Texas Self-Insurance Association

As an injured employee in Texas, you have the right to free assistance from the Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC). OIEC is a state agency that is responsible for assisting injured employees with their claim in the workers’ compensation system.

You can contact OIEC by calling its toll-free telephone number: 1-866-EZE-OIEC (1-866-393-6432). More information about OIEC and its Ombudsman Program is available at the agency’s website (www.oiec.state.tx.us).

WHAT IS AN OMBUDSMAN?
An Ombudsman is an employee of OIEC who can assist you if you have a dispute with your employer’s insurance carrier. An Ombudsman’s assistance is free of charge. Each Ombudsman has a workers’ compensation adjuster's license and has completed a comprehensive training program designed specifically to assist you with your dispute.

If you have a proceeding scheduled before the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, an Ombudsman can:

• Help you prepare for the proceeding (Benefit Review Conference and/or Contested Case Hearing);
• Attend the proceeding with you and communicate on your behalf; and
• Assist you with your appeal and response to insurance carrier appeals.