What exactly is workers' compensation?
Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that can cover your medical bills and lost wages if you are injured and your employer carries insurance under the program. In Texas, the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation is responsible for regulating the delivery of workers’ compensation benefits to injured employees.
I was injured at work and I’m worried workers’ compensation won’t cover my expenses. Do I have other options?
If you have been injured in a workplace accident in the state of Texas, in addition to pursuing workers’ compensation payments, in some cases you can also file a civil claim seeking further financial compensation. This compensation can be used to help you overcome medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. But certain factors must be present to bring a lawsuit outside of the workers' compensation system. An experienced workers' compensation lawyer can advise you about the specific factors in your case.
Must all employers carry workers' compensation insurance?
Texas is the only state that does not require private employers to provide workers' compensation insurance. Instead, employers can choose to opt out of workers' compensation coverage and assume the risks and costs associated with a lawsuit from an injured employee. Thus, after being injured, you may learn that your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance. In this situation, filing a civil claim may be the only remedy at your disposal to receive the compensation you need and deserve.
If my employer has workers' compensation coverage, do I still need a lawyer?
Even if your employer provides workers' compensation coverage and you have already filed a workers’ compensation claim, it is in your best interests to contact a qualified workplace injury attorney. Chances are good that your workers’ compensation benefits are less that what you could be entitled to by filing a civil claim. You deserve to receive compensation that is sufficient to cover all of the costs and expenses related to your injury. A qualified workers' compensation attorney can also help you navigate the complex system of benefits and prepare for any hearings.
At the Wyly Law Firm in Houston, Texas, our workplace injury lawyer can help you understand your options after being injured on the job. We help injured workers in Harris County, Beaumont, Baytown, Galveston, Pasadena or Houston. If you have been injured at work, don’t delay. Call our workplace accident attorney today at 713.574.7034 or use our online contact form.
