Work accidents can occur in any industry, regardless of the training or careful steps of employers or employees. Texas has implemented several laws that protect workers after an accident occurs. These laws provide employees with medical care reimbursement and compensation for any time that the employee has to be away from work. If you or a loved one experienced a work accident resulting in injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Work accidents can range from very minor to extremely devastating. Much of the severity of an accident depends on the type of industry. While dangerous accidents can occur in any industry, oil and gas and chemical industries will experience oil well blowouts or chemical spills that can lead to devastating injuries for all employees involved in the specific project. However, since they were engaged in the course of their job when the accident occurred, they will often be entitled to receive compensation for their medical expenses, rehabilitative care, and lost wages.
Texas offers the following workers’ compensation benefits to injured workers:

• Income benefits (to replace any lost wages which occur as a result of the injury)
• Medical benefits (to pay for reasonable and necessary medical care for the injury)
• Medical benefits (to pay for reasonable and necessary medical care for the injury)
• Death benefits (to pay a portion of lost wages to the family of an employee who is killed after a work accident)

The amount of each benefit will depend on the type of injury, medical care required, and the length of time the employee may need to spend away from work.

Texas allows an employee to bring a workers’ compensation claim within one year of an injury, or one year of the discovery of an injury. This means that an employee can spend time recovering from their injuries if they would prefer to. However, the sooner you file a workers’ compensation claim, the sooner you will be reimbursed for the cost of your medical care and any related expenses.

Texas workers’ compensation requires that the employee establish that the employer offers workers’ compensation, provide proof that the accident occurred during the course of business (and not while on an off-work event), and provide proof that the injuries require medical care. Certain injuries may not fall within the workers’ compensation system because they may not be severe enough to require medical attention, even if you went to the hospital for treatment. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will be able to assist you in understanding the total amount you can claim on your injuries and whether you qualify for reimbursement. If you do not fall within the workers’ compensation system, you may be able to seek alternative relief for your injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a work accident, do not hesitate to contact Tony Malley of the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in handling workers’ compensation claims, including issues regarding the benefits and medical care. Contact our Beaumont or Houston offices today for your initial free consultation.