FAQ | Houston Injury Clinic - Auto and Work Injury FAQ

GET HELP WITH WORKERS’ COMP

Call 800-252-7031, option 1 to speak to a customer assistant

Call TDI Safety Violations Hotline at 800-452-9595 to report safety issues.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE HURT AT WORK

Report the injury or illness to your employer. DWC will send you a packet with these documents:

Notice of injury letter (CS-41)
DWC Form-041, Employee’s Claim for Compensation for a Work-Related Injury or Occupational Disease
Injured employee rights and responsibilities
Return-to-work information
Injured employee checklist

If you don’t get a packet or need help with your claim,
call DWC at 800-252-7031, option 1.

WHAT’S THE TEXAS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PHONE NUMBER?

The number for the Texas Workers Compensation Phone Number can be found on the Texas Workers Compensation website.

https://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/employee/index.html

Need help with your claim? Call 800-252-7031, option 1.

Workers’ compensation is an insurance program run by the state of Texas that provides pay and medical benefits to employees who have a work-related injury or illness. Most Texas employers provide workers’ compensation insurance, but if yours doesn’t you can still get benefits from the state.

CAN I GET AN ADVANCE FROM THE WORKERS COMP INSURANCE COMPANY?

No, an insurance carrier will not pay you in advance if you have been injured on the job.

WHAT DOES WORKERS’ COMPENSATION NOT COVER IN TEXAS?

Workers’ compensation in Texas does not cover the following:

Intentionally self-inflicted injuries.
Injuries that are self-inflicted, but not intentional.
Injuries resulting from crimes.
Injuries resulting from intentional, nonwork-related activity or intoxication.
Injuries incurred while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and engaged in a nonwork-related activity.
Injuries incurred while engaging in horseplay, playing sports, or acting.
Injuries incurred while engaging in combat.
Injuries that are the result of seeking employment in another jurisdiction.
Injuries resulting from an injury on the job during or outside regular work hours.
Injuries incurred while engaging in prostitution.
Injuries incurred while engaging in piracy, sabotage, or other illegal activity.
Injuries incurred while engaging in gambling.

HOW LONG AFTER WORKERS COMP SETTLEMENT DO I GET PAID?

Workers Comp settlement checks are usually posted within 15 to 21 days after a case has been finalized. However, in rare circumstances, checks may take up to 45 days to process.

IF I GET A LUMP SUM SETTLEMENT FROM WORKERS COMP CAN I RETURN TO WORK?

Most insurance companies require that you visit a licensed workers’ compensation doctor within 30 days of injury to get approval for work.

HOW LONG CAN AN EMPLOYEE BE ON WORKERS’ COMPENSATION IN TEXAS?

In Texas, an employee can be on workers’ compensation for up to two years.

DO I LOSE WORKERS COMP IF I QUIT MY JOB?

No, in most cases. You can voluntarily resign from a job without penalty, but you cannot actually be terminated until there is a written notice of termination. If you have been “constructively” discharged, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.

HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO REPORT AN INJURY AT WORK IN TEXAS?

To file a workers’ compensation claim in Texas, you must report the injury within 30 days of it occurring.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT SPRAINS AND STRAINS?

There are two types of sprains and strains. A strain is a type of injury to the muscles or tendons and is caused by overstretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. A sprain is another type of injury and is caused by overstretching or tearing of ligaments. Sprains and strains are treated by a surgeon. Orthopedic doctors treat sprains and strains by making the ligaments and tendons more elastic. This is done by stretching and using an orthopedic brace.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT SHOULDER PAIN?

The shoulder joint is made up of three bones: the scapula (shoulder blade), the clavicle (collarbone), and the humerus (upper arm bone). The three bones meet in a socket formed by the acromion (ridge at the top of the scapula) and the scapula. Nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, exercise, rest, and cold or heat therapy can help reduce pain and disability. Surgery is often recommended when non-surgical treatments fail. Typical treatment includes medication, rest, physical therapy, and cortisone injections.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT SHOULDER SEPARATION?

Treatment for shoulder separation typically depends on the severity of the injury and the cause of the separation. A shoulder separation is a serious injury where the inner and middle layers of the rotator cuff are damaged. It occurs when the glenoid cavity in the shoulder is torn, causing severe impairment in the mobility of the shoulder.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT A MENISCAL TEAR?

A torn meniscus in athletes is treated with non-surgical methods such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation. A Meniscal Tear is a damage to cartilage between your thigh bones (femur) and the shin bones (tibia). Surgical treatment should only be considered when the non-surgical methods fail.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT KNEE LIGAMENT INJURIES?

Ligament injuries are treated by separating the injured ligament from the bone, repairing the injured ligament, and placing the bone back in position. For more extensive ligament injuries, a bone graft may be placed to help stabilize the joint. Knee Ligament injuries are treated by Orthopedic doctors by improving the patient’s knee movement using exercises.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT ELBOW FRACTURES?

