Personal Injury Lawyer
Injuries and accidents, unfortunately, are part of life. Everyone will experience some type of physical ailment and incident at some point. When a serious injury occurs on the job, you shouldn’t have to use your personal medical insurance to pay your bills. Workers’ compensation is available to pay for your care and recovery if you qualify. There are some exceptions to this so make sure you understand how the process works.
Benefits Provided by Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is an insurance plan that most employers are required to carry and provide for employees. It gives medical benefits to an injured worker who gets hurt while performing regular employment duties. This coverage can also replace lost income if the employee is physically unable to return to the job. The insurance will pay for the employee’s visits to the doctor, hospital stays, medication, surgeries, treatment and rehabilitation for any on-the-job injury-related issues.
Responsibilities of the Employee
To claim the workers’ compensation, the employee must report the injury and incident that caused it. Hurt employees should speak to their supervisor or human resources manager as soon after the event as possible. Rules vary by state, but people may have as few as six months in some places and up to three years in others to file a claim. The individual also has a time limit in which to notify the employer of the injury. When reporting the matter, the person should provide as many details of the accident as possible. It may help to allow witnesses to speak with the employer as well.
Definition of “On the Job” Coverage
Workers’ compensation will take effect if the incident occurs while the employee is engaged in the regular course of his or her duties. The person doesn’t have to be at the office or facility when this happens. Approved business travel or errands may also qualify. If the accident happens during an unpaid lunch hour, while taking other breaks or going to or from work, the employee will not have coverage.
Limitations of Workers’ Compensation
Although insurance help is available for job-related injuries, workers’ compensation will deny a claim if the issue occurred due to horseplay or failure on the employee’s part to follow safety regulations. Ignoring established employer rules and requirements will also result in a denial of the claim so make sure to follow all guidelines correctly.
Employees are entitled to appeal denials. If you feel as though you are not being treated fairly in your workers’ compensation case, speak with an attorney, today.
