Workers' compensation in Texas provides financial support to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. The amount of compensation an employee receives depends on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the duration of disability, and the employee's average weekly wage (AWW). Below is a breakdown of how workers' compensation benefits are calculated in Texas.
Types of Workers' Compensation Benefits
Texas workers' compensation offers four main types of benefits:
Temporary Income Benefits (TIBs)
- Employees receive TIBs if they are unable to work for more than seven days because of their injury.
- The payment is 70% of the employee's AWW, but lower-wage employees earning less than $10/hour receive 75% of their AWW for the first 26 weeks.
- As of 2024, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,179, and the minimum is $177.
Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs)
- Paid to workers who have a permanent impairment from their injury.
- The amount is 70% of the employee's AWW, with a maximum of $1,179 per week.
- The duration is determined by the impairment rating: 3 weeks of benefits for every 1% impairment rating.
Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs)
- Available to employees with an impairment rating of 15% or more who cannot return to their previous job.
- The payment is 80% of the difference between the pre-injury wages and post-injury earnings.
- The maximum benefit amount remains at $1,179 per week.
Lifetime Income Benefits (LIBs)
- Paid to employees with catastrophic injuries such as total blindness, amputations, or severe brain injuries.
- The benefit is 75% of the AWW, with a 3% annual increase.
Medical Benefits and Burial Expenses
- Injured workers receive 100% coverage for medical expenses related to their injury.
- If a worker dies because of an injury on the job, their family may receive death benefits (75% of the worker's AWW) and up to $10,000 for burial costs.
Conclusion
Texas workers' compensation benefits are designed to help injured workers financially while they recover. However, the payment amounts are subject to state-set limits and may not fully replace lost wages. Consulting a workers' compensation attorney can help ensure employees receive the full benefits they're entitled to.