Workman’s Comp in Texas: How It Works In The Lone Star State

Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that is designed to protect employees who are injured or become ill on the job. 

In Texas, this program provides a certain degree of financial security for employers and employees in the event of an accident. If an employee is injured at work, they are entitled to certain benefits, including medical care, wage replacement, and more. 

This blog post will discuss workman’s comp in Texas and what you need to know about the program if you are a worker or an employer. 

What is Workman’s Compensation? 

Workman’s compensation is an insurance system that covers any illness, injury, disability, or death resulting from any employment-related activity. This includes lifting heavy equipment, working around hazardous materials, or performing repetitive tasks. 

Employers are required by law to purchase worker’s comp insurance coverage and provide it to their employees. The cost of coverage varies depending on the size of the business and its payroll history.

How Does It Work in Texas? 

Workman’s compensation provides financial benefits to injured employees while performing their duties, regardless of who was at fault. 

In the event of an on-the-job injury, Workman’s Compensation pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability income. Sometimes, it may also provide death benefits if an employee dies due to a work-related accident or injury.

Employers in Texas must purchase Workman’s Compensation insurance from an approved insurance carrier. This insurance policy is paid for by the employer and not taken from the employee’s paycheck. Employers are responsible for the total cost of the premium unless they receive a rebate from the insurance company based on the claims experience of their workforce.

Suppose an employee is injured while on the job; they must notify their employer immediately and fill out a claim form. The employer is then responsible for submitting the claim form to the insurance carrier within seven days of receiving the injury notification. The insurance carrier will review the claim and decide if benefits should be provided to the injured employee.

If your employer does not have workers’ comp insurance, you can file a claim with the Texas Department of Insurance. The department will investigate your claim and determine whether or not your employer should be liable for providing benefits. If your employer is found liable, they will be fined and may be required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance.

What Are the Benefits

Workman’s compensation insurance in Texas offers a range of benefits to injured employees and their families. This includes medical and disability coverage, as well as lost wages. Here’s a look at the main benefits of workman’s compensation in Texas:

Medical Coverage

Workman’s compensation insurance in Texas covers all medical costs related to an employee’s injury, including hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs, rehabilitation, and other expenses.

Lost Wages

Suppose an employee cannot work due to an injury or illness sustained on the job. In that case, workman’s compensation insurance in Texas can provide financial assistance by replacing a portion of their lost wages.

Death Benefits

Workman’s compensation insurance in Texas may provide death benefits for their surviving family members if an employee passes away due to a job-related injury or illness.

Rehabilitation Coverage

In some cases, workman’s compensation insurance in Texas can provide coverage for vocational training and rehabilitation services that help an injured employee regain skills necessary for returning to work.

How Do I File a Claim?

Filing a claim with workman’s compensation insurance in Texas is relatively simple. All you need to do is inform your employer immediately after the accident or illness. Your employer will then contact their insurer to begin processing your claim. 

Be sure to provide any relevant information your employer and insurer requested when filing your claims, such as medical reports and witness statements.  

In Conclusion

Workman’s compensation in Texas is a vital insurance form for employees and employers. It helps ensure that employees are taken care of when injured while at work and helps protect business owners from being held liable for those injuries. 

Employees need to understand their rights and how the process works to ensure they get the compensation they deserve if they’re injured on the job. Employers also need to know their legal obligations and how to get workman’s compensation insurance if it still needs to be implemented. 

Workman’s compensation in Texas might seem complicated, but it is an essential part of the workforce, and understanding the process is vital to keeping everyone safe and secure.