You work hard, but sometimes the daily requirements of your job can put your health in jeopardy. Whether you suffer an injury during an accident on the job or develop a condition because of the physical requirements of your position, you may face high medical costs, time away from work and a long recovery.
Texas law allows many businesses to opt out of covering their employees through workers’ compensation insurance. If you are one of the many employees who are impacted by this, you may need to pursue another route in order to get the support that you need.
How commonly do employers opt out of workers’ compensation insurance?
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, one in every four businesses surveyed does not have workers’ compensation coverage. Many employers opt out because they did not have enough employees to purchase coverage or because they had very few on-the-job injuries. However, this could still leave many employees without the support they need if they suffer from a workplace injury or work-related condition.
What can you do if your employer opted out of workers’ compensation?
While Texas law does not offer you the straightforward option if your employer chooses not to subscribe to workers’ compensation, you still have options. Some employers provide benefits outside the workers’ compensation system, though you may need to fight to prove that these benefits are medically necessary. You may also be able to take legal action against your employer to get the financial support you need after a workplace injury.