What Benefits Are You Entitled to Under Texas Workers’ Compensation?
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Texas Workers’ Comp Benefits Are Confusing — But They Matter
If you’ve been injured on the job in Texas, one of the first questions you’ll have is:
“What benefits am I entitled to under Texas workers’ comp?”
Texas workers’ compensation is designed to help injured employees get medical care and financial support while they recover. But the system is complex, deadlines are strict, and many workers don’t realize they’re missing out on benefits they deserve.
This guide breaks down every type of benefit available under Texas workers’ comp — and how to make sure you receive the full amount.
1. Medical Benefits: All Reasonable and Necessary Care
Pursuant to Texas Labor Code Section 408.021, Texas workers’ comp covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury, including:
- Doctor visits
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Diagnostic tests (MRI, X‑ray, CT scans)
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment
- Travel reimbursement for long‑distance appointments
Important:
If you have a network claim, you must see a doctor approved by your employer’s workers’ comp network. If you have a non-network claim, or a Texas nonsubscriber workers compensation claim, you can see any doctor you want. While medical treatment is likely the most important of the benefits you are entitled to under Texas workers’ compensation law, insurance companies, courts, and the legislature are always looking for ways to limit your access to the right level of care.
FAQs: Texas Workers’ Comp Benefits
Medical care, income benefits, impairment benefits, supplemental benefits, and lifetime benefits.
You must file within one year of the injury.
Only if your employer is not in a workers’ comp network.
You may be able to sue them directly.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
2. Temporary Income Benefits (TIBs): Wage Replacement While You Recover
Once you file a workers’ compensation claim, If your injury prevents you from working or reduces your ability to earn, you may qualify for Temporary Income Benefits.
You may receive TIBs if:
- You miss at least 8 days of work
- Your doctor places you on restrictions
- Your employer cannot accommodate your restrictions
- Modified duty pays less than your pre‑injury wage
How much you receive:
TIBs equal 70% of the difference between your pre‑injury wages and your post‑injury earning ability.
3. Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs): Compensation for Permanent Damage
If your injury results in permanent impairment, you may receive impairment income benefits.
How it works:
- A doctor assigns an Impairment Rating (IR)
- You receive 3 weeks of benefits for every 1% of impairment
Example:
A 10% impairment rating = 30 weeks of IIBs
This is one of the most misunderstood — and most disputed — benefits you are entitled to under Texas workers’ compensation.
4. Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs): Long Term Support After Serious Injuries
You may qualify for supplemental income benefits if:
- You have an impairment rating of 15% or higher
- You have not returned to work or earn less than 80% of your pre‑injury wages
- You actively look for work or participate in vocational rehab
SIBs are paid monthly and can last for years.
5. Lifetime Income Benefits (LIBs): For the Most Severe Injuries
LIBs are the highest level of benefits in Texas workers’ comp claims and apply only to catastrophic injuries.
You may qualify if you suffered:
- Loss of both hands, feet, or eyes
- Spinal cord injury causing paralysis
- Severe brain injury
- Third‑degree burns covering major body areas
- Total blindness
LIBs provide income for life. Texas workers comp law provides for lifetime medical benefits as well.
6. Death Benefits: Support for Surviving Family Members
If a worker dies due to a job‑related injury, their family may receive:
- Weekly benefits called death income benefits
- Burial expenses
- Lifetime benefits for spouses in some cases
These claims are emotionally difficult — and often contested.
7. Vocational Rehabilitation: Help Returning to Work
Workers’ comp may provide:
- Job retraining
- Resume assistance
- Skills assessments
- Job placement services
This is especially important for workers who cannot return to their previous job. These are often underutilized benefits in Texas workers’ comp claims.
8. What If Your Employer Is a Non Subscriber?
If your employer does not carry workers’ comp, you may be entitled to far more than the benefits listed above.
You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and recover:
- Full medical expenses
- Full lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages
Texas Nonsubscriber workers comp cases are high‑value — but employers fight them aggressively.
Don’t Leave Benefits on the Table
Texas workers’ comp is complicated — and employers and insurers often push back. Many injured workers never receive the full benefits they’re entitled to.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
📞 Injured at work in Texas? Want to know what benefits you qualify for?
Contact the Texas workers’ comp attorneys at MLF Legal today for a free consultation.
You pay nothing unless we win.
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