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 [1]).

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.