It is very likely that everyone in Texas has either had an on the job injury, or has a close family member or friend who has. Unlike many types of injuries, there are not a lot of resources to learn how to navigate a workers' compensation claim. Texas is the only state that allows employers to decide if they want to subscribe to the workers' compensation system or become what is generally referred to as a non-subscriber. These two types of claims are handled very differently. Therefore, the first thing to confirm after a work injury is if your employer is a subscriber or a non-subscriber to the system. We have written this guide to assist injured workers in handling a workers compensation claim. We explain the types of benefits and hearings that can arise as a result of an injury at work. Abraham Lincoln is credited as saying, "He who represents himself has a fool for a client." We would never advise a person to represent them self. But everyone needs to understand what is happening in their claim, and this guide provides the terminology and information you will need to navigate the process.

“Unfortunately, the modern workers' compensation system has become a wilderness of red tape. You need a sober understanding of where you are going, the system's benefits (and where they fall short), how to quickly obtain those benefits, and where else to look for help.” –Attorney Thomas K. Ledgerwood Thomas K. Ledgerwood's compact and clearly organized book, designed to help California residents understand the workers' compensation system, guides readers through decisions such as where to begin when they are injured on the job, whether to consult a lawyer, and how the claim process works.Written in clear language, this book covers the financial and legal aspects of a workers' compensation claim, and answers questions like, “How do I protect myself financially while I am getting the medical treatment I need?” and “What other government programs are available for me?” Thomas K. Ledgerwood has been practicing law in California since 1991. He is a bar-certified specialist in workers' compensation.