It’s common for workers to get ill and injured while in their line of duty, especially if their job involves safety hazards. Some causes of injuries and sickness include falls, slips, exposure to harmful chemicals, overexertion, and work-related stress.
When workers fall victim to such situations, they may be unable to work for some time, which may even cause a strain on the finances. However, the good thing is that if they file a worker’s compensation claim, they won’t have to struggle with the financial burden while getting treated and waiting for recovery.
What Is Workers’ Compensation
If you’re wondering what worker’s compensation is, it’s a state-mandated initiative that offers medical healthcare services or cash benefits to workers who get sick or injured while working.
The benefits that you get are dependent on your state of residence. Some states require that besides getting medical care, employees get partial salary payment until they regain full recovery. This applies when the worker cannot report to work because of sustained injury or sickness related to the job.
If you are unsure where to start when claiming compensation after a work-related illness or injury, you can seek professional guidance from renowned compensation specialists like Wyatts Lawyers. They will help follow up on your case and ensure you get proper compensation.
Even though you may seek professional help, you must be well-versed in details about worker’s compensation. To achieve that, consider reading through this guide.
1. Know The Injuries And Illnesses That This Compensation Policy Covers
Familiarizing yourself with the types of injuries covered by this insurance program will help you know whether you can get compensated. In this regard, some of the conditions that worker’s compensation covers apart from work-related injuries include the following:
- Occupational illnesses like hearing loss can be brought about if you work in a noisy place like a factory
- Mental health issues caused by a toxic work environment
- Recurrent stress injuries
- Worsening of pre-existing health conditions as a result of work
On the flip side, there are injuries that this insurance policy doesn’t cover, even though they may be indirectly related to work. They include the following:
- Those you’ve gotten on your way to or from work
- The ones sustained from fighting with a colleague or friend
- Those as a result of playing rough games at work
- The ones you’ve suffered while taking a break or lunch outside the workspace
- The ones you’ve sustained as a result of drug and substance abuse
With the above information, you’ll be able to gauge your injury and see whether it’s work-related before claiming compensation. It’s also crucial to point out that employees must help all eligible workers regardless of age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. Employers should avoid discrimination and handle all their workers’ grievances equally and fairly.
2. Steps To Follow When Claiming Worker’s Compensation
One tip you should remember whenever you get injured or sick is to avoid any delays and take the necessary steps as soon as possible. You need to know that you can only make a claim for the injury or illness within two years after the medical care professional has confirmed that the condition is work-related. If you do it later than that, then you won’t get any help. In this regard, here are the steps you’re required to follow as you make a claim:
- Talk To Your Employer Immediately: Once you’ve gotten injured or sick while at work, your employer should be the first person you’ll call. Explain to them the details about how the injury or illness has occurred and the signs and symptoms you’re exhibiting. This will help them review the information and confirm whether your case is worth receiving the claim. If it’s not, the professionals might deny it. If they see it’s eligible, they will file the claim for you.
- Ensure You’ve Given Proper Evidence: As earlier highlighted, your employer has to ascertain if your injury or illness is occupational and if you’re eligible to receive worker’s compensation benefits. After that, they’ll submit a written report to the insurance carrier. This professional confirms whether you deserve to get compensated. In this regard, you need to provide substantial evidence by providing photos, videos, medical records, and witness statements to increase your chances of compensation.
- Visit A Medical Professional: You need to visit a healthcare professional to help ascertain that your injury or illness happened while you were working. They will give you a document supporting your proclamation, which will help boost your chances of getting your workers’ compensation claim approved.
- Follow Up: It’s your mandate to follow through with your employer to show them that you’re eligible to get compensated. Failure to do so may result in the dismissal of your claim.
- Start treatment: Once the insurer approves your workers’ compensation claim, you can start receiving medical care. The insurance covers all the medical costs like consultation, pharmacy, and surgery. Ensure you visit all the doctor’s appointments and take all the medication. Once you feel better, you can go back to work.
Conclusion
Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that caters to work-related illnesses and injuries. As a team member, once you’ve sustained n injury or illness at work, you must follow all the above steps to get your insurance claim approved. That way, you’ll get proper treatment and regain full recovery before returning to work.