Texas Workers' Compensation 101: A Beginner's Guide for Attorneys

This Texas Workers' Compensation 101 CLE Course will provide attorneys with a foundational understanding of the Texas Workers' Compensation system, covering key legal principles, claims procedures, and common disputes. Participants will learn about employer coverage requirements,  employee eligibility, medical benefits, and income benefits such as Temporary Income Benefits  (TIBs) and Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs). The course will also address common defenses,  including intoxication and pre-existing conditions, as well as the dispute resolution process from  Benefit Review Conferences (BRCs) to Contested Case Hearings (CCHs) and appeals.  Additionally, it will explore the intersection of Workers' Compensation with the Family and  Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including employer obligations and employee rights. Ethical considerations in representing claimants, employers,  and insurance carriers will also be discussed.  

Learning Objectives: 

1. Analyze the key statutes, rules, and case law governing Texas Workers'  Compensation
2. Break down how to effectively navigate claims, from filing to dispute resolution
3. Recognize common defenses and strategies used in disputed claims
4. Explore the interaction between Workers' Compensation, the FMLA, ADA, and  third-party claims
5. Identify ethical considerations when handling claims for either side