Baytown Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

RELIABLE, ETHICAL, AND TRUSTWORTHY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYERS

We Fight for the Rights of Injured Baytown Workers

Work injuries occur when you least expect them, and they can keep you away from your job for a long time or result in a disability. When you suffer an injury at work, you can seek workers’ compensation from your employer. Workers’ compensation is an insurance policy that pays for injured workers’ medical bills and lost income. Injured workers are entitled to receive it by law, and it does not matter who is at fault.

While it sounds simple, workers’ comp claims can be complex. Your employer and their insurance company might deny your claim or pay you less than you deserve. This is why you should not handle your workers’ compensation claim alone.

Our Baytown workers’ compensation lawyer at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can help you with your claim. We will protect your rights by ensuring you get all your benefits under the law and that your employer does not retaliate against you. We have done this for thousands of clients over the years and are confident we can help you get a favorable outcome.

Our initial consultations are free, so you don’t have to worry about paying us. We will listen to you, assess your claim, and guide you on the best steps to take. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 for a free and confidential consultation.

Why Choose Our Baytown Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our attorneys know how difficult it is when you get injured at work, especially working toward recovery and attempting to return to work. We also understand the financial hardships you might face if your employer chooses not to pay you workers’ compensation or retaliates if you make a claim.

While we are compassionate about what you’re going through, we will aggressively pursue your employer and insurer to ensure you are compensated adequately. We understand the provisions of the workers’ compensation laws and how they apply to employers and work injuries, so we will ensure your employer fulfills their responsibility.

Also, if a third party caused your work injury, we will hold them accountable in a personal injury claim. We have recovered significant compensation for our personal injury clients and will build a strategy for the best possible outcome. Contact us now at (713) 973-8888 to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

We value every client we represent, taking a personalized approach and ensuring each case gets what it needs to succeed. 

Common Causes of Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation claims arise from various workplace injuries and occupational hazards. The following are some of the causes of the claims we handle:

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are the second most common cause of workplace injury, responsible for emergency room visits and lost workdays. Uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or obstacles cause employees to slip, trip, and fall, leading to injuries like broken bones, sprains, or head trauma.

Overexertion

Overexertion happens when the body’s capabilities don’t match job demands, leading to fatigue and injury. It also results from constant lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects, resulting in muscle strains, back injuries, or joint damage. Overexertion is common in physically demanding jobs like construction or warehouse work.

Falling Objects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, objects falling and striking workers are fourth among fatal events and exposures in the workplace. In some workplaces, items might fall from shelves or be dropped by coworkers, causing head, neck, or back injuries. This is especially common in construction and warehouse environments.

Machinery Accidents

Employees working with heavy machinery can suffer injuries if the equipment malfunctions or is misused. This can lead to severe injuries such as amputations, fractures, or crush injuries. Employers must provide safety gear and properly train workers to reduce the possibility of machinery accidents.

Vehicle Accidents

Employees who drive as part of their job, like truck drivers or delivery personnel, may be involved in car accidents. Even if your job does not regularly include driving, if you were out for a job function and got into an accident, you might be able to file a workers’ compensation claim for physical injuries.

Exposure to Harmful Substances

Workers in industries like manufacturing, chemical plants, or healthcare may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, toxic fumes, or other harmful substances. This can result in respiratory issues, skin conditions, or long-term health problems.

This list is not exhaustive, so if any of the above did not cause your work injury, it does not mean you cannot seek compensation. Our Baytown workers’ compensation lawyers can inform you of your eligibility for compensation after assessing your claim.

What to Do After a Work Injury in Baytown, Texas

After a work injury, we recommend doing the following to ensure you get proper care and compensation:

Report the Injury to Your Employer

Under Texas Law, injured workers must report their injury to their employer within 30 days. The time starts counting from the day you became aware of the injury. The notification can be written or oral, but we recommend notifying your employer in writing.

Get Treatment

Seek medical attention for your injury. If your wounds are severe, your colleagues or employer might call 911 and get EMS to transport you to the hospital. Ensure you follow the treatment plan and keep a copy of your medical record. Note that if your employer has a designated healthcare provider or network, you may be required to use their services.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we handpicked our legal and support staff for their work ethic, skill, knowledge, and ability to provide exceptional service to our clients in Baytown and across Texas.

