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Texas Department of Insurance
Workers' compensation disputes

Workers' compensation disputes

Disputes are disagreements between participants in a workers’ compensation claim. Most disputes are about whether an injured employee can get medical or income benefits.

Parking at the Barbara Jordan Building

DWC holds hearings at the Barbara Jordan Building in the Capitol Complex, located at 1601 Congress Avenue. If you are driving to your Austin hearing, you’ll need to plan for parking. There are a few on-street metered spaces near the building and DWC has arranged a limited number of free parking spots for visitors who have hearings. Watch this video to help with parking and entering the building.

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Dispute resolution resources

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Common disputes

  • Whether the injury, illness, or condition is work-related (in the course and scope of employment).
  • Reasons that an injury may not be covered, such as intoxication or horseplay (exceptions to liability).
  • The right to or amount of income benefits.
  • How to calculate average weekly wage.
  • Death and burial benefits.

Learn more about:

Steps in dispute resolution

Step 1. Talk with your attorney or ombudsman about your dispute.

Step 2. Talk with the insurance carrier’s adjuster about your dispute.

Step 3. Attend a benefit review conference (BRC).

Step 4. Attend a contested case hearing or arbitration.

Step 5. If you don’t agree with the hearing decision, you can appeal (or respond to an appeal) to the Appeals Panel.

Step 6. If you don’t agree with the Appeals Panel decision, you can appeal to a court (judicial review).

Learn more about dispute resolution.

Need help?

  • Call DWC Customer Service at 800-252-7031, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central time.
  • For questions about your hearing or appeal, call DWC Hearings at 512-804-4010, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central time.