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Houston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

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    Morrow & Sheppard LLP are privileged to represent injured workers and their families. Oftentimes they are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

    Depending on the situation, injured workers may also be entitled to separate compensation from other responsible parties, so speaking with an accomplished Houston workers’ compensation lawyer is vital to securing fair and full compensation.

    What Is Workers’ Compensation?

    Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated insurance program that entitles injured workers to income and medical benefits in the event of an on-the-job injury.

    In Houston and throughout Texas, companies choose whether or not to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. The reason companies buy this insurance is that, in certain circumstances, injured workers covered by workers’ compensation insurance are prohibited from suing their employers for additional compensation.

    In most cases, employers are required to notify workers about whether or not they provide coverage.

    What Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

    In general, any injury sustained while at work is covered by workers’ compensation. The injury must be significant enough to warrant medical treatment beyond what may be remedied by a first aid kit. Common injuries at work include slips and falls, accidents involving tools or machinery, burn injuries, electrocution, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

    Injuries may happen outside of the workplace, but still be work-related. If you are traveling between job sites and are in a car accident, that would be covered by workers’ compensation. If you take a client out to lunch for work and are injured at the restaurant, that is work-related and is covered by workers’ compensation. If you are injured at a required company event that takes place away from work, your injury would be covered as well.

    In addition to injuries you may sustain at work, illnesses that develop over time due to work environments are covered by workers’ compensation. Repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, if they develop due to your regular job duties are covered by workers’ comp.

    Continual exposure to loud noises at work that result in hearing loss or exposure to toxic chemicals on a regular basis may over time cause illnesses which would then be covered by workers’ compensation.

    The medical field now recognizes the role of stress in causing many illnesses. If your line of work is particularly stressful, illnesses that result from the increased stress would be covered.

    Additionally, some mental conditions may arise from the workplace environment that would be covered by workers’ comp. If events at work lead to a psychological problem, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, you would be eligible for benefits through workers’ comp. If you have any questions about whether or not your injury is covered, reach out to a Houston workers’ compensation lawyer.

    Workers’ Compensation Does Not Bar All Claims Against Employers

    Although corporations and insurance companies would have you believe otherwise, in many situations, injured workers and affected family members are entitled to bring lawsuits even though there is workers’ compensation insurance coverage.

    For example, when an injured worker dies, surviving family members are entitled to bring claims against the employer for punitive damages arising from gross negligence or intentional acts.

    Workers’ Compensation Does Not Bar Claims Against Other Responsible Parties

    Even in situations covered by workers’ compensation insurance, injured workers and affected family members are often entitled to bring claims against other persons and companies (besides the employer) whose conduct may have caused or contributed to the injuries. They may also be entitled to bring claims against the manufacturer of defective products involved in the accident.

    Workers’ Compensation Does Not Bar Claims Against Employers That Do Not Purchase Insurance

    More and more, employers are making the conscious decision not to purchase workers’ compensation insurance, commonly referred to as going “bare.” In fact, 44 percent of Texas employers are “non-subscribers.”

    Employers that choose not to purchase workers’ compensation insurance are betting that their employees will be too fearful to file a claim, or that they can pressure injured workers to accept nominal settlements in the event of an injury. Do not settle before you speak with an experienced lawyer experienced in workers’ compensation claims.

    List of Texas Companies That Are Non-Subscribers to Workers’ Compensation

    Texas companies that either were or currently are non-subscribers to workers’ compensation insurance include:

    • Best Buy
    • Costco
    • Girling Healthcare
    • HEB Grocery Company
    • Hobby Lobby
    • Home Depot
    • J.B. Hunt
    • JC Penney
    • Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
    • Lowe’s
    • Macy’s
    • McDonald’s
    • Neiman Marcus
    • Pizza Hut
    • Safeway
    • Sysco Corporation
    • Target
    • Wal-Mart
    • Wells Fargo
    • Whataburger
    • Whole Foods

    These are just a few examples. There are much more. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, consult a knowledgeable Houston workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your employer’s status and whether or not you may be entitled to bring a claim.

    Texas Workers’ Compensation Benefits

    Texas law prescribes several benefits that you can expect to receive if you have been injured on the job.

    Medical Benefits

    Any medical expenses related to your injury will be paid for as part of your workers’ comp benefits. Any medical treatment must be authorized beforehand, but you have the right to receive the appropriate medical treatment for your injury and have those expenses covered by your employer or their workers’ comp insurance.

