What To Expect When Filing Your Workers' Compensation Claim
Posted on: 4 April 2022
When you become injured at work, you will need to make sure that you are fully compensated for your injuries. Otherwise, you won't be able to pay for your daily expenses and you might find yourself sinking into debt. By telling your employer and starting the workers' compensation claims process, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, you will want to make sure that you follow the right steps by consulting with a workers' compensation lawyer.
Most Employers Carry Workers' Compensation Insurance
An employer is required to carry workers' compensation insurance if they have a certain number of employees, though some states allow employers to not carry insurance under certain circumstances. Workers' compensation is a no-fault system, and you will simply need to prove that you were injured and that your injuries were the result of performing work-related responsibilities.
Notify Your Employer
Typically, you will need to inform someone in a managerial position that you became injured. This is something you will typically need to do within a few days. If a substantial amount of time passes between when the accident occurred and when you report it, the insurance provider will be more likely to be suspicious.
However, this requirement might be waived if your employer should have known that you were injured. Make sure to ask your workers' compensation lawyer about whether you are required to issue a formal notice. However, it's ideal for you to file a formal report if you can because your employer will need time to gather evidence.
Document Your Injuries
To be able to maximize your benefits, you must document your injuries. To do this, you will need to receive medical treatment as soon as possible. This will not only show that you are doing everything you can to get better, it will also show that your injuries are directly connected to your accident at work.
Submit All Necessary Documents
After you have received medical treatment, your workers' compensation lawyer will help you fill out the forms you will need to submit to the workers' compensation insurance provider. You will want to have these forms filled out as soon as possible because doing so will allow you to receive your benefits as soon as possible and there might be a deadline.
Ideally, your claim will be approved. However, if your claim is denied, your workers' compensation lawyer will be able to help you file an appeal so you can receive your benefits. Contact a workers' compensation lawyer near you to learn more.
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