Beaumont, Texas, is home to many industrial and plant jobs where workplace injuries are common. Workers’ compensation (workers’ comp) is designed to provide financial assistance and medical care for employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. However, not every injury that occurs while working qualifies for workers’ comp. So, what exactly is considered a workers’ comp injury, and what steps should you take if you’re injured on the job?
What Qualifies as a Workers’ Comp Injury?
A workers’ comp injury is any injury or illness that occurs as a direct result of job duties. This includes:
- Accidents on company property (e.g., slipping on a wet floor, being struck by machinery).
- Injuries caused by repetitive stress (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome from typing, back injuries from heavy lifting).
- Exposure to harmful substances (e.g., inhaling toxic fumes at a chemical plant).
- Injuries sustained while performing a work-related task off-site (e.g., making a delivery or attending a meeting on behalf of your company).
However, not all injuries that happen while working qualify for workers’ compensation. Let’s break it down.
Is This a Workers’ Comp Injury?
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Injured at Work
If you’ve been injured on the job, follow these steps to protect your rights and get the medical care you need:
- Report the Injury Immediately – Tell your supervisor or HR representative about the injury as soon as possible. In Texas, you must report a work-related injury within 30 days.
- Seek Medical Treatment – Your employer may direct you to a specific medical provider, but you can also seek care from a provider of your choice if necessary.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim – In Texas, you must file a claim with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) within one year of the injury.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan – Comply with medical advice to ensure a smooth recovery and avoid delays in benefits.
- Keep Records – Document medical visits, conversations with your employer, and any expenses related to the injury.
For Immediate Assistance Call Beaumont Emergency Hospital
Understanding what qualifies as a workers’ comp injury is critical for protecting your rights as an employee. If you’ve been injured at work, act quickly by reporting the injury, seeking medical treatment, and following the correct process to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Beaumont Emergency Hospital Board-Certified Emergency Physicians are expertly trained in treating Texas Worker’s Compensation Injuries. They will work as a team with employers to get workers treated quickly and will create the proper documentation completed for claims.
Employers or workers with Workers Compensation illness or injury can call ahead to our facility to let us know the nature of the incident and create the proper handoff of the injured worker to our emergency room services.