A workplace injury can be a terrifying ordeal for employees who are hurt on the job. Luckily, workers compensation payouts can help bring stability back to injured workers in the form of covering medical costs or compensation for emotional turmoil. For those who are unsure of how to proceed with a workers compensation claim, keeping a few factors in mind will help move the process along smoothly. Here are just a few recommendations for employees who are hoping to seek workers compensation as a result of a workplace injury and what they can expect in the beginning stages of the claim process.
Report the Incident Immediately
In the event of an injury on the job, workers have a set amount of time to report for workers compensation benefits. Depending on the state one lives in, their employer will determine the deadline to report such incidents. For certain situations, such as the event of a worker needing to be hospitalized or an occurrence of a severe injury, the incident must be reported as soon as possible, some possibly within a 24-hour timeframe. If the worker waits too long to report the incident, there is a strong possibility their claim may be denied and their compensation will not be approved. For these reasons, it is always important to report any incident that occurs in the workplace as soon as possible.
Expect Questions
The process of a workers compensation claim can be extensive, depending on the nature of the injury. While some cases are resolved quickly, others may take a bit more time, allowing for a proper and thorough understanding of the incident in question. Being asked questions regarding the incident can be expected and should not be taken as a form of interrogation. Rather, employees should understand that through such thorough questioning, a proper claims payout can be determined, as well as putting precautions in place to ensure another injury does not occur. Questions regarding the nature of the injury, witnesses, and the events leading up to the incident are all examples of what to expect during the investigative process.
Be Honest
When going through the claims process, it is required to be as honest and upfront as possible. Explaining the incident in detail, as well as the after-effects, such as a debilitating injury or disfigurement, will all work in the employee's favor. An excellent way to prepare for this aspect of a workers compensation claim is to have all necessary paperwork ready. Medical bills, doctor's notes, prescriptions, and any other health-related paperwork should be organized and ready to back up one's claim. Being prepared with this paperwork will not only benefit those seeking a claim payout, it will also help the entire compensation process move as fast and efficiently as possible.
Contact a workers compensation lawyer near you to learn more.