    Temporary Income Benefits

    If you miss seven days of work or fewer, you may not receive temporary income benefits. After eight missed days of work, you will begin to receive your temporary income benefits, and if you miss more than 14 days, the first seven days of missed work will be paid to you retroactively.

    Temporary income benefits are calculated at 70% of your average weekly wages. If you earn less than $10 per hour, you will receive 75% of your average weekly wage. The maximum you can receive in benefits is $913 per week as of October 1st, 2017.

    You may collect temporary income benefits until you reach your maximum medical improvement, you return to work, or for a maximum of 104 weeks.

    Impairment and Lifetime Income Benefits

    If your doctor evaluates you and determines that you have reached the maximum medical improvement and are permanently disabled, you may be eligible for impairment income or lifetime income benefits.

    Mileage Reimbursement

    Any mileage traveled for medical treatment more than 30 miles one way is covered by workers’ comp benefits.

    Rehabilitation

    If you are unable to return to your previous job due to your injury, you may receive vocational training and assistance in finding a new job.

    Funeral Benefits

    If a person is killed in an accident at work, the family may receive benefits for funeral and burial expenses.

    How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Texas

    Because of Texas’ unusual laws regarding the employer’s requirement to buy workers’ compensation insurance, there are two different ways to begin filing your claim. Depending on whether or not your employer has chosen to purchase workers’ compensation insurance, you may need to work through their insurance company or seek compensation directly from your employer.

    In either case, your first step in filing a claim is to notify your employer of the accident that caused your injury. This begins the process of getting the appropriate treatment for your injury.

    If your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, they may have a network of healthcare providers. If that is the case, you must seek treatment from a doctor that is in that network.

    If they do not have a healthcare network, you may seek treatment from any doctor you choose. It is important that whichever doctor you see, you immediately inform them that your treatment is for an injury suffered at work.

    To file your workers’ comp claim, you will need to file a form, the Employee’s Claim for Compensation for a Work-Related Injury or Occupational Disease, with the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). If your employer does not provide you with that form, you may find it online at the DWC website. The form provides information on how to answer the questions. However, if you still are unsure of how to fill out the form, the Office of Injured Employee Counsel can assist you with any questions you may have.

    The DWC will review your claim and inform your employer and their insurance company, if there is one, of your claim. At that point, the employer’s insurance company or your employer may decide to accept or reject your claim.

    Time Limit to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Texas

    There are two deadlines that must be met in order for your claim to be considered. Failure to meet the required deadlines can mean denial of your claim and no compensation made for your expenses, even if your claim otherwise merits approval.

    The first time limit is the time you have to notify your employer of your injury. From the time of your injury or the time you discover an injury, you have 30 days to notify your employer. Failure to notify your employer in the time allowed will almost certainly forfeit your right to collect benefits.

    While you have 30 days to notify your employer legally, it is best to notify them as soon as possible after your accident. Unless there is a very good reason to delay notifying your employer, the insurance company or your employer will be more skeptical of claims made after a significant delay and may be more likely to dispute your claim the longer you delay in notifying them of your injury.

    The other significant time limit regards filing your workers’ comp claim. Filing the form that must be returned to the DWC actually starts your worker’s comp claim. You have one year from the date of the injury to file that form or one year from the date that you knew that your injury or illness was work-related. A failure to file the form within one year will almost certainly result in a denial of any benefits.

    As in the case of notifying your employer, in most cases, it is best to file the claim as soon as possible after your injury. You cannot begin receiving any benefits until the claim is filed, and filing the claim sooner helps ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

    Request A Free Case Consultation Today!

    Complete the form below and we will reach out momentarily. We are available 24/7.

      What type of case are you inquiring about?

      Contact A Houston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer For A Free Consultation Today!

      If you or a family member have been injured at work, and you want to learn more about what workers’ compensation benefits and other legal recourse may be available, please contact us now for a free, confidential consultation.

      Practice Areas We Handle

      Our experienced Houston personal injury attorneys want to understand your unique situation so we can provide legal guidance that will help you obtain a favorable result. We have experience handling a wide variety of personal injury cases. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today! You don’t pay us unless we win your case.

