Workers' Compensation Program - UTDBP3111

Policy Statement

The Workers' Compensation program at UT Dallas is governed by The University of Texas System. This policy pertains to reporting injuries to the Workers' Compensation Representative, Telecommuting, Return to Work/Modified Duty and Police Officer Leave.

Program Description

This program is designed to cover approved medical expenses for eligible workers' compensation claims. In certain situations, an injured employee may also qualify for income benefits.

If an employee is injured during the course and scope of employment, the employee must report the injury to the employee's supervisor and the Workers' Compensation representative as soon as possible after the occurrence. All employees, supervisors and departments are required to adhere to processes and guidelines as outlined in the UT Dallas Workers' Compensation Guidelines.

The Workers' Compensation Representative will work with the employee and supervisor to determine if the injury qualifies as a workers' compensation claim. The Workers' Compensation Representative will file all claims with The University of Texas System.

If the Employee is off work due to their injury, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) twelve (12) week entitlement may run concurrently with workers' compensation leave, provided the employee is otherwise eligible for FMLA Leave.

The Workers' Compensation Representative contact information and the UT Dallas Workers' Compensation Guidelines can be found on the Office of Legal Affairs webpage.

Telecommuting / Remote Work

Employees who file a workers' compensation claim for an injury that occurred while working from home or at a designated remote work site, must comply with Texas Government Code § 658.010 and have either an approved telecommuting agreement through Human Resources or have express written approval from their supervisor to work from home.

Return to Work / Modified Duty

When feasible, injured employees who are released to work with restrictions will be accommodated. UT Dallas departments and the injured employee's supervisor are required to work in cooperation with the Workers' Compensation Representative to accommodate employees injured on the job and temporarily restricted (as determined by their treating doctor) from performing their regularly assigned duties for a limited period of time.

Efforts will be made to accommodate the employee in their existing department. In rare cases, the injured employee may be accommodated in different department(s) during their recovery if necessary.

Police Officer Leave

UT Dallas complies with UTS 185 Injury Leave for Police Officers

Non-Discrimination/Non-Retaliation

No employee will be discriminated or retaliated against for filing a claim or for testifying in an associated proceeding. However, this is not to be construed as preventing the discipline or termination of an employee in accordance with established policies.