Governments are there to ensure the safety of their citizens and protect the rights of both individuals and corporate entities. That is why there are laws governing worker-employer relations. One of these laws is the Texas workers compensation act. This is a piece of legislation formulated to ensure workers and employers in high-risk industries are protected.
How Workers Comp Works
The Texas workers compensation act provides that an eligible employer must provide coverage for eligible workers. Failure to do so can lead to legal and financial sanctions. In return, the worker gives up their right to sue their employer for any injuries they sustain at the workplace. Workers comp ensures that workers who are injured at the workplace do not experience any hardship during recovery. After all, workers comp offers a variety of benefits for injured workers, including:
Medical Benefits
Every worker who is injured at the workplace is entitled to medical benefits. This means that all their medical bills will be covered by the insurance provider. As a result, there is no need to worry about coming up with funds to pay for treatment. It is important to note, however, that only treatment of injuries related to the incident at work will be covered. For instance, if you suffered serious head injuries, but a brain tumor is discovered during treatment, the cost of removing the tumor will not be covered by workers comp insurance.
Temporary Disability Benefits
When you have been seriously injured, it’s going to take time to recover. This can be a couple of weeks or even several months. During this period, you will not be able to go to work and earn an income to support yourself and your family. Fortunately, the Texas workers compensation act provides for temporary disability benefits. During recovery, you should be able to get 70-75% of your weekly income for the duration of your recovery.
Permanent Disability Benefits
There is always a chance that you may be permanently disabled. As a result, you may not be able to ever go back to work. While no amount of money can restore your body to its normal function, getting weekly/monthly disability benefits for the rest of your life will help make things easier for you and your family.
Death Benefits
If you die as a result of work-related injuries, your family will get death benefits. This is meant to ensure they continue enjoying the quality of life they are used to. Death benefits are usually paid at the same rate as temporary disability benefits.
Funeral Benefits
In case of your demise, workers comp will help to pay for the funeral. Usually, the insurance provider compensates the organizers of the funeral after the burial or cremation ceremony. In addition to the death benefits, the funeral benefits can help make things easier for the family after the death of their loved one.
It is always a good idea to hire a workers comp lawyer to ensure you get your full benefits in a timely manner. Only the most experienced attorneys with a great reputation and a great track record should get any consideration.
