Worker's Compensation: Good for employees and employers

Got hurt at work? Now what happens?

You and your employer need to discuss worker's compensation.  It is a good practice to find out if your employer carries this insurance before an injury occurs.

Workers' compensation is a state-regulated insurance program that pays medical bills and replaces some lost wages for employees who are injured at work or who have work-related diseases or illnesses.Workers' compensation will pay for the medical treatment of an injury or illness if:

• The injury occurred at work or the disease or illness is job-related; and
• The worker's employer has workers' compensation insurance or is certified by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation to self-insure.

Workers' compensation will also replace some of the worker's lost wages if:

• The injury or illness caused the worker to lose some or all income for more than seven days.

Employers: Do I need worker's compensation insurance for my employees?

Texas employers who do not carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage are required to report their non-coverage status and work-related injuries and illnesses to the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC).  Employers are also required to notify their employees if they do not carry workers’ compensation insurance.  Employers who do carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage are required to report any work-related injuries and illnesses to their insurance carrier.  Employers that fail to meet these requirements commit an administrative violation and may be subject to administrative penalties.

It is a good business practice to protect your employees and your business, by having worker's compensation coverage. Worker's compensation gets your injured employee back to work safely, and soon as possible.