The Next Big Thing?
A Dallas man wants the Texas opt-out system to become the norm in workers’ compensation plans across the United States.
With a client list that includes some of the country’s largest retailers, his plan is to get opt-out laws passed in a dozen states over the next ten years. Generally, employer-sponsored plans are much more limited than state-mandated workers’ compensation; for example, one large fast-food retailer does not cover carpal tunnel syndrome, which is rather common in cashiers, and a senior living center does not cover most bacterial infections. Moreover, in Texas, most employer-sponsored plans only expenses for two years, even if the victim suffered a lifelong disability.
Advocates claim that opt-out plans, although they may not provide as much coverage, remove the uncertainty that comes from lawmakers continually chipping away at workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ Compensation
A generation ago, the workers’ compensation system basically provided long-term security for injured workers. But now, the pool of available money has shrunk dramatically, thanks in large part to the opt-out law. So, adjusters and hearing officers are stingier than ever.
This attitude underscores the need for an aggressive attorney, because injured workers are still entitled to cash benefits for their:
- Current and future lost wages,
- Past, present, and future medical bills,
- Prescription drug expenses,
- Rehabilitation costs, and
- Other economic losses.
In addition to the stingy payouts, another roadblock is the system itself. Claims are commonly denied at the lower levels, and the wait for a hearing may sometimes be several months. But, at this hearing, an attorney can normally obtain retroactive benefits. And, if there are pressing financial concerns, a lawsuit cash advance may be an option.
Finally, an attorney can advise you when a suit outside workers’ compensation is an option. Sometimes, an employer is extremely reckless, by ignoring multiple warnings about a dangerous property conditions. Other times, a defective product may have caused some or all of the damages. There are other scenarios as well.
In a suit outside workers’ compensation, victims are also entitled to compensation for their non-economic damages, like loss of enjoyment in life or pain and suffering.
For prompt assistance in a negligence or workers’ compensation case, contact an experienced New Braunfels personal injury attorney. The sooner you call, the easier it is to obtain maximum compensation.
Source:
http://www.texastribune.org/2015/10/14/inside-texas-lawyers-campaign-ditch-workers-comp/
