Serious injuries render workers unable to support their families, but worker’s compensation programs are in place to help professionals out when they can’t earn their pay due to a workplace mishap. To claim such benefits, you need to file a claim. In order to maximize your odds of approval, be sure your thorough claim includes the following five items.
1. Employer Notification
To start any worker’s comp process, you have to notify your employer. Do so orally, but also do so in writing. Ensure you keep a copy of the written notification for your claim when you file it. If you’re not personally able to make this notification, make sure someone else does, such as a friend, relative, or medical professional who is treating you.
2. Visit a Doctor
Your workplace might have a specific medical provider on-site for you to see, or they might direct you to someone at a doctor’s office or other medical facility. Never decline this, and make sure you get copies of all related documentation. You can also see a doctor on your own, but you have to see the doctor your employee directs you to first.
3. Inform the Doctor
Just seeing a doctor isn’t enough, as you need to describe the work-related illness or injury to any medical professional that you wind up seeing. Tell them the name and location of your employer, and inform them that what happened was due to a workplace incident or exposure. Doctors and medical professionals need this information to record any associated treatment as workers’ comp expenses.
4. Report the Injury
Within 30 days of the accident or discovery of illness or injury, report it in writing to your employer. This can be a simple written statement covering the date of the accident and what happened. You need to do this even when you’ve already informed your employer about things. Just make sure you have your own copy so that you can prove your injury was reported properly.
5. Follow Treatment Directives
Follow all the instructions that doctors and other medical professionals give you regarding your injury treatment and recovery. Worker’s compensation insurance is in place to restore you to as much ability and health as possible that you had prior to the injury. If you don’t follow up with the right care, instructions, and appointments, it can be grounds to have your benefits denied or revoked.
File the Claim Correctly
The worker’s comp claim process is legal, technical, and complicated. Finish all the paperwork, complete and submit every applicable form, and keep copies of everything involved. You might have to show that you followed instructions to the letter if there is any dispute about your benefits. While you can technically do a lot of the paperwork on your own, it’s worth it to have an attorney orlaw firm help you file the claim to make sure you have the best odds of success. Having a qualified attorney will help you avoid making mistakes and ensure that your claim is filed correctly.
