Research shows that every 7 seconds, a worker is injured on the job.
When an injury has left you unable to work, disability insurance can help you pay for medical, education, housing, and other qualified disability expenses.
Workplace accidents can happen to anyone at any time, which is why all employees must be familiar with the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim.
The following steps are a helpful guide on what to do if you or a loved one has sustained an injury on the job.
Seek medical attention
Regardless of the extent of your injuries, your first priority must be to get medical care as soon as possible.
Go to the nearest emergency medical facility to attend to your needs, and later on, follow up with a doctor who meets your employer’s workers’ compensation classifications.
Confirm with your employer if you’re in a workers’ compensation health care network so you can fully take advantage of your employee benefits.
Getting medical care is the first step to recovery. Tell your physician how and where your injury occurred. Describe the incident in detail, including symptoms or restricted abilities. Your physician will assess your condition and determine whether you’re fit to perform your regular work duties. Delaying medical treatment may not only affect your health, but also harm your claim. The insurance company will simply assume that if you didn’t seek treatment right away, your injuries may not be as serious as you claimed.
Document everything
From this point on, documentation is critical. Retain copies of anything related to your injury including medical bills and doctor’s prescriptions. Take note of any out-of-pocket payments you may have as a direct result of your accidents. Record dates of absences and any travel you needed to make for doctor’s appointments.
Having as much medical evidence as possible will help you get your claim approved without any hassle.
File an incident report
As soon as you’re physically capable to do so, report the work injury to your employer. Your verbal report must be accompanied by a written or emailed account so that there is concrete proof of your notification.
In turn, your employer must ask you to complete an incident form narrating the situation in detail. If they don’t, request for one immediately.
Reporting your injuries could help your employer create stronger safety measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The guidelines and time limits for seeking employee compensation vary from state to state. It’s imperative to know and adhere to the Workers’ Compensation’s rules of your state; otherwise, you might forfeit your rights to benefits.
Whether you have 10 or 30 days to report the injury, informing your employer sooner than later will help avoid problems and delays in receiving compensation. Written proof will also give you protection should you start experiencing symptoms weeks or even months after the accident.
Once you’ve filed your claim, your insurer should provide a decision within the next forty-five days. You can either get a denial, a delay, or an approval for your coverage. Depending on the complexities of your case, you may be required to supply more information so make sure you’re prepared.
Get legal help
Work injuries can cause physical and emotional pain to the victim and their family. After a serious accident, the victim may be unable to work for weeks or even for good.
Disability insurance can help you bounce back after a life-altering incident. But filing for claims can be confusing and stressful. A long-term disability lawyer will help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and file a strong claim so you can focus on your recovery.
Your lawyer can help you prove to insurers that you’re qualified to recover benefits. They can also guide you in filing the right paperwork to support your claim. Issues with documentation are often the most common reasons why insurers deny disability claims. Incomplete or missing documentation can prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. A lawyer ensures not a single misstep occurs and that paperwork is fulfilled promptly and accurately.
Unfortunately, even legitimate claims can be denied for the wildest of reasons. Insurers would do anything to keep from paying on a claim. They, however, are far less likely to take advantage of a claimant who’s backed by legal representation. And even if your claim has been denied the first time, your lawyer will help review your case and defend you in court if needed.
Worker’s compensation can help you receive the immediate care and treatment you need. The more familiar you are with the process of filing claims, the better you can protect yourself and your family.