After a work injury, time is of the essence. The sooner you start the claims process, the better the outcome may be. There are strict time frames that must be adhered to, so it pays to have a good understanding of state-specific workers’ compensation laws and regulations.
Taking prompt action can ensure that your rights as an injured worker are respected, and help you access prompt relief for related medical expenses and income loss. Working quickly does not simply mean filing paperwork quickly; it also means seeking support from your employer, doctor, and lawyer in a timely manner.
Staying organized with all relevant documents can assist in expediting your claim and reaching a resolution faster.
Report Your Injury and Incident to Your Employer
If you’ve recently been injured in the workplace, it’s important to make sure that you report your injury and the incident to your employer as soon as possible. Providing a detailed account of what happened can help your employer understand the situation so that they can take precautions to improve safety for you and other employees.
Additionally, reporting your injury will help ensure that any medical bills associated with the injury are paid for in an expedited manner, helping you get back on your feet. Taking a few moments to accurately detail everything will also save time in the future by avoiding misunderstandings when filing workers’ compensation claims or dealing with insurance companies.
Fill Out the Proper Paperwork to File Your Claim
After suffering a workplace injury, the last thing you want to do is fill out paperwork. You may be dealing with pain and stress, making it a difficult task. However, filing the proper paperwork after an injury is critical to getting any potential compensation that you may be entitled to. It’s important to get the documents in writing immediately so there is an official record of your experience.
Contacting your employer’s human resources department and gathering documents from your treating physician will assist in establishing the timeline around your incident and can help ensure that everything is properly filled out and filed before deadlines expire.
Remember, even if your injury heals quickly and you don’t end up needing compensation for lost wages or medical bills, filing the required paperwork correctly will ensure that any future issues are addressed accurately and promptly should they arise down the road.
Hire a Lawyer While the Employer Files the Form
Nothing is more frightening than suffering an injury at work. It can be difficult to know what the next steps should be in order to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive compensation for lost wages, medical bills and other expenses related to your workplace accident. One of the best steps you can take is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible, even before your employer has completed all of their paperwork about the accident.
An experienced work injury lawyer will know exactly how to handle your situation, helping you through the entire process and making sure that no potential legal remedies go unexplored. Do not go through this difficult time alone – instead, make sure you hire a lawyer who can guide you every step of the way!
Await the Decision From the Insurer
After suffering a work injury, it can be an extremely confusing and difficult time for the injured employee. After treatment has been received and a doctor’s assessment of the situation has been made, one of the next steps would be awaiting a decision from their insurer.
This will determine the level of coverage they need to make sure that all medical bills and any lost wages that may have come with their injury are taken care of. Not only can this decision affect how they cope following their accident financially, but generally takes out a large amount of stress from what can be an otherwise emotionally trying situation.
Appeal if the Claim is Denied
If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, it is important to appeal the decision as quickly as possible. Good legal counsel can help you prepare an appeal that explains why your claim should be accepted. In most cases, the insurance company will review their original decision and may take additional evidence into account when making a second ruling.
It is important to get professional help with your appeal so that all necessary documents and information are included.
Our team at Stewart Law Offices is ready to help you.
