If you’ve been injured on the job in Texas, understanding your right to workers’ compensation benefits is essential. Here’s what you need to know about the types of worker’s compensation available in Texas and how they could potentially benefit you after a work-related injury.
Temporary Income Benefits (TIB)
If you have experienced a work-related injury or disease that results in the loss of wages for more than seven consecutive days, you may be eligible for Temporary Income Benefits. TIBs intend to compensate you partially during your period of healing and inability to work regular hours or at full capacity.
Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs)
Workers who sustain damage that affects their body as a whole can access Impairment Income Benefits. IIB amounts are dependent upon an impairment rating given by a healthcare provider, which represents the percentage of permanent bodily damage sustained from the workplace incident.
For every percentage point in this impairment rating, workers are awarded three weeks’ worth of IBB payments.
Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs)
After exhausting their IIBs, individuals may qualify for additional financial assistance in the form of Supplemental Income Benefits. SIBs are paid monthly, providing further support to those still grappling with the effects of their workplace injury.
To qualify for Supplemental Income Benefits in Texas, there are specific criteria that must be met:
- You need to have an impairment rating of 15% or more.
- You cannot have returned to work, or if you did, you must earn less than 80% of your average weekly wage because of your injury;
- You must show that you are looking for work; and
- You must not accept a lump sum payment for your injury.
Lifetime Income Benefits (LIBs)
In more severe circumstances, you may be entitled to receive Lifetime Income Benefits. For example, if you lost sight in both of your eyes, lost both feet at or above the ankle, lost both hands at or above the wrist, or lost one foot at or above the ankle, you could qualify.
Medical Benefits
When it comes to workers’ compensation in Texas, one primary benefit is medical coverage. If you suffer from a work-related injury or illness, your employer’s insurance carrier should cover the cost of necessary treatment.
Choosing healthcare providers is often influenced by your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier. If they operate within a healthcare network, you’re generally required to visit doctors participating in that network unless prior permission has been obtained for out-of-network care.
There isn’t typically an end date attached to your treatments. As long as your doctor considers the continuing treatment reasonable and necessary for dealing with impacts from the work injury or illness sustained, these can continue indefinitely.
Death and Burial Benefits
In the tragic event that an employee passes away due to a work-related injury or illness, their family may be entitled to death benefits through workers’ compensation.
These benefits provide financial assistance by replacing part of the income lost as a result of the worker’s death. These payments amount to 75% of the deceased employees’ average weekly wage.
The length of time a person will receive death benefits depends on the circumstances. For example, a surviving spouse can get death benefits for the rest of their life, unless they remarry, whereas a child may receive death benefits until age 18 or until they are 25 if they are enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited college or university.
Workers’ compensation also extends support toward burial expenses in Texas.
Navigating workers’ compensation benefits in Texas can be complex, particularly at a time when you’re focused on recovery. When dealing with the compensations mentioned above after sustaining a work injury, consider seeking legal guidance to ensure your rights are protected. If you have questions or need help filing for these benefits, reach out today to schedule a free consultation.