Workers’ Compensation programs protect you from the financial hardships associated with work-related injuries and occupational diseases.
To be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits, there are two basic requirements:
- You must be an employee of a company who has (or is supposed to have) workers’ comp insurance.
- You must have been injured at work, or as a result of job-related duties.
Filing for Workers’ Compensation benefits can be a daunting task. There are many things to consider, and many boxes to be checked when filing for your benefits. Workers’ Compensation is designed to help you if you are injured on the job, but there are many issues to deal with as you consider your claim.
While workers’ compensation coverage is required by law, not every employer will always follow what is required. If you have questions as to whether or not you are covered – ask your employer. You should be provided with a list of approved physicians, and you may be able to request which doctor you would like to see. In some circumstances, a trauma specialist, for instance, may be your authorized treating doctor.
Each case is based on an individual’s situation. If you have been seeing a physician for your injury and you are already receiving workers’ compensation for that injury, but something changes – that may be where your actual case begins.
Should you decide to hire an attorney to help you with your claim, there are some things you should bring with you to your meeting:
-If you are already seeing a physician, bring those medical records with you.
-If you have already filed anything with the state in which you work, include that, as well.
-Include all records and paperwork that already exist for your claim.
There are deadlines set in place for filing a claim through Workers’ Compensation laws; they will vary from state to state.
If you have legal questions, please consult our Online Legal Directory to find an attorney in your area.