4 Things To Understand About Workers' Compensation
Posted on: 3 June 2018
Share
Most people have a working knowledge that workers' compensation is in place to protect workers if they are ever injured on the job. However, if you find yourself injured on the job, you may quickly find that you need more than a working knowledge of the system in order to get its full benefits.
1. Report the Injury to Your Supervisor
The first thing you need to do is report the injury to your supervisor. You need to let them know what happened. If your job has an accident report, be sure to fill it out as well.
Sometimes, it is obvious when you should fill out an accident report, such as if you were to slice your hand open or get into a car accident in a company vehicle.
Other times, it is less obvious, such as a back strain from picking up a heavy object at work, or pain in your hands from repetitive motions. For injuries that are not as obvious, you are protected and able to file a claim within a set period of time, generally a month, so you do have some leeway although the sooner you report the injury, the better.
2. Covers Illness as Well as Injury
Second, it is important to understand that workers' compensation covers illnesses that you sustained on the job as well as injuries. For example, if you develop a sickness from inhaling fumes at the workplace, workers' compensation should cover your treatment and wages if you have to be off work in order to recover from the illness.
3. You Can't Sue Your Employer
Third, if you receive workers' compensation from your employer, you cannot sue your employer for your injuries or illness. You have to work with your workers' compensation insurance provider to make sure that your medical bills are paid and that you get the right compensation from your employer. If your injuries are long-term or disabling, you will have to work with your workers' compensation company to come up with a settlement offer if you are no longer able to do the work that you did before.
4. An Attorney Will Be Assigned to Assist You
Workers' compensation is a state-run fund that businesses pay into. When you qualify for workers' compensation, an attorney will be assigned to represent your best interests throughout this process. You do not have to pay this attorney. In some states, an attorney is assigned to you and in others you are able to select an attorney you want to work with. Work as closely as possible with your attorney to make sure that you are getting the right compensation as well as accommodations at work as you recover from your injuries.
For more information, contact a company like Neifert Byrne & Ozga.