Have you or a loved one been injured on the job in Heath, TX? If so, you may be coping with physical pain, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future.
The good news is that Texas statutes provide options to help injured workers recover workers’ compensation benefits. However, navigating this system isn’t always easy. Employers or insurance companies may try to dispute claims or minimize payouts.
The personal injury lawyers at Fielding Law understand the challenges injured workers face. We’re here to stand up for your rights, guide you through the legal process, and help you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to receive under the law. Call us or complete the online form to schedule a free case review.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that provides medical and income benefits to employees who are injured on the job or develop a work-related illness. In Texas, most private employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, but many do voluntarily.
If your employer has workers’ comp, you can file a claim to cover the following:
Medical expenses related to the injury or illness
Temporary income benefits while you’re unable to work
Impairment income benefits if you’re unable to work due to your injury
What If You Are Injured While Working for a Non-Subscriber in Heath, TX?
A non-subscriber is a business that has chosen to opt out of the traditional workers’ comp benefits provided to companies. If you work for a non-subscriber and are injured at work, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
In this situation, you could be entitled to compensation beyond the standard workers’ comp, including:
Full lost wages
Pain and suffering
Medical expenses
Loss of earning capacity
Punitive damages, if gross negligence is proven
For your claim to be successful, you must be able to prove that your employer was negligent and that negligence caused your injuries. This is where having a skilled Heath, Texas, workers’ compensation lawyer becomes essential.
We Handle All Types of Workplace Injuries in Heath, TX
Some industries, like construction, are known to be more hazardous than others. However, a job-related accident can happen in almost any line of work.
The personal injury lawyers at our law firm have helped clients recover compensation for a wide variety of injuries, including:
Back and neck injuries: These types of injuries often result from heavy lifting, repetitive strains, or falls. Herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and chronic pain conditions can leave workers sidelined for months or even permanently.
Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs): Conditions like carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and bursitis can develop over time from performing repetitive tasks like typing or assembly line work. These types of injuries can be hard to prove without legal help.
Slip-and-fall accidents: Workplaces with wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting can create dangerous conditions. Slip and fall injuries can lead to fractures, sprains, and other long-term complications.
Burns and chemical exposure: Employees in industrial, laboratory, or restaurant settings may be exposed to dangerous chemicals or hot surfaces. Burns and toxic exposure can cause severe injury and require extensive treatment.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Head injuries can result from falling objects, slip-and-falls, or accidents involving heavy machinery. TBIs can range from concussions to more severe harm that requires long-term care.
Construction site accidents: Construction workers face numerous hazards. This could include falling from heights, scaffold collapses, electrical injuries, or being struck by falling objects. These mishaps often result in life-altering injuries.
Machinery and equipment accidents: When it comes to using heavy machinery, improper training, equipment malfunction, or lack of safety protocols can lead to serious harm. Injuries may include lacerations, broken bones, and amputations.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Heath, Texas
The steps you take immediately after a workplace accident can have an immense impact on your ability to recover both physically and financially.
Here are some steps you should take in the event of a work injury or sickness:
Report the condition immediately. Notify your supervisor or manager in writing as soon as possible after the incident that injured you or the discovery of your sickness. Under Texas law, you have 30 days from the date of your injury, or when you first noticed symptoms, to report it.
Seek medical treatment. Do this right away, as you have limited time. If your employer subscribes to workers’ compensation, they may require you to see a doctor within their approved healthcare network. Be honest and thorough when describing your symptoms and how the injury occurred.
File a claim with the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). To protect your rights, you must file Form DWC-041 with the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation within 1 year of your injury. It’s recommended that you don’t rely on your employer to do this for you.
Document everything. Keep detailed records of medical visits, time missed from work, conversations with your employer or insurance adjusters, and any correspondence you receive regarding your claim.
Contact a Heath workers’ compensation attorney. Having a skilled lawyer on your side can mean the difference between facing a denied claim and receiving full compensation.
Reasons to Hire a Heath Personal Injury Attorney for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Even though workers’ compensation is designed to protect injured employees, the system often favors employers and insurance companies.
Consider some ways in which a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you:
Protect your rights: An experienced lawyer ensures you’re not taken advantage of by greedy insurance companies. Your lawyer will make sure all deadlines are met and that you understand the benefits you’re entitled to get.
Handle denied or disputed claims: Many workers’ comp claims are denied due to technical errors, missed deadlines, or disputes about the severity of the injury. A lawyer can appeal the denial and present strong evidence in your favor.
File a third-party lawsuit: In some situations, a contractor, manufacturer, property owner, or another party may be liable for your injuries. Your personal injury lawyer can file a third-party negligence claim. This may give you extra compensation beyond workers’ comp.
Maximize your compensation: A lawyer can accurately evaluate your claim and help you receive the full benefits you’re owed. This could include wage loss, medical coverage, and other damages.
Handle non-subscriber employers: If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may be able to sue them directly for negligence. Lawsuits can lead to higher payouts, but they also require that you prove fault. A skilled lawyer is essential in these cases.
Why Choose Fielding Law to Handle Your Heath, TX Workers’ Comp Claim
Our workers’ compensation lawyers have decades of experience in helping injured workers get justice. We know you have various personal injury law firms to choose from in the Heath area.
Here are some of the many reasons to choose us to handle your case:
Local experience: We understand the unique challenges faced by workers in Heath and the surrounding Rockwall County communities.
Proven results: We have recovered millions of dollars in benefits and settlements for injured workers just like you.
No upfront fees: We work on a contingency fee basis – if you don’t get paid, neither do we.
Aggressive negotiation: We are not intimidated by large insurance companies or businesses. We demand the compensation you’re owed.
Client-focused approach: You won’t feel like just another case. We strive to treat every client with respect and kindness. We will keep you informed each step of the way.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Heath, Texas Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out how to get compensation after being injured at work? Navigating the workers’ comp process can be complex, overwhelming, and full of pitfalls that may cost you the benefits you deserve.
However, be assured, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Fielding Law, our workers’ comp lawyers are committed to standing up for injured workers and fighting for the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Your health, future, and livelihood matter – and we’re here to protect them every step of the way. If you’ve been hurt on the job, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get back on your feet with the confidence and support you need.
