General Contractors vs. Subcontractors: Understanding Liability in Texas Construction Accidents
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Why Liability Matters on Texas Construction Sites
Construction sites in Texas are layered, fast‑moving environments where multiple companies work side by side. When a worker is injured, one of the first questions is: Who is responsible — the general contractor, a subcontractor, or someone else?
Understanding the difference is critical because General Contractors and Subcontractors Liability in Texas Workers’ Comp determines:
- Who pays for your medical bills
- Whether you can sue
- Whether workers’ comp applies
- Whether multiple parties may share responsibility
At MLF Legal, we help injured workers identify every liable party so they can pursue the maximum compensation available under Texas law.
The Difference Between General Contractors and Subcontractors
General Contractors (GCs)
A general contractor oversees the entire project. Their responsibilities typically include:
- Managing the job site
- Hiring subcontractors
- Enforcing safety rules
- Coordinating schedules
- Ensuring OSHA compliance
- Maintaining overall site safety
Because of this broad control, GCs often carry significant legal responsibility for worker safety.
Subcontractors
Subcontractors are hired to perform specific tasks, such as:
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- Roofing
- Concrete work
- Steel erection
- HVAC installation
They control their own employees and equipment, and they are responsible for performing their work safely.
FAQs: General Contractors vs. Subcontractors:
It depends on who controlled the work, who created the hazard, and who failed to follow safety rules.
Yes. Subcontractors can be liable for injuries to workers from other companies.
Yes. Construction accidents often involve shared liability among GCs, subcontractors, and property owners.
You may sue your employer directly for negligence, and they lose key legal defenses.
Evidence such as contracts, OSHA citations, photos, and witness statements can help establish liability.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Who Is Liable When a Construction Worker Is Injured?
Liability depends on who controlled the work, who created the hazard, and who failed to follow safety standards.
Here’s how Texas law typically assigns responsibility:
General Contractors Are Often Liable for Site Wide Safety
GCs may be responsible if they:
- Failed to enforce safety rules
- Allowed unsafe conditions to exist
- Ignored OSHA violations
- Failed to coordinate subcontractors safely
- Did not provide fall protection or guardrails
- Allowed defective equipment on site
Even if the injured worker was employed by a subcontractor, the GC may still be liable if they controlled the unsafe condition. Under Texas law, general contractors and subcontractors liability in Texas workers’ comp often depends on who controlled the work area and whether the GC assumed responsibility for site‑wide safety.
Subcontractors Are Liable for Their Own Negligence
A subcontractor may be responsible if they:
- Created the hazard
- Failed to train their workers
- Used defective tools or equipment
- Violated OSHA standards
- Ignored safety protocols
- Failed to secure materials or debris
Subcontractors may also face exposure under general contractors and subcontractors liability in Texas workers’ comp when their negligence injures workers from other companies.
Multiple Parties Can Share Liability
Construction accidents often involve overlapping responsibilities. For example:
- A GC fails to enforce fall protection
- A subcontractor removes guardrails
- Another subcontractor leaves debris on a walkway
In these cases, each party may be partially responsible, increasing the total compensation available.
Property Owners May Also Be Liable
If the property owner:
- Controlled the work
- Knew about a dangerous condition
- Failed to warn workers
…they may share responsibility under Texas premises liability law.
How to Prove Liability in a GC/Subcontractor Case
Strong evidence is essential. This may include:
- Contracts between the GC and subcontractors
- Safety manuals and site rules
- OSHA citations
- Witness statements
- Photos and videos
- Daily logs and job site reports
- Equipment maintenance records
MLF Legal works with investigators, engineers, and safety experts to determine exactly who caused the unsafe condition.
What Damages Can Injured Workers Recover?
Depending on the parties involved, you may recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Punitive damages (for gross negligence)
If your employer is a nonsubscriber, you may also sue them directly.
What to Do After a Construction Accident Involving Multiple Contractors
- Report the injury immediately
- Take photos of the hazard
- Identify which companies were working in the area
- Get witness names
- Preserve equipment or tools involved
- Seek medical treatment
- Contact a construction injury lawyer
The sooner you act, the easier it is to determine liability.
Speak With a Texas Construction Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured on a construction site, multiple companies may be responsible — and you deserve to know your rights.
📞 Call MLF Legal at 214‑357‑1782
💻 Or fill out our online form for a free consultation
We only get paid if we win your case.
Call MLF Legal today
214-357-1782
Fill out our online form
for a free consultation.
We only get paid if we win your case.