When you experience an injury at work, it can be confusing and stressful. Not only do you have to deal with the pain of your injury, but navigating the workers’ compensation process is intimidating.
That’s where we come in.
At The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre, we see many Texans who get hurt on the job. If it happens to you, we invite you to come see why we’re the go-to place for workplace injuries.
Our specialists cover all the bases by diagnosing your injuries — even those with delayed appearances — and help you stay on top of the paperwork and process.
Here’s an overview of what you should do if you get hurt at work.
Call 911 if your injury is life-threatening. For all other injuries, call us as soon as you can and make an appointment or go to your nearest emergency department. Your health and safety are first and foremost.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injury seems minor. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away but could lead to health issues later.
Immediately report the incident to your manager, human resources department, or designated workplace safety officer.
Texas law requires that employees notify their employer of a work-related injury within 30 days. Delaying this step may complicate your workers’ compensation claim.
Keep detailed records of everything related to your injury and the circumstances surrounding it. Write down the time and place of the accident, what you were doing, how the injury occurred, and names of witnesses.
Also, document all medical visits, treatments, and any communication with your employer about the injury.
Texas workers' compensation is a state-run insurance program that provides benefits to you and all employees with work-related injuries or illnesses.
It covers medical expenses, along with income, death, and burial benefits. In Texas, private employers can choose whether to provide workers’ compensation insurance, but if they opt out, they lose certain legal protections, including immunity from most lawsuits by injured employees.
If your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, you’re generally barred from suing them for injury damages, but you may file a claim to receive benefits. Here’s what you should know:
Texas workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t need to prove your injury was your employer’s fault to receive benefits. However, the state can deny your benefits if your injury resulted from your intoxication or “horseplay.”
In Texas, unless your employer participates in a health care network, you can choose your own provider. If your employer specifies a network, you must select a doctor from the network’s list.
Benefits vary but generally include medical care necessary to treat your work-related injury or illness, income benefits to replace some of the money lost if you can’t work because of your injury, and compensation for permanent bodily impairment.
Filing a claim is the only way to receive benefits. However, the paperwork can be confusing. We can help you keep track of the process steps and manage the documentation. While there are many details, there are two main steps:
Complete DWC Form-041 and file it with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC). This form is your written claim for compensation, and you must file it within one year of the injury.
Stay in touch with your employer and the insurance carrier. If you have trouble, the Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) can help, and so can we.
Getting immediate medical care is essential for both your health and your workers’ compensation claim — even if you think your injuries are minor. The state and the insurance carrier require meticulous documentation from the moment you had your accident.
We recommend making an appointment as soon as you can after your injury occurs. Our specialists supply you with all the medical documentation you need to prove the extent of your injuries and ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Understanding your rights and the steps to take ensures you receive the medical care and compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured at work and don’t know where to turn, call The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre in The Woodlands or Conroe, Texas.
