Getting injured at work can be frightening. Fortunately, if you are injured or become ill at work, there is still a way for you to get the money that you deserve. This can be done by filing a workers’ compensation claim.
With workers’ compensation, you can still pay your bills, put food on your table, and provide for your family. This type of compensation will pay for your medical care, any rehabilitation treatment needed, and lost wages if you are unable to work. In order to get these benefits, you must know how to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Filing a Claim
If you are injured in Evanston, it is important to get immediate medical care. It is also extremely important for you to let your employer know as soon as the injury occurs. Failure to do so can delay your claim, and it can even prevent you from being approved for the benefits.
Filing the claim can be challenging. One reason that it is challenging is because workers’ compensation laws differ across all the states. For example, in some states, a claim must be filed within a few days. In other states, the time range can last from one month to two years.
Employer Obligations
In some cases, an employer may refuse to cooperate with your filing. If this happens, you must contact your local workers’ compensation office immediately. When you are ready to file your claim, you will need to fill out several forms provided by your employer.
Once completed, it is the responsibility of your employer to send this paperwork to its insurance carrier. This may also differ from state to state. In some states, it will be your responsibility to submit this paperwork to the insurance carrier.
Approval
If there are no disputes by your employer or the insurance carrier, then your workers’ compensation claim will be approved. After approval, you will need to speak with the insurance adjuster in order to properly submit all of your medical bills.
The insurance company will cover your medical bills since your claim would have been approved. Although it may seem that everything will go smoothly at this point, it is still important to keep all of your documentation.
Your employer or the insurance may try to fight this claim at the last minute in an attempt to keep their rates from increasing.
Money to Expect
The compensation that you are entitled to will depend on the extent of your injury or illness. If you are still able to work, you will probably only be compensated for your medical bills.
If you are no longer able to work, then your compensation will also include wage loss. Once you are able to return to work, then you will stop receiving compensation for loss of wages.
If you are injured at work, it is important to realize that you can still get the money that you deserve. Once you file your workers’ compensation claim, then you will be one step closer to getting money for your medical bills or loss of wages.
