Sysco Workers’ Compensation Claims in Texas

Sysco is one of the largest food distribution companies in Texas. Every day, its thousands of employees engage in physically challenging work, lifting heavy boxes, loading trucks, and making deliveries across the state. It is undoubtedly demanding and physical labor, and because it can also be dangerous work, there are many, many, Sysco workers’ compensation claims in Texas.

But here’s the catch: Many Sysco employees do not realize that if they are injured while working for Sysco, they may not have the workers’ comp safety net they expect. Why? Because Sysco is what is called a “non-subscriber “employer, that is, Sysco has opted out of the Texas traditional workers’ compensation system and does not participate (legally, “subscribe”) to that state program.

If you have suffered a Sysco employee injury, we at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can help you understand your rights under this unique system and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Does Sysco Offer Workers’ Compensation in Texas?

Texas is the only state in the union that allows private employers to opt out of the workers’ compensation system. As indicated, companies that make that choice are called non-subscribers, and Sysco is one of them.

For employees, this distinction has serious consequences. Because Sysco is a non-subscriber to the Texas workers’ compensation system, injured workers are not automatically covered by the state’s workers’ comp system for medical bills, lost wages, or rehabilitation. Instead, if you are hurt on the job, you must file your workers’ compensation claim directly with Sysco or pursue what is called a “non-subscriber injury claim” if the company’s plan does not pay enough.

The good news here is that because Sysco does in fact operate under the Texas non-subscriber workers comp model, you may also have the right to pursue additional damages that would not be available under a regular workers’ comp claim. This would include things such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of future income.

Common Injuries Among Sysco Employees

Because Sysco employs thousands of warehouse staffers, drivers, and delivery workers across Texas, and because of the physical nature of these sorts of jobs, certain injuries occur again and again.

At the warehouse, the most frequent Sysco work injuries are

• Back and neck strains from lifting boxes
• Slip-and-fall accidents on Texas loading docks or warehouse floors
• Forklift or pallet jack collisions causing serious bruising, broken bones, or worse
• Repetitive strain injuries from constant lifting or twisting, resulting in chronic shoulder or knee pain, herniated discs, and, yes, even worse.
• Heat exhaustion and dehydration (common in Texas warehouses and delivery routes)

For the Sysco delivery driver, injuries are no less uncommon, stemming from long hours behind the wheel, heavy lifting during deliveries, or collisions on Texas highways. Even minor injuries can lead to long-term physical problems that affect your ability to work or support your family.

And if that happens to you, you deserve rightful compensation. That’s where we come in. Armstrong Lee & Baker ranks among the very top of workers’ comp law firms in Texas.

What To Do After a Sysco Workplace Injury

If you are hurt while working for Sysco, taking the right steps from the start can protect both your health and your claim.

First, report the injury immediately to your supervisor or HR department. Waiting too long can make it easier for Sysco to dispute your claim. Next, see a doctor right away. Tell the doctor how your injury happened and make sure to report every detail and then make sure it is put in your medical records.

If possible, take photos of the scene or the equipment involved. Keep copies of all paperwork, including injury reports, medical bills, and any witness statements. Do not sign anything or give a recorded statement until you have spoken with a lawyer who handles Sysco work injury cases.

Your best bet is to promptly hire a skilled workplace injury law firm who knows how to manage and litigate a Sysco workers’ comp claim and case. They can help guide you through what can be a confusing process, protect you from company pressure, and ensure that your case is valued fairly.

Get Legal Help After a Sysco Work Injury

Sysco is a large and powerful company, with an army of lawyers working to defend it. Don’t you deserve the same, a top-notch law firm committed to defending your rights?

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we have extensive experience handling Sysco workers compensation and other Texas non-subscriber workers comp cases. We understand how these companies operate, and how to make them take responsibility.

If you were injured while working for Sysco, contact Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our Houston work injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Call (832) 402-6637 or send us a message to get started.

Joshua Lee

Joshua Lee believes in aggressive, tough advocacy and a client-centered approach to every case. Joshua draws from a wide body of experiences and a robust understanding of the law. Joshua graduated from the New York University School of Law in New York City, which is considered among the best law schools in the world. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

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