Workplace accidents can occur at any point, leaving you with serious, potentially life-changing injuries. Various legal, financial, and insurance-based issues can arise in the aftermath of an injury, which can be hard to balance on your own. A Lubbock workers’ compensation lawyer can help you work with your insurance company, handle legal claims, and other details so you can focus on your recovery.
At The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., our team has spent decades assisting the people of Lubbock and Western Texas with their claims. We have experience representing thousands of workers’ compensation cases, winning against large-scale companies such as West Texas Energy. Our team is prepared to fight for you and can get you the results you deserve.
Call Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein today at 210-366-2400 for your Free Consultation!
Workplace injuries are, unfortunately, a common occurrence across the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2023 alone, there were 2.6 million workplace injuries in the private sector nationwide. For fatal workplace incidents, Texas is above the national average at 4.1 per 100,000 full-time employees.
Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated type of insurance that employers maintain in case an accident happens. It can be greatly beneficial to injured parties, as medical bills and loss of wages can be strong financial stressors. Texas is the only state in the country where workers’ comp is optional, making some cases far more complicated.
Workers’ compensation focuses on no-fault injuries. Common incidents include:
Workers’ compensation claims and related legal matters can be a frustrating, dense situation to go through on your own. Hire a workers’ compensation lawyer who can guide you through the proceedings. The following are a few ways in which a Lubbock workers’ compensation attorney from The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. can help with your case:
Texas Labor Code 409.001 requires that a workers’ compensation claim be filed within thirty days of the date of injury. In the aftermath of an accident, you may not be healthy enough to file on your own or have other matters to attend to. Your workers’ compensation attorney can submit all required paperwork and supporting evidence on your behalf.
Insurance providers often claim to care about helping the people they cover, but ultimately, they prioritize maximizing profits at the expense of their claimants. They will often try a variety of tactics to either deny a claim or offer a settlement that is worth less than what you are owed. Your workers’ compensation lawyer can advocate for you through the claim process, refusing bad faith offers and challenging any bad faith actions made by the insurer.
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, we can help you draft an appeal letter to challenge wrongful denials. If you are still rejected and are clearly covered, we can offer alternative legal options, including litigation.
In the case of your employer not having workers’ compensation, or if there was a third party at fault in the accident, you may need to file a personal injury claim. We can represent you in this process, gathering evidence and helping build your case. Some damages you may be eligible for include:
Personal injury claims are heard either at the Justice of the Peace Court for cases worth under $10,000 or the Lubbock County Courthouse for higher-stakes trials. We can represent you both in and out of the courtroom.
You should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer as early as possible in your case. Your attorney can guide you through the process of filing and review any settlement offers from insurance providers. Speaking with a Lubbock workers’ compensation attorney at the beginning of your case can help you avoid unfair settlements and protect you against unjust claim denials.
The total cost of your Texas workers’ compensation attorney depends on the complexity of your case, the required legal action, and the work hours they require. Challenging a claim denial is often more expensive than negotiating a settlement amount.
Another contributing factor is the fee structure a lawyer uses, which can be between retainer costs, hourly fees, or a flat rate. Our firm offers a complimentary consultation for potential clients, during which we can discuss your potential expenses.
You are not required to have a lawyer to be offered a workers’ compensation settlement in Texas, but there can be downsides to accepting a deal before consulting an attorney. Insurance companies can offer lower amounts than what you deserve in hopes of saving money. Speak with a Lubbock workers’ compensation attorney before accepting any deal, so they can review the terms and evaluate if it’s all you are owed.
In most workers’ compensation cases in Lubbock, you will not have to pay taxes on any settlement. If you are receiving Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) in addition to the settlement, the SSDI payments may be reduced. Settlements made outside of your workers’ compensation claim, such as third-party personal injury claims, may be subject to taxes depending on the case.
Our team at The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. has the knowledge and experience that can make a positive impact on your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation, where we can learn your story and begin exploring potential options to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. You may also visit our Lubbock office, located at the intersection of Indiana Ave and Texas 289 Loop Frontage Road, a few blocks east of Bill & Ann Miller Park.