Hurt at work in Houston? Talk to a workers comp attorney

What Texas pays a hurt Houston worker

Houston has no comp rules of its own. Texas pays 70% of the average weekly wage you earned before the injury. For injuries from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, no check can top $1,314 a week.

The first week is not paid unless you lose pay for 14 days or more. Then the first week is paid too. These checks end at maximum medical improvement or 104 weeks after they start.

If you worked overtime or had a second job, ask the carrier in writing how it got your wage figure. Every check comes from that one number. The weekly check calculator gives you a rough figure to hold up against it.

Medical care is a separate benefit from the weekly check. If the carrier turns down a test or a treatment, keep the letter and note the date it came.

Houston injury dates you cannot let slip

The clock starts the day you get hurt. Tell your boss about it within 30 days. A text or email is best, since it leaves a dated record.

Telling your boss is one step. Filing your own claim with the state is another. You have one year from the injury to send DWC Form-041.

If a hearing goes against you, the window to appeal is only 15 days. Write down each date and the name of each person you spoke to. The date counter below turns your injury date into real deadlines.

Workers comp attorney Houston Texas: why one helps here

Texas works out most fights in steps. First you talk with the adjuster. Next comes a benefit review conference. If issues are left, a contested case hearing follows. The state says BRCs are held by videoconference, while hearings happen in person at a field office or by video.

Texas also has a free ombudsman program, the Office of Injured Employee Counsel, at 866-393-6432. It helps workers who have no attorney. An attorney goes further: gathering your records, lining up your doctor's opinion and pushing for back pay.

Before you call, pull together what you have. That means the date and place you got hurt, who you told, any letter from the carrier and your last few pay stubs. With those in hand, an attorney can tell you quickly where your claim stands.

For the statewide picture, read the Texas workers comp rules. If the carrier already said no, see what to do after a denial.

What a Houston comp attorney is paid

You pay nothing up front. Texas law caps the fee at 25% of what you recover and it comes out of that money. The same law says the fee must be approved by the commissioner or a court.

Ask how the fee is worked out before you sign anything and get the answer in writing.

Read more on how comp lawyers get paid.