Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance that provides lost wages and medical benefits to injured employees on the job. It was designed to be mutually beneficial to both the employee and the employer.

Employees who file a workers’ compensation plan relinquish their rights to sue their employer, and the employee receives financial support and job security during their recovery.

Workers’ Compensation in Texas

The state of Texas does not require private employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Still, many private employees do so anyway to protect themselves in the event of an employee injury financially.

If you are injured at work and your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, you can still file a non-subscribers claim to help secure financial assistance in your time of need.

Labor Law
Labor Law

Tips For Handling Your Workplace Injury

They are as follows:

  • Report your injury right away. The best time to report your workplace injury is immediately after it happens. The second-best time is right now. If you have not already reported your injury to your workplace, do so right away. 
  • Document your injury. Photos from the scene are always helpful, as are medical reports. Collect all paperwork and documentation surrounding your injury and keep it in one central location for easy access. 
  • Do not accept the first offer you receive. Workers’ compensation is insurance, and insurance companies are incentivized to pay you as little as possible to prioritize their profits. Likely, the first offer you receive will not be enough to cover your expenses. Negotiation is expected, so do not take the first thing that is offered to you. 
  • Contact an attorney. Sometimes workers’ compensation claims are denied. If this happens to you, it will be tough to appeal while you are still actively recovering. Instead of putting yourself in that position, hire an attorney who can guide you through the entire process while you focus all of your energy on rest and recovery.’

Workplace injuries are incredibly stressful. Save yourself from further headaches by contacting Rendon & Associates for all of your workers’ compensation and workplace injury needs. We are here to support you.

FAQs

Yes. Workers’ compensation covers all illnesses and injuries caused by workplace activities. Repetitive motion injuries like tendonitis are not the result of an accident but can still be caused by work duties. Similarly, prolonged toxic exposure can lead to an illness that was not caused by one single incident. 

If you are suffering from an injury caused by something at work, you are likely covered. Call Rendon & Associates to discuss the details of your situation if you are unsure.

That depends on the rules in your state. In Texas, you must see a doctor within the workers’ compensation network. If you are not sure whether or not your doctor qualifies, ask your employer who they prefer you see. Remember that in an emergency, getting medical treatment is the top priority. However, if treatment for your injury is non-emergent, it is in your best interest to contact your employer about which physician or practice you should visit.

Workers’ compensation does not just cover medical bills. Below is a list of everything that your claim can cover:

  • Medical bills: This includes all treatments, procedures, office visits, and transportation to and from medical treatment as it relates to your injury.
  • Lost wages: Your regular pay will still be provided while you recover from a workplace injury.
  • Disability: If you are temporarily or permanently precluded from work due to your injury, workers’ compensation will cover your disability payments. 
  • Death Benefits: If a worker dies due to their injuries, the surviving dependents will receive benefits, including funeral coverage.

Note: Worker’s compensation does not cover compensation for pain and suffering. In exchange for filing a claim with workers’ compensation, you relinquish your right to sue your employer for more funds. 

Some employees assume that they should contact an attorney before reporting their workplace injury. This is not the best way to handle things. You should report your workplace injury as soon as it happens (or as soon as you realize that you are injured, as is often the case with repetitive motion injuries and illnesses). You will want to report the injury to your direct supervisor and the Human Resources department. 

There is a statute of limitations on workplace injury coverage, so the sooner you can alert your employer, the better. No reasonable attorney will be upset with you for taking that first step. Report first, and call us after.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Rubén Rendon has been selected by the Mexican Consulate in Houston as a consultant to work together on matters related to their constituents! It’s an honor and a privilege to support our community. Congratulations, Rubén!