Friendswood Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Texas is the only state where private employers can legally opt out of workers' compensation. That single fact makes Friendswood job-injury claims more valuable — and more complex — than in any other state.

Workers' Compensation in Friendswood

Friendswood workplace injuries from construction sites, warehouses, and industrial facilities often have two available recovery paths: workers' comp benefits AND third-party negligence claims against contractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners. We identify both and pursue both.

Texas law that governs workers' compensation cases

WC is Optional
Texas: only opt-in stateTex. Labor Code § 406.002
Nonsubscriber Loses Defenses
No comparative fault, assumption of riskTex. Labor Code § 406.033
Notice to Employer
30 days for WC claimsTex. Labor Code § 409.001
Subscriber Benefit Cap
~70% of average weekly wageSubject to state max

Common injuries we see in Friendswood

  • Construction site falls
  • Warehouse and forklift injuries
  • Equipment malfunction injuries
  • Repetitive stress / cumulative trauma
  • Chemical exposure and burns
  • Crush injuries
  • Vehicle-related injuries on the job
  • Workplace violence and assaults

Compensation we pursue

  • Medical benefits (covered employer-approved care)
  • Temporary income benefits (~70% wage replacement)
  • Impairment income benefits (for permanent injury rating)
  • Supplemental income benefits (long-term)
  • Lifetime income benefits for catastrophic cases
  • Death benefits for surviving family
  • Plus (in nonsubscriber / third-party cases): pain and suffering, mental anguish, full lost wages
  • Punitive damages for gross negligence

Frequently asked questions for Friendswood clients

Is workers' compensation mandatory in Friendswood?

No. Texas is the only U.S. state where private employers can legally opt out of the workers' compensation system. Employers who opt out are called "nonsubscribers" and can be sued directly by injured employees — often recovering far more than standard WC.

Can I sue my employer if I'm hurt at work in Friendswood?

If your employer is a nonsubscriber, yes. If they carry standard workers' comp, you generally cannot sue them directly — but a third-party claim against a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner is allowed on top of WC benefits.

How do I know if my Friendswood employer is a subscriber or nonsubscriber?

Texas employers must post notice. We can also check the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation database. Don't assume — call us and we'll look it up before your free consultation.

Court venue for Friendswood cases

Personal injury cases arising in Friendswood are typically filed in Galveston and Harris counties (county seat: Galveston / Houston), in the District Courts or County Courts at Law. We're familiar with the local procedures and carrier tendencies in this venue.

Getting from Friendswood to our Houston office

From Friendswood, take FM 518 West to Highway 288 North, then to US-59 North, then West Loop 610 North to Westheimer.

Newman Injury Law
2401 Fountain View Dr, Suite 830
Houston, TX 77057
Get directions →

Hurt in Friendswood?

Free consultation, 24/7. Call us before talking to the other side's insurance.