Brookshire Workplace Injury Attorney
Workplace accidents are common and can happen no matter what type of work you do. Texas workers’ compensation benefits cover many of these injuries, but you should still speak with a Brookshire workplace injury attorney. In some instances, you may have a valid liability claim against someone other than your employer. Typically, recovery is limited to workers’ compensation benefits from your employer. However, if there is a third-party involved, you could be eligible to receive additional compensation for your injuries. If you need assistance after an injury that occurred at work, contact the Brookshire workplace injury attorneys at The West Law Firm today.
Types of Workplace Injuries in Texas
There are three main categories of workplace injuries. These are:
- Specific Event: This is an injury that occurs only one time. It could be falling off a ladder, tripping over something on the floor, etc.
- Cumulative Injury: Cumulative injury is one that occurs due to repetition in your movements or work. One example would be carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Occupational Disease: These are typically very harmful. Occupational diseases usually develop after exposure to hazardous chemicals or substances. Someone who develops cancer after exposure to asbestos is one example of an occupational disease.
Examples of Injuries that are Not Workplace Injuries
Texas workers’ compensation laws cover a wide variety of injuries and accidents, but some types of damages are not eligible for compensation. Some examples include:
- Any injury that occurred off the clock and offsite;
- Self-inflicted injuries;
- Any injury that conflicts with company policy;
- Any injury that occurs by a criminal act; or
- Injuries caused by excessive alcohol or drug use.
In most cases, mental illnesses do not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits either. However, there are some instances where they are if the mental illness developed due to physical injuries at work.
Possible Workers’ Compensation Benefits Through Your Employer
Workers’ compensation insurance is no-fault coverage. That means you don’t need to show your employer did something wrong or negligence led to your injuries. As long as they aren’t self-inflicted and the injury occurs in the course and scope of your employment, it should be eligible for coverage.
You must report the accident right away, even if you don’t believe you’re injured. If it turns out that you start developing problems a week or so later, your job is more likely to question your injuries for not reporting the accident right away. Once you report the claim, you will receive a list of eligible providers you can see under your coverage. If you choose to see your own physician who is not an approved workers’ compensation doctor, you may have to pay out of your own pocket for visits.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could be entitled to reimbursement for your:
- Medical care
- Supplemental job displacement benefits
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Death benefits for your family
Contact a Texas Workplace Injury Attorney
In some cases, the workers’ compensation insurance may deny your claim. If your employer doesn’t compensate you for your workplace injuries, you need to speak with a Brookshire workplace injury attorney. Contact The West Law Office today to schedule an initial consultation. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve after suffering a workplace injury in Texas.
