Even when employees take every safety precaution while at work, injuries can still happen on the job. When work-related injuries or illnesses occur, access to workers’ compensation can provide much-needed financial relief during the recovery process by covering medical expenses and offsetting lost wages.
If you have been injured at work by a defective piece of machinery or if a 3rd party contractor or other entity caused you harm, you may be able to pursue additional compensation in addition to workers’ compensation coverage, If you’ve been hurt in Texas or New Mexico, trust your case to an experienced workplace injury lawyer.
The team at The Fass Law Firm understands how frustrating injuries are for workers. Not only can they require a lengthy and expensive recovery, but they also interfere with your ability to work and earn a living. While some employers are better than others at providing helpful resources, the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim or injury claim can be incredibly confusing and overwhelming. Our team offers understanding, knowledgeable legal service in the wake of a workplace injury so that you can focus on your recovery.
The workplace injury attorneys of The Fass Law Firm are here to support workers who have been injured on the job. We know you want to get back to work and provide for yourself and your family. We are here to help you secure the benefits you are entitled to and help you get back on your feet. To speak with a dedicated member of our team about your case, call us today at (713) 697-5100 or contact us online.
Do I Need a Workplace Injury Lawyer?
If you’ve never had to hire a lawyer before, taking the leap and asking for legal help can seem daunting. The truth is, a lawyer can be a valuable guide and support system for you in the wake of a workplace accident. Consider the following when deciding if hiring a lawyer is right for you:
- Guidance — If you’ve been the victim of a workplace injury, an experienced lawyer can help you determine the correct course of action to take in seeking compensation. Depending on your situation, you likely have numerous legal options available to you, such as seeking workers’ compensation or pursuing a personal injury claim.
- Improved Outcomes — Independently filing a claim is always an option, but the guidance of a skilled lawyer helps injury victims secure a better financial outcome far more quickly than filing alone.
- Technicalities and Time Limits — Injury victims must adhere to certain time limitations when filing for benefits, whether it is workers’ compensation or an injury claim. A lawyer will help you understand these time limits and meet them so that you can collect the compensation that you need.
- Protect Your Rights — Above all, it’s important for you to understand that you have rights as an injured worker. If your employer is attempting to infringe on these rights by retaliation or discouraging you from pursuing workers’ compensation benefits, a lawyer can advise you on the best way to stand firm against this treatment.
Time and time again, we’ve observed Texas workers who have attempted to handle their claim alone. While we admire this, we also know how much they stand to gain with the help of a skilled attorney. If you’ve been hurt while doing your job, let us help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Why Choose The Fass Law Firm to Handle my Case?
The team at The Fass Law Firm fights for injury victims because we understand the stress that workplace injuries put on Texas workers. When an injury threatens your livelihood and health, we want to help you heal so that you can continue to support yourself and your family. Throughout our years in practice, we have had the opportunity to work on a variety of cases, and we are ready to put the full force of our legal knowledge and experience to work for you.
Workplace Injuries We Handle
Each work environment is unique. As such, the accidents that result will vary widely. No matter how you’ve been injured while working, you may be able to fight crucial financial resources. The following are common causes of serious workplace injuries:
- Construction injuries
- Industrial injuries
- Faulty or dangerous machinery
- Defective products
- Machine injuries, such as amputations
- Ladder or scaffolding accidents
- Defective industrial equipment
- Guarding removal
- Toxic or unsafe chemical exposure
Though your injury may not be listed above, you could certainly still be eligible to pursue compensation. There are two common paths that victims of workplace injuries follow when taking legal action. These include:
Workers’ Compensation Claim — In some cases, injured workers choose to do both. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance offered to employees to cover injury-related expenses and lost wages. Unlike many other states, Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation, and though many do, it is essential to double check before going to the trouble of filing.
Filing an Injury Claim — If the negligence of another party has caused your injury, you could hold them accountable by filing an injury claim. This will ensure that the person or entity that caused you injury ultimately foots the bill for any financial damage that you experience as a result.
Texas Workplace and Injury Statistics
According to data on nonfatal workplace injuries collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2017, injuries in Texas fell below the national average. Incidence rates are listed as per 100 full-time workers, with the national average being 2.8 employees sustaining an occupational illness or injury. The average for Texas is 2.2 employees with a work-related occupational illness or injury.
While this figure is below the national average, it also shows that workers in manufacturing and health care are consistently the most vulnerable to job-related injury and illness. Texas is the home of a booming manufacturing industry and boasts one of the largest industrial workforces with about 230,000 workers in Houston alone employed at manufacturing jobs.
How Do I File for Workers’ Compensation?
In Texas, if your employer carries workers’ compensation, you have 30 days to report your injury to them. However, it’s in the best interest of your case to report your injury as soon as possible. If you have developed an injury due to repetitive stress, the 30-day time limit applies as soon as you become aware of the condition. The process is as follows:
- Reporting — Once you report to your employer, they should give you an idea of the in-network medical care that workers’ compensation will cover. Additionally, the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation has a list of approved physicians that you should consult. At your first medical visit, make clear that your injury is related to a workplace incident.
- Filing — Filing for workers’ compensation is done through the Texas Department of Insurance. You can file DWC Form-041 in person, over the phone, or through the online database. From the time that you have been injured or become aware of your injury, you have one year to file.
- Appeal — Once you’ve filed, the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation will notify your employer and their insurer of your filing. Your company’s insurer will then look at your case and decide whether to accept it. If your request for workers’ compensation coverage is denied, then you have the right to appeal the decision.
Reach out to a Workplace Injury Lawyer at The Fass Law Firm Today
Unfortunately, serious injuries often have the power to completely derail Texas workers’ ability to support themselves and those they love. If you’ve been hurt on the job, even if the accident was your fault, you are still entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Protect your income, your health, and your future earnings by hiring a lawyer to fight for the compensation that you need.
The qualified team at The Fass Law Firm understands that each problem has a unique solution. We are ready to listen to you, discuss your legal options, and help you pursue the plan that is right for you. To speak with a member of our team today, call us at (713) 697-5100 or contact us online.
