxic fumes, and difficulty in accessing emergency exits.
Welding and Hot Work Areas: Welding and hot work at many construction sites in Dallas involves the use of open flames and intense heat, which can lead to burns, fires, and respiratory hazards.
Materials Handling Zones: Construction sites in Dallas often involve the transportation and handling of heavy materials, increasing the risk of injuries from falling objects and improper lifting techniques.
Types of Injuries and Illnesses Facing Construction Workers in Dallas
Construction workers in Dallas are exposed to a variety of hazards on the job, and unfortunately, accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries. Some of the common types of injuries that they may suffer include:
Construction Worker Injuries
Fall-related Injuries: Falls from heights, such as scaffolds, ladders, roofs, or elevated surfaces, are one of the most prevalent types of injuries in the construction industry. These accidents can result in broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and even fatalities.
Injuries Caused by Heavy Objects: Construction sites have numerous moving parts and heavy equipment, putting workers at risk of being struck by falling objects, construction materials, tools, or vehicles. These incidents can cause head injuries, fractures, and internal injuries.
Electrocution Injuries: Construction workers often work around electrical wiring and equipment, making them susceptible to electrical accidents. Electrocutions can lead to severe burns, cardiac arrest, and other life-threatening injuries.
Crush Injuries and Amputations: Construction workers in Dallas may get caught between machinery, equipment, or structural components, leading to crush injuries, amputations, and internal organ damage.
Injuries from Construction Equipment: Operating heavy machinery (such as cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts) can result in accidents, if proper safety measures are not followed. Injuries may include broken bones, crush injuries, and traumatic amputations.
Injuries from Burns and Explosions: Construction workers may face burns from hot materials, welding sparks, or exposure to hazardous chemicals. Explosions at construction sites in Dallas can cause severe burns and blast injuries.
Construction Worker Illnesses
Respiratory Illnesses: Dust, fumes, and exposure to toxic materials at Dallas construction sites can lead to respiratory problems, such as occupational asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory illnesses.
Repetitive Motion Injuries: Some construction tasks involve repetitive movements, leading to injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or musculoskeletal disorders.
Overexertion Injuries: The physically demanding nature of construction work in Dallas can lead to overexertion injuries, such as strains, sprains, and muscle tears.
Heat-Related Illnesses: Working in hot weather conditions at construction sites without adequate hydration and rest can result in heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Chemical Exposure Illnesses: Construction workers may encounter hazardous substances that can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, or long-term health problems.
Mental Stress-Related Illnesses: The high-pressure environment of construction sites in Dallas can contribute to mental or emotional stress-related illnesses like hypertension and heart problems.
Construction companies and contractors in Dallas must prioritize safety by implementing proper training, providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), adhering to safety protocols, and maintaining a vigilant attitude towards preventing accidents and injuries in the construction industry.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries at a Dallas construction site, don't let medical bills, lost wages, and pain hold you back. Call our skilled and resourceful Dallas construction lawyers today for a free consultation and let us help you rebuild your life after a construction accident. Remember, time is of the essence, so don't delay – take the first step towards a brighter future with Miller Weisbrod Olesky on your side.
OSHA Rights for Construction Workers in Dallas
Construction workers in Dallas are protected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is a federal agency under the US Department of Labor, responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health regulations to ensure safe working conditions for employees across various industries, including construction.
Here are some of the key OSHA rights that construction workers in Dallas have:
Right to a Safe Workplace
Construction workers in Dallas have the right to work in an environment that is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause serious harm or death. Employers are responsible for identifying and addressing workplace hazards to protect their employees. The concept of the "right to a safe workplace" is a fundamental principle that underlies the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) itself. Under the OSH Act, OSHA has the authority to set and enforce standards to protect workers from various hazards, conduct inspections, and promote education and training on workplace safety. Workers also have the right to report unsafe conditions to OSHA without fear of retaliation.
Right to Training and Information
Dallas construction site workers have the right to receive proper training on safety procedures, equipment usage, and potential hazards they may encounter on the job. Employers must provide information and education to empower employees to work safely. The right to training and information for workers is a fundamental aspect of workplace safety and is addressed in several rules and standards under the OSHA. The General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) of the OSH Act requires employers to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. This includes providing adequate training and information to employees about workplace hazards and safe work practices.
