Everyone knows that accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. However, when you’re injured on the job to the point that you’re unable to work… learning how to get through it all can be confusing to say the least. While you’re hopefully covered by workman’s compensation insurance provided by your employer, obtaining the funds and getting your claim approved is not as easy as saying, “I’m hurt” and waiting for them to cut the check. Below, are some things you don’t want to overlook if you’ve been injured on the job.
The Need for an Attorney
Bachus & Schanker LLC personal injury attorneys point out that often times, insurance companies are backed by high-powered attorneys that the average employee doesn’t have. While you may be thinking that your employer wouldn’t try to get over on you, the truth is, their attorneys and the insurance company’s attorneys are going to do what’s in the best interest of their client. If you want to see to it that your needs are met and you’re rightfully compensated, it may be necessary to hire a personal injury attorney.
The Importance of Documentation
From the very moment that you’re able, it is imperative that you document everything that happened on the day you were injured. You need to have clear details of where you were, what you were doing, who was around, and what you believe went wrong. This information will be necessary to determine if the accident was indeed the fault of the employer or you.
Required Doctor’s Visits
When you’ve been injured on the job and you file a workman’s comp claim you’re required to see physicians that are chosen by your employer and/or the insurance company. Failure to make appointments with their recommended physician could result in the denial of your workman’s comp claim. If you’d like a second or third opinion, there is certainly nothing wrong with getting that, but make sure that you’re keeping up with the required visits to the required physician.
Time Limits
There is a time limit on how long you have to file your workman’s compensation claim. Therefore, you want to make sure that you’ve completed all necessary forms from your employer and submitted them to the correct person. The time you have will greatly vary by where you work, however, on average you have about 1-3 months to file a claim. If you’re unable to retrieve the paperwork yourself, have someone do it for you such as a personal injury attorney so you can ensure the paperwork was completed and turned in accurately.
Filing for Disability
It can take a while for your workman’s comp claim to be paid out if you’re approved and you can almost guarantee that you’re not going to receive the same amount as your salary. In some states, you won’t even be paid for the first few days of your claim unless your injury is significant. The good news is that you can file for disability if you’re unable to return to work right away. You can collect both disability and workman’s comp insurance which can help you survive financially until you’re back on your feet.
The Opportunity to Appeal
If your worker’s compensation claim has been denied, you do have a right to appeal it. You should never take no for an answer without a full explanation as to why you’re being rejected. This is why having a personal injury attorney comes in handy. Should you be denied, they can help you through the appeal process that could potentially get the decision overturned.
Getting hurt on the job is never anyone’s plan, but it could happen to anyone. Don’t overlook the importance of the above-mentioned tips. If you’ve been injured you should immediately notify your employer, seek medical attention, consult with a personal injury attorney, file your workman’s comp claim, and look for other financial assistance such as disability benefits.
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