As the capital of Texas, Austin is a city that is rich in culture and history. Besides, the Texas capital is known for its lively music scene, its AAA minor-league baseball team, the Round Rock Express, Tesla, and its university, the University of Texas at Austin.
Like all other cities, Austin has its share of accidents and injuries. When these accidents occur at work, the injured employee may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits through an Austin workers comp attorney.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation refers to an insurance system that benefits employees injured or who become ill due to their job. Benefits can include income replacement, medical expenses, and death benefits.
It is typically mandatory in most states, including Texas.
How Does It Work in Austin?
In Austin, workers’ compensation is overseen by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation. To be eligible for workers’ comp benefits, a worker must file a claim with the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
If your comp claim is approved, the employee will begin receiving benefits. These benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.
When to Hire an Attorney
You might be eligible to receive compensation benefits if you have been injured at work. However, the comp claims process is complex and confusing. An experienced Austin workers comp attorney can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Income Benefits: As mentioned earlier, your attorney can help you get income benefits designed to replace some of your injury’s wages.
There are two types of income benefits:
- Temporary Income Benefits: These benefits are paid to employees who cannot work because of their injury.
- Permanent Income Benefits: These benefits are paid to employees who are permanently disabled because of their injury.
- Medical Benefits: Medical benefits cover “reasonable and necessary medical care” for your injury. Some of the medical expenses that may be covered include:
- Doctor’s visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Prescription drugs
- Physical therapy
- Burial Benefits: Fatal injuries qualify for compensation for the employee’s funeral and burial expenses.
Examples of Incidents When You May Be Entitled to Benefits
When operating a lawn mower, you may be entitled to benefits if you lose a limb.
A construction worker will be eligible for benefits if he falls from a scaffold.
A police officer would be eligible for benefits if he was shot in the line of duty.
A firefighter will be eligible for benefits if he suffers injuries while fighting a fire.
These are a few examples of when you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If you’re injured at work, you must speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to educate yourself about your rights.
What to Do After an Injury?
If you have suffered bodily injuries at the workplace, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately. After seeking medical treatment, you should notify your employer of your injury. Next, you must register a claim with the Division of Workers’ Compensation. Finally, your employer will have five days to notify the insurance company of your injury.
After filing the comp claim, the insurance company will have 14 days to respond. If your claim gets approved, you will begin receiving benefits. If the insurance company doesn’t accept your claim, you have the option to appeal the decision.
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you throughout the claims process and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
