FAQs
How Does Workers’ Compensation Work?
Workers’ compensation claims usually unfold like this:
- A worker is hurt on the job.
- They report the injury to their employer within 30 days.
- They undergo an immediate medical examination to determine the full extent of their injuries.
- They file a workers’ compensation claim seeking benefits (see below).
- Their employer’s insurance company approves or denies their claim.
If the claim is approved, the worker should receive some combination of the following benefits:
- Lost wages
- Medical treatment
- Disability benefits
- Vocational training (if they can no longer do their job)
Importantly, workers do not have to prove that their employers were negligent or responsible in order to receive workers’ comp benefits. In other words, an employer doesn’t have to have done something wrong in order for the worker to receive benefits.
If a claim is denied, a worker can then enlist the help of an attorney to try and recover the benefits they need.
Which Injuries Can You File a Claim For?
Seemingly any injury could qualify for workers’ comp benefits, but here are some of the most common:
- Head and brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Herniated disks
- Hearing damage/loss
- Eye injury/blindness
- Repetitive motion or aggravation injuries
- Burn injuries
- Illness from exposure to toxins (e.g., mesothelioma)
These injuries can occur because of hazardous work environments, faulty machinery, or they may be unavoidable. The employer does not have to be at fault in order for the worker to have a valid workers’ comp claim.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
In a perfect world, all valid workers’ comp claims would be approved quickly and in full. In reality, many insurance companies deny, delay, or undervalue these claims, which can be incredibly frustrating. That’s why you should contact an attorney.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can increase your chance of recovering all the benefits you need and deserve. They’ll review medical records, interview witnesses, and consult experts to build the strongest claim or case possible. That way, you can focus on getting better.
A wounded worker can quickly become mired in medical bills, anxiety, and even depression. They need an advocate in their corner who can fight for them and help get their life back on track.
What’s the First Step?
Workplace injuries can devastate a person’s health, career, finances, and quality of life. If you were hurt on the job and denied workers’ compensation benefits, contact us right away for a free case review. Our Louisville workers’ compensation attorneys are skilled, experienced, and tenacious. We won’t settle for anything less than full compensation for injured workers.
Morgan & Morgan has recovered more than $7 billion for our clients, and we may be able to help you get back on your feet. It costs nothing to hire us, and we get paid only if you win. Contact us today.