If you suffered an illness or injury at work, do not hesitate to contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC to learn about your available options. You might be entitled to benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Texas doesn’t require employers to provide their workers with workers’ compensation coverage. That means you might be unable to file a benefits claim if you get hurt on the job. However, other options are available to recover the compensation you need. For example, you could file a lawsuit if a third party is at fault for the workplace accident.
The DJF Law Firm, PLLC understands the importance of receiving the money you need to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Our Houston work injury attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to protect our clients and advocate for their rights in their time of need.
Call us at 832-529-3476 for a free consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.
Various factors can contribute to someone’s work injury. You don’t have to be in a dangerous occupation to get hurt. Even office workers can sustain injuries by falling down the stairs or using faulty equipment. The most common causes of workplace injuries include:
If your injury or illness occurred while you were at work, contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC immediately. We can determine whether your employer has workers’ compensation insurance and file a claim on your behalf. We will aggressively pursue the benefits you are entitled to so you can treat your injury and get your life back on track.
Workers’ compensation covers a range of work-related injuries, such as:
Workers’ compensation also provides benefits for numerous occupational illnesses, including:
You deserve to recover benefits even if your job-related medical condition is minor. The DJF Law Firm, PLLC can investigate the incident and advise whether you qualify for workers’ compensation coverage. You can count on our team to handle the complicated claims process so you can focus on your recovery.
You can file a workers’ compensation claim for any illness or injury you suffer while you’re at work if your job caused the condition. You are automatically entitled to medical benefits if your employer has workers’ compensation insurance.
Medical benefits pay for all reasonable and necessary treatment for your work-related medical condition. Coverage begins immediately after you suffer an illness or injury at work.
If your employer’s workers’ compensation plan is in a healthcare network, you must seek treatment from an approved doctor in that network. You might have to pay for your expenses out of pocket if you see a physician who isn’t in the network and don’t get prior approval from the network.
If you begin treating with a medical provider you don’t like, you could switch to someone else. However, you must submit a written request to the Division of Workers’ Compensation for approval.
Workers’ compensation insurance also provides four types of income benefits depending on the circumstances of your injury or illness. The available income benefits include:
If your loved one died in a workplace accident, you could file a claim for burial and death benefits. Workers’ compensation insurance only provides payments to eligible family members, including:
Benefits start the day after the employee’s death. Payments are 75 percent of the worker’s average weekly wage. An eligible beneficiary will continue receiving payments until they don’t meet the requirements for death benefits.
For example, a surviving spouse can collect benefit payments for the rest of their life unless they get married again.
The person who paid for burial expenses can receive burial benefits. They must file the claim within twelve months of the employee’s death and provide copies of the bills.
If you collect workers’ compensation benefits, workers’ compensation laws prohibit you from suing your employer. However, you could file a third-party lawsuit if someone else’s negligence caused your injury in an occupational accident.
For example, a contractor might be at fault for negligently leaving their tools in a walkway, creating a trip hazard. Or a maintenance worker could be liable for failing to repair a defective elevator in your office building.
When you file a third-party lawsuit, you could receive compensation for your:
You might also be able to recover exemplary damages. This type of financial award punishes the defendant for their actions. You must show clear and convincing evidence that your injury resulted from the at-fault party’s gross negligence, fraud, or malice.
If you want to sue a third party for compensation, you must comply with the statute of limitations. In Texas, the statute of limitations allows a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit. That means you have two years from the date of the occupational accident to initiate your lawsuit against the negligent party.
The DJF Law Firm, PLLC believes in protecting the rights of injured workers in Houston. We know how to handle workers’ compensation claims successfully. When you hire us, we will investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove you are entitled to benefits. If the insurance company denies your claim, we can file an appeal and fight for the benefits you deserve.
If you suffered a job-related injury or illness, contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC today for legal assistance. We can help you with your claim for benefits or third-party lawsuit. One of our Houston work injury attorneys will be happy to discuss your case with you and advise whether we can represent you. Call us at 832-529-3476 for your free consultation.