Injured While Working at Costco in Texas? Here’s What You Need to Know

Injured while working at a Texas Costco? You’re likely wondering how to get the help you need so you can recover.

Here’s what’s important to know: Costco is a non-subscriber to Texas workers’ compensation. That means they don’t use the state-run system for workplace injuries. Instead, they have their own injury benefit plan—and that makes a big difference in how your claim is handled.

As lawyers who advocate for injured Costco employees, we’re here to explain what this means for you, how it affects your rights, and the steps you should take to protect your well-being and your future.

What Does It Mean That Costco Is a Non-Subscriber in Texas?

Texas is the only state that lets private employers opt out of the state’s official workers’ comp program. Companies that choose this route, like Costco, are called non-subscribers.

Instead of using the state system, non-subscribers set up their own plans for handling work injuries. These company plans often come with strict rules, fewer benefits, and deadlines that are easy to miss.

But there’s one big upside for injured workers: Non-subscriber employers like Costco lose important legal protections. For example, they can’t argue that you “assumed the risk” of getting hurt.

That means if your injury was caused by unsafe conditions, lack of training, or someone else’s mistake at work, you may be able to file a lawsuit and win more compensation than traditional workers’ comp would allow.

What to Do After a Workplace Injury at Costco

If you were injured while working at Costco in Texas, follow these steps right away:

1. Get Medical Help
   Your health comes first. Even if the injury seems small, get it checked out. Not only does this protect your health, it also creates medical records that support your claim.
2. Report the Injury to Costco Immediately
   Tell your manager or supervisor what happened and make sure they create a written report. Ask for a copy of that report for your own records.
3. Document Everything
   Write down details about the injury: when and where it happened, what caused it, and who saw it. Take photos of the injury, the location, and any equipment involved.
4. Be Careful What You Say
   Don’t give recorded statements or sign anything from Costco’s insurance company until you talk to a lawyer. These can be used to hurt your case.
5. Talk to a Texas Work Injury Lawyer
   Non-subscriber cases are different from regular workers’ comp claims. A lawyer who knows this area of law can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.

Can I Sue Costco for a Workplace Injury?

Yes. Since Costco is a non-subscriber in Texas, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them if their negligence contributed to your injury.

Examples of Costco’s negligence could include:

• Not providing proper safety gear
• Poor training or supervision
• Failing to fix known hazards
• Asking you to perform unsafe tasks
• Co-worker mistakes or negligence

If your lawyer can prove that Costco was negligent and that this caused your injury, you could recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future care needs

This is often more compensation than what traditional workers’ comp would provide.

Watch Out for These Tactics from Costco’s Insurance Team

Even though they can’t use some defenses, Costco’s insurance team might still try to:

• Downplay your injury
  They may claim your injury isn’t serious or blame it on a pre-existing condition.
• Pressure you into a quick settlement
  They might offer you money upfront in exchange for waiving your rights to sue.
• Claim the injury was not their fault
  They may try to claim they can’t be held negligent for your injury.

That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced non-subscriber injury attorney on your side.

Why Hiring a Non-Subscriber Lawyer Matters

Handling a workplace injury at Costco without legal help can be overwhelming. An experienced Texas non-subscriber attorney can:

• Review your case and explain your rights
• Gather evidence and interview witnesses
• Deal with insurance companies so you don’t have to
• Fight for full compensation in court if needed

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we’ve helped many injured workers hold non-subscriber employers accountable. We know how Costco and similar companies operate, and we’ll fight to get you every dollar you deserve.

Schedule a Free Consultation

You don’t have to deal with this alone. If you were hurt while working at Costco in Texas, our team is ready to help. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start building your case.

Call us or request a free consultation today.

We’re here to listen, guide you, and fight for your future.

Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.

Get in touch with Scott Armstrong now.