If you are injured on the job, you are entitled to 100% of your medical bills. But that is not all; you may also be entitled to something for permanent, partial total liability.
The workplace accident does not have to be the fault of the employer for you to file a claim. It can be something as simple as bending over to pick up a heavy object and hurting your back. You then have a legitimate claim. However, the accident must happen in the line and scope of your duties and during the course of your employment.
One important thing to know is that you must report your injury within five days of the accident. Employers who have more than five workers must provide workers’ compensation to you. You cannot be fired for filing or pursuing a workers’ comp claim. You do have rights in the workplace.
For example, if you suffer a back injury that requires surgery, this generates 5%-15% impairment rating, which translates into benefits. The same thing applies to finger, eye, hand and other injuries.
You do not have to prove that your employer or co-workers are at fault or caused your accident. You just have to be injured on the job.
Filing for workers’ comp benefits is fairly easy at the beginning of the process; it is mostly paperwork. However, it will get complicated as you continue through filing your claim. You will want to hire an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation cases.
Some cases can go on for years. One woman’s ordeal went on for more than 10 years. She had severe injuries that prevented her from working, but she didn’t want to settle her case too soon. This is a case where an attorney would have helped expedite the process.
If you have questions about workers’ compensation, please consult our Online Legal Directory to find an attorney in your area.