In Texas, it is optional for companies to buy workers’ compensation insurance. The companies that buy workers’ comp insurance are known as subscribers. Those that don’t are called non-subscribers. Which one you work for affects what type of recovery and benefits you will be able to get.
Subscribers and Non-Subscribers
Subscribers have “coverage”, so injured employees can get all of the benefits provided by the Texas workers’ compensation laws. Non-subscribers do not have coverage – if their employees get hurt, they will not usually get their medical treatment and lost wages paid for by the employer. Some non-subscribers will provide limited treatment and benefits. Those benefits don’t even compare to what injured workers get in a Texas workers’ comp claim.
What If My Employer Was Negligent And Caused My Work Injury?
In order to get employers to buy workers’ compensation insurance, Texas passed laws allowing employees of non-subscribers to sue the company for it’s negligence, if that resulted in an injury. However, if the employer does have workers’ comp insurance, then the only remedy you have are the workers’ comp benefits.
How To Find Out If A Company Has Workers’ Comp Insurance?
The Division of Workers’ Compensation has a website tool to search for your employer’s status as a subscriber or non-subscriber. From the “topics A-Z” section, select “TXCOMP”, and then select “claims and coverage systems” . From there, you can do a search under “locate covered employer.”
Whether your employer is a subscriber or non-subscriber, you can get a free consultation with an attorney. Use that opportunity to determine the best way to file your claim. You can find additional information about subscribers and non-subscribers in our FREE book, The Ultimate Survival Guide For Texas Injured Workers. Download it right now!
