About Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated insurance program that pays medical bills and replaces some of the lost wages an employee experiences as a result of being injured or having work-related diseases or illnesses.
Workers’ compensation will cover medical bills for injuries or illnesses that occur while an employee is performing their job.
- The injury occurred at work or the disease or illness is related to work.
- The worker’s employer has workers’ compensation insurance or is certified by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation to self-insure.
- If the worker is injured and cannot work, their wages will be replaced by workers’ compensation.
- The worker was not able to earn income for more than seven days because of the injury or illness.
Texas employers may choose whether or not to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. If an employer maintains workers’ compensation insurance, they are responsible for paying out claims if their employees are injured on the job.
- Buy insurance policies from private insurance companies.
- If an employer meets the requirements of the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act and is certified by the Texas Department of Insurance, they are considered self-insured. Like employers who buy policies from private insurance companies, self-insured employers have the same rights and responsibilities under the workers’ compensation law.
- Below are a few tips to help you when you are in an accident at work.
Injury on the job is common, and there is some industry that is more affected than others. Most employers in Texas carry worker compensation insurance, which means that when you are hurt at work it’s your fault or someone else’s fault and you’re eligible to receive medical care and pay for time off work. There are certain criteria when filing a claim, so below are a few tips to help if you’re in an accident at work:
- Report the injury to your employer on time. No less than 1-2 weeks after an incident.
- A doctor that specializes in worker compensation would be the best choice.
- Many doctors do not specialize in worker compensation, so it is important to choose a doctor who is knowledgeable about the system.
- A specialist would be best suited for this task.
It is typically not recommended to choose a company doctor as your treating doctor. This can be because of the conflict of interest that exists between the company and the insurance carrier, which usually leads to dissatisfaction on the part of patients. At Americana Injury, our network of specialist doctors is dedicated to working with you and will provide you with quality care.
If you’ve been injured at work in Texas, your employer is required to provide you with the benefits mandated by law. We can help guide you through the paperwork and pain you’re suffering so that you can get back to work and healthy again.
History of Workers’ Compensation in Texas
Workers’ Compensation Injuries
The Workers’ Compensation Act ensures that injured workers are compensated fairly and appropriately for workplace injuries. There are several types of incidents in a workers’ compensation situation: an on-the-job injury, a job-related illness, or death due to work. The law sets out the specific benefits and responsibilities of both the worker and employer in these situations.
Incident Only
If an employee slips or falls and injures himself, he is legally obligated to report the accident to his employer. After reporting the accident, the employee’s employer will likely have to pay for any benefits that may be due (such as medical expenses and lost wages). If an employee does not file a report within a certain timeframe, he could face fines from state labor laws.
Medical Only Incidents
If an employee is injured and needs medical assistance, the company’s insurance agency will cover the costs. If the employee is injured beyond what the insurance agency covers, then he may be eligible for coverage of expenses that it does not cover.
Lost Time Coverage
If you are unable to return to work due to ongoing medical conditions, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This refers to three types of lost time coverage: medical leave, job-incurred injury insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
- Temporary
- Partial
- Death
If you’re injured and have questions please call…
Workers’ Compensation Clinic
Common Scenarios For Workers’ Compensation
Americana Injury Clinic is a public service that helps employees with work-related injuries find the answers to their conditions and get the treatment they need. We handle all aspects of your injuries from treating and rehabilitating you to the guidance of state laws to get you back to work or compensated for your unfortunate predicament.