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

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... View More
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

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
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

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
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

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
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?

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... View More
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?

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... View More
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?

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
Honestly honest opinion

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... View More
I was at work. Got hurt ambulance took me to ER. They did a catscan and said my nose was broke and return to regular duty after follow up with surgeon. My jobs safety talked to person doing paperwork and told them to put me on light duty so they changed it on the paper. The next day the hospital... View More

answered on Jan 16, 2023
CT scans are an advanced type of X-ray that shows blood vessels, organs, and other soft tissues well.
X-rays do a better job showing showing the skeletal structure including broken bones.
Different radiologists occasionally disagree on what the exact same test shows, and more... View More
I work for a school district and fell on campus. Over time my injury was getting worse, even though I sought treatment that day and months after. TASB had a peer review done that agreed my injury was likely caused by a fall and that surgery was recommended. After working with my dr to remedy the... View More

answered on Jan 3, 2023
The adjuster on your file does not have medical training so whether the surgery is reasonable and necessary is subcontracted out to medical specialist that determine whether the requested procedure meets ODG guidelines. If the LHL-009 (Request for IRO) is not successful, then I would recommend you... View More
I am hiring a subcontractor - They do not have workers comp. Can I have them sign a release of liability?

answered on Jan 2, 2023
Yes, the TWCC has a specific form especially designed for this purpose.

answered on Nov 2, 2022
I am not aware of any 8 hour time frame. Usually, the further out the test is taken the more likely it is that you would be intoxicated. The drugs/alcohol will leave the system with time.
Got injured at work a few years ago and workmans said everything was approved I'd go to physical therapy/ pain management doc and they always said they hadn't received anything but yet had my name. The exception was the regular doctor that could only apologize say they had no idea what... View More

answered on Oct 20, 2022
You can’t sue.
But you can receive medical treatment for your work-related injury from any health care provider who accepts worker’s compensation cases.
Your health care provider will likely need your TWC case number for your workers compensation claim to bill the correct party.
I injured my right knee during a slip and fall at work. The injuries are a complete tear of the ACL, partial tear of the MCL and buckling of the PCL. I have arthritis in me knee and the only surgery that me doctor will do is a complete knee replacement. The Worker’s Comp insurance carrier said... View More

answered on Sep 15, 2022
It is very difficult to prove a total keen replacement is due to your work related injury. You will need an expert medical opinion to state all the conditions for which you need the total knee replacement are a result of the work injury within a reasonable medical probability. If you prove this,... View More
I was hurt on the job

answered on Aug 27, 2022
A Texas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. At this point, you could reach out to workers' comp attorneys to discuss your matter, since your injury took place in the course of employment. An experienced attorney should be able to outline any other causes... View More
Regular dr paperwork had a return to work date. I asked if I had any appointments the office said no. I went to see the workman’s comp Dr and he released me back to work per the notes from the regular Dr. I was back to work for 3 days. Started physical therapy and needed a refill on medication.... View More

answered on Aug 19, 2022
It is ultimately your decision whether to return to work and what is best for your health. Workers comp may decide not to pay you for the days you missed since their doctor has released you to work. You could also contact the work comp doctor and ask them to reconsider your work status based on the... View More
For the last 13 weeks they put down 20 hours, 33 hours, 30 hours, 40 hours etc. I was actually working a ton of overtime. 60 hours, 60 hours, 58 hours, 48 hours, etc. there was only 1 week that I worked 38 hours and that was because I hurt myself on a Thursday and left early. The head... View More

answered on Jul 6, 2022
If you have a claim filed through the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation, you have the right to challenge the wages your employer has listed at an administrative hearing. The easiest way is for you to get copies of your paycheck stubs to document your actual wages... View More
I am ready to go back to work but i feel my doctor is dragging it out. Can I request to be released to go back to work or can the doctor refuse to release me?

answered on Sep 29, 2023
Generally, a doctor has a professional responsibility to only release you to go back to work when it's medically appropriate. If you disagree with your doctor's assessment, you may seek a second opinion.
They are not providing proper medical care

answered on Aug 19, 2023
My law office doesn't handle ERISA claims. If your claim does not involve negligence on behalf of the employer or other third party, it is almost impossible to obtain legal representation. For this reason, the Carrier's offer little to no support. I like to refer to it as fake... View More
Do I have to wait until the appeal panel decides or do I receive my benefits now

answered on Jun 14, 2023
If the benefits are TIBs, you should receive them promptly but they will be subject to clawback if the carrier wins your appeal from any future IIBs.
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