Keep Detailed Records

Although workers’ compensation is not fault-based, you might need evidence to help prove your claim. So, keep detailed records of your medical treatments, communication with your employer, and other relevant documentation. If any of your colleagues witnessed the workplace accident, note their name, job role, and what they did when you got hurt.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Submit DWC Form-041 to the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, to begin the workers’ compensation claim process. You must file the workers’ compensation claim within one year of the injury date.

Consult a Baytown, Texas, Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Before commencing your claim or if you hit a roadblock, consult our experienced lawyers. We will provide guidance based on your case facts.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Pay for in Baytown, Texas?

In Texas, workers’ compensation insurance protects employers from lawsuits for work-related injuries or illnesses and pays employees benefits. This happens regardless of who is at fault. So, if you are injured and your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, you will receive the following depending on your case facts:

Medical Benefits

Workers’ compensation pays for all reasonable and necessary medical care for work-related injuries or illnesses, including the following:

  • Emergency care (immediate treatment following the injury)
  • Hospitalization (costs associated with hospital stays)
  • Doctor visits (consultations and follow-up appointments)
  • Medications (prescriptions related to your injury)
  • Rehabilitation services (physical therapy and other rehabilitative treatments).

Medical benefits do not cover any treatment unrelated to your work injury or illness.

Income Benefits

Workers’ compensation pays for a percentage of your lost wages. The following are the different types of income benefits you can receive based on your condition:

  • Temporary Income Benefits (TIBs): If your injuries cause you to miss work for more than seven days, TIBs compensates for lost wages during your recovery period. The amount is 70% of the difference between your average weekly wage and the wages you can earn after the injury.
  • Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs): If your injury results in a permanent impairment, IIBs provide compensation based on the severity of the impairment. The amount of IIBs you get depends on the impairment rating given by a healthcare provider.
  • Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs): If you suffered severe injuries and cannot return to your previous employment, you will receive SIBs. SIBs are 80% of what you get when subtracting the difference between 80% of your average weekly wage and any wages you got after your work-related injury.
  • Lifetime Income Benefits (LIBs): If you sustained catastrophic injuries leading to permanent total disability, LIBs offer ongoing financial support. LIBs amount to 75% of your average weekly wage, with a 3% yearly increase.

Death Benefits

If an injured worker dies, their family will receive money for funeral and burial expenses. They will also get money to replace the deceased’s lost income, usually 75% of the deceased employee’s average weekly wage.

Our experience and reputation make us the law firm to call when you need a team that prioritizes your interests and gives their all for you. 

Baytown Workers’ Compensation Lawyer FAQs

If you suffered a work injury and have questions, we will provide answers during the initial consultation. But first, the following are some frequently asked questions:

When Can I Sue My Employer for a Work Injury?

Workers’ compensation is not required under Texas law for private employers. So, if your employer does not have workers’ comp, you can file a non-subscriber lawsuit to recover damages for a work injury or illness.

Can I Sue a Third Party for My Work-Related Injury?

Yes. You can sue a third party if you suffered a work injury caused by their negligence or intentional harm. For example, you can file a lawsuit against a manufacturer when a design or manufacturing defect causes a machine to malfunction and harm you.

What Happens if I Contributed to My Work Injury? Can I Still Receive Benefits?

Yes. Workers’ compensation is not fault-based. As a result, comparative fault will not come into play in a workers’ compensation claim. However, if you are suing your employer in a non-subscriber lawsuit, modified comparative negligence will apply as the lawsuit will be decided based on who is at fault. In such cases, you can still get compensation if your fault is less than 51%.

What Happens if My Employer Denies My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If your employer denies your claim, you can contest it by filing a dispute with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). You must file this dispute within 90 days of receiving the denial notice.

How Our Attorneys Can Help You

When you retain our services, our attorneys will do the following while handling your case:

  • Gather medical and supporting evidence
  • File necessary paperwork and meet deadlines
  • Negotiate with insurance companies
  • Represent you at a Contested Case Hearing (CCH) or a Benefit Review Conference (BRC)
  • Appeal denied claims.

We will maximize the benefits you’re entitled to, and if your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, file a non-subscriber lawsuit and advocate for you in court. We will be with you throughout the process so you can rest assured and focus on healing.

Get the Help You Need From Our Experienced Baytown Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law team can help you if you or a loved one suffered a work-related injury. We can handle whatever your employer, lawyer, and insurance company throws at us, and we will work hard for the best possible outcome. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential case review.

Attorney Terry Bryant

Attorney Terry BryantTerry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]