The elbow can be fractured in many types of accidents. Most commonly, elbow fractures are caused by a fall on the outstretched arm, a direct blow with another object, or sudden deceleration. Elbow fractures can result from falls, motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, and sports-related injuries. Orthopedic doctors perform surgery to fix broken elbow fractures. The surgery is called an open reduction and internal fixation. This involves the use of screws, pins, plates, and a bone graft. Relief from pain is usually achieved after the surgery.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT ELBOW BURSITIS?

Elbow bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that protect tendons become irritated. Bursitis is most common in the elbow. It can cause swelling and pain in the elbow. Elbow bursitis most commonly occurs after repetitive motions. It is also common among athletes. Treatment can include rest, anti-inflammatory medication, ice, and stretching. Outpatient treatments include rest, ice, and elevation. Possible treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, and physical therapy.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT A DISLOCATED SHOULDER?

A dislocated shoulder is caused by injury or trauma. If the shoulder is dislocated, the provider will first try to reduce it in place. A Dislocated Shoulder occurs when the shoulder is forced out of its socket. If the shoulder cannot be reduced, the dislocated shoulder will need to be repositioned.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT A BROKEN COLLARBONE?

An orthopedic doctor may prescribe a cast or sling for a broken collarbone. The cast is generally worn for no longer than six weeks.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT BICEPS TENDONITIS?

Biceps tendonitis is inflammation of the biceps tendon. It most often occurs from repetitive overuse of the same arm or shoulder. Overuse and repetitive motion can cause the tendon to swell, which causes pain. Options for treatment for biceps tendonitis include rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Arthritis of the shoulder is treated with medications, physical therapy, injections, cortisone shots, surgery, and joint replacement. Treatment depends on the severity and type of arthritis.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT ARTHRITIS OF THE SHOULDER?

Arthritis of the shoulder is treated with medications, physical therapy, injections, cortisone shots, surgery, and joint replacement. The causes of the injury can be congenital or traumatic. Most frequently, it results from a dislocation or fracture. Treatment depends on the severity and type of arthritis. Many orthopedic doctors treat knee pain by diagnosing the cause of the pain and prescribing an exercise program. The orthopedic doctor may prescribe rest, anti-inflammatory medications, a brace, or surgery, depending on the condition.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT ARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE?

An orthopedist can treat arthritis of the knee by prescribing cortisone injections, physical therapy, or surgery.

Many orthopedic doctors treat knee pain by diagnosing the cause of the pain and prescribing an exercise program. The orthopedic doctor may prescribe rest, anti-inflammatory medications, a brace, or surgery, depending on the condition.

HOW DO ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS TREAT ARTHRITIS OF THE HIP?

Orthopedic doctors treat arthritis of the hip by discussing your symptoms, examining your hip, and recommending conservative treatments. Your treatment may be joint replacement surgery or physical therapy.

There are 2 main types of arthritis of the hip. The first type is osteoarthritis degeneration, also known as hip arthritis. This condition is the degeneration of the hip cartilage due to aging, overuse, or injury. The second type is rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system begins to attack itself.

The treatment of arthritis of the hip depends on the severity of arthritis. In mild arthritis, the medical professional may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. If arthritis persists, the doctor may recommend surgery to repair or replace the joint.

IF THE INJURED WORKER REFUSES TO SUBMIT TO A DRUG TEST IT WILL BE ASSUMED THAT DRUGS OR ALCOHOL WERE THE CAUSE OF THE INJURY.

If an injured worker refuses to submit to a drug test, it will be assumed that drugs or alcohol were the cause of the injury. This is because drug and alcohol use can impair judgment and lead to accidents. If the worker is found guilty of causing the injury while under the influence, they may face serious legal consequences.

HOW IS DOING A PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING HELPFUL IN ELIMINATING COSTS?

New workers can sometimes have pre-existing conditions, habits, and limitations in functions. These limitations may be detected early so you have the proper information to determine if the employee is fit for work. In addition, Americana Injury provides drug screening, complete blood testing, alcohol testing, EKG, Fittest, and Functional Capacity for pre-employment care.

I SLIPPED AND FELL IN THE STORE. IS THE STORE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY FALL?

The store is only responsible if they are liable. That may mean that the store should know or should have known of the cause of your accident. That may be left better argued by a skilled attorney. In these cases, your medical care can not be billed directly to the care but rather obtaining representation and pursuing care.

I’VE RECENTLY BEEN INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND THE INSURANCE WANTS TO SETTLE MY CLAIM FOR $500.00. SHOULD TAKE THE MONEY AND RESOLVED THE CASE WHILE I STILL HAVE PAIN AND MEDICAL BILLS.

