Receiving Benefits After Getting Hurt On The Job

If you recently became injured while on the job, workers' compensation is a resource available to help you pay for your medical expenses and lost wages when you are unable to work. It is not that difficult to file for workers' compensation, and the benefits are well worth the effort taken in filling out the proper paperwork. Here is a quick summary of how to file, what you can expect after you are approved, and what you should do if you are told you are being denied benefits.

It is important to get medical treatment as soon as you can so you will be able to prove you are unable to return to your job. Your doctor will write you a letter stating you are no longer able to perform the tasks safely. You will need to give this to your employer and ask them for the forms to fill out for workers' compensation. You have the option of getting them online or through your doctor, as well. Send them to your state's workers' compensation board for evaluation.

Benefits You Will Get

If you are approved for workers' compensation, your employer's insurance will be responsible for making payments to you while you are unable to work. This will include reimbursement for any medical expenses you had incurred from doctors or hospitals, as well as physical therapy sessions you need to take to regain mobility of a part of your body. If you need to get rides to and from your appointments, the travel expenses will be reimbursed too. You can expect to receive two-thirds of the wages you made on the job. If there is another job you can do within your company, you will be reimbursed for any training expenses you will need to pay to do the job properly.

If You Are Denied

If you receive word via mail that your claim for workers' compensation benefits has been denied, you will want to work quickly to have the ruling overturned. Often denials are given if you did not file the paperwork quickly enough. There is a time limit in how long you have to make a claim, making it imperative you file the paperwork as soon as the injury occurs. This time limit varies from state to state.

To file an appeal, you will first want to hire a workers' compensation lawyer, like those represented at http://www.hardeeandhardee.com, to look into your claim. Make sure you have up-to-date information from your doctor regarding your status and why you are unable to return to work. The appeal will happen in a court setting with someone from your state's workers' compensation board or from the state labor department present. A judge will hear both sides of the claim and will make a decision whether you are eligible for benefits.

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