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.

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Kirby C.

Google Review

I cannot recommend Kelly Viktorin at Armstrong Lee & Baker highly enough. After being injured at work, I was incredibly discouraged as many attorneys wouldn’t take my case due to the complexities involved. From our very first consultation, Kelly and her team jumped right in, demonstrating a level of dedication and expertise that immediately put me at ease. Throughout the entire process, their communication was outstanding. I was consistently kept informed of any updates and felt like a priority. Kelly truly went above and beyond to fight for me, and I am so grateful for her hard work and commitment. If you’re facing a challenging work injury case, especially with a Texas non-subscriber, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kelly Viktorin. You’ll be in excellent hands.

Toby B.

Google Review

When I got injured my company didn’t have workers comp. They had something called non subscriber insurance. I tried a dozen or more lawyers and no one would take my case. I lost my house in Texas so right as I was moving back to where I was from, Florida, I called Armstrong Lee & Bkaer. They said they could take my case. Shortly after I meet Adam Grable.
Adam took the case and unraveled it like a champ. It was a difficult case and that’s why other lawyers didn’t take. Over the next year, Adam because a friend and a member of the family. I found him brilliant and personable and when needed he found for me. In the end, we took a settlement even though Adam told me he had a good shot at trial. He understood i wanted this behind me! If you ever find yourself needed a lawyer trust me Adam Grable will be on your side!

Majah W.

Google Review

I had been injured at work, and the attorneys at Armstrong Lee & Baker fought for what I was owed. I’m graciously appreciative for their attentiveness and swiftness with handling my case. Shout out to Lindsey W.

Toby B.

Google Review

When I got injured my company didn’t have workers comp. They had something called non subscriber insurance.
I tried a dozen or more lawyers and no one would take my case.
I lost my house in Texas so right as I was moving back to where I was from, Florida, o call Armstrong and Lee. They said they could take my case. Shortly after I meet Adam Grable.
Adam took the case and unraveled it like a champ. It was a difficult case and that’s why other lawyers didn’t take.
Over the next year, Adam because a friend and a member of the family.
I found him brilliant and personable and when needed he found for me.
In the end, we took a settlement even though Adam told me he had a good shot at trial. He understood i wanted this behind me!
If you ever find yourself needed a lawyer trust me Adam Grable will be on your side!

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Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong is the Managing Partner and co-founder of Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. Known for his strategic insight and relentless pursuit of justice, Scott personally guides the firm’s approach to complex cases, including catastrophic injuries, vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and product liability. His leadership has created a culture where excellence, innovation, and dedication to client success are paramount, and his influence is evident in every case the firm handles, often resulting in hundreds of millions recovered for clients.

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