      We Get Results

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      Maritime Lawsuit
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      Traumatic Brain Injury – Oilfield Injury
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      Oil & Gas Burn Injury

      What Our Clients Are Saying

      Excellent
      4.9
      Rod A.
      Rod A.
      Thank you so much Griselda for great service and helping me..through of the case..
      Dray H.
      Dray H.
      From the very first consultation, I was struck by their professionalism and commitment. Chris and Daniel took the time to listen to my concerns, understand our situation, and outline a clear path forward. It was apparent that they all were not just going through the motions; they were genuinely invested in achieving the best outcome for my son as he suffered a lot from being hit by a car. Throughout the process, their hard work was evident. Your choice of legal representation can make a world of difference, and I am fortunate to have found a lawyer and Firm who embodies these qualities. Thank you once again for everything; your efforts will not be forgotten. If you need an honest law firm that's going to be transparent and help get the best results, call Morrow and Sheppard.
      FRANK H.
      FRANK H.
      They went through highs and lows to help me with my case. At the end we won thanks morrow & Sheppard so much…
      Elena H.
      Elena H.
      They were professional and very helpful with everything. If had any questions they would be quick to respond and was able to help me understand it better on things during the whole case. Thank you so much and keep up the excellent work.
      Pavan L.
      Pavan L.
      I must recommend MS LLP for their superb services. Their team is very attentive and responsive in assisting at all times.
      Cynthia D.
      Cynthia D.
      Griselda was so helpful and knowledgeable! She made the entire experience seamless and went the extra mile on our case. We are so happy we chose Morrow & Sheppard to represent us!
      Michael J.
      Michael J.
      John Sheppard and Chris West did an outstanding job in representing me following a rear-end collision. Highly recommended!
      Jeff S.
      Jeff S.
      Nick and Laura are the best..They helped every step of the way.Can’t recommend them highly enough.Not only do they get results but they care and make you feel like family.
      Cassandra M.
      Cassandra M.
      They were very professional and understanding. The have patience and do their job well. If I had to return I would with no hesitation
      Juber M.
      Juber M.
      4 months agoI am Extremely Happy with Morrow & Sheppard Lawfirm. I worked closely with Nick Morrow end Laura on my case With the rest of his staff. They were diligent in handling my law case matter to resolution. Laura end Nick would keep me up to date with the status of my case … More , They fought for me to get the best settlement possible.. I am happy with the outcome Thank you Nick and the staff Of MORROW END SHEPPARD LLP
      Candace M.
      Candace M.
      Chris West is an excellent addition to the Morrow & Sheppard team. His skill set, dedication, and overall reliability he brings to the firm and clients are uncanny. You will not be disappointed.
      Melis R.
      Melis R.
      I highly recommend the Morrow & Sheppard to anyone. They are an incredible group that did an outstanding job to make sure I got the highest settlement for my case. Attorney Daniel and his staff are all outstanding professionals with some serious case law knowledge and skill. His group went the extra mile for me and because of that, my life has forever changed. Thank you Attorney Daniel and everyone that’s a part of his firm that worked so hard. I really appreciate you!
      D P.
      D P.
      I am Extremely Happy with Morrow & Sheppard Lawfirm. I worked closely with Daniel Sheppard and Chris on my case. They were diligent in handling my law case matter to resolution. Daniel would keep me up to date with the status of my case and Chris would also ensure all my paper work was submitted in a timely manner. I am Very Happy with the Outcome! Thank you Daniel and Chris. I highly recommend their services and would not hesitate to use them again.
      Nikki L.
      Nikki L.
      Very strong and courageous law firm I recommend to anyone who has suffered a injury from companies who need to be held responsible for lack of safety and security, my family is set for life and with these lawyers never backing down and fighting for truth behind every case and seeking the best future for our family has given our family a second chance at being able to make it in life and holding companies accountable lifting burdens off our lives, very proud and beyond blessed to have had them fight the fight and have a tremendous outcome for our future. Along with a great and kind staff we HIGHLY recommend this law firm.
      Marceline A.
      Marceline A.
      I was a client for 2.5 years after a car accident in 2019 and represented by Patrick McGinnis. He was knowledgable, compassionate, and level headed.His assisting paralegal, Ramona Anaya, was reliable, knowledgable, and kind in all our interactions.They went above and beyond to help me navigate everything that unfolded after my car accident. They were able to secure a favorable settlement before trial.I’m very happy to have had Morrow&Sheppard Firm represent me.
      angel martinez J.
      angel martinez J.
      Professional and knowledgeable with years of experience.
      Richard L.
      Richard L.
      I had a accident and I chose morrow&sheppard they was great from the start to the finish Chris was real informative and helpful was the whole process and got me a fair settlement they really care about there Clients if you in a car accident call them
