5 Ways You Can Claim Your Workers’ Compensation
Every business that hires a certain number of employees must carry workers’ compensation, as required by state law. This insurance pays the medical bills when employees are injured or become ill on the job. Here are useful tips to know for when it’s time to file a workers’ compensation claim.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is mandated insurance employers carry to protect their workers and to operate legally. A workers’ compensation claim can pay for medical bills and a certain percentage of lost income due to the injury or illness.
If a business with employees fails to carry proper workers comp coverage, it can lead to fines and lawsuits. Workers should make sure before they accept a job that the company carries the proper coverage in the event of a workers’ compensation claim.
- Immediately report the injury to the supervisor
It’s imperative for employees to report an at-work injury to their supervisor as soon as possible. If the employee waits too long and the injury heals on its own, the claim can get denied. First, you should determine the seriousness of the injury and ask if a claim really needs to be filed. If the injury is so minor, it doesn’t require a hospital visit, and it’s better not to file a claim.
- Make sure your claim is filed properly
Both the employer and the injured employee must fill out paperwork to be submitted to the workers’ comp insurance company. These forms must be filled out accurately and exactly as directed. A claim that is incomplete or contains misinformation can get rejected.
- Make your own file and journal
Keep your own records of the case for your own reference. Your details of the incident must match what your employer has on file. Inconsistencies can cause delays or a denial. Stick with objective details relevant to the case. It helps to make a digital folder on your computer for files such as word documents and photos.
- Seek medical attention as soon as you can
If you are injured badly enough that you need a hospital visit, make it a priority to see a doctor as soon as possible. The insurer may become skeptical of the injury if you let days go by before getting medical attention. Delaying the filing simply makes the case seem weak.
- Make sure to explain how you were hurt
Document clear details on how your injury or illness occurred. It will help your doctor determine the appropriate remedy for your situation. As long as your story is backed by a doctor, the process of getting a reimbursement check from workers’ comp should be smooth.
- Immediately report the injury to the supervisor
The Impact of Injury and Illness
Getting injured or ill on the job can lead to long-lasting physical disabilities. Giving up a career can have a deeper emotional impact, leading to anxiety and depression. Another impact of a work injury is that it can weaken the company’s productivity. So it’s important for a business to have sufficient workers comp coverage and for the company to show it cares about the well-being of its employees.
Contact the team here at Remland Insurance Services, Inc., and we will be happy to answer your questions about filing a workers’ compensation claim.
