What You Should Know About Workers Compensation

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If you face a workplace injury, you may be confused about what to do or who to turn to in order to receive compensation or coverage. It is difficult to come up with a solution to all workers’ compensation claims, however, because every case is different and deals with a different injury and situation. There are some generalized tips, however, that can help you know what to do if you face an injury at your job so that you feel less stressed. You can learn more about these generic workers’ compensation rules in the information that is provided to you below.

1. Injury Reports are Mandatory

If you are injured while at work, you have to report the accident and file a claim, you never know what underlying medical concerns may be present. According to Washington laws, for instance, you only have a year until the date of the accident to file your report. Some states, however, give you less than a week, including Colorado who only gives you a timeframe of about four days to report any injuries you received from an accident at work. The report is typically filed with your employer, who will then give you the information you need to file a claim with the insurance company.

2. Workers’ Compensation Laws Vary Among States

As you may already understand, each state has a different law in place for how long you have to report a claim. Other specificities in regards to your compensation vary among the state that you are located in too. In some states, for instance, you have to go to a doctor that is on an approved list of medical care providers provided to you by your employer. You can contact a professional  workers compensation attorney if you have any questions about your particular area. This is important as you may not receive compensation if you are relying on care you received from someone who is out of the network.

3. Employers Cannot Retaliate Against You

If you file a workers’ compensation claim, it is illegal for your employer to provide you with any retaliation. They cannot fire you and cannot place any warnings on your standing as a staff member just because you have an injury from work. If your employer gives you a pay cut for this medical emergency, however, you have the right to file a lawsuit with the help of a workers compensation lawyer. They will help you understand the rights you have with your employer so that you can file your report safely and still receive your paycheck.

4. Attorneys are Helpful

As mentioned, an attorney can help you if your employers retaliate against you. They can also help you at the beginning of the claims process in filing the report so that some of your stress is alleviated. Finally, a good lawyer is even there to help ensure that you get your benefits if your claim is denied for some reason beyond what you understand. They will fight for you to ensure that your injuries and your loss of work are taken care of, no matter what.

5. Workers’ Compensation Insurance is Not Health Insurance

First and foremost, understand that workers’ compensation insurance and healthcare insurance are not one and the same. You can choose to pursue healthcare and pay for it if you are required to by your employer, unless they fully cover it. You will automatically have the right to workers’ compensation insurance, however, as soon as you begin to work for most companies as they are required to have it. There is no use of this latter insurance policy, however, unless you do become injured while you are at work or on a job task.

Final Thoughts

Workers’ compensation insurance varies from state to state and from injury to injury, though any company in the United States has to have it. If you are injured at work and do not know where to begin, start by seeking medical care by an approved provider and file a report. If you want to, talk to an experienced attorney who is there for you throughout the claims process and will fight on your behalf. This is the best way to ensure that you receive the total compensation that you deserve for your needs.

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