Were you injured or developed an illness while working? Then you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which can help cover medical bills and lost wages.
Before you make a claim, here are a few things you should know:
File a claim within the statute of limitations
An employee must report their workplace injury or illness to their employer within 30 days. A claim can be made within 2 years. Making a claim well before the statute of limitations can help guarantee workers’ comp benefits.
Gather evidence of your injury or illness
It’s important to get medical attention after suffering from a workplace injury. If you don’t get a medical report, then it may seem as though an injury was not serious. As a result, a claim could be denied. An employer may also request that you get a medical report from a verified workers’ comp doctor.
A claim could be denied if it happens outside of