If you were injured on the job, then you are probably interested in workers' comp. However, you might not know where to start or how the process actually works. Here is an introduction to getting the compensation that you deserve:
What is workers' comp?
First of all, it's a good idea to have some basic understanding of what workers' comp really is. In essence, workers' comp is a state-mandated insurance program. Your employer pays some amount of money every month to a workers' comp company, and in exchange, that company pays out successful workers' comp claims.
When employees are injured, they need to notify their employer, who will then forward that notification to the insurance company. The injured party will need to fill out some forms and prove that the injury is severe enough to warrant compensation (which might involve an exam at a doctor of the insurance company's choosing).
So what do you need to do?
First of all, you need to report your injury immediately. If you wait too long, then that might reduce the chances of successfully getting compensation. You will need to get claim forms from your employer and fill them out with all the relevant information. Once you have filled out and sent those forms, then you will just need to wait for further instructions. Depending on the nature of your injury, you might need to visit a doctor or provide some kind of proof that you were injured. Additionally, you might need to prove that the injury happened as a result of your work.
How much should you expect to get from a successful claim?
The size of your compensation will depend heavily on how much you made at the time of the injury and how serious the injury was. You will likely be paid a percentage of your income that is proportional to the severity of the injury. If the injury is very serious and completely prevents you from working, then that will likely result in you getting the largest possible amount of compensation for your income level.
In general, medical expenses will be covered by the insurance company as long as they are reasonable. If you try to get an experimental, unorthodox, excessively expensive, or incredibly long treatment for your injury, then the insurance company probably won't be willing to pay for it. On top of that, if the injury was severe enough to prevent you from working in your previous position, then you might be given vocational rehabilitation.
For legal help pursuing a workers' comp claim, contact a law firm such as R.J. Marzella & Associates, P.C.
Share20 November 2015
When I was injured in a slip and fall accident a few years ago, my family and friends had a hard time relating to the things I was going through. While some people thought that my decision to file a lawsuit was frivolous, others were under the impression that I would walk away as a millionaire. Their lack of personal experience with this type of legal problem left me feeling alone during one of the most difficult times in my life. That is why I decided to start this blog so that accident victims from all over would have somewhere to come to get the information and support that they need. I truly hope that this page can be that place for you.