Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Lubbock, TX

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number for the Lubbock Police Department is (806) 775-2865.

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

  The Lubbock Police Department receives all police reports, and you can get a copy by going to their physical location at 916 Texas Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401, or by accessing their website at crimereports.ci.lubbock.tx.us. You can also contact them directly at (806) 775-2865 for further details.

• What are the most frequently filed workers' compensation claims in Lubbock?

  Although employees may get injured through various means, the majority of claims for workers' compensation in Lubbock typically involve:

  • Excessive physical exertion on the part of an employee, such as trying to lift something that is too heavy, lifting a lot of weight quickly, or skipping breaks
  • Collisions involving vehicles, either while traveling for work or on the job
  • Exposure to dangerous electrical currents
  • Falling objects, such as construction site supplies, equipment, debris, ladders, and scaffolding
  • Slipping on wet or slick surfaces or stumbling over objects, tools, or machinery on the jobsite

• Do you need to establish liability if you were injured at work in Lubbock?

  If you get injured while working in Lubbock, you are eligible for workers' compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses and indemnity payments, regardless of who or what caused the injury. Workers' compensation is a statutory program that provides benefits to employees for work-related injuries even if they are wholly to blame for the incident, in contrast to standard negligence claims that need proof of culpability.

• Is it possible to select your own doctor for a work injury in Lubbock?

  Yes. Your employer or insurance company in Lubbock may have given you misleading information, but it's important to know that you're not obligated to use their preferred healthcare network. As long as the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission doesn't object, you have the freedom to select your own doctor. Your medical care is crucial to your recovery from a work-related injury, and it's essential to have a doctor whom you trust to assist you throughout the healing process.

• Following a job injury in Lubbock, what benefits are you eligible to receive?

  If you suffered injuries while working in Lubbock, you are entitled to receive the following benefits:

  • Income benefits: These benefits, commonly referred to as wage loss benefits, consist of a portion of your earnings. You may be eligible for temporary, impairment, supplemental, or lifetime income benefits depending on your situation.
  • Medical benefits: Covers your medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.
  • Burial and death benefits: In the unfortunate event of a worker's death, their family can receive workers’ compensation benefits to cover funeral expenses and a portion of the worker’s salary.

• How can you get additional compensation for your work-related injuries in Lubbock?

  If you can prove that a third party is responsible for your work-related injuries in Lubbock, you may be able to receive complete compensation for the accident. This includes individuals such as property owners, architects, contractors and subcontractors, engineers, electricians, and equipment manufacturers. These parties may be sued separately and outside of the workers' compensation system for their own mistakes and negligence when a workplace accident takes place.

• 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.