6 Things Your Employer Is Legally Required to Do After You’re Injured at Work—Do You Know Your Rights?

Workplace injuries can happen when you least expect them, so it’s important to know your rights as an employee. Employers often have certain legal obligations after an employee is injured.

But do you know exactly what your employer must do after a workplace injury? Knowing what’s required by law can help you get the care and compensation you deserve.

At Bandas Law Firm, P.C., our Corpus Christi work injury attorney can help guide you through the process. Below are six things your employer is legally required to do after you’re hurt at work, ensuring that you’re treated fairly and supported through recovery.

1. Provide Medical Treatment

One of the most important things your employer must do after you’re injured at work is ensure you receive medical care. Your employer is legally obligated to ensure you get immediate medical treatment access.

Whether the injury requires emergency care or ongoing medical attention, the employer must arrange and cover these costs under workers’ compensation.

If you’re injured, your health comes first, so your employer must ensure that medical professionals treat you. Workers’ compensation insurance usually covers the cost of your medical treatment, so you shouldn’t have to worry about medical bills. This includes everything from emergency room visits to follow-up care and rehabilitation services.

2. Report the Injury to the Workers’ Compensation Board

Once you’ve been treated, your employer must report the injury to the Workers’ Compensation Board. This step is critical because it formally begins the process of your workers’ compensation claim.

Each state has its own laws about how soon an injury must be reported, and in Texas, this is usually done within a specific timeframe.

Proper documentation is essential for your claim. Employers who fail to report workplace injuries within the required timeframe may face penalties. So, if you’re hurt, ensure your employer reports your injury to the proper authorities on time.

3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim on Your Behalf

After reporting the injury, your employer must file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf. This process ensures that you are eligible to receive benefits, such as wage replacement and coverage for your medical treatment.

There are deadlines associated with filing workers’ comp claims, and your employer is legally required to meet these deadlines. This ensures you receive the benefits you’re entitled to without delay. However, it’s a good idea to stay informed about the status of your claim, just in case any issues arise. If your employer fails to meet these obligations, you may need help from a top rated work injury attorney in Corpus Christi to ensure your rights are upheld.

4. Provide You With Wage Replacement Benefits

One of the biggest concerns after a workplace injury is how you’ll support yourself while you’re unable to work. Fortunately, workers’ compensation offers wage replacement benefits to cover lost income. Your employer is required by law to make sure you receive these benefits.

Wage replacement benefits are typically calculated as a percentage of your average weekly wages before the injury, and they’re paid out regularly while you recover. Your employer is responsible for making sure you get these payments in a timely manner so that you can focus on getting better, not worrying about finances.

5. Accommodate Light-Duty Work (If Applicable)

If your injury doesn’t fully prevent you from working, but you’re unable to return to your regular job duties, your employer is required to offer you light-duty work if it’s available. This allows you to return to work with fewer physical demands based on the restrictions set by your doctor.

The goal of light-duty work is to allow you to continue earning wages while recovering. If your doctor clears you for light duty, your employer must provide appropriate accommodations so you can ease back into your job without further risk of injury.

6. Protect Against Retaliation

When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you’re exercising your legal right to seek benefits for your injury. Unfortunately, some employers might try to retaliate against employees who file claims. This could include firing you, demoting you, or cutting your hours.

Thankfully, there are laws in place to protect workers from retaliation. If your employer takes negative actions against you because of your claim, they could face serious legal consequences. It’s important to recognize retaliation when it happens and report it. If you believe your employer is retaliating against you, a workplace accident lawyer in Corpus Christi, TX can help you fight back and protect your rights.

Contact Our Work Injury Lawyers in Corpus Christi, TX

Being injured at work can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Bandas Law Firm, P.C., our work injury lawyers in Corpus Christi, TX, are here to make sure your rights are protected every step of the way. If you’ve been hurt on the job, our top-rated work injury attorney in Corpus Christi can provide guidance, support, and legal representation to help you get the benefits you deserve.

Don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation with our best work injury lawyer in Corpus Christi to discuss your case. You can feel confident knowing that you’re taking the right steps to protect yourself after a workplace injury.