Right to Report Unsafe Conditions
Construction workers in Dallas have the right to report unsafe working conditions to their employer or OSHA without fear of retaliation. If workers believe that their employer has not adequately addressed safety concerns, they can file a complaint with OSHA. The right to report unsafe conditions in the workplace is protected under the OSH Act and is reinforced by various rules and standards established by the OSHA. The General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) of the OSH Act requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employees have the right to report unsafe conditions that violate this requirement.
Right to Whistleblower Protection
If a construction worker in Dallas raises concerns about safety violations, hazards, or OSHA violations and experiences retaliation from their employer, they are protected under federal law. OSHA has provisions in place to protect workers from retaliation for exercising their rights. Whistleblower Protection rule (Section 11(c) of the OSH Act) provides protection to workers who exercise their right to report unsafe conditions or activities. It prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who engage in protected activities, such as reporting hazards or filing complaints with OSHA.
Right to Access to Information
Construction workers have the right to access relevant safety and health information, including records of work-related injuries and illnesses. Construction companies in Dallas must maintain records of injuries and illnesses and make them available for employee review. The right to access information under the OSHA is not explicitly governed by a single rule, but it is encompassed by various rules and principles within OSHA's regulations. For example, Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) ensures that workers have access to safety data sheets (SDSs) and labels for the chemicals they work with. SDSs provide detailed information about chemical hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency procedures.
Right to Request an OSHA Inspection
If construction workers believe that their construction site in Dallas is unsafe and their concerns have not been adequately addressed, they have the right to request an OSHA inspection. OSHA will investigate the workplace and assess compliance with safety regulations. The right to request an OSHA inspection is granted to workers and their representatives under the OSH Act itself, specifically in Section 8(f) of the Act. This provision allows employees and their authorized representatives, such as labor unions, to request an OSHA inspection if they believe there are unsafe or unhealthful conditions in their workplace. This right is an essential aspect of ensuring workplace safety and holding employers accountable for maintaining safe and healthful working conditions.
Right to Participate in Safety Programs
Construction site workers have the right to participate in safety programs and safety committees put in place by the construction company. They can also provide input on safety practices and procedures based on their actual work experience. The right to participate in safety programs and activities is an inherent aspect of the OSH Act. Section 8(e) of the OSH Act recognizes employees' right to participate in safety and health activities. It encourages employees to collaborate with employers in creating and maintaining safe working conditions.
Right to Protective Gear and Equipment
Construction companies and contractors in Dallas are required to provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to construction workers and ensure that they use it properly to reduce the risk of injury. Various OSHA standards mandate the use of specific types of PPE based on the hazards associated with particular tasks or industries. For instance, the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires employers to provide respiratory protection when workers are exposed to airborne contaminants.
Right to Know About Chemical Hazards
Construction site workers in Dallas have the right to be informed about hazardous chemicals they may encounter on the job through proper labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and training. The right to know about chemical hazards in the workplace is primarily addressed under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), also known as 29 CFR 1910.1200.
Construction workers in Dallas should be aware of their rights under OSHA and be prepared to exercise those rights when necessary to protect their safety and well-being. If you suffered a construction site injury in Dallas, our construction lawyers in Dallas will investigate and prove whether construction site safety violations or hazardous conditions that the construction company failed to address led to your injuries and losses.
Construction Worker Personal Injury:
Types of Damages Available in Dallas
In Dallas, when a construction worker is injured, there are several types of damages that may be available to compensate the victims. These damages can be divided into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Medical Expenses: Compensation for all medical costs related to the injury or death, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical expenses.
Lost Wages: Payment for the income lost during the recovery period, including past and future lost wages, benefits, and potential earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain, distress, and suffering endured due to the injury.
Mental Anguish: Damages awarded for the emotional distress, grief, anxiety, and mental suffering experienced by the injured worker.
Loss of Consortium: Available to the spouse of an injured worker for the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the impact the injury has on the victim's ability to enjoy life's activities and hobbies.
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the responsible party. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Construction Worker Wrongful Death:
Types of Damages Available in Dallas
In Dallas, Texas, when a construction worker suffers a wrongful death, certain types of damages may be available to the surviving family members. These damages are intended to compensate for the losses and hardships resulting from the loss of their loved one. These may include:
Economic Damages
Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the income and financial support the deceased worker would have provided to their family members if they had survived.
