Does H-E-B Provide Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Many workers assume that their employer carries traditional workers’ compensation insurance, but that is not always the case—especially in Texas, where private employers can opt out of the state’s workers’ compensation system. Companies that do not participate in the Texas Workers’ Compensation program are known as non-subscriber employers.
H-E-B (H. E. Butt Grocery Company) is one of the largest non-subscriber employers in Texas, meaning that injured workers cannot file a traditional workers’ compensation claim if they are hurt on the job. Instead, H-E-B provides its own private insurance plan to cover workplace injuries. However, these private injury plans are often limited and may not provide the same level of protection as state-regulated workers’ compensation.
What Does It Mean If H-E-B Is a Non-Subscriber?
When an employer opts out of the Texas Workers’ Compensation system, it means:
✔️ You may have the right to sue your employer for negligence
✔️ H-E-B’s private insurance plan controls how benefits are handled
✔️ Your claim could be denied more easily compared to traditional workers’ compensation cases
✔️ You may not receive full compensation for lost wages or long-term disability
Unlike companies covered by state workers’ comp, non-subscriber employers like H-E-B do not have immunity from lawsuits. This means that if your injury was caused by H-E-B’s negligence, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation beyond what their private insurance plan offers.
Common Workplace Injuries at H-E-B
Working at H-E-B can involve physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy products, stocking shelves, operating machinery, and handling perishable goods. As a result, employees are at risk for various workplace injuries, including:
🔹 Slip and fall accidents – Due to wet floors, spills, and cluttered aisles
🔹 Lifting and repetitive motion injuries – Causing back, shoulder, and joint damage
🔹 Forklift and machinery accidents – Leading to severe injuries or even fatalities
🔹 Cuts and lacerations – From working in deli, bakery, or meat department areas
🔹 Workplace violence – Including altercations with customers or other employees
If you have been injured while working at H-E-B, it is critical to understand your legal rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What to Do If You’re Injured While Working at H-E-B
If you suffer a work-related injury at H-E-B, taking the right steps immediately can protect your case:
✅ Report the injury to your manager or supervisor as soon as possible
✅ Seek medical attention—do not wait for your employer’s approval
✅ Document everything, including your medical records, witness statements, and injury details
✅ Do NOT sign any settlement or waiver agreements without legal advice
✅ Consult a Texas non-subscriber injury attorney to explore all of your legal options
Can You Sue H-E-B for a Workplace Injury?
Since H-E-B is a non-subscriber, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the company if:
🔹 Your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions
🔹 H-E-B failed to provide proper training or safety equipment
🔹 Your employer pressured you to work despite your injury
🔹 The company’s negligence contributed to your accident
A successful lawsuit against H-E-B can help you recover:
✔️ Medical expenses (past and future)
✔️ Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
✔️ Pain and suffering
✔️ Permanent disability benefits
Because non-subscriber cases are different from traditional workers’ compensation claims, having a knowledgeable Texas non-subscriber injury lawyer is crucial to fighting for maximum compensation.