Houston Workplace Injury Lawyers

Injured in a Work Accident in Houston, TX?

In the United States, the average full-time employee works 40 hours a week. However, many non-traditional full-time U.S. workers exceed those hours. With so much time spent at our jobs, companies are responsible for providing safe and reliable working conditions. Regardless of whether you work in an office setting or a construction site, injuries can occur because of someone else’s negligence.

When another person’s negligence is responsible for your workplace injuries, you have the right to hold the party accountable for their actions. Partner with a Houston workplace injury lawyer at Hilliard Law to receive highly-qualified and trustworthy legal representation. With positive past results and references, our team of knowledgeable professionals will do everything we can to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. 

Contact our Houston work injury attorneys today at (866) 927-3420 to schedule a free initial consultation.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical and wage replacement benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. In exchange for these guaranteed benefits, employees typically give up the right to sue their employer for negligence.

In Texas, however, the system is unique—workers’ compensation coverage is not mandatory for employers. That means not every company in Houston carries workers’ comp insurance. If your employer does have coverage, you must generally file a claim through the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). If your employer doesn’t, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit directly against your employer for damages.

Our attorneys at Hilliard Law understand the complex nuances of Texas workers’ compensation law and can determine the best legal strategy for your situation.

Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Houston

When choosing to pursue legal action through a workplace accident claim, it’s important to determine who was at fault and then provide evidence to support this. Below are a few examples of common types of accidents that can lead to serious workplace injuries:

• Falling Objects: Unsecure tools and equipment can fall from high places and cause severe injuries to those below. 
• Crashes or Collisions: For those working around motor vehicles or forklifts, you can suffer injuries from a negligent driver or operator.
• Slip, Trips, and Falls: Exposed wires, wet floors, and other objects left in walkways can cause an individual to fall and suffer injuries like concussions or severe brain injuries. 
• Fires and Explosions: Whether working around dangerous equipment or in an office building, there should always be precautions in place in case of a fire or other explosion.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments: Industries with exposure to harmful substances must have regulations and rules to protect everyone from potential harm.

If you know anyone that witnessed the incident or if there were any security cameras, immediately notify your work accident lawyer in Houston, and they will investigate on your behalf. 

Available Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance in Texas, you may be eligible for several types of benefits, including:

Medical Benefits

Coverage for all necessary medical care related to your workplace injury or illness, including doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and medical equipment.

Income Benefits

If your injury prevents you from working, you may qualify for wage replacement, such as:

• Temporary Income Benefits (TIBs): Partial wage replacement while you recover.
• Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs): Compensation for permanent impairments.
• Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs): Continued support if you have a lasting impairment and reduced earning capacity.
• Lifetime Income Benefits (LIBs): For catastrophic injuries such as paralysis, blindness, or amputation.

Death & Burial Benefits

If a workplace accident leads to a fatality, the worker’s dependents may receive ongoing financial support and reimbursement for funeral expenses.

At Hilliard Law, our attorneys can ensure that all eligible benefits are included in your claim and fight to prevent insurers from undervaluing or denying your rightful compensation.

Texas Workers’ Compensation Law

Texas is the only state that does not require private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This distinction has significant implications for injured employees.

• Subscribers: Employers who opt into the workers’ compensation system are protected from most lawsuits. Employees must seek benefits through the state’s administrative process.
• Non-Subscribers: Employers without coverage can be sued directly for negligence, and they lose several key legal defenses.

Additionally, Texas law imposes strict deadlines for reporting and filing claims:

• Injured workers must report their injury to their employer within 30 days of the incident.
• Formal claims must generally be filed with the DWC within one year of the injury.

Failing to meet these deadlines could jeopardize your right to benefits. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a knowledgeable Houston workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible after a workplace injury.

What If My Workers’ Comp Benefits Were Denied?

Unfortunately, valid claims are often denied by insurance companies seeking to minimize payouts. Common reasons for denial include:

• Disputes about whether the injury was work-related
• Missed deadlines for reporting or filing
• Allegations of pre-existing conditions
• Insufficient medical documentation
• Employer challenges to your account of the accident

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process in Texas typically involves several stages, including:

• Benefit Review Conference (BRC)
• Contested Case Hearing (CCH)
• Appeals Panel Review
• Judicial Review in State Court

At Hilliard Law, our Houston workers’ compensation lawyers can represent you throughout the appeals process, prepare supporting evidence, and advocate aggressively for your rights before the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation or in court if necessary.

Workers’ Comp Claim FAQs

How long do I have to report my injury?

You must notify your employer within 30 days of the injury or from the time you became aware of a work-related illness.

Can I choose my own doctor?

If your employer’s insurance carrier has a network, you must typically select a doctor from that network unless you get approval for an out-of-network provider.

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim?

No. Texas law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for filing claims or reporting injuries.

What if my employer doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance?

If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit for full compensation, including pain and suffering.

How much does it cost to hire a Houston workers’ compensation lawyer?

At Hilliard Law, we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover benefits or compensation for you.

Speak With Hilliard Law to Partner With an Experienced Workplace Injury Attorney in Houston, TX

Our team at Hilliard Law has years of building connections and gathering resources to protect and represent our clients. With over three decades of experience, Attorney Robert Hilliard has numerous honors for his work on several high-profile cases and uses his knowledge to represent our clients. We will support and fight for you through every step of the challenging legal and medical process. 

Schedule your free consultation by calling our Houston personal injury lawyers at (866) 927-3420 or completing  our contact  form today.