When you have been hurt on the job, the last thing you will want to worry about is having to jump over any legal hurdles. Unfortunately, more often than not that is exactly what you have to do, but dealing with workers’ compensation cases on your own in Texas can be quite difficult, and when faced with mounting medical expenses, it might prove impossible.
When it comes to workers’ comp cases, there are a number of questions you must ask yourself before determining whether or not to pursue one or even if you are qualified to receive any benefits. The legal team at Braker White has years of experience dealing with this very issue, and we have put together this short guide for anyone thinking about hiring a workers’ compensation attorney.
Do You Need Medical Benefits?
If you were hurt in a workplace accident, workers’ compensation laws in Texas will cover your medical bills. This can include the cost of advanced hospital services or expensive prescription drugs, depending on the situation. However, most employers will typically demand that you use a particular designated doctor when seeking treatment. For other alternatives, you may need to speak to a workers’ compensation attorney.
Do You Require Disability Benefits?
For the most part, disability benefits come in two varieties: temporary and permanent. As the names suggest, temporary benefits are meant to cover you in the short term and should last only as long as you are out of work. However, when an occupational accident or job-related illness leaves you with a permanent disability, you could be entitled to long term benefits that will include the cost of your losses. If your injuries make you otherwise unemployable, such as with the loss of motor functions or important limbs, you could claim more.
Theoretically, you would start receiving permanent disability benefits immediately after going off temporary benefits.
What About Covering the Cost of Death?
A wrongful death as a result of a workplace injury is devastating to any family, and workers’ comp laws in Texas allow for benefits in these situations. Typically, this involves an amount given to the legal beneficiaries of the deceased, including surviving spouses, children and other next of kin. Workers’ comp in Texas will even cover the costs of a burial up to $6000.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
It is important to note that in Texas, employers are allowed to “opt out” of providing workers’ compensation to their employees. In many cases, this means making the employer itself directly responsible for covering your medical costs, though, in some situations, an employer might deny paying back any benefits whatsoever. They can then take advantage of employees who might not have access to legal representation.
Braker White does not want to see this happen to you, and if you have been hurt on the job and are now being denied proper compensation, we want to hear your case. For any questions on the workers’ compensation process or to discuss your specific claim further, contact us today.
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