Can I Be Fired for Reporting a Non-Subscriber Work Injury?

 Posted on June 08, 2025 in Work Accidents

When employers carry workers’ compensation insurance through a state program, employees who are injured on the job or become ill due to job-related duties should receive benefits. These benefits are available regardless of negligence or fault. In Texas, most employers have the option to provide similar coverage through private insurance plans. Non-subscriber coverage and rules differ from workers' compensation.

Texas is also an at-will employment state, meaning that employees can be fired at any time for almost any reason. However, reporting a work injury is a protected activity, making retaliation by wrongful discharge illegal. If you have a non-subscriber work injury, it is best to contact our dedicated Carrollton, TX work accident lawyer. We can assist you with collecting the compensation you deserve and take appropriate action on your behalf to address illegal retaliation. Se Habla Español.

Why Would a Non-Subscriber Employer Not Want You to Report a Work Injury?

With workers’ comp, employers are protected from lawsuits for negligence in most cases. When employers opt out of a state workers’ compensation system, they do not have the same protection.

Employees who are injured on a non-subscriber job can file a personal injury suit if their injury happened because their employer was negligent. This increased liability and the potential for higher costs may lead employers to ask injured workers not to report their injury. However, employers should never make that request.

What Counts As Retaliation for Reporting a Work Injury?

Your employer cannot fire you for an illegal reason, even in an at-will state. Retaliation is an illegal reason, and it can take various forms, such as:

• Cutting your hours or demoting you without a valid cause
• Pressuring you to quit or not report your injury
• Threatening, harassing, or firing you after reporting your injury
• Changing your schedule or job duties to make it more difficult
• Giving you undeserved negative performance reviews

Proving that your employer’s actions are retaliatory against you for reporting your work injury can be challenging. We can help.

How Can I Protect My Rights Against Employer Retaliation?

If you are injured at work, you can protect your rights in several ways. Take photos of your wounds, the accident scene, and any unsafe conditions that contributed to your injury. Report your incident through the appropriate channels. Ask for a copy of the written report. Keep copies of any communications with your employer and medical records. Document any changes in your job or the way you are treated after reporting your accident.

Contact our office as soon as possible. We can give you case-specific advice at that time. We will thoroughly investigate your situation, explain your legal options, and work toward securing maximum compensation from all available sources. In cases involving retaliation, we will work diligently to hold your employer accountable for illegal actions.

Speak to Our Skilled Dallas, TX Work Injuries Lawyer

Retaliating against a worker for reporting a workplace injury crosses the line. You can count on our experienced Dallas County, TX personal injury attorney to protect your rights. Schedule your complimentary consultation with Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. today by calling 214-221-5800 or contacting us online.