Filing For Workers' Compensation
If you happen to get injured while on the job, looking into workers' compensation can help you monetarily if you are unable to return to your job. There are a few stipulations to follow when you file for workers' compensation and the information you provide will determine whether or not funds will be allocated to pay for your loss in pay and medical expenses. Here are some instructions for you to use to file for workers' compensation properly and some information about what to do if you are denied benefits.
Why To File
Workers' compensation is a benefit put into place for people who become injured while at work. If you should get hurt, your employer's insurance company would be responsible for paying if you are unable to return to the job. You will also be able to get reimbursement for any medical expenses that you had to pay because of the injury. Filing can also be beneficial in having your duties switched to another job for the same employer where you will not be putting yourself at risk.
When To File
As soon as your doctor tells you that you are not able to return to work after you have been injured on the job, filing is recommended. If you wait too long after the injury occurs, it will look unfavorable in a court of law if there is a reason that your employer does not wish to pay for your expenses or lost wages. Also, your employer's insurance company may deny claims be paid if you wait too long after the injury occurs.
How To File
To file for workers' compensation, ask your employer for the appropriate forms, fill them out, and mail them to your state's workers' compensation board for evaluation. Asking your employer for the forms will ensure that they are alerted that you have been hurt and what your intentions are regarding compensation. If you would rather, your doctor can give you forms to fill out and mail. Using this method, however, may get your employer upset if you do not let them know in advance that you are filing, causing a bigger chance of them fighting the process.
If You Are Denied
After you file, the workers' compensation board will decide if your employer is responsible for paying for your injury and if you will receive benefits while you are not able to work. If the board decides against benefits, hiring a workers' compensation and social securities disability lawyer can be helpful. They will be able to speak in your behalf at a court session about why you should be allocated expenses.
Make sure to keep documentation about your injury in case this occurs. Follow your doctor's orders precisely to show that you have tried to get better enough to return to work. Take pictures of the area where you had become injured to prove that it was caused by the employer and not your negligence. Have witnesses available to prove that you are not to blame.
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