Utilities Worker Injured in Texas?
Last updated: 2026 · Verified against Texas DWC regulations
Reviewed by: Sandra R. Cervantes, Esq.
Workers' Compensation Attorney · TX Bar #24087632 · 16 yrs exp.
Last reviewed: January 2026 · Verified against state DWC regulations
Find out what your neck & cervical injury claim is worth. Texas workers typically receive $8,000–$75,000. Free, no-obligation assessment.
$8,000
Avg low
$75,000
Avg high
1 year
Deadline
Pre-filled for your situation — just add your wage & impairment info.
Tell us about your work
Your estimated weekly TTD benefit: $560/week
70%
of avg weekly wage (TTD)
$1,066
max weekly benefit
15%
typical attorney fee
1
filing deadline
Texas Workers' Comp Law — Key Facts
Governing statute: Texas Labor Code § 406
TTD rate: 70% of average weekly wage
Maximum weekly benefit: $1,066
Statute of limitations: 1 year from injury
Filing deadline: Report to employer within 30 days
Key features of Texas's system:
- ✓ Employer opt-out system — verify your employer subscribes
- ✓ Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs) based on AMA 4th Ed.
- ✓ 104-week Temporary Income Benefit cap before permanent rating
Texas is the only state where employer participation in the workers' compensation system is optional (non-subscriber employers lose common-law defenses and can face tort suits). Subscribing employers are governed by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC). Texas uses the AMA Guides, 4th Edition for impairment ratings. Injured workers have one year from the injury date to file a claim with the DWC.
What to Expect with Neck & Cervical Injury in Texas
12%
Average impairment rating
$38,000
Average medical costs
Cervical spine injuries — disc herniations, facet joint injuries, and cervical radiculopathy — frequently result from vehicle accidents, falls, or acute lifting events. The neck is not a scheduled body part in most states, which means permanent disability is calculated under the whole-person impairment methodology. Cervical radiculopathy (nerve compression causing pain, numbness, or weakness radiating into the arms) is a common outcome of C5–C6 or C6–C7 disc herniation. Cervical fusion carries significant risk of adjacent-segment disease, meaning degeneration above or below the fused level often leads to future surgery — a factor that supports higher settlement demands. Thorough neurological documentation distinguishing radiculopathy from peripheral neuropathy is critical for claim value.
Common treatments
- ✓ Rest, cervical collar, and NSAIDs
- ✓ Physical therapy (traction, strengthening)
- ✓ Cervical epidural steroid injections
- ✓ Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
- ✓ Cervical disc replacement (arthroplasty)
- ✓ Pain management and trigger-point injections
Documentation needed
- ✓ Cervical MRI showing disc pathology
- ✓ Neurosurgeon or spine surgeon evaluation
- ✓ EMG/nerve conduction study for radiculopathy
- ✓ Incident or accident report
- ✓ Pre-injury imaging (if available) to establish causation
- ✓ Whole-person AMA impairment rating
Frequently asked questions
How is neck & cervical injury compensation calculated in Texas?
In Texas, your weekly benefit is 70% of your average weekly wage, capped at $1,066. Permanent disability is calculated based on your impairment rating.
What is the average neck & cervical injury settlement in Texas?
Texas workers with neck & cervical injury typically settle between $8,000 and $75,000, depending on impairment rating, treatment costs, and lost wages.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Texas?
1 year from injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Contact a workers' comp attorney as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a workers' comp claim in Texas?
You are not required to have an attorney, but representation significantly increases average settlement amounts. Most workers' comp attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you win. Typical fees are 15% of settlement.
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual compensation depends on the specific facts of your case, your state's workers' compensation laws, and the outcome of any proceedings. Always consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in your state.