Barta Reappointed as Texas Injured Employee Public Counsel

Jessica Barta has been reappointed as Texas’ Injured Employee Public Counsel, a role in which she has served since October 2014.

Her current term would expire on Feb. 1 2023.

The Public Counsel helps injured employees in the workers’ compensation system, oversees the ombudsman program, and advocates on behalf of injured employees.

Under Barta’s leadership OIEC’s assistance in dispute resolution proceedings has increased to more than 50%, according to information posted on the Public Counsel’s website. Barta also implemented a First Responder Liaison Program, which has assisted hundreds of first responders with their workers’ comp claims and disputes.

Barta previously served at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) as the workers’ compensation legislative liaison and then assistant director of Government Relations. Prior to her service in state government, Barta was general counsel for Great American Financial Resources Inc. She holds bachelor’s and law degrees from Indiana University.