Although most employees get their workers’ compensation benefits after an injury, some compensation claims are denied. You should ensure that the injuries you suffered make you eligible for workers’ compensation. You need to document the case correctly and follow all the protocols involved, including reporting the injury to the employer and consulting an attorney. Here are ways you can maximize your workers’ comp claim.
Letting your employer know and filing the compensation claim
First, you need to report the injury to your employer in writing. It should be done as soon as possible since the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove that the injury happened because of your job duties. After the employer receives your injury report, they will give you a workers’ compensation claim form that will be forwarded to the insurance company.
Seeking medical attention
Seeking medical attention is very important after a workplace injury. If you delay in seeking medication, the insurance claim might reduce your benefits. In extreme cases, the insurer might deny your application. Even if you don’t feel any pain after the injury, be sure to visit a doctor for confirmation.
Understand your compensation disability rating
Some workplace injuries leave employees with a physical disability. The disability likely impacts your working schedule since you can’t work for a while. Here are the main categories under workers’ compensation claims:
- Temporary partial disabilities hinder you from carrying out certain tasks for some time.
- Temporary total disabilities hinder you from working at all for a certain period.
- Permanent partial disabilities permanently prevent you from carrying out certain tasks.
- Permanent total disabilities hinder you from ever working again.
Employees with permanent disabilities sometimes receive lifetime wages in a claim. If you have suffered a workplace injury and want to learn more about your eligibility for workers’ comp, you may want to contact an attorney for guidance.