If you are injured on the job, your employer will provide workers' compensation insurance to cover your medical bills and living expenses.It is not always easy to win a workers' compensation case.There is a chance that you won't get the full benefits of workers' compensation even if you have a lot of evidence in your favor.You need to follow strict guidelines to win your case.
Step 1: Workers' compensation will cover your injury.
You must work for a covered employer if your injury is work related.If an injury occurs during the course of your employment, it will be considered a work-related injury.Depending on your state, some injuries may not be included.Some states don't allow workers to claim workers' compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome if they can prove it's related to their job.Recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder is possible in some states.If your injury is covered by your state's workers' compensation law, talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
Step 2: Seek medical help.
If you have an injury, you should be treated immediately.Save all the bills by getting copies of the medical records.You will need them later.If your injury doesn't show up on an X-ray or other medical scans, take pictures of it.
Step 3: Inform your employer.
You have to report the injury to your employer.It is best to inform your employer of the limits immediately after you seek medical assistance.You have between 30 and 45 days to notify your employer of an injury.Some states only allow a few days.Don't wait.If you can't notify your supervisor, have a family member or friend.
Step 4: Write down what happened.
Take an hour to write a description of how you hurt yourself.If any product or equipment injured you, note who witnessed it.If you were injured by a product, you may be able to file a lawsuit.Workers compensation can be used for a lawsuit against your employer.If you were injured by a product, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
Step 5: Inform your union.
You should talk to your steward if you are a union member.If you face resistance from your employer, your union can help.
Step 6: You can create a binder of your medical information.
All doctor's reports and medical bills should be included.Send any invoices to medical insurers.A safe deposit box or a relative's home is a good place to keep a second copy.Scan and create digital copies.
Step 7: Follow medical advice.
You want to be compensated for the duration of your injury.You may be denied benefits if you don't follow the doctor's advice.If you ignore your doctor's advice and go to a baseball game, you could lose your benefits.It protects your eligibility for benefits if you follow your doctor's advice.Private investigators are hired by employers to follow injured employees and videotape their activities.You will be used against you if you show that you are not as injured as you claim.
Step 8: There is an independent medical exam.
Insurers and employers may require you to meet with a doctor of their choice.The doctor should be close to where you live if the insurer pays for the exam.You could jeopardize your claim to benefits if you don't attend the IME.
Step 9: The necessary paperwork needs to be secured.
The forms should be given to you by your employer.Contact your state workers compensation agency if your employer doesn't give you the form.At this directory, you can find your state.
Step 10: The form needs to be filled out accurately.
The form will ask for your name and occupation, the time and date of the injury, as well as descriptions of how it occurred.
Step 11: It is necessary to file promptly.
There is no reason to hold off.You are only delaying the start of compensation if you delay filing.You have to file a claim within a statutory period.You have three years from the date of the injury to file if you are employed by the federal government.State law can be different.You have one year in California.There are two in New Jersey.Oklahoma workers only have 30 days to report an injury if they want to receive workers' compensation benefits.The claim should be filed as soon as possible.
Step 12: Even if it is late.
The statute of limitations may have ended, but you could still be eligible for benefits.The clock will start from the date of disability in some states.You should not count on a court extending the limitation period because the federal government starts the clock for latent conditions when you become aware of a possible relationship between the medical condition and the employment.Always file quickly.
Step 13: Wait results.
The workers compensation insurer will tell you if your claim has been granted or denied.The appeals process should be explained in the letter if denied.
Step 14: Meet a lawyer.
The appeals process varies by state.An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process and make your case strong.It can take a long time to learn all of the procedures for filing an appeal.The lawyer will need copies of your binder of medical information for your appeal.Pick up any other information your attorney needs.Delays won't affect the appeal process.Private attorneys can work on a contingency basis.If they win your case, they are paid.The attorney will take between 10 and 35 percent of your benefit amount.State law often caps the amount.Attorneys are often available to members for a reduced charge.If you have been denied workers compensation benefits, contact your union.
Step 15: You need to fill out the appeal petition.
Depending on the state, this goes by various names.Your attorney will help you fill it out.
Step 16: Prepare for a hearing.
The first round of appeals can be heard by an administrative law judge or a state appeals board.The facts and medical information that support your claim that you were injured on the job must be presented.Co-workers may need to be called as witnesses by your lawyer.Inform people of the hearing date and give your lawyer updated contact information.
Step 17: It's a good idea to practice being a witness.
It is possible that you will be called to testify about the injury.Ask your attorney to do a practice run to make sure you are an effective witness.Your attorney should ask hard questions to help you understand the process.You should review your summary of the event.You should have written down what happened after you were injured.To refresh your memory, review this information.Stay hydrated on the stand.An attorney may try to frighten you.You have nothing to hide.
Step 18: Discuss the next steps with your lawyer.
An appeal of the denial is possible if your claim is denied.Discuss if another appeal is worthwhile and if your attorney will handle it.Don't be afraid of costs, as appeals are also handled on contingency.
Step 19: Hire an attorney.
You may have to file a lawsuit if you can't agree on benefits with your employer.An experienced workers' compensation attorney knows the ins and outs of the law and will be able to protect your rights.Since workers' compensation attorneys work on contingency, your ability to afford attorney's fees should not be a consideration.
Step 20: Before making a decision, research prior decisions.
Talk to your attorney about the opinions of other workers' compensation cases that have been decided recently in your state.
Step 21: Analyze the other side's arguments.
Your employer and the insurance company have differing opinions on what happened, how you were injured, and how extensive your disability is.You can focus on the issues that are in dispute if you understand the opposing arguments.Your employer may not deny that you were injured, but may argue that the injury did not happen at work.This is important in chronic or stress-related injuries that occur over time rather than as a result of a single traumatic incident.
Step 22: The relevant evidence should be gathered.
You know where to look for evidence once you know what the key issues will be at the trial.Medical professionals who can testify to the extent of your injuries will be your most effective and powerful witnesses.If your state law gives you subpoena power, you should use it to guarantee the attendance of witnesses.
Step 23: Have another IME.
A doctor with a reputation for being more friendly to the interests of employers and insurers is the most likely doctor to be sent by an employer or insurance company for an independent medical examination.An independent medical exam may be sent to you by your attorney.A doctor with a reputation for being more sensitive to claims of employees would give this IME.