In Texas, the injured worker has the right to choose the doctor. If the employer has not joined a network for medical treatment, the injured worker can choose any doctor willing to treat them. If the employer HAS joined a network, then the injured employee must choose a doctor off of the list of approved doctors provided by the insurance company.

In most cases, you cannot sue your employer. The purpose of workers’ compensation insurance is to provide both a solution for workplace injuries and to limit an employer’s exposure to lawsuits. However, if another company or outside person was negligently responsible for the accident, you may be able to sue that third party. Check out our blog on this question for more information.

In Texas, there are no settlements after a workplace injury. In most cases, a worker’s monetary recovery is limited to lost wages, permanent impairment, and sometimes a supplemental income benefit to bridge the gap and help people return to work after a serious injury. There could be a settlement if someone other than the employer was the cause of the accident and injury.

If your spouse dies as a result of a workplace accident, then you may be eligible for death benefits. Death benefits are often a lifetime benefit for a spouse. Any surviving children may be eligible for benefits as well.