Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in El Paso

FAQs

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

  If you need to reach out to the El Paso police department for non-urgent matters, you can dial (915) 832-4400.

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

  To obtain copies of El Paso Police reports, you can send a request through U.S. mail or by visiting the EPPD Records Division office in person at 911 N. Raynor St. in El Paso, TX 79903.

• If an injured worker in El Paso lacks an attorney, what recourse do they have in case of a dispute with their insurer?

  El Paso employees who suffer from injuries and lack legal representation can seek assistance from the Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC). This government agency provides free support to employees who are dealing with workers' compensation claims. A representative or an ombudsman from OIEC can offer free services to workers who are in conflict with their employer's insurance provider.

• Can the parents of a deceased worker in El Paso receive workers' compensation death benefits?

  Yes, the parents of a deceased worker in El Paso can receive workers' compensation death benefits. In the absence of a spouse or any other dependents, the deceased worker's benefits may be granted to their parents. This regulation is stated in the Texas Statutes under the Distribution of Death Benefits section, specifically Section 408.182. A parent must be the sole surviving eligible beneficiary to be eligible for death benefits under workers' compensation.

• Are lump sum settlements available in El Paso's workers' compensation system?

  El Paso's worker compensation program doesn't generally approve of lump sum payments, although some exceptions exist. If you are currently receiving Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs), you may be able to obtain your weekly benefits at once, but only when you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Physicians use the term "Maximum Medical Improvement" to indicate that the worker has either reached a point of maximum recovery or that their health won't improve.

• Are emergency room fees covered by workers' compensation in El Paso?

  Yes, in El Paso, the employer's workers' compensation insurance policy covers emergency room fees for work-related injuries as long as the injury or sickness is accepted as valid for compensation by the insurer. The Texas Labor Code mandates that an employer's workers' compensation policy will pay for all necessary medical care, including emergency room visits, when an employee is injured.

• In El Paso, what should a person do if they have been injured while working for an employer that does not offer workers' compensation?

  If you are injured at work in El Paso ad your employer doesn't offer workers' compensation benefits, it's essential to immediately seek medical assistance and guidance from a legal expert to assist you in filing a claim. According to the regulations established by the state of Texas, an injured employee can take legal measures against an employer who has not enrolled in the workers' compensation program to receive compensation for the damages they have suffered.

• 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.