According to the AFL-CIO, around 140,000 workers succumb to work-related hazards each year. It is evidence that much is yet to be done for securing workplace environments against hazards. This problem persists across different occupations and fields in the United States. Examples of those experiencing hardships in their workplaces include miners and construction workers.
According to Charlotte on-the-job injury lawyer Christian R. Ayers, an injured worker should file a workers’ compensation claim if hurt on the job. Workers’ compensation will cover the medical bills for you and your lost income, among other items. To enjoy the benefits of this program, there are some conditions one should follow.
Let’s take a look at the process one must undergo after suffering from a workplace injury.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Receiving workers’ compensation can help you with the cost of your treatment and recovery. This insurance pays benefits to employees in the event of an injury or sickness while working. These benefits cover hospital treatment, lost earnings, and a multitude of other expenses, allowing the person to concentrate on their recovery rather than on financial issues.
It offers protection to employees receiving treatment for their injuries and employers dealing with claims relating to the same. It absolves injured workers from proving anyone’s fault in case they wish to claim damages.
In the event of a violation of their rights, workers are entitled to seek compensation through the workers’ compensation claims process.
Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The first step to take when being hurt at work is to verify that the employee has workers’ compensation insurance. Note that most states require companies to buy compensation insurance.
You must be an employee and not an independent contractor. To qualify for its benefits, you must have been injured at work, whether on-site or off. Report your injury to your employer timely, with respect to the reporting requirements of the state.
The severity of injuries and their effects on an individual’s capability to perform jobs has a significant influence on eligibility. You may file a claim for coverage for medical expenses alongside lost wages through workers’ compensation. Acquaint yourself with the distinct state provisions regarding workers’ compensation.
Common Types of Job Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
If you are eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits, choose the type of coverage according to your circumstance. This helps you secure the appropriate medical benefits of the compensation.
Most common job injuries refer to slips, trips, and falls with the possibility of bodily injury, often caused by wet floors and uneven floors. Repetitive strain injuries could evolve into complications like carpal tunnel syndrome by working on a particular task for a relatively long time.
Injuries can also happen when there is malfunctioning equipment or machinery at the work premises. Workplace violence, along with accident-related injuries, can be covered under workers’ compensation. Similarly considered are occupational ailments related to breathing problems from inhaling hazardous substances. Damage to one’s mental health can also qualify as long as it can be proven to be linked to one’s work.
Knowing these categories helps generate evidence to support your claim. You should be informed about the benefits you are entitled to.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Job Injury
Keep safe and healthy. Assess the injury you have sustained. If the injury looks severe, take the help of one or two of your co-workers to go ahead and consult a doctor. Make other safety arrangements immediately, too.
Immediate medical help should follow once you feel that some of the injuries are severe. Injuries could affect oncoming problems or symptoms later on. Keeping a well-documented account of how you are adequately and inadequately treated is very important. These records will be of great use in your recovery and future compensation claims.
Managing the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process
When the most emergent cases have been covered, we have now come to a few talks on the workers’ compensation claim process. The first step is to gather all the necessary documents, like medical records and incident reports. You can then complete a claim form, detailing the injury, the ramifications of the injury concerning work, and other such items. Be quick in delivering this form to your employer or an insurance company, as these deadlines are actually much shorter when their values vary in different states.
Following up with getting the receipt and checking the status of your claim is the next step. Have detailed documentation of medical evaluations. An attorney is better qualified to answer any questions or concerns related to a claim for workers’ comp.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied?
Having your claim for workers’ comp denied can be a real disappointment, especially when you are in dire need of finances. Find out why your claim was denied. Start compiling necessary information, such as medical records, to provide a solid foundation for your claim and reject its denial.
You can try to discuss the grounds of denial with your employer or whoever the insurance adjuster is. If the negotiation phase ends with an unsatisfactory outcome, you can initiate an appeal. File an appeal of the decision based on your state’s policies. Late filing may mean that you waive the possibility of bringing suit.
Hiring an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation lawsuits can significantly enhance your chances.
Report the incident to your superior as soon as you’ve been injured. Within the established limits, you must file your claim and follow all the necessary guiding principles within the claims process.
A denial won’t necessarily end things. Should the outcome be less satisfactory, you have the right to appeal. Your health and happiness are important, and it is important to try to preserve them.
Pallavi Singal is the Vice President of Content at ztudium, where she leads innovative content strategies and oversees the development of high-impact editorial initiatives. With a strong background in digital media and a passion for storytelling, Pallavi plays a pivotal role in scaling the content operations for ztudium’s platforms, including Businessabc, Citiesabc, and IntelligentHQ, Wisdomia.ai, MStores, and many others. Her expertise spans content creation, SEO, and digital marketing, driving engagement and growth across multiple channels. Pallavi’s work is characterised by a keen insight into emerging trends in business, technologies like AI, blockchain, metaverse and others, and society, making her a trusted voice in the industry.
