What Is the Statute of Limitations related to a Work Injury Lawsuit?

Understanding Statute of Limitations for Work Injury Cases

Workplace injuries can lead to legal claims for compensation, but the statute of limitations sets a time limit on when such actions can be taken. This article explores the Texas statute of limitations for work injury cases and provides insights into how it affects employees and employers.

The Timeframe for Filing Work Injury Claims

After experiencing a workplace injury, the possibility of seeking compensation arises. However, the statute of limitations plays a critical role in determining the timeframe within which legal action can be pursued. This timeframe is contingent upon whether the employer offers workers’ compensation coverage. To navigate this complex scenario, it’s advisable to consult a knowledgeable work injury lawyer who can explain how the Texas statute of limitations applies to individual cases.

Statute of Limitations for Work Injury Lawsuits

Workplace injuries are prevalent in Texas, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, transportation, and oil and gas extraction. Employees in these sectors must be aware of their legal rights in the event of an injury at work.

Unlike many states, Texas does not mandate private employers to have workers’ compensation coverage. Consequently, only 83% of Texas employees are covered by workers’ compensation. The pivotal aspect here is identifying whether your employer falls under workers’ comp coverage or is a non-subscriber. This distinction significantly impacts the time window within which you can take legal action, as different statutes of limitations come into play.

Demystifying the Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a legal provision stipulating the maximum duration following an incident within which legal action can be initiated. These limitations are vital to prevent unjust legal claims when evidence and memories fade over time.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Work Injury Lawsuits

Texas offers a state-administered workers’ compensation program, providing benefits regardless of fault. This means even if you’re responsible for the accident, you can still receive compensation. Workers’ comp typically covers medical expenses and lost wages, excluding non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

If your employer lacks workers’ comp coverage, you might consider a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit, but this hinges on proving your employer’s fault. Establishing liability could lead to recovering compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and even pain and suffering damages.

Time Constraints for Workers’ Compensation Claims

For Texas employees covered by workers’ compensation, there’s a one-year timeframe to file a claim after the incident. Ideally, your employer should file the claim on your behalf within this period, but it’s wise to verify this. In some cases, employers delay filing claims to avoid increased insurance premiums. To secure your compensation, you can directly file the claim with the Division of Workers’ Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance or delegate this task to your attorney.

Reporting Your Injury Promptly

While you have a year to file the workers’ comp claim with the state, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days. Missing this 30-day window forfeits your eligibility for benefits. In cases of gradual-onset illnesses, the 30-day countdown starts when you realize the condition’s work-relatedness.

Reporting the injury immediately is advisable, as delays might enable your employer to contest the injury’s origin or severity. A swift report bolsters your claim’s credibility.

Time Limits for Work Injury Lawsuits

For the 17% of Texas employees without workers’ comp coverage, pursuing compensation often involves filing a work injury lawsuit against the employer. This type of lawsuit falls under personal injury claims, and in Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the incident.

However, Texan employers who choose non-subscriber status frequently impose arbitration agreements on employees. These agreements often reduce the window for legal action to just one year, mirroring workers’ comp claims. It’s plausible that you might have signed such an agreement without realizing its implications.

Seek Counsel from a Work Injury Attorney

Employees under non-subscriber companies should promptly consult an attorney to assess any arbitration agreement they might have signed. This step is crucial for understanding rights and potential paths to compensation. On the other hand, workers covered by workers’ compensation can benefit from legal guidance during the filing process to ensure they receive the complete compensation they deserve.

Acting Swiftly for Fair Compensation

Experiencing a workplace injury can be emotionally and physically distressing. While Texas’ statute of limitations provides a one- to two-year window for initiating claims or lawsuits, taking swift action and seeking guidance from an experienced local work injury lawyer is crucial for securing fair compensation.