Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in Brownsville

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Brownsville, Texas?

  You can call 956-548-7000 for non-emergency situations in Brownsville.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Brownsville, Texas?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report through the Records Division by submitting a filled Record Check form, a notarized copy of the authorization to run a criminal history check, a colored copy of a valid ID, and a $7 fee. Download the forms at the Brownsville PD website. You can send your request in person or by mail to the Records Division, Brownsville Police Department, 600 E. Jackson St., Brownsville, Texas 78520. You can also email the required information to openrecordsrequest@brownsvilletx.gov. For any queries, you can call the Records Division at 956-548-7111.

• What are your rights under workers’ compensation in Brownsville?

  If your company has workers' compensation insurance, you could be eligible for workers' compensation benefits if you were wounded at work in Brownsville. Under Texas law, workers' compensation covers medical costs and a percentage of lost income resulting from an illness, injury, or disease at work. A legal beneficiary of a worker who died due to an occupational injury may also get death benefits.

• What is the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims in Brownsville?

  The statute of limitations for filing a workers' compensation claim in Texas is one year from the date of the injury or within one year from the date the employee discovered the occupational disease or injury. You must notify your employer or someone acting on your behalf no later than 30 days after the accident happened in Brownsville. You have one year from the date of your injury to submit a claim to the Texas Division of Workers' Compensation.

• What is the maximum amount for workers’ compensation in Brownsville?

  For the fiscal year 2023, the maximum amount of temporary and lifetime income benefits in Brownsville is $1,112. Benefits for impairment and additional income are capped at $778. Additionally, the highest death benefit amount is $1,112. The maximum payout for workers' benefits varies yearly and is determined by the Texas Workforce Commission based on the state's average weekly wage.

• How long can you receive workers’ compensation benefits in Brownsville?

  Depending on your circumstances in Brownsville, the timeline may vary. When a healthcare professional determines there is no likelihood of further healing or recovery from your injuries, temporary income benefits often end. At that point, you can resume earning the average weekly salary your employer claimed you were receiving from your job before you were hurt. In Texas, after 104 weeks from the eight day of your work-related disability, your TIBs benefits period ends.

• Does Brownsville belong to a no-fault state for workers’ compensation?

  Brownsville is located in Texas, a no-fault state for workers' compensation. Even if the incident that resulted in your work-related accident was partially or entirely your fault, you may still be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses and lost earnings. There are a few exceptions, such as if you were driving while intoxicated or if the collision was the result of your willful misconduct.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.