If I’m Injured at Work, How Can I Qualify for Worker’s Compensation?
When you think of being injured on the job, you might picture a construction site involving people wearing hardhats and heavy machinery moving large steel beams and concrete. While such a job site can be a dangerous one indeed, the fact is, it is possible to be injured while at work no matter what kind of job it is. Thankfully, there is something in place to help financially protect someone in the case of just such an event.
Worker’s compensation insurance is a type of policy that helps cover a worker who is injured on the job. Whether the injured person merely needs a supplemental income while they are out of work recovering, or the injury requires multiple expensive surgeries in order to help them recover, worker’s compensation is designed to offer financial compensation for anyone who is injured while performing their duties at work. Sometimes, the insurance company that holds the policy refuses to pay, however, and this can lead to a lengthy and arduous battle in which the injured must go to lengths to prove their case and eventually receive compensation. Therefore, it is important to follow some very important tips when one is injured to ensure the best possible outcome for their worker’s compensation case.
There are several tips to guide you to ensure that you receive Worker’s Compensation that you rightfully deserve. Some of these tips include
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The first and most important step is reporting your injury immediately. Sometimes benefit applications get denied simply because no one was notified the worker was ever injured. Don’t make this mistake and no matter how insignificant you think the injury may be, reporting it should be a priority.
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Seek medical attention – It is very important to seek medical attention immediately. Taking action quickly will work to your benefit when dealing with the worker’s compensation insurance company.
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Listen and adhere to your doctor’s instructions – Make sure you closely follow the instructions of the doctor or hospital that treated you for the injury. Neglecting to care for your injury properly can result in your claim being denied.
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Keep track of all your medical records, bills, etc. – Make sure to keep records of all doctor bills and any other expense accrued due to your injury. Keeping notes of your daily injury care plan and how you are recovering is a wise idea as well as it will show you are being proactive in your recovery process.
If you have been injured at your job (no matter the type of job), it is important to follow those tips above so that proper professional can help you receive worker’s compensation disability benefits and minimize the negative disruption to the lives of you and your family. If your Worker’s Comp application has been denied and you still feel the right to those benefits, it is imperative you contact a Worker’s Compensation lawyer as soon as possible. Having an attorney that is very experienced in these matters can help you navigate the process much more easily and even re-qualify you for your benefits.