Workers’ Compensation

Worker’s Compensation, sometimes referred to as “Workman’s Compensation” or “Worker’s Comp”, is the name given to a system of laws meant to protect injured workers. The goal is to make sure that somebody who is injured at work receives appropriate medical care, lost wages relating to the on-the-job injury, and, if necessary, retraining and rehabilitation, to be able to return to the workforce. When workers are killed on the job, members of the workers’ families are ordinarily eligible for benefits.

Frequently, injured workers will benefit from consulting an attorney who can advise them in protecting their Worker’s Compensation benefits and defending against the premature termination of benefits.

Most Common Industries with Worker’s Compensation Claims:
Emergency Responders
Transportation Industry Workers
Cleaning Professionals
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
HVAC Workers

Exclusions From Coverage of Workers Compensation in Houston
Depending upon the jurisdiction, employees may be restricted from collecting benefits if their injuries or deaths result from willful misconduct or from intoxication. Special Federal Statutes There are some special federal laws which provide additional protection to certain classes of worker:

The Jones Act (The Merchant Marine Act) provides seamen with the ability to seek benefits known as “maintenance and cure” when they are injured as a result of their employer’s negligence while working on U.S.-flagged vessels.

The Federal Employment Liability Act (FELA) makes railroads engaged in interstate commerce liabile to employees, where the employees’ injuries result from the railroad’s negligence.

The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides Worker’s Compensation benefits to certain classes of employees of private maritime employers.

The Black Lung Benefits Act provides compensation to miners suffering from “black lung” disease (pneumoconiosis).

There is a possibility of the creation of a new federal compensation scheme for workers injured by asbestos, who may suffer from asbestosis or mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure. At present, asbestos-related injuries are typically handled by private attorneys.