If you’ve been injured while working for a Texas employer that doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance, your path to fair compensation is far more complex than a standard claim. Unlike workers’ comp cases (where benefits are typically guaranteed) employees of Texas non-subscriber employers must prove negligence to recover damages. This is where a skilled non-subscriber injury attorney becomes invaluable.
Warren Armstrong of Armstrong Personal Injury Law is a seasoned work injury attorney who focuses on representing injured workers in non-subscriber cases. His experience helps clients navigate employer disputes, negotiate with insurers, and pursue full compensation when workplace injuries occur. Below, we outline the key advantages of hiring legal representation for your non-subscriber injury claim.
Why Non-Subscriber Cases Require Legal Expertise
Employers who opt out of Texas workers’ compensation often have their own injury benefit plans, which are designed to limit payouts. Without an attorney, injured workers may face:
- Lowball settlement offers. Employers or their insurers may pressure you to accept a quick, inadequate payout.
- Claim denials. Non-subscriber plans frequently reject valid claims by arguing the injury wasn’t work-related or was pre-existing.
- Arbitration requirements. Many employer plans force disputes into arbitration, a process that favors businesses over employees.
A non-subscriber injury attorney levels the playing field by ensuring your rights are protected at every stage.
Key Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer for Your Case
1. Proving Employer Negligence
Since non-subscriber claims aren’t governed by workers’ comp rules, you must prove your employer’s negligence caused your injury. An attorney can gather evidence such as:
- Safety violations. This includes lack of proper equipment, training, or maintenance records.
- Prior incidents. This would look like proof that the employer ignored past hazards.
- Witness testimony. An attorney would seek statements from coworkers, safety experts, or medical professionals who support your claim.
Without legal help, employers may dismiss your case by blaming you for the accident.
2. Maximizing Your Compensation
Workers’ comp provides limited benefits, but a successful non-subscriber lawsuit can recover:
- Medical expenses. This includes current and future treatments related to the injury.
- Lost wages. This could potentially look like full reimbursement for missed work, including reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering. Compensations for physical/emotional distress are a possibility in non-subscriber cases.
- Punitive damages. In rare cases of gross negligence (e.g., ignoring known dangers), you may recover punitive damages.
A non-subscriber injury attorney knows how to calculate these damages and fight for what you deserve.
3. Handling Employer Tactics
Non-subscriber employers often use aggressive strategies to avoid liability, such as:
- Surveillance. Insurers may film you to dispute injury severity.
- Record disputes. Claiming your medical history contradicts the injury.
- Delayed responses. Dragging out the process to pressure you into settling.
An attorney anticipates these tactics and counters them effectively.
4. Navigating Complex Deadlines and Procedures
Deadlines and procedures can be daunting if you’re facing them on your own. Some of these include:
- Statute of limitations. In Texas, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit, but employer plans may impose shorter deadlines.
- Arbitration clauses. Many non-subscriber plans require arbitration, which has strict procedural rules. Missing a step can forfeit your claim.
- Insurance negotiations. Attorneys understand how to communicate with adjusters to avoid missteps.
5. Access to Resources
Law firms like Armstrong Personal Injury Law have connections to:
- Medical experts. These could potentially validate your injury and future care needs.
- Workplace safety specialists. These specialists could potentially testify about employer negligence.
- Economists. These professionals project long-term wage losses.
These resources strengthen your case significantly.
When to Contact a Non-Subscriber Injury Attorney
Don’t wait until your claim is denied or you’re pressured into signing paperwork. Consult a lawyer if:
- Your employer disputes your injury’s severity or work-relatedness
- The offered settlement doesn’t cover all medical bills/lost wages
- You’re asked to sign a release or agree to arbitration
- Your employer retaliates (e.g., firing, demoting) for reporting the injury
Warren Armstrong provides a free initial consultation to help explain your options.
How Armstrong Personal Injury Law Can Help
As a firm focused solely on non-subscriber cases, Armstrong Personal Injury Law offers:
- Deep knowledge of Texas non-subscriber laws. Unlike general injury attorneys, Warren Armstrong understands the nuances of these claims.
- A record of success. Proven experience negotiating with employers and insurers.
- Personalized attention. Every case is handled directly by Warren Armstrong—not passed to junior staff.
Texas non-subscriber cases are inherently more complex than workers’ comp claims, but hiring a non-subscriber injury attorney gives you the best chance at fair compensation. From proving negligence to countering employer tactics, legal representation ensures your rights are protected.