Funeral and Burial Expenses: Reimbursement for the reasonable costs associated with the funeral and burial or cremation of the deceased worker.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional pain, mental anguish, and suffering experienced by the surviving family members due to the loss of their loved one.
Loss of Companionship: Damages for the loss of companionship, love, and emotional support the deceased provided to their spouse, children, or other dependents.
Loss of Consortium: Available to the surviving spouse for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy that resulted from the death of their partner.
Mental Anguish: Compensation for the psychological distress and grief experienced by the surviving family members.
Punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant's actions leading to the wrongful death were deemed grossly negligent, reckless, or intentionally harmful.
Statute of Limitations for Construction Accident Claims
Personal Injury Claims (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 16)
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim stemming from a construction accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that victims have a limited timeframe within which to initiate legal action seeking compensation for their injuries.
Discovery Rule and Hidden Injuries: The "discovery rule" can come into play when injuries from a construction accident are not immediately apparent. In such cases, the statute of limitations may start when the injury is discovered or should have reasonably been discovered.
Minors and the Statute of Limitations: For construction accidents involving minors, the statute of limitations may be "tolled" or paused until the minor reaches the age of 18. This ensures that minors have the opportunity to seek compensation even if their injuries occurred years earlier.
Notice of Claim (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 101)
Government Entities and Construction Accidents: If a construction accident involves a government entity, such as a public construction project, there are specific rules and procedures to follow. The Texas Tort Claims Act governs claims against governmental entities for personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death.
Notice of Claim Requirement: Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, individuals who intend to file a claim against a governmental entity must provide written notice of the claim within six months of the incident. This notice serves to inform the government of the potential claim and allows them to conduct an investigation.
Importance of Timely Notice: Failing to provide timely notice can result in the forfeiture of the right to pursue a claim against a governmental entity. It's important to adhere to the notice of claim requirement to protect your rights and potential compensation.
Contact Miller Weisbrod Olesky
If you've suffered a construction site injury in Dallas or a loved one lost their life on a construction site, it is time to turn to the trusted Dallas construction accident lawyers at Miller Weisbrod Olesky to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. With our extensive experience in construction accident cases, we know how to navigate the complexities of Texas law and hold negligent parties accountable.
Let Miller Weisbrod Olesky be your advocate, so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal battle. Remember, time is critical, so call us today for a free consultation and secure the skilled representation you need to rebuild your life after a construction accident.
If you were seriously injured or a loved one died in a construction site accident, please call our offices in Dallas at 214.987.0005 or toll free at 888.987.0005 for a free consultation.
The Leader In Construction Accident Litigation With A Record Of Multi-Million Dollar Settlements And Verdicts
With a 30-year history heading the Construction Accident Department of Miller Weisbrod Olesky, firm partner Clay Miller has a proven record of holding construction companies accountable and achieving multi-million dollar settlements and court verdicts for his clients. Clay has handled construction accident cases in all major cities in Texas and numerous smaller counties. In one recent trial, Clay won a construction accident verdict of $26,500,000 for his client who suffered a spinal cord injury after a construction accident fall.
Clay has been consistently listed in Super Lawyers as one of the Best Lawyers in Texas, published in Texas Monthly, for over 15 years.
Clay is a past president of the Dallas Trial Lawyers’ Association and served as Chair of the Advocates for the Texas Trial Lawyer Association where he continues to serve on the board of directions. Clay is also a member of the elite American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) limited to a select group of trial lawyers who have tried to a jury verdict a significant number of cases and who are recognized for their professionalism.
Clay is regularly invited to speak to Trial Lawyer Groups around Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and across the state of Texas on the topics of construction accidents, trial tactics in complex construction cases and techniques to investigate and gather evidence in construction accidents, picking a jury in construction accident cases, as well as how to prepare a winning legal and trial strategy in Construction Accident Cases throughout Texas.
Our construction accident legal team includes Josh Birmingham, who is currently on the Dallas Trial Lawyers Board of Directors and served as the president of the Mesquite Bar Association for four years. Josh was named Thomson Reuters | Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2016 and 2017.