Most insurance companies will likely offer you the money in advance because you have a credible case that may escalate. By taking the money, you may waive your rights to have additional medical coverage and benefits. you may want to obtain adequate treatment before signing off on the agreement. The waiver is a legal document to waive your rights to pursue any additional document. The best solution is to consult a physician for additional care and accurate diagnoses this may increase your benefit. If left untreated, an injury may lead to serious degenerative joint disease.

I’VE RECENTLY SLIPPED AND FELL AT WORK AND WAS SENT TO A COMPANY DOCTOR. I’VE RETURNED BACK TO LIGHT-DUTY BUT CONTINUE TO HAVE LOWER BACK PAIN. DO I HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE COMPANY DOCTOR FOR MY CARE?

NO. Under state law, you have the right to choose your doctor. It is crucial that you are satisfied with your choice of care. Your treating doctor has several responsibilities including regulating return to work, referring to proper doctors, disputing insurance and designated doctor’s claim, assigning impairment ratings, delivering proper care, etc. Call us to consult with our network and non-network doctors.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET IN A CAR ACCIDENT WITHOUT INJURIES?

In very rare circumstances, you won’t incur any injuries in a car accident. These accidents happen when a car is bumped and doesn’t suffer major damage. There is usually no police report or insurance claim, just an “oops.” However, the vast majority of car accidents involve injuries that require treatment. Victims often feel like they don’t have any injuries to report, and they may not want to bother anyone with their injury. This situation can be made worse by the fact that the insurance company wants to minimize what it pays out, and will often act as your “friend” who discourages you from seeking compensation.

A good rule of thumb is this. If your car was “injured or damaged”, scratched, broken, dented, or bent, then chances are pretty good that you were too. It costs nothing to get checked out. However, foregoing treatment could affect you for the rest of your life.

WHERE SHOULD YOU GO TO GET TREATMENT FOR NON-EMERGENCY CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES?

If you want to get non-emergency care right after your car accident, you should find a doctor who specializes in car accident injuries.

Americana Injury Clinic has multiple clinics throughout the Houston, Texas area with a variety of specialized physicians who are experts in treating car accident injuries.

Different types of doctors are available to treat you, and they will all work together to provide you with the best possible care.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES?

The three biggest causes of car wreck accident injury are: Collision with another vehicle – This type of crash happens when a driver’s speed and ability to control the vehicle is compromised. As in, they’re driving too fast or not paying attention to what’s happening on the road. Collision with an object – Another common cause of car crash injuries is colliding with something in the roadway. It could be another vehicle, a pedestrian, or anything else that occurs while you’re driving down the street. T-bone collision – A T-bone collision occurs when two vehicles collide head-on at perhaps 45 miles per hour (about 70 kilometers per hour). The impact of this kind of collision is very severe, causing most injuries sustained in car accidents.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CAR ACCIDENT?

The first thing that you should know about a car accident is that it can be devastating. A collision with another vehicle or even an object on the roadway can cause injuries to your body, limbs, internal organs, and more. If you are injured in a car accident, it’s important to get medical care right away to ensure recovery and minimize any long-term effects. Car accidents can cause severe injuries that range from spinal cord injuries to broken bones and burns. The severity of an injury may not be immediately obvious. Victims may experience pain, numbness, tingling and fogginess in their legs or arms, blurred vision, and impaired balance.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF CAR INJURIES?

There are many different types of accidents, including motor vehicle accidents. The most common car accident injuries include whiplash, or neck injury; brain and head trauma; back injury; hip fracture, and bone fractures. These can all be prevented with a comprehensive safety program that includes training for safe driving habits and the use of proper restraints in vehicles as well as personal protective equipment to prevent further injuries from occurring after an incident has taken place.

WHAT IS A CAR ACCIDENT AND HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

A car accident can occur at any time, even when you aren’t the driver or the occupant. There are many different types of accidents that can injure people in cars. Adult pedestrians involved in auto crashes are more likely to suffer serious injury than children. About two-thirds of pedestrian deaths are caused by motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), and half of all pedestrian fatalities occur during daylight hours on roads with posted speed limits greater than 40 mph. Because MVCs account for most pedestrian fatalities, they also account for most nonfatal injuries. Approximately 75% of child pedestrians injured in auto crashes sustain noncervical injuries such as head trauma, broken bones, lacerations, and internal bleeding. These injuries result from the high speeds maintained by drivers on blind curves, narrow bridges, and overpasses across major thoroughfares, school zones, and playgrounds; the lack of adequate sidewalks; poor lighting conditions; poor roadway pavement quality; failure to yield right-of-way at crosswalks or intersections; obstructed sightlines due to trees, tall buildings or utility poles blocking drivers’ view ahead; following too closely behind another vehicle which impedes their ability to see traffic around them; limited brake/breakaway distance if an automobile stops suddenly since there is little margin before striking a curb or other object obstructing their path while traveling at highway speeds.

WHAT IS A SLIP AND FALL INJURY?

Slip and Fall injury can occur when least expected. Injuries can occur in a public area such as a supermarket, retail store, or inside a private building.