HomeLeague City Non-Subscriber Workplace Injury Lawyers

League City Non-Subscriber Workplace Injury Lawyers

Legal Options for Non-Subscriber Workplace Injuries in Texas

As a general rule, Texas employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. In the event of a workplace injury, this coverage is typically the exclusive remedy for an employee, with limited exceptions for gross negligence or intentional acts resulting in wrongful death.

However, some employers may opt out of the workers’ compensation system, which makes them nonsubscribers. In these cases, an injured employee may have legal recourse to sue their employer for damages caused by negligence.

Non-Subscriber Employers in Texas

Many large employers in Texas are electing not to carry workers’ compensation coverage, which means they are deemed nonsubscribers. In the event of a work-related injury caused by negligence, an employee may sue the nonsubscriber employer for damages. The employer may not use the defense that the employee was contributorily negligent, assumed the risk of injury or death, or that the negligence of a fellow employee caused injury or death. If the employer was even partially negligent for causing the incident and injuries, the employee could potentially recover full damages against the employer.

Negligence and an Unsafe Workplace

To bring a successful lawsuit against a nonsubscriber employer, the employee must show that the employer was negligent and failed to maintain a safe workplace. An unsafe workplace may include failing to provide proper tools, training, and warnings, creating safety policies and procedures, monitoring or supervising the employee, and instructing the employee.

Employee Benefit Plan and Lawsuits

An employer that opts out of the workers’ compensation system may still carry an employee benefit plan that provides insurance to cover work-related injuries and claims. However, this benefit plan does not change the nonsubscriber status of the employer, nor does it prevent the employee from filing a lawsuit. The employee needs to understand the specific deadlines and procedures in the event of a work-related injury and maintain a copy of the benefit plan. The benefits plan may reduce the statute of limitations and provide arbitration instead of court as the forum for proceeding with the lawsuit. Employees should not execute a post-injury claim waiver unless they are confident they do not want to pursue a lawsuit.

Workers Compensation Claims

Employers may also provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees, which is no-fault insurance coverage. If an employee is injured during the course and scope of their employment, the injuries caused by the work incident are covered by worker’s compensation insurance. The negligence of the employee, their co-workers, and/or their employer is irrelevant to providingmedical treatment after a work-related injury. The employee may also be eligible for wage loss with certain wage amount and duration limitations. However, in most cases, an employee and/or their family are not entitled to sue their employer when workers’ compensation coverage is available, except for cases of gross negligence or intentional acts resulting in wrongful death.

Third-Party Claims

If another company or an employee of another company caused your work related injury, you may have a separate claim against the third party in addition to your Texas workers’ compensation claim. In these cases, different deadlines will apply to separate claims.

Contact a Nonsubscriber Lawyer in League City, Texas

If you have been injured at work and your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance or a third party is responsible for your work-related injury, contact Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers in League City, Texas. Our experienced nonsubscriber and third-party attorneys can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Practice Areas

Client Reviews

THE RIGHT CHOICE

“I am a survivor of the March 23, 2005, BP explosion. Knowing my life had just been changed in an instant and not knowing what was to come was extremely unsettling. So when the time came to find legal representation, I chose Burwell Nebout personal injury attorneys from League City, Texas. Knowing they are from the Galveston County area made this an easy choice. Russ and Jimmy assured me they would do all things possible to help me and my family get through this most difficult time. Once again, I’d like to thank these men and their staff for their professional knowledge and guidance throughout those tough times. I know without a doubt I made the right choice.”

David Laymance
Santa Fe, Texas

LITIGATION EXPERTISE

“My company has faced disputes that require the litigation process to achieve resolution. I chose Russ and Jimmy to represent me not only for their ability to guide us through the process in a cost-efficient manner with the goal of resolution, but also with the comfort of knowing they have the skills and expertise to try the case.”

Will Watt
Friendswood, Texas

EXCELLENT WORK

“Thank you for the excellent work performed by you and your staff in helping our company each step of the way in our pursuit of seeking reimbursement from BP due to our losses from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The presentation of the facts as well as the unknowns with each turn of the roller coaster has been greatly appreciated. I cannot thank you enough for the work you put into this nor credit you enough for the polish and professionalism in the way you did it.”

Doug Vingoe
Houston, Texas

Case Results

Automobile Accident

$19.2 million

Two clients killed as a result of a special defect in the shoulder of the roadway. A state court jury trial resulted in a $19.2 million verdict.

Premises Liability

$10 million

Children that attended school on a former toxic dump site made claims for exposure injuries. $10 million settlement.

Liberty County Record Verdict

Record-setting verdict

Two high school seniors were on their way home on a stretch of road that had been the subject of repeated complaints to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) about the poor condition of the shoulder. When the students entered a curve, the poor condition of the shoulder resulted in a crash that killed one and severely brain-damaged the other. A trial against the Texas Attorney General’s office resulted in the discovery of altered records, a spoliation instruction, and a record-setting jury verdict for Liberty County.

Get In Touch With Burwell Nebout

There Is No Firm More Qualified to Fight for You!