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Texas Workers' Compensation Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: Hello. I have a question in regards to hiring a different attorney on my workers comp case in Texas.What is the process?

My accident is work related. The forklift was pulling on a bundle of conduit and the Strap Broke, While i was in the trench, caught me blind sided. I was treated by the ambulance and fire dept. The initial MRI showed i had suffered brain tissue was swollen and a brain tumor was diagnosed. My... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 9, 2024

A client can fire his own attorney at any time for any reason. The old attorney will still be entitled to compensation for services rendered up to the date of his termination. A new attorney often will not agree to take over a case until you have first paid the previous attorney as agreed.

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: Hello. I have a question in regards to hiring a different attorney on my workers comp case in Texas.What is the process?

My accident is work related. The forklift was pulling on a bundle of conduit and the Strap Broke, While i was in the trench, caught me blind sided. I was treated by the ambulance and fire dept. The initial MRI showed i had suffered brain tissue was swollen and a brain tumor was diagnosed. My... View More

S. Michael Graham
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S. Michael Graham
answered on Sep 9, 2024

While you are always free to fire and then hire a new workers' comp attorney, the 2nd attorney will, in many cases, not be willing to represent you because you have to make sure your first attorney doesn't have a big attorney fee bill that needs to be satisfied first. Attorneys like to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: I have lifetime medical through Texas mutual workers Comp insurance and after five or six surgeries to my foot it finall

I have lifetime medical through Texas mutual workers Comp insurance and after five or six surgeries to my foot it finally had to be amputated. Am I entitled to further compensation for the loss of a foot

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S. Michael Graham
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S. Michael Graham
answered on Sep 9, 2024

You are still entitled to reasonable and necessary medical care only. If you have not had an impairment rating and/or it's still within 90 days, you could challenge the rating and obtain a higher rating. I don't know if you have other injuries, that would qualify you for lifetime income... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Employment Discrimination for Texas on
Q: I was fired from my job one week after filing a worker’s comp claim. Is this something an attorney needs to handle?

Physician ordered head CT scan and was approved by WC.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 4, 2024

It is illegal to terminate an employee in retaliation for filing a WC claim. The timing raises the suspicion that you were terminated for filing your workers compensation claim. Of course, there may be other legitimate reasons why you were terminated. For example, an employee may be terminated... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith, Medical Malpractice, Small Claims and Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: can I file law suit for bad faith, pain and suffering , malpractice against an insurance carrier , intentional neglect

The claims management company, representing the insurance company, failed to provide a reasonable level of care for the treatment of a crush injury to the lower extremities. They did not offer suitable recovery or rehabilitation pathway that would be typical for a patient with similar injuries.... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 14, 2024

A claim for misrepresentation of the terms of the workers’ compensation insurance policy is really the only potential claim for bad faith by a workers compensation insurer in Texas. Your question does not indicate a misrepresentation concerning the terms of your workers' compensation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: I was injured at work by the skid steer operate with a faulty lever that was not fixed by the employer.

I was told to clean the excess dirt off of a bucket from a skid steer and the operator maybe through negligence closed the claws on me crushing me resulting in trauma to left shoulder and chest. The machine that caused the accident has had a bad lever (responsible for closing and opening the claws... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 19, 2024

Receiving a Form 1099 instead of a Form W-2 is evidence that you were an independent contractor and not an employee, but in and of itself, it is not dispositive. Some companies misclassify employees as independent contractors to try to avoid having to withhold federal income tax and payroll taxes... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: Can a company be sued by an employee for mental and emotional stress?

My daughter is constantly bullied by her boss.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 12, 2024

"Stress" is not compensable but "mental anguish" is recoverable for certain breaches of legal duties.

Your daughter will be required to offer "direct evidence of the nature, duration, and severity of her mental anguish, thus establishing a substantial...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: worker’s comp, EMP is injured, MNG delays report, told to return to work, injuries worsen, negligence or liable on MNG?

OSHA violation for equipment prohibited, MNG cleaned cuts but infection set in, EMP is diabetic, INS CO omitted details of time and treatment before claim was filed, treating DR refused MRI for hand fracture with abscess as treated by EMERGENCY DR, denies injury effect and denies benefits.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 20, 2024

Whether the manager is negligent is most likely irrelevant. In a workers' compensation case, the injured employee is NOT REQUIRED to prove that his/her employer or one of his/her fellow employees was negligent. Workers' compensation provides medical benefits, temporary income benefits,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: Workers comp is saying they need to verify my impairment rating even though their certified, Doctor conducted rating.

Workers comp certified doctor gave me a rating of 44%. Worker’s Comp. said they will give me impairment rating benefits at an impairment rating of 5% until they can verify the 44%. How can they legally do this since my impairment rating came from their certified doctor to begin with?

S. Michael Graham
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S. Michael Graham
answered on Dec 27, 2023

The Carrier does not have to accept the rating provided by the state selected Designated Doctor. They can hire a private doctor (RME) and require you to go to this doctor. Then they can challenge the rating before and Administrative Law Judge (ADJ) in a Contested Case Hearing (Administrative Court).

