3 Tips When Filing for Workers’ Compensation
Do you know what workers’ compensation is? If the answer is no, you probably should continue reading. If yes, how much do you actually know about it? Truth is that many have heard of workers’ compensation, but until you’ve experienced it, you may not know much about how it works.
Workers’ compensation isn’t too difficult to understand, but it does require a specific and timely process. This article will help you to better know what to do if you believe you should be compensated.
What is Workers’ Compensation
Simply put, workers’ compensation is something employers pay for that covers medical costs and other related losses following an incident at work. Most people tend to believe that in order to qualify for workers’ compensation, they have to be a clear victim in an accident that was unpreventable.
Below are some examples of workplace incidents. Which ones do you think would qualify?
- An employee is late for work and rushes out of the breakroom. On his way out, he doesn’t notice a puddle of water on the ground. He slips and injures his hip.
- A stocker is grabbing a box of goods and a box falls on their head, leading to a concussion.
- While scanning items, a part-time employee who does not qualify for health benefits slices her hand on a blade.
In these scenarios, all of them would actually qualify for workers’ compensation. Just because an employee was late doesn’t mean they are unqualified. Despite not having any benefits, the part-time employee is still entitled to workers’ compensation.
In other words, it can be simple to qualify for compensation. The victim just has to do their part to report, monitor, and follow up on any claims. Normally, qualifying is simple – it just requires effort.
Come Up With Evidence
If injured, coming up with evidence is essential. Take a picture of the scene. If there’s a puddle of water on the floor, take a picture, and make sure there is a time stamp. Should any question or issue arise during the claim process, having this evidence will be just as valuable as your word.
Other kinds of evidence include doctor visits, personal notes (dated), attorney visits, documented discussions with supervisors, and any other official office visit that has to do with the incident.
The Process
Filing a claim and the process involved will be unique for everyone. The first step is to request workers’ compensation documents from a supervisor or boss. They are legally obligated to provide them to you, even if they may not agree with the claim or how the incident happened.
If there are any issues during the process, getting an attorney involved is a wise idea. Attorneys know how to fight for you and determine what compensation you should receive.
Getting the documents filled out in a timely manner is always best. As time goes on, it becomes more difficult and less likely that a claim will be approved, or at least fully approved, because there will be more questions and doubts from the other side.
After a few weeks, there will be a decision, either approving, partially approving, or denying your claim. If you disagree with the decision, there is an appeal process. Following the appeal, a second verdict will be announced. This process can continue over and over. However, every time an appeal is made, the less likely a decision will go in your favor.
If a claim is rewarded, money will go to cover a portion or all of the lost wages, medical bills, and other losses, including ongoing medical treatments and disability.
