Did you know that in Texas, workers’ compensation insurance is optional for most private businesses? We are the only state where carrying coverage is voluntary and you may be employed by one right now.
Workers’ compensation acts as a crucial safety net for employees. It provides medical care, income replacement, and death benefits without the need to prove your company was at fault. Learn more about some big companies in Texas that do not offer workers’ compensation and what you should do if your employer is on the list.
Big Companies That Are Non-Subscribers in Texas
You may be surprised to learn that a vast number of private employers in Texas do not offer workers’ compensation benefits. These companies are called non-subscribers and they have chosen to opt out of the program. However, to do so, they must notify their employees and file an annual notice Form DWC-005 with the Texas Department of Insurance. Some of the biggest companies that fall into this category include:
Do Non-Subscribers Risk Liability Exposure?
Yes. Employers who opt out of workers’ compensation may be held responsible for costs related to an employee’s injuries. If you and your work accident attorney bring a lawsuit against the big company, they cannot use traditional common-law defenses, such as contributory negligence, co-worker negligence, or assumption of risk. However, your legal team is charged with the duty to prove that your employer’s negligence, however small, caused your damages.
What To Do if Your Company Does Not Offer Workers Compensation
Getting hurt at work is a fear of many Texas employees due to our state’s high number of risky industries, from construction and oilfield work to manufacturing. If you experience severe injuries, including fractures, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or amputations, what should you do?
If your Texas employer does not carry workers’ compensation, you could file a personal injury lawsuit to recover the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. Start the process by immediately getting the medical help you need, then report the injury to your boss within 30 days. Take photos of the scene, collect witness information, and save all medical records and accident reports. Then consult a skilled non-subscriber injury attorney for guidance.
Call to Discuss Compensation if You Are Employed by a Texas Company That Does Not Offer Workers’ Compensation
Do you work for one of the big companies in Texas that does not offer workers’ compensation? If so, and you are hurt on the job, you need to discuss your options with a skilled personal injury attorney with Schechter, Shaffer, & Harris, LLP.
We strongly recommend hiring our firm if your company is a non-subscriber to workers’ comp benefits. These cases often involve complex personal injury claims and together we could work hard to prove employer negligence, secure full damages for pain and suffering, and get you the help you need.