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: My husband, John, got a torn right rotator cuff injury at work. He has seen a doctor for this and is currently receivin

workers compensation. He also has esophageal cancer that is metastatic and extremely aggressive. He days ago recieved the pt scan results that indicate the cancer has spread to more areas of his body. Our question is, being that this cancer is as aggressive as it is, is there a way to get a... View More

S. Michael Graham
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S. Michael Graham
answered on Dec 27, 2023

I sorry to hear you husband is having a rough go of it. If your claim is filed through the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation, there is no settlement. If surgery has not been recommended or he chooses not to have the elective surgery, you could attempt to get an... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: Was hurt at work. Insurance company treated herniated disc in my back. Now they are saying it was not part of the injur
Neill Nwoha
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answered on Dec 29, 2023

Ah, this is just business as usual. I have never come across a workers compensation doctor that was able to found an injury. And the ones that do dont tend to get re-hired by company's.

I would seek a second opinion from a different doctor, and inform your employer of the findings of...
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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: Was hurt at work. Insurance company treated herniated disc in my back. Now they are saying it was not part of the injur
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 7, 2023

A herniated disc is a relatively common injury that can result from a work-related accident or several other possible causes. It can occur as a result of an acute trauma or develop gradually over time. Particularly in the latter case, it may go completely unnoticed by the patient and not produce... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: I lost my workers comp case in TX 5 yrs ago. Pain is 1000% worse now. Can I re-open claim?

The carrier claimed my lower back injury was pre-existing & ironically, judge said not enough evidence to show it was an aggravation of prior injury. I have been to 5 physical therapists, chiropractors, ortho doctors & pain is far worse. If this was the simple “strain” the court made it... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 20, 2023

Probably not.

Many people develop back problems like degenerative disc disease with age.

Many people remain unaware and without symptoms until they suffer a relatively minor back injury like a sprain.

Once they become aware of the problem, they become very attuned to the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: Coworker cause my accident and we're both employed at the same place I cannot sue them for negligence can I

I was injured on the job February 9th 2021 by my production manager turned up the machine and it sucked me in and how's the bad accident to me 18% impairment rating but I'm being told that I cannot sue the company because we were both employed there and since workman's comps paying... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 23, 2023

Under workers compensation laws, a worker who is injured on-the-job is not required to establish that his employer or a co-worker was negligent in order to receive compensation for medical expenses and lost income. In exchange, the employer is not subject to a personal injury lawsuit by the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: I recently got hurt at work I'm on light duty at the moment. Is my position protected?

They moved me to a different department I was told temporarily while being on light duty. But just two days ago one of the coaches acted as if he is switching me permanently. Which means I get to pay decrease and lose my position I had all do to be hurt. I work at Walmart is this allowed

S. Michael Graham
PREMIUM
S. Michael Graham
answered on Mar 13, 2023

If your claim is in Texas, Walmart no longer carries workers' compensation through the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' compensation. They are nonsubscribers to workers' comp. Walmart has it's own private insurance. I believe your employer can permanently... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Social Security for Texas on
Q: Can my w.c. case be closed because my pain doctor, who I have seen for 18 years, used the wrong compensable injury on

the claims sent to my adjuster? Without my knowledge, my doctor started filing on my medicare when W.C. stopped paying him, almost 2 years ago. I called my adjuster & she said if he had listed the correct compensable injuries (L. foot (CRPS), Neck, Rt. shoulder) he would have been paid. Today I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2023

It is possible that your workers' compensation case could be closed if the wrong compensable injury was used on the claims sent to your adjuster. However, this would typically require some sort of legal action, such as a hearing or settlement agreement, which would likely involve notification... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: My sister was injured at work. Workman’s Compensation is denying surgery despite the MRI findings of a torn rotator cuf

MRI shows torn rotator cuff in three tendons. What are her next steps. She lives in Texas and cannot afford to hire an attorney. Should she have surgery done under her private insurance?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 15, 2023

If her treating doctor is an orthopedic surgeon and is recommending surgery, he/she needs to request a peer-to-peer with the workmen’s compensation carrier’s orthopedic surgeon to discuss why surgery is the best option in her case.

Surgery is not always necessary or recommended for a...
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3 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: My sister was injured at work. Workman’s Compensation is denying surgery despite the MRI findings of a torn rotator cuf

MRI shows torn rotator cuff in three tendons. What are her next steps. She lives in Texas and cannot afford to hire an attorney. Should she have surgery done under her private insurance?

Tim Rose
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answered on Feb 15, 2023

Sorry to hear she is having trouble. She likely CAN afford an attorney as most workers' compensation attorneys work on a commission basis - no fee until you win. I would suggest looking in the Justia directory for the area of Texas where she is and see if there is an attorney to consult with... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: My sister was injured at work. Workman’s Compensation is denying surgery despite the MRI findings of a torn rotator cuf

MRI shows torn rotator cuff in three tendons. What are her next steps. She lives in Texas and cannot afford to hire an attorney. Should she have surgery done under her private insurance?

Jimmy Doan
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Jimmy Doan
answered on Mar 5, 2023

Your sister is not alone in facing what appears to be an initial denial of her Texas worker’s compensation claim. Unfortunately, when it comes to Texas worker’s compensation cases, a significant percentage of claimants are denied when they initially file a claim for benefits.

A bit of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: Do you believe under any section on any category are black people seen as equally equal or separateed equally equal?

Honestly honest opinion

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 13, 2023

Article 1, section 3a of the Texas Constitution provides: “ Equality under the law shall not be denied or abridged because of sex, race, color, creed, or national origin. This amendment is self-operative.”

In my professional experience, I have rarely seen individuals treated...
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