If your employer carries workers’ compensation, you’ll generally need to report your injury within a short window and file your claim within the workers’ comp system. If your employer is a non-subscriber (doesn’t carry workers’ comp) which Texas uniquely allows you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit directly against your employer, which can allow for a broader range of damages than the workers’ comp system typically provides. A workplace injury caused by a third party (a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or other non-employer) may also support a separate claim regardless of your employer’s coverage status.