If you sustain an injury in the workplace or have a condition related to your job, you may be entitled to Workers’ Compensation, a reimbursement program, legal protection, and return to work requirements regulated by the federal government and the state of Texas.
Let’s learn more about the Workers’ Compensation process and how it can help you when you get injured on the job.
Get Medical Treatment Right Away
As soon as you know you’re injured, get a medical evaluation and treatment. In case of an emergency, go to the nearest hospital ER. For less urgent needs, see your primary care physician or the professional team at Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness for a complete evaluation, treatment, and documentation of your injury and treatment needs.
Report Your Injury
Once you are stable, report your injury to your employer. If you cannot, designate a relative or significant other to do this for you within 24 hours of the incident.
File a DWC Form 041 and/or Form 042
Available from the Texas Department of Insurance or your employer, a DWC Form 041 must be completed within 30 days of your accident or injury. This detailed form begins the qualification and reimbursement process for injured workers. For dependent claims, use DWC Form 042. Both must be filed with the Texas State Department of Insurance.
You Are Entitled to Many Benefits Under State and Federal Law
With a qualified injury and plan of treatment, you may be qualified to receive lost wages and payment of medical bills and other injury-related expenses. In the case of death, your dependents can receive funeral cost reimbursement, burial benefits, and income replacement up to 75 percent of their lost wages. The Texas Department of Insurance details these benefits on its website.
Workers’ Compensation Protects Both You and Your Employer
Workers’ Compensation provides a wide array of protections and benefits to both the injured worker and the employer. These include:
- Legal assistance for the employer
- Protection against financial liability for the employer
- Income reimbursement, payment of medical bills, and death benefits to employees and their dependents
Qualifying Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Many injuries and health conditions related to the workplace qualify for Workers’ Compensation benefits. They include:
- Back and neck pain
- Concussions
- Fractures, strains, crush injuries, lacerations, and burns
- Inhalation injuries
- Neuropathy
- Traumatic amputations
- Repetitive motion injuries, such as tendonitis
Injuries sustained while doing an illegal act or engaging in violence (fighting) are not covered by Workers’ Compensation.
Return to Work Involves More Than Feeling Better
When you see a physical therapist, you will undergo a Functional Capacity Evaluation or FCE. The information garnered through this detailed exam tells you, your provider, and your employer if you can return to work safely and what modifications you may need to accomplish your job tasks.
The physical therapists will work with you to ensure you have the strength, cardiovascular endurance, dexterity, and mobility to accomplish your day-to-day routine at home and at your place of employment. They also work with employers to ensure work environments are safe, preventing both acute and repetitive motion injuries in the future.
Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness in Austin, TX
If you’re injured on the job, our compassionate and highly skilled providers will help you along the path to wellness. We will evaluate you quickly and correctly and report your needs to your employer, the State of Texas, the City of Austin, and more.
To learn more about how we can assist you, call us today at (512) 886-7110, or request your appointment online.
