Corpus Christi Workers’ Compensation Lawyers 

Seeking Justice for Injured Workers in South Texas

Accidents are an inevitable part of life, and the workplace is no exception. From burn injuries to industrial injuries to oil field accidents, there’s a lot that can go wrong in Texas employment industries. If you were injured in a workplace accident in Corpus Christi or the surrounding area, our workers’ compensation attorneys can help you file a workers’ comp claim to seek the benefits you deserve. 

At Hilliard Law, we understand the complex toll that workplace injuries take on injured workers and their loved ones, especially when the injury threatens your employment and economic security. Fortunately, our knowledgeable lawyers have over 30 years of experience protecting the rights of injured workers. 

Our nationally recognized firm has handled hundreds of thousands of cases throughout Texas, empowering us to help injured workers in a wide range of workers’ comp disputes. From filing a claim to appealing a denied claim to maximizing the benefits available to you, our team can work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward after a workplace injury.

If you were injured in a workplace accident, our results-driven attorneys can help you seek compensation. 

Call (361) 882-1612 to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Texas

In Texas, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system designed to equip workers with needed medical care and financial support after sustaining a work-related injury. This means that eligible employees may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of their fault in the accident. 

Types of Work-Related Injuries 

Workers’ comp laws are governed by the Texas Workers' Compensation Act to ensure employees who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses can receive appropriate medical care and wage replacement. There are many types of work-related injuries that can lead to workers' comp claims. Common work-related injuries include:  

• Burn injuries
• Electrical injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Respiratory conditions
• Broken bones and fractures
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TSI)
• Occupational diseases
• Back and neck injuries

While workers’ compensation can appear fair and accommodating for everyone involved, it's important for workers to understand their rights to make informed decisions in their specific circumstances. Texas is the only state where employers aren't required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance, making it vital for employees to know and exercise their rights accordingly. 

Why Do Workplace Accidents Occur?

The key to securing workers’ compensation benefits is establishing that an injury occurred during work-related tasks. Work-related injuries can occur for a variety of reasons. Common causes of workplace accidents include:

• Faulty equipment: Defective or malfunctioning machinery, tools, or safety gear can lead to severe accidents and injuries.
• Slips, trips, and falls: Hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered work areas can cause employees to slip, trip, and fall.
• Overexertion: Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects without proper training or equipment can result in strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries.
• Repetitive motion injuries: Performing the same motions repeatedly, such as typing or using vibrating tools, can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
• Electrical accidents: Coming into contact with exposed wires, faulty equipment, or unsafe electrical systems can cause severe shocks, burns, and even fatalities.
• Work vehicle accidents: Employees who drive as part of their job may be involved in motor vehicle accidents, resulting in injuries such as whiplash, fractures, or traumatic brain injuries.
• Falling objects: Objects falling from shelves, scaffolding, or construction sites can result in head injuries, fractures, and other serious injuries.
• Toxic exposure: Exposure to hazardous substances like chemicals, fumes, or asbestos can lead to respiratory problems, cancer, or other long-term illnesses.
• Workplace violence: Incidents of assault or physical violence by co-workers, customers, or third parties can result in serious injuries and trauma.
• Lack of proper training: Insufficient training on how to use equipment, follow safety protocols, or handle dangerous materials can increase the risk of work-related injuries.

Our workers’ comp attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of workers’ compensation laws in Corpus Christi. We can evaluate the unique factors of your case to determine if your work-related injury is compensable under workers’ compensation, guiding your legal steps wisely to maximize the benefits available to you. 

Qualifying for Workers’ Compensation

Because state law does not require all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance, it's imperative for injured workers to consult with a qualified workers' compensation lawyer. A skilled attorney can apply their in-depth knowledge of workers' compensation laws to pursue maximum benefits and navigate potential pitfalls throughout the legal process. 

To determine potential eligibility for workers' compensation benefits, it's essential to consider the following factors: 

• Employee status: To be eligible for workers' comp benefits, you must be classified as an employee. Independent contractors, volunteers, and other categories may not be covered.
• Employer coverage: Unfortunately, state law does not require every employer to carry workers’ comp insurance. Your employer must have workers' compensation insurance coverage or be a certified self-insured employer.    
• Work-related injury or illness: The injury or illness must have occurred during the course and scope of employment. This means that it happened while performing job duties or engaging in work-related activities.
• Timely reporting: You must report the work-related injury or illness to your employer within 30 days from the date of the incident or when you first realized it was work-related. Failing to report within this timeframe may jeopardize your eligibility for benefits.
• Statute of limitations: Injured workers typically have 1 year from the date of the workplace accident to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Preexisting Conditions

Even if you have a preexisting condition, you may still be eligible for workers' comp benefits if the work-related injury aggravated or worsened your condition. Seeking sound counsel from a workers’ compensation attorney is essential to establishing your eligibility for benefits.

Importance of Seeking Medical Treatment

Employees seeking workers’ compensation must seek medical treatment from a healthcare provider authorized by the Texas Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) or your employer's workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Failing to follow the authorized medical provider process can affect your eligibility for benefits.

Disability and Impairments

To qualify for income benefits, you must have a disability or impairment that prevents you from earning the same wages as before the injury. The extent of disability is determined by medical evaluations, impacting the type and duration of benefits you receive.

What Isn’t Covered Under Workers’ Comp? 

Certain work-related injuries aren't covered by workers' compensation. Workers can be ineligible for benefits if any of the following apply:     

• The work injury was self-inflicted.
• The employee was injured while inebriated on the job. 
• The employee was injured by someone else for reasons unrelated to work. 
• The injury occurred when the worker was engaging in rowdy or reckless behavior.
• The worker was injured outside of the workplace while voluntarily participating in an off-duty sports or social event.
• The employee was injured by an “act of God,” such as a flood or hurricane, unless the job entailed a high risk of exposure to such events.

Injured on the job? Our workers’ comp lawyers can fight for the compensation you deserve after a workplace accident. 

Contact us online to discuss your case.