fbpx

Houston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

We know how to fight back for you.

Request A Free Case Consultation Today!

When the insurance company calls, do not speak to them! They are after their own interests, and it can hurt your case. Act now to protect your legal rights.

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

    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.

      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

      0
      Maritime Lawsuit
      0
      Traumatic Brain Injury – Oilfield Injury
      0
      Oil & Gas Burn Injury

      What Our Clients Are Saying

      John Sheppard and Chris West did an outstanding job in representing me following a rear-end collision. Highly recommended!
      Michael J.
      Michael J.
      1690955511
      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.
      Jeff S.
      Jeff S.
      1689998003
      They were very professional and understanding. The have patience and do their job well. If I had to return I would with no hesitation
      Cassandra M.
      Cassandra M.
      1681919608
      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 LLPread more
      Juber M.
      Juber M.
      1679949677
      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.
      Candace M.
      Candace M.
      1662510836
      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!read more
      Melis R.
      Melis R.
      1661459761
      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.read more
      D P.
      D P.
      1657208615
      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.read more
      Nikki L.
      Nikki L.
      1652483519
      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.read more
      Marceline A.
      Marceline A.
      1647777263
      Professional and knowledgeable with years of experience.
      angel martinez J.
      angel martinez J.
      1646769860
      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
      Richard L.
      Richard L.
      1646331335
      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!read more
      Amanda W.
      Amanda W.
      1645042828
      js_loader

      Recent Personal Injury Blog

      Go to Top