Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Austin

What to Do After a Workplace Injury

If you were injured on the job, there are specific steps you can take to help you receive the proper medical attention and to preserve evidence for a potential lawsuit.

Unlike other states, in Texas, workers’ compensation insurance is not mandatory. Employers can choose to opt out of the state’s system. Because of this, if you were injured on the job, you may not be eligible for the benefits that workers’ compensation provides. In Texas, the employers who do not participate in the state’s workers’ compensation program are called “non-subscriber” employers. If you work for a non-subscriber employer and are injured at work, your case is commonly called a non-subscriber case. If your employer is a non-subscriber, preserving evidence is crucial. 

The first and most important step you should take after a workplace injury is to seek medical attention. Even if your injury seems minor, it is important to get it checked out by a medical professional. In some cases, injuries are not immediately apparent, and delaying treatment can result in more serious consequences. 

Next, be sure to report the injury to your employer. When notifying your employer, it is important to provide specific details about the injury, including the date, time, location, and how it occurred.

Lastly, gather and preserve any evidence related to the incident. Relevant evidence might include photos of the scene where the accident occurred and photos of any equipment or tools involved in the accident. It is also important to collect the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident happen. 

What Is Non-Subscriber Insurance?

Some non-subscriber employers purchase workplace injury coverage from private companies. Some employers opt for this instead of subscribing to the state’s workers’ compensation program. Some employers choose non-subscriber insurance because it provides more flexibility. Employers can choose the level of coverage they want to offer and can often save money by not covering some types of injuries or illnesses. Although non-subscriber insurance can help employers save money, it also exposes them to potential legal action from injured employees.

Often, employees are unaware that their employer does not participate in the Texas workers’ compensation program. Employers must post information about their workers’ compensation insurance in an open and frequently-visited area in the workplace to which all employees have access, such as a kitchen or break room. If you are unsure whether your employer is a non-subscriber employer, you can check their status on the Texas Department of Insurance’s website.

What Is a Non-Subscriber Work Injury Attorney?

A non-subscriber work injury attorney is a lawyer who represents employees injured on the job while working for a non-subscriber employer. Although the non-subscriber insurance process differs from the workers’ compensation claims process, an experienced Austin workers comp attorney will know how to navigate the process.

Non-subscriber work injury attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving workplace injuries and can help you make your claim stronger. They will work with you to gather evidence, negotiate with your employer, and fight for your rights in court if necessary. Workers’ comp lawyers in Austin understand the unique challenges injured workers face, and they are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve.

Why Do You Need a Non-Subscriber Work Injury Attorney?

When you work for a non-subscriber employer, Texas law allows you to bring a negligence claim for on-the-job injuries you suffer. If an employee is injured on the job and can prove that their employer was negligent, they can file a lawsuit to seek compensation for the losses and expenses caused by their injury. 

The most common reasons for which employers are found liable for their workers’ injuries are bad training, poor safety gear, and inadequate safety policies. If the non-subscriber employer is even 1% at fault, they must pay 100% of the injured worker’s damages.

Because non-subscriber insurance claims are complicated, it is important to consult with experienced Austin workplace injury attorneys who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

An attorney can help determine if you have a case against your employer. They can also review the details of your injury, investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, and advise you on the best course of action. 

If you have a case, your Austin workers’ compensation attorney will gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, witness statements, and other documentation to help you establish that your employer was negligent. They can also negotiate with your employer’s insurance company to try to settle your case outside of court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can represent you in court and fight for your rights.

Attorneys understand the impact that a workplace injury can have on your life. They will work tirelessly to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With their help, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.

Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Austin

If you were injured at work and your employer has non-subscriber insurance, you need experienced workers’ comp lawyers in Austin to help you.

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we are not afraid to take a case to trial, and we prepare every case with the expectation that it will be heard by a jury. In 2022, Super Lawyers selected Scott Armstrong and Joshua Lee for their Rising Stars list. Only 2.5% of attorneys in Texas receive this professional recognition. We are acutely aware of the mental, emotional, and financial consequences that often follow a catastrophic injury, and you can trust us to handle your case with care.

Contact us today to learn more about how our Austin workplace injury attorneys can help you.