When a worker is injured on the job, they are supposed to be able to receive workers' compensation benefits. These benefits pay for any medical bills associated with the workplace injury and provide a portion of the worker's missed wages.
Workplace injuries range in severity and sometimes require a lengthy recovery period. For some, the injuries never fully go away, leaving workers disabled for life. Those who have been injured on the job may need to seek help from the state workers compensation lawyers.
Four Common Types of Workers' Compensation Claims
Typically, a workers' compensation claim is going to fall into one of four categories. It is essential injured workers understand their rights to receive workers' compensation and know what to expect from the process. The following are the four most common types of workers' compensation claims that occur in all industries.
1. When a workplace injury is mild to moderate, a worker may simply need medical care. If the injured employee is able to return to work immediately and continue working as they receive care, they will have a medical-only claim. Workers' compensation will pay for any associated medical bills, but no other benefits will be paid to the injured worker.
2. There is also a claim for medical care plus time off work for recovery. If a worker's injuries are severe enough they cannot work during recovery, workers' compensation benefits pay for the worker's medical bills and a percentage of their missed wages until they are released by the doctor and can return to work.
3. Medical care plus alternative employment training is also available to injured workers. Sometimes, a worker's injuries prevent them from returning to their job because they can no longer perform their duties. Workers' compensation pays for alternative employment training for the injured worker.
4. Finally, there are medical care and permanent disability benefits available to injured workers. If a worker is injured and can no longer work due to a permanent disability, workers' compensation benefits will pay the injured worker for the rest of their lives.
How to File a Claim
One of the first steps an injured worker needs to take is to inform their employer of the injury. Once the employer has been informed, they are responsible for informing their insurance company so the claims process can be started. The insurance company will be given a specific time to respond to the claim by either approving it or denying it in writing. If you are needing to know if the settlement figure for your claim will cover medical expenses, it is possible to find the average settlement for rotator cuff injury, among others.
Do Workers Need Legal Help?
If the claims process proceeds smoothly and the claim is approved, workers should simply receive their benefits and go back to work when released by the doctor. Unfortunately, employers and their insurance companies sometimes deny claims unfairly. When an injured worker is denied the benefits they are owed, it is wise for them to seek help from a workers' compensation lawyer. To know more about how a professional lawyer can help you represent your case, you can read more here.
Do Not Back Down
It is important injured workers fight for their rights to seek workers' compensation. If a worker is unsure of whether or not they have a claim, they should consult with a lawyer to learn about their rights and options for legal recourse. In some cases, injured workers may have the right to pursue a third party for their damages.
Injured employees should act quickly so they do not miss out on their benefits. In most states, there is a statute of limitations that limits the time an injured worker has to file a claim.