What Benefits Can I Receive from Workers' Compensation in Texas?

If you are injured on the job in the state of Texas, you may be eligible for various benefits through the workers' compensation system. Workers' compensation is a form of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job duties.

The key benefits available through workers' compensation in Texas include:

1. Medical Expenses - Workers' comp will cover all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work-injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescriptions, and medical equipment. You have the right to select your own doctor, though the insurance carrier may require you to see one of their approved providers for the initial visit.

2. Income Benefits - If your injury causes you to miss more than 7 days of work, you will receive tax-free weekly payments to replace a portion of your lost wages. The amount is generally 70% of your average weekly wage, subject to state maximums. There are different classifications of income benefits depending on the severity and duration of your disability.

3. Death Benefits - If a work-related injury results in the death of an employee, their surviving spouse, children, or other dependents may be eligible for death and burial benefits through workers' comp.

4. Vocational Rehabilitation - The insurance carrier may provide vocational rehabilitation services to help you return to work, either with your employer or a new job, if your injury prevents you from performing your previous duties.

The workers' compensation process in Texas can be complex, so it's important to understand your rights and the steps you need to take to file a claim. Consulting an experienced workers' comp attorney can help ensure you receive all the benefits you're entitled to.

Medical Expenses:

• Workers' compensation will cover the full cost of all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work-related injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medical equipment, and prescription medications.

• You have the right to choose your own treating doctor, though the insurance carrier may require you to see one of their approved providers for the initial visit.

• The insurance carrier is responsible for paying medical bills directly to the healthcare providers, so you don't have to worry about the financial burden upfront.

Income Benefits:

• If your work-related injury causes you to miss more than 7 days of work, you will be eligible for weekly income replacement payments.

• These tax-free payments are generally 70% of your average weekly wage, subject to state minimum and maximum amounts.

• There are different classifications of income benefits depending on the severity and duration of your disability:

  • Temporary Income Benefits (TIBs) - Paid if you are temporarily unable to work.

  • Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs) - Paid if you have a permanent impairment but can still work.

  • Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs) - Paid if you have a significant permanent impairment and lost more than 80% of your pre-injury wages.

  • Lifetime Income Benefits (LIBs) - Paid for the most catastrophic, permanent injuries.

Death Benefits:

• If a work-related injury results in the death of an employee, their surviving spouse, children, or other dependent family members may be eligible for death benefits.

• These benefits include a lump-sum payment for burial expenses, as well as ongoing weekly payments to support the deceased worker's dependents.

Vocational Rehabilitation:

• The insurance carrier may provide vocational rehabilitation services to help you return to work, either with your employer or a new job, if your injury prevents you from performing your previous job duties.

• This can include job retraining, assistive devices, and job placement assistance to help you transition back into the workforce.

The workers' compensation system in Texas is designed to ensure injured workers receive the medical care and income support they need to recover and, when possible, return to work. Understanding the full scope of available benefits is important to maximize your recovery and protect your financial well-being.