A workplace injury can stop your paycheck overnight. Whether you were hurt in a warehouse, at a construction site, or while driving for work on Houston highways, one of the first questions you will ask is how much does workers’ comp pay. The answer depends on your average weekly wage, the type of benefit, and how serious your injury is. When an on-the-job injury involves a crash with a commercial vehicle, a Houston truck accident lawyer can also review whether you have a separate claim beyond workers’ comp.
In this guide, we’ll break down the main types of Texas workers’ compensation benefits, how payments are calculated, and the current maximum amounts.
Is Workers’ Comp Required In Texas?
Texas is unique because most private employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Employers that choose not to carry it are called nonsubscribers. If your employer is a nonsubscriber, you generally cannot receive workers’ comp benefits, but you may be able to sue your employer for negligence. If your employer does carry coverage, benefits are paid through the Texas workers’ compensation system.
What Medical Benefits Does Workers’ Comp Cover?
Workers’ comp pays for reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury. This can include doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, prescriptions, physical therapy, and medical equipment. In most cases, you must treat with a doctor in your employer’s certified network, if one applies.
How Much Does Workers’ Comp Pay For Lost Wages?
Texas pays several types of income benefits, depending on your recovery.
1. Temporary Income Benefits (TIBs)
TIBs replace part of your wages while you cannot work or earn less because of your injury. They generally equal 70 percent of the difference between your average weekly wage and what you earn after the injury. Lower-wage workers earning less than $10 per hour may receive 75 percent for the first 26 weeks. TIBs can last up to 104 weeks.
2. Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs)
If a doctor assigns a permanent impairment rating, IIBs pay three weeks of benefits for each percentage point of impairment.
3. Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs)
Workers with an impairment rating of 15 percent or higher who meet certain requirements may qualify for SIBs after IIBs end.
4. Lifetime Income Benefits (LIBs)
LIBs are paid for the most serious injuries, such as total loss of sight in both eyes, paralysis, or certain severe brain injuries.
5. Death Benefits
When a worker dies from a job-related injury, eligible family members may receive death benefits and help with burial expenses.
What Are The 2026 Maximum Weekly Benefits?
Benefit limits are tied to the state average weekly wage. For injuries from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, the maximum weekly temporary income benefit is $1,271 and the minimum is $191, according to figures reported by Texas Mutual. Impairment and supplemental benefits have a lower weekly maximum of $890.
A Simple Example
Suppose you earned $1,000 per week before your injury and cannot work at all. Your TIBs would generally be 70 percent of $1,000, or $700 per week. If you return to light duty earning $400 per week, your TIBs would generally be 70 percent of the $600 difference, or $420 per week.
Can You Sue If You Were Hurt In A Work-Related Crash?
Workers’ comp usually prevents you from suing a subscribing employer. However, if someone outside your company caused your injury, you may have a third-party claim. This often happens when a delivery driver, sales representative, or employee on the road is hit by another driver or a commercial truck. A third-party claim can include pain and suffering and full lost wages, which workers’ comp does not pay. If a delivery vehicle caused your crash, a delivery truck accident lawyer can investigate who is responsible.
Tips To Protect Your Workers’ Comp Benefits
- Report your injury: Tell your employer within 30 days.
- Get medical care promptly: Follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Keep copies: Save all medical records and forms.
- Track missed work and wages: Keep a record of every day you miss.
- Ask about disputes: Find out your options if your claim is denied or benefits stop.
Get Help After A Work-Related Injury In Houston
Workers’ comp can help, but it rarely covers everything you lose after a serious injury. Lakhani & McGrath helps injured workers in Houston understand their options, including third-party claims after crashes involving commercial vehicles. If you are searching for a truck accident attorney near me, contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Workers’ Comp Pay 100 Percent Of My Wages?
No. Most income benefits pay about 70 percent of your lost wages, up to the state maximum.
Are Workers’ Comp Benefits Taxable?
Workers’ compensation benefits are generally not subject to federal income tax.
How Long Do I Have To File A Workers’ Comp Claim In Texas?
You generally must report the injury within 30 days and file a claim within one year.
