You know there are some jobs that come with huge risks of injury. When you think of an office job, you do not anticipate getting injured. Construction jobs, on the other hand, you probably recognize that it clearly comes with that risk. What about big-box retail shops like Home Depot? Well, if you are a cashier, your risk is probably not as high as if you work in the warehouse, drive a forklift, stock shelves, or work around power tools.
However, if you do get injured, most people think first about workers’ compensation. But Texas is one of the few states that does not require employers to participate in the state’s workers’ compensation program. Employers that choose not to participate are called non-subscribers, of which Home Depot is one. When seeking benefits after a workplace injury, understanding your Home Depot employee options for compensation in Texas could make a crucial difference in how you recover lost wages and medical expenses.
When Your Employer Is a Non-Subscriber Like Home Depot
When an employer participates in the workers’ compensation system and an employee is injured on the job, that employee can file a workers’ compensation claim. However, when the employer is a non-subscriber like Home Depot, filing a workers’ compensation claim is not an option. If a Home Depot employee is injured on the job, they may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit instead. As a non-subscriber, Home Depot may have a third-party plan that operates similarly to workers’ compensation, allowing employees to receive payment for medical expenses and potential partial wage reimbursement.
Unlike workers’ compensation, however, an injured employee could also bring a lawsuit—but to recover damages, they must establish that Home Depot was negligent and that this negligence caused their injuries. However, proving their negligence caused your injuries will not be an easy task, that is why working with a skilled attorney can make a significant difference in pursuing your Home Depot employee options for compensation in Texas.
Steps to Take After a Home Depot Workplace Injury
With any injury, you should report the incident immediately. Do not delay this step just because you know that Home Depot is a non-subscriber. Seek medical care as soon as possible, and inquire with your employer about what doctors are available through their third-party plan. You may even get an independent medical opinion to fully understand the extent of your injuries.
You should also seek advice from an experienced attorney, who can help navigate the paperwork, negotiate with third-party administrators, and determine whether a negligence claim should be filed. A knowledgeable workplace injury attorney could guide you through the process and help you explore your Home Depot employee options for compensation in Texas.
Call Our Texas Attorneys if You Are an Injured Home Depot Employee Looking for Compensation
You still have options for a workplace injury, even though you work for a non-subscriber. A skilled attorney could explain your rights, gather evidence of negligence, and guide you through your claim from start to finish. Understanding your Home Depot employee options for compensation in Texas could help you take the next step toward medical and financial recovery. Contact Schechter, Shaffer & Harris today.