We also have on our team Michael Orth, a board certified personal injury trial lawyer who has spent the last decade representing injured Texans and their families. Michael’s success in scores of personal injury cases across federal and state courtrooms has earned him the coveted Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Miller Weisbrod Olesky Dallas Construction Accident Lawyers
Clay Miller
Clay is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Clay has practiced solely in the field of catastrophic injury and wrongful death since graduating from law school. His practice has been limited to the representation of victims. Over the past twenty-four years, Clay has successfully settled or tried to verdict cases in the areas of vehicular negligence, medical malpractice, construction site accidents, workplace injury, premises liability, and commercial trucking and a nationwide business loss case (suits filed in a dozen different states) involving defective truck engines sold to trucking companies.
Clay's most recent victories include when general contractor ignored its own requirements for safety training of a subcontractor workforce. As a result, our client never received training in how to properly use his fall protection equipment. Our client fell two stories and hit the ground because the equipment was hooked up improperly. He was left paralyzed. When the general contractor refused to tender their insurance limits, Construction Accident Attorney, Clay Miller tried the case in Texas, and obtained a verdict of $26,500,000, including $15,000,000 of punitive damages.
Clay was raised in Lewisville, Texas and completed his undergraduate degree in Finance at Texas A & M University. Following graduation from Southern Methodist University School of law, Clay worked for two Dallas firms representing victims. In 1998, Clay began his own practice before forming his current partnership. In addition to his law practice, Clay has lectured at seminars and published in the areas of construction accidents, jury selection techniques, medical negligence, trucking accidents and settlement tactics.
Josh Birmingham was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico and raised in the small oil town of Hobbs, New Mexico. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 2004 where he was a part of the Big 12 champion baseball team and was a College World Series participant.
He obtained his law degree from the University of Tulsa: College of Law in 2007 where he earned numerous awards in Mock Trial and Negotiation competitions.
Josh began his career at another prominent law firm where he fought for the victims of other’s negligence.
After 9 years Josh left being a trial lawyer and became an executive for a healthcare consulting firm but his passion for helping others in the law quickly pulled him back. Josh has tried numerous cases in both state and federal court. Josh began his first day with Miller Weisbrod Olesky in trial with Clay Miller representing an injured construction worker, Fernando Canales. Josh second chaired the trial and handled all of the medical expert testimony in the case.
Josh is a member of the State Bar of Texas, American Association of Justice, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Dallas Trial Lawyers Association, and Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. He is currently on the Dallas Trial Lawyers Board of Directors and served as the president of the Mesquite Bar Association for four years. Josh was named Thomson Reuters | Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2016 and 2017.
Josh accredits his passion toward helping others to his mother Pam Parkinson, a nurse and business woman, and his father Ray Birmingham a college baseball coach.
Michael is a board certified personal injury trial lawyer who has spent the last decade representing injured Texans and their families. Born and raised in Dallas, Michael attended Texas A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Following graduation, Michael worked in sales for one of the largest trucking companies in the United States. While working in the trucking industry, Michael saw the dangers that can and do occur when companies put profits before safety, and safety is not provided its proper place at the table. It was at this point Michael decided to pursue a career in law to help those harmed by the negligence of others.
Michael attended the University of Houston Law Center, where he served as a Senior Articles Editor for the Houston Journal of International Law. Throughout law school, Michael clerked at one of the 5 law firms that represented the State of Texas against Big Tobacco, where he worked on cases ranging from catastrophic crane collapses, to sexual abuse cases to environmental class action lawsuits. Most importantly, Michael learned the law could be used to do a lot of good in peoples’ lives, and could help those who had been injured because of the carelessness of others.
After obtaining his law license, Michael moved to South Padre Island and practiced personal injury law in the Rio Grande Valley. While practicing in South Texas, Michael tried nearly 20 cases in federal and state courtrooms across South Texas, consistently obtaining verdicts significantly higher than the insurance companies’ offers. As a result of his success in the courtroom, Michael is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a designation earned by practicing personal injury law almost exclusively, showing substantial success and experience trying personal injury lawsuits, completing extensive Continuing Legal Education in personal injury trial law, and passing a rigorous written exam demonstrating superior competence in handling personal injury cases.
Michael is married to Katlyn and has 2 young daughters, Kathleen and Mary Louise. Michael volunteers for the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, providing pro bono legal services to others in the community.