      Amanda W.
      Amanda W.
      After a car accident last year I went to Morrow & Sheppard for assistance. Jose and Chris were exceptionally accommodating and handled my case with professionalism. They're primary concern was my well being and they went above and beyond to ensure I would receive the best settlement possible. A very efficient and dedicated team!
      Susan L.
      Susan L.
      I've been in the legal field for a while now and not only do I know John Sheppard & Nick Morrow, I have attorney friends that have worked with them throughout the years. This is a great firm and great people that work at Morrow & Sheppard. I have been reading the reviews on here and it makes me happy to see that their clients think as highly of them as I do.
      Dale S.
      Dale S.
      I was injured and my business closed down due to an accident in 2016. Daniel Sheppard became my greatest asset. He hired professional experts for their views and opinions as well as conducting numerous depositions. Daniel is hard working and no nonsense when handling your case. Daniel keeps you informed on what's going on and what to expect. I'm from Louisiana and my case was in Texas. Daniel Sheppard worked alone side my other attorney Yuri Beck, and the both of them did a fantastic job representing me and settling my case. Daniel Sheppard of Morrow & Sheppard in Texas and Yuri Beck of Hunter & Beck in Louisiana are my lawyers for LIFE.
      Rosie E.
      Rosie E.
      Nick Morrow and John Sheppard were the lead attorneys on my case to hold an apartment complex with inadequate security responsible for the death of my son. The two of them were focused and determined to represent me and my son's children with tenacity. As the case continued over time, it became apparent that we were not merely clients that were a means to a financial end to them but people who had experienced a life changing and devastating loss. They realized that as a result of our loss, there needed to be accountability that could only be obtained through legal actions. Throughout the legal process, Nick Morrow and John Sheppard were not only professional and transparent but also compassionate and empathetic as they lead us through the difficult and sometimes confusing legal maze. Every person in their office that was involved with our case exemplified an extension of the genuine concern that began with attorneys Morrow and Sheppard. I have and will continue to recommend this firm to individuals who find themselves in need of legal representation.
      Don D.
      Don D.
      The legal team at Morrow and Shepherd worked hard to help me win my case where a motorist who caused the accident changed her story and lied about the accident. A previous attorney kept telling me that I would probably have to pay some of the medical costs out of my own pocket.Daniel, my attorney, assured me that he would it is best to make sure this did not happen and that he would fight to get me the best compensation possible. He was true to his word.I'm happy with their work, happy with the compensation and would definitely use them again.The Legal Assistant, Chris, was always professional, friendly and polite and a pleasure to work with.A big thanks to the team!Don
      Jeff N.
      Jeff N.
      Nick and his group have helped where they can and are working hard to get a resolution to my injuries. I spoke with 4 different law firms prior to choosing Morrow & Sheppard LLP.ThanksJeff
      Elizabeth Swanson V.
      Elizabeth Swanson V.
      I was referred to Daniel Sheppard because of a car accident I had been in. I was very impressed with how he told me about the process of how things worked and the things to expect. He was very forth coming and always supportive. The experience was a positive one and ended on a great note! I highly recommend him.Elizabeth Varon
      Christine E.
      Christine E.
      Before I engaged John Sheppard, I was concerned that I might lose my case. However, John came onboard, turned things around, and set me on a good course to win. He got up to speed quickly on the facts and determined exactly what we needed to do. He is great at strategy, filing discovery and other motions, and arguing before the court. I was extremely pleased with the outcome of my case. If you need legal help in a personal injury action, commercial law or whatever, hire him immediately! He is a pleasure to work with, will thoroughly explain all to you in a manner you can understand, and will get you the best possible outcome. A+++
      BB C.
      BB C.
      I was seriously injured and they represented me and I was so happy with the outcome and would recommend them to any others seeking professional lawyers. They also set me up with the best doctors. My son and I have now put this lawsuit behind us thanks to Morrow & Sheppard.
      Stephen T.
      Stephen T.
      Phenomenal lawyer. I can not heap enough praise on these guys,.
      III 4.
      III 4.
      Nick Morrow is a GREAT lawyer that really knows his job. He made me feel comfortable about hiring him to handle my case. He’s trustworthy and very compassionate about his work. His staff is awesome also, everyone was nice and friendly to me when I visited the office. The settlement I received exceeded my expectations, it was four times what I expected. I would highly recommend Morrow and Sheppard to anyone needing legal representation. Thanks again Nick!!
      tim C.
      tim C.
      I was injured working offshore. Morrow & Sheppard handled my maritime case and won a great settlement for me. If you have been injured at work, Morrow & Sheppard are great offshore injury lawyers.
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