Do you know if your employer has workers’ compensation insurance cover in case you are injured at work? This kind of insurance can help pay medical bills and compensate for lost earnings if you have a workplace injury. However, not every Fort Worth employer has WC coverage, as it is not compulsory in Texas to do so. If you are injured at work, and you cannot file a workers’ compensation claim, usually the easiest option if available, you may still be able to obtain compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Talk to a workers’ comp. lawyer before you file. Finding a Workers’ Comp. Lawyer in Fort Worth There are many lawyers in Fort Worth who have the experience and legal knowledge to assist when making a claim after a workplace injury. There are over 50 lawyers to choose from who offer workers’ compensation legal help within Fort Worth alone. It is always advisable to find a licensed workers’ comp. lawyer, whether you file a workers’ comp. claim, fight a workers’ comp. denial by your employer’s insurer, or resort to filing a personal injury claim through the civil court system. Workplace Injuries in Fort Worth Whatever your occupation, you should be aware that there is always a chance of being seriously injured while at work. Most Fort Worth workers are employed in relatively safe occupations, but there are industries in which the chance of being injured is higher. Construction work, work in the oil industry and jobs in the transportation sector have the highest injury incident rate across the state and in Fort Worth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics non fatal and fatal rate indices.* Oil workers, for example, are potentially exposed to toxic fumes, explosions, fire risk and the strains of using heavy machinery. Many Fort Worth based oil workers work in the Gulf and may also be exposed to weather extremes during the year. The Workers’ Compensation Process in Fort Worth Whether you are able to claim compensation from your employer’s insurance carrier, or resort to filing a personal injury claim, you should be aware that Texas law imposes time limitations on these legal processes called the statute of limitations. All workplace injuries should be reported to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible, with details of how the accident took place and the nature of the injury. If your employer has WC insurance, make sure that you file a claim with appropriate documentation within 1 year of the injury, or sooner, if possible. Normally, this should be submitted to the insurer. Any problems should be notified to the Fort Worth Division of Workers' Compensation office. A personal injury claim, on the other hand, be submitted within 2 years and must be accompanied by sufficient information to prove that your employer’s negligence caused the injury. The petition should be filed with the Fort Worth Civil District Court at 100 North Calhoun Street, either online or in person. Your lawyer can advise you how to present your petition. Use a Free Claim Evaluation to Find a Suitable Fort Worth Based Lawyer With over 50 suitably qualified lawyers who can offer legal assistance with a workers’ compensation claim it can be difficult to know who to choose. That’s when our free claim form can help you decide. You can download and complete the form below. Additional Resources Workers’ Compensation in Texas Injured Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport? *Source: https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshstate.htm#TX
