Amarillo Workplace Injury Attorney

Work-Related Injuries in Texas

Work-related injuries can occur no matter your occupation. We often think of workplace accidents as those that occur in dangerous work environments and in occupations that involve hard physical labor or heavy equipment, but serious injuries can also occur in an office setting, retail environment, restaurant, or even while running errands for your employer.

If you have suffered a workplace injury, you are probably worried about how you will pay the bills while you are unable to work and who will pay for your medical care. Workplace injury cases are complicated in Texas because it is the only state that does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. However, the majority of employers choose to carry this insurance because it shields them from liability in most circumstances. The Amarillo workplace injury attorneys at Wood Law Firm, LLP can determine what type of claim you have, as well as which avenues of compensation are available to you.

For a free, no-obligation consultation with our team, call (806) 304-0447 or contact us online. 

Workers’ Compensation in Texas

If you are covered by workers’ compensation, you should file a claim right away. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving much-needed benefits. Additionally, there are strict time limits involved. You must notify your employer within 30 days of your injury, and you only have one year to file your workers’ compensation claim.

Benefits are limited, but you do not need to prove fault. Workers’ compensation will pay for your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income. It may pay for training, if necessary, for you to be able to work again. Workers’ compensation does not pay for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

If you are covered by workers’ compensation in Texas, it is difficult to hold your employer liable for negligence in most cases. The Amarillo workers’ compensation attorneys at our firm will fight to help ensure that you recover fair compensation.

Employer & Third-Party Work Injury Lawsuits

If you are not covered by workers’ compensation, you are free to sue your employer for negligence. Employers who choose not to carry workers’ compensation insurance in Texas are called non-subscribers. They are not shielded from lawsuits for negligence and their defenses are limited.

In some circumstances, you may be able to pursue a third-party work injury lawsuit. This is a lawsuit against someone other than your employer, and it is an option even if you receive workers’ compensation. For example, a third-party lawsuit is appropriate if you are injured at work by a defective tool or piece of equipment.

Through a personal injury lawsuit, you can receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses and future medical expenses
• Special equipment and home modifications to accommodate disability
• Long-term care
• Home healthcare
• Custodial care
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Physical impairment
• Mental impairment
• Disfigurement
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of consortium