In 2011 there were more than 3 million workers’ compensation cases in the United States. Getting hurt on the job is unfortunately a common occurrence, especially for employees in health care, social assistance, transportation, and warehousing, for whom the risk of injury is especially high. If you get hurt at work, there are several things that you need to know.
What do I do if I get hurt at work?
- Notify a supervisor and get immediate treatment if necessary.
- Write down all of the details.
- Submit information in writing.
- File a claim for workers comp.
When you write down all of the details related to your injury, include such information as the exact date, time, and location of the accident. Write down everything you can remember about how you received your injury, who witnessed it, keep detailed records of any medical treatment you receive, and any communications you have with your employer related to the injury and your job. Keeping this information will make it easier to file for workers’ compensation if that is the path you choose to take.
What do I do if my claim is denied?
Employers take out workers’ compensation insurance in order to provide medical benefits and compensation to any employees that receive injury in their line of work. When a claim is approved, an employee may get weekly payments, much like disability insurance, while they are not receiving wages. Getting hurt on the job can be bad enough without also taking a cut in wages, and having to undergo expensive treatment and rehabilitation to get back into working condition. Having your claim denied can really add to the difficulties. When this happens, you may want to contact workers comp lawyers for help.
How do I know if the rate of compensation is adequate?
Getting hurt on the job does not mean the same thing for everyone. If your trade requires fine motor skills performed by hand, then losing a finger or damaging your wrist could be devastating, whereas a financial advisor with a missing finger would be unlucky, but otherwise fine to perform their work. Different injuries affect earning capacities in different ways, and it is important to remember this as you seek workers’ compensation.
If you have been hurt on the job, besides receiving treatment, your priority should be to learn about workers’ comp in your state. Working with your employer to move the process along could prove difficult, and if your claim is denied you may want legal assistance. When you have a full understanding of your rights and responsibilities, it will be easier to seek the medical benefits and wage replacement that you require. More like this blog: www.azhurtonthejob.com