Taking Action After a Work Injury in Cedar Hill, TX

Each year in Texas, there are two cases of nonfatal work injuries per one hundred private employees. In the Dallas suburb of Cedar Hill, major employers largely represent the retail, manufacturing, and education industries—all associated with high incidences of work-related injuries. Because these injuries are common, it’s important to know how to respond to a workplace accident.

The top Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw can advocate for you at any stage. However, the steps you take after your work accident, often in the time period before you hire a lawyer, can significantly affect the strength of your case. Although the details of every case differ, you can refer to the general guidelines below as a checklist for taking action after a work injury in Cedar Hill, TX.

Perhaps you’ve experienced an accident, or maybe you have a chronic injury that’s worsened on the job. Either way, letting your employer know as soon as possible helps you get the support you need faster.

By filing an accident report with your employer, you establish that work caused your injury. And by sending this report within 30 days, you remain eligible for benefits through workers’ compensation.

You should follow your company’s protocol for reporting injuries, but the guidelines below help ensure that your documentation is complete:

• Report to your supervisor in writing.
• Review all incident reports for accuracy and keep copies for your records.
• Describe the incident, and name witnesses if possible.
• Include details about the extent of your injuries.

Above all, be sure to describe how the injury or disease is related to your work.

In Texas, private employers aren’t required to provide workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer doesn’t offer insurance coverage, or you’re not eligible due to employment status, contact an attorney right away.

A workplace injury attorney in Cedar Hill can also help you begin the workers’ compensation process with confidence. For example, you must submit the completed DWC Form-041—which requires details familiar to your lawyers—to the Texas Department of Insurance within one year of your injury.

Receiving medical care not only facilitates your healing; it also satisfies a legal need for documentation of your injuries, treatment, and professional recommendations. Insurance adjusters may try to use your delays or noncompliance as evidence that your injury isn’t serious or related to work.

With the help of a work accident lawyer in Cedar Hill, Texas, you can exercise the following rights under workers’ compensation laws:

• Receiving medical care regardless of fault (with some exceptions)
• Choosing a doctor and transferring to another doctor if necessary
• Receiving reimbursement for medically necessary care

Our team handles insurance details so that your healing process is as seamless as possible.

Documentation of your care also becomes crucial evidence for insurance claims or in lawsuits. For instance, a doctor records limitations that prevent you from completing certain work tasks. With this record, you can communicate your medical needs to your employer and use them as the basis of your Cedar Hill, TX, workplace accident claims.

Although seeking legal counsel for work injuries isn’t necessary, it can be especially helpful for the following factors:

• Requirements that confuse you
• Uncooperative employers
• Claim denials
• Inaccurate medical diagnoses
• Insufficient compensation

Carabin Shaw’s client reviews demonstrate our commitment to every legal action as you endure this difficult time.

Our staff is available 24/7 to support you in English or Spanish. By setting up a free case review and initial consultation, you learn how we can help without assuming any financial risk. Simply call the toll-free number 1-800-862-1260 to get started, no matter which stage of the process you’re in.

For more information:

• Cedar Hill, TX Economic Development: Major Employers
• Texas Department of Insurance: 2021 Rates of Texas Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
• Texas Department of Insurance: Injured employee FAQ