If you receive a work related injury, you need to file for worker’s compensation. Worker’s compensation is an insurance product that a majority of all businesses carry to protect their employees. This insurance policy provides medical care and partial income protection to employees when injured on the job.
It sounds straightforward. Sadly, worker’s compensation claims are often far from straightforward claims, and injured employees will most likely need the assistance of a worker’s comp attorney.
Pushed To Return To Work After A Work Related Injury
The insurance company has one goal – to return you to work as soon as possible. To reduce the costs associated with your claim, they need to reduce the amount of medical care you receive and push you back to work.
The insurance adjuster’s choices for you are not based on medical knowledge or even recommendations by your care providers. Instead, these decisions are based wholly on reducing the costs of your claim.
Additionally, workers comp adjusters often deny advanced treatments for medical care and overlook or “forget” the benefits that the employee is entitled to receive.
Working With A Worker’s Comp Attorney
When you have been injured on the job, it may be in your best interest to seek legal representation. This is especially true for severe or catastrophic injuries. Your attorney can protect your rights as an injury victim and ensure that you are treated fairly by the insurance company.
Having an attorney manage your case will ensure that you receive all of the benefits you are entitled to under the worker’s comp policy and state laws. An attorney will also ensure that you are not denied medical care or forced back to work before your doctor states that you are ready.
If the injury was severe or catastrophic, an attorney could relieve much of your stress by negotiating a settlement for you. If you cannot return to work, need extensive medical care or lifetime care, or other issues arise from your injury, your lawyer will make sure the insurance company treats you fairly.
Steps To Take When You Are Injured At Work
Work related injuries are almost always covered under worker’s compensation policies. To ensure that you can claim coverage, you are encouraged to do the following after an injury occurs:
1. File An Incident Report.
You need to report the injury to the manager or owner immediately. Make sure that an incident report is prepared and that anyone who may have witnessed the event adds their contact information to the report. Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy.
2. Get Medical Care.
The worker’s compensation policy will cover your medical exam when you are injured. However, you may have to go to their preferred care provider. Make sure to follow all medical advice given by the care provider, including follow-up care.
3. Speak With An Attorney.
Speaking with an attorney at this point can help you manage all interactions with the insurance company and protect your rights as an injured worker. Having legal representation will also ensure that you receive all of the benefits you are entitled to under workers comp.