Were you injured at work in Fort Worth, TX? You may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim for financial relief as well as a personal injury lawsuit in some cases. However, your employer’s insurance company likely won’t make the process of recovering what you’re entitled to easy.
Anderson Injury Lawyers can help you make things right every step of the way. To date, our Fort Worth workers’ compensation lawyers have recovered over $100 million for clients. Our founding attorney, Mark Anderson, has over 30 years of legal experience.
Contact us today at (817) 294-1900 for a complimentary consultation to explore your rights and legal options.
How Can Anderson Injury Lawyers Help With My Fort Worth Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim in Fort Worth, Texas, can be challenging, especially if your employer or the insurance company disputes your benefits. Having a skilled lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
Our Fort Worth personal injury attorneys will:
- Investigate how your accident occurred and who’s liable
- Determine whether your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance
- Gather the medical records and documentation needed for your claim
- Represent you in hearings or appeals if your benefits are denied
- Identify potential third-party personal injury lawsuits for additional compensation
We know how these systems operate and how to push back when insurers try to delay or underpay your benefits. Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers to arrange a free consultation with a Fort Worth workers’ compensation lawyer.
What Benefits Are Available Under Texas’s Workers’ Compensation Laws?
If your employer has workers’ compensation coverage, you may qualify for several types of benefits. Texas law allows injured workers to receive:
- Medical benefits to cover treatment, surgery, and more
- Income benefits to replace part of your lost wages while you can’t work
- Burial benefits for some of an employee’s funeral expenses to the person who paid for their funeral
- Death benefits for surviving family members in fatal accidents
Your benefits depend on factors such as your average weekly wage and your ability to return to work. Our lawyers can help calculate your full benefits entitlement and make sure you’re treated fairly.
Can I File a Lawsuit Against My Employer in Texas?
Possibly. Texas is unique because it doesn’t require most private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. These “non-subscriber” employers can be sued directly if their negligence caused your injuries.
If your employer has coverage, your claim will be processed through the workers’ compensation system instead (although there are some exceptions). However, you may still have the right to file a third-party personal injury claim if someone else contributed to your workplace accident, such as:
- A careless subcontractor on a construction site
- A negligent driver, if you were hurt in a car accident while driving for work
- A manufacturer that sold a defective machine or tool
These claims can provide compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as other damages not covered by workers’ compensation, making them an option worth considering.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Fort Worth, TX?
Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Fort Worth work on a contingency fee basis. Instead of paying us up front or by the hour, you only pay attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you.
Generally, we will receive around 33% of the settlement or jury verdict we win for you as payment. However, the percentage can vary depending on the facts of your case. We’ll agree on terms before we get started, so you’ll know what to expect.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Workplace Accident?
Workers’ compensation in Texas is generally a no-fault system. This means you can qualify regardless of who caused the accident, with only limited exceptions such as intoxication or intentional self-harm.
In non-subscriber and third-party cases, Texas follows a modified comparative negligence law with a 51% bar. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of blame.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Texas?
Deadlines are critical in workers’ compensation cases. You must notify your employer about your injury within 30 days of the accident to be eligible for benefits. From there, you generally have one year from the date of your injury to file your official workers’ compensation claim with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC).
If you’re pursuing a third-party lawsuit, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file your case in civil court.
There are only rare exceptions to these laws, so it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible for assistance with filing your claim within the applicable timeframe.
Contact a Fort Worth Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured on the job in Fort Worth, TX, you may be able to file one or more claims for compensation. Anderson Injury Lawyers has recovered more than $100 million for injured Texans and is ready to help you make the most of your opportunity to take legal action.
Contact our Fort Worth workers’ compensation attorneys for a free consultation. We’re here to handle your claim, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.