Abilene Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Abilene Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Accidents in the workplace happen all too often, resulting in serious injuries or disability. Navigating the complex and challenging insurance and legal landscape alone can be daunting. An Abilene workers’ compensation lawyer can help you through this trying time, handling the complexities of your case so you can focus on healing and recovery.

Our Background

Our team at The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. has spent years assisting the people of Abilene and surrounding West Texas cities with their workers’ compensation cases. Our managing associate, Draper T. “Toby” Rodriguez, was asked to join the Texas State Bar Workers’ Compensation Conference and is a regular speaker in advanced courses for fellow attorneys. We have the knowledge and experience to make a positive difference in your case.

Abilene Workers’ Compensation

Call Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein today at 210-366-2400 for your Free Consultation!

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Workers’ Compensation Overview

Workplace accidents and subsequent injuries happen every day across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 2.6 million workplace injuries occurred in the private sector in 2023 alone. Out of this figure, 175,900 incidents occurred here in Texas, with a rate of 1.8 per 100 full-time employees. Texas has a higher-than-average rate of fatal workplace accidents, at 4.1 per 100,000 workers.

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance coverage that employers in Texas may purchase to protect against workplace accidents. Workers’ compensation can provide relief following a serious injury, helping to alleviate financial stressors such as lost wages and medical bills. Texas is the only state in the country where workers’ compensation is optional.

All workers’ compensation claims are processed through the Texas Department of Insurance – Division of Workers’ Compensation. Abilene has an office in town, located at 1290 S. Willis St., #102, Abilene, TX 79605.

Common Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents take many forms in Texas. The following are a few of the most common types of accidents that occur in the state:

• Heavy machinery crushing and pinning
• Slips and falls
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals
• Transportation-related incidents
• Electrical shocks and burns
• Overexertion
• Strokes and heart attacks

What to Avoid When Speaking to Your Workers’ Compensation Insurance Provider

Insurance companies will use a variety of tactics and details to either deny your claim or offer less than you deserve. The first thing to avoid is admitting any fault or responsibility in the accident. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault-based claim, so taking any amount of liability can result in your claim being denied.

Another important thing not to say when speaking to your insurance provider is to downplay your injuries or say they aren’t serious. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms for days, weeks, or even months. This discrepancy can be used to cast doubt on your claim and damage your chances of coverage.

A third major mistake to avoid is providing unnecessary details, speculations, or agreeing to make an official, recorded statement. Each of these can add complexity to the case and, like downplaying injuries, can be used to lower your coverage. When discussing the incident with insurance companies, stick to the basic facts of the accident.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Dealing with the often dense, frustrating insurance process while also healing from injuries can be overwhelming to handle on your own. Hire a workers’ compensation lawyer who can guide you through this trying period. Your Abeline workers’ compensation attorney can negotiate with your insurance provider and review any settlements to see if they are close to what you deserve.

If your claim is denied, a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you review the insurance terms, collect supporting evidence, and submit an appeal. If that is rejected as well, your attorney can offer alternative legal options available.

FAQs

Why Do People File Claims Against Workers’ Compensation in Texas?

There are many reasons to file legal claims against workers’ compensation in Texas. Insurance providers claim to care about claimants, but in reality, they often seek ways to maximize profits by denying claims and underpaying in settlements. If you have been denied a claim or been offered an underwhelming sum, your workers’ compensation lawyer from The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. can help you file a claim to get a settlement you deserve.

Does Texas Workers’ Compensation Pay for Pain and Suffering?

In Texas, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering, or other emotional side effects of an injury. The main elements your claim can pay for are medical bills, lost wages, and disability aid if applicable. If you are instead filing a personal injury claim against your employer or a third party, pain and suffering may be eligible for damages. Your workers’ compensation attorney can advise you on which specific types of compensation to seek in your case.

How Long Does It Take a Texas Judge to Approve a Workers’ Compensation Settlement?

How long it takes for a Texas judge to approve a settlement depends on several factors. The injured party must first reach their maximum medical improvement (MMI), which is the point at which they have recovered as much as possible. Next, the impairment must be rated by an assigned doctor, and both the claimant and the insurance company must have a written agreement.

How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Cost in Texas?

How much your workers’ compensation attorney will cost in Abilene depends on the work hours your case requires, its complexity, and what services are necessary. A lawyer involved only in settlement negotiations tends to cost less than one who is involved in a case that requires lengthy litigation and support throughout the entire process.

A workers’ compensation attorney can use the details of your situation to provide an estimate of the final expenses that may be incurred.

Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

At The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., we are prepared to provide you with aid during this difficult period.

Contact us today for a free consultation, where we can hear your story and offer potential pathways forward in your workers’ compensation case. You may also visit our Abilene office, located on Chestnut Street, a few blocks from the Taylor County Courthouse and South 1rst Street.