When you think about workplace injuries, you may assume that blue-collar and manual labor jobs are the only industries where a worker can get hurt. However, this is far from the truth. Whether you lift heavy boxes or work in an office, you can still sustain injuries. If you were hurt on the job, ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to is crucial. Keep reading to learn about workers’ compensation and discover how a Houston workplace accident lawyer can help you get the financial support you are entitled to.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that employers carry that provides benefits and financial compensation to employees who are injured on the job.
Depending on the circumstances and the situation, workers’ compensation will cover medical expenses related to the treatment an injured worker receives, funeral costs if the employee passes away as a result of the accident, and loss of income to help keep staff who are out of work due to injuries financially supported.
Does Texas Require All Employers to Carry This Insurance?
In Texas, it is not a requirement for all employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. If a business opts out, they must inform all new employees that they do not have this insurance. Similarly, they must file an annual DWC-005 form with the state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Similarly, businesses that do not carry workers’ compensation for their employees must still report all workplace injuries to the DWC regardless.
If a workplace does not have worker’s compensation and an employee is hurt on the job, they can file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer. This is risky for businesses, as non-subscriber companies cannot argue that employee negligence was the reason the worker was hurt.
What Should I Do if I’m Hurt On the Job?
If you are injured at work, ensuring you take the proper steps to document your injuries is vital to receiving the compensation you are entitled to. Immediately after the accident, you must seek emergency medical treatment if the injury requires immediate attention. However, if you do not need emergency treatment, you will have to visit a doctor in-network.
You must also report the injury to your employer within 30 days. If you wait too long, you could lose the right to receive compensation. If your company does not carry worker’s compensation, you may want to proceed with a personal injury lawsuit.
Whether you’re filing a personal injury lawsuit or need assistance getting the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve, you’ll need the assistance of a seasoned attorney to guide you through the process. At the Gonzalez Law Group, we have the experience necessary to guide you through the legal process to fight to get the justice you deserve.
