What to do after being Injured at Work

Key Takeaways

• Workplace injuries can happen in any job, even in low-risk work environments.
• Texas employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
• You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or the right to file a lawsuit.
• Reporting your injury and seeking medical care immediately is critical to your claim.
• A Texas work injury lawyer can help determine your rights and pursue compensation.

Getting injured on the job is a serious and often overwhelming experience. Medical bills, missed paychecks, and uncertainty about your future can add stress during an already difficult time. In Texas, workplace injury claims can be especially confusing because employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

If your employer does have workers’ compensation coverage, you may be eligible for benefits such as paid medical care and partial wage replacement. If your employer does not carry workers’ comp, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Understanding your rights after a work accident is essential. A Texas work injury lawyer can help you determine whether workers’ compensation applies, what benefits you may receive, and whether additional legal options are available

Common Job Hazards and Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries are not limited to dangerous or physical jobs. Office workers, retail employees, and service workers are injured every day. If you suffered any of the injuries below, speaking with a Texas workplace accident lawyer may help protect your rights.

Muscle Strain Injuries

Muscle strains are among the most common workplace injuries, often caused by:

• lifting heavy objects
• repetitive motions
• awkward movements
  

Strains involving the back, neck, and shoulders can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability if not properly treated.

Falling Objects

Injuries caused by falling objects often affect the head, neck, and upper body. These accidents can result in:

• cuts and bruises
• broken bones
• concussions or traumatic brain injuries
  

If you were struck by a falling object at work, seek medical attention immediately—even if symptoms appear mild.

Slip & Fall Accidents

Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poorly marked hazards make slip and fall accidents common in many workplaces. These accidents can cause:

• fractures
• spinal injuries
• concussions
• traumatic brain injuries
  

Slip and fall injuries are often more serious than they initially appear.

What to Do After Being Injured at Work in Texas

The actions you take after a workplace injury can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.

Report Your Injury to Your Employer

You should notify your employer as soon as possible. In Texas, injured workers generally have 30 days from the date of the injury—or from when they discovered it—to report the incident.

Whenever possible, make sure the report is documented in writing.

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Your health should always come first. Prompt medical care:

• protects your well-being
• documents your injuries
• creates a clear link between your injury and your job
  

Delaying treatment can allow employers or insurance companies to question the seriousness or cause of your injuries.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim (If Applicable)

If your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you may need to file DWC Form-041 with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation.

This form can be:

• submitted online, or
• mailed to the Division of Workers’ Compensation in Austin

Missing deadlines or filing incorrect paperwork can delay or jeopardize your claim.

Can You Sue Your Employer for a Workplace Injury in Texas?

In some cases, yes. Texas allows employers to opt out of workers’ compensation. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation for:

• medical bills
• lost wages
• pain and suffering
• long-term disability

A lawyer can review your situation and explain your legal options.

Talk to The Law Giant About Your Work Injury Claim

If you were injured at work—or lost a loved one in a workplace accident—The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers can help.

We can:

• investigate the workplace accident
• determine who is responsible
• pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more

If a workplace injury resulted in death, we can also pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and loss of financial support.

Call (866) 523-4167 today for a free consultation, or contact us online. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

FAQs: Workplace Injuries in Texas

Do I need a lawyer for a workplace injury claim?

Not always—but having a lawyer can help protect your rights, especially if your employer disputes your injury or does not carry workers’ compensation insurance.

How long do I have to report a workplace injury in Texas?

You generally have 30 days to report your injury to your employer after it occurs or after you discover it.

What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation?

If your employer does not have workers’ compensation, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for full compensation.

What compensation can I recover for a work injury?

Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, future care, disability benefits, and pain and suffering, depending on your case.

Should I accept a settlement offer right away?

No. Early settlement offers are often much lower than what your work injury claim may be worth. Speak with a lawyer first.