At Morgan & Morgan, our highly skilled workers’ compensation attorneys fight on behalf of injured and sick workers to help them secure financial compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and more. If you’re thinking about filing a claim, be sure to check off all the items on this list:
Report the Incident
To make a workers’ compensation claim, the injury or illness you suffered must be work-related. A number of injuries may qualify — slip-and-fall accidents, exposure to toxic substances, and repetitive motion injuries, to name a few. No matter the specifics of the incident, be sure to report it to your employer quickly. Although reporting deadlines vary by state, typically, injury victims have between 30 and 45 days to notify their employer.
Seek Medical Treatment
Be sure to prioritize your health. Not only do injuries typically respond best to immediate treatment, but it becomes harder to connect the injury to the accident the longer you wait to request treatment. Although the specifics vary by state, employees generally must undergo an evaluation by an approved medical provider of the employer’s choosing. If you decide to seek a second opinion, there may be restrictions depending on where you live.
Submit Paperwork
Your employer is responsible for giving you forms to fill out for the insurance provider and state workers’ compensation board. They should also inform you about your rights and benefits under workers’ compensation law, as well as provide information about returning to work.
Provide Updates to Your Employer
Keep your employer in the loop about your injury or illness. Follow-up appointments and test results help document your efforts to follow doctor’s orders and demonstrate that your condition is preventing you from working.
File an Appeal if Necessary
If your claim is denied for any reason, you can appeal the rejection. The appeals process varies from one state to the next, so be sure to contact a workers’ compensation attorney in your area to give yourself the best chance to receive the benefits you deserve.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you’ve been hurt or gotten sick on the job, don’t hesitate to contact a workers’ compensation attorney at Morgan & Morgan. Find out more by scheduling a free legal case evaluation now.