When you fall, get hit by an object, or become injured from some other accident at work, you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ comp system was created to assure that workers receive medical care and compensation for the income they lose when they have to miss work, as well as to protect employers from lawsuits. Workers’ comp laws vary by state, and while many of them are similar, it’s still important to be aware of your state’s specific laws.

Texas workers’ comp laws differ from most. Texas is one of only two states where workers’ compensation is not mandatory for employers, which means that employers can choose to not have insurance coverage. If you’re injured in Texas, don’t assume that you’ll be able to file for workers’ comp. In order to be properly compensated for your injuries, your option is to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer, which our attorneys can help with.

Other ways in which Texas workers’ comp can differ from other states include:

• You have a limited amount of time to file a claim: In Texas, you have 30 days from the date of your injury to report the incident to your employer.
• Not all Texas doctors are on the approved physician list for workers’ comp: Since 2001, doctors must register in order to treat injured workers.
• Offshore workers and federal employees are not protected under workers’ comp laws: These workers are protected under federal law, which has different procedures for obtaining benefits. If you are one of these workers, you should hire a workers’ comp attorney who can confidently navigate the federal legal system.
• You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to receive coverage: Employers who have workers’ compensation cannot deny payment to injured workers who don’t have citizenship.

Common Injury Claims

If you’ve received any of the following injuries or illnesses while at work, you’re eligible to apply for workers’ compensation benefits:

• Injuries received on a work break
• Diseases contracted by exposure to toxins at work
• Injuries caused by company facilities, machinery, etc.
• Injuries brought on by increased workload or stress
• Injuries suffered while participating in a work-sponsored activity

If you discover that your Texas employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation, contact our lawyers. We may be able to help you determine whether you should file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.

Looking Out for Workers

If you’ve been injured in the workplace and are now suffering under the weight of your financial burdens, it’s time to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Because of the limited amount of time you have to report your injuries to your employer, you must act quickly. Our workers’ comp attorneys can help you file your claim so the sooner you apply, the sooner you can have your burdens lifted. The workers’ compensation insurance system can be confusing, but you have a legal right to have an attorney assist you. Our team operates on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t win until you do.

Call Daspit Law Firm at (888) 273-1045, or contact us online if you’ve been injured in a workplace accident. Our workers’ compensation attorneys can help you through the claims process, from reporting your injury to filing a claims form. We’re committed to helping our clients receive the benefits they’re entitled to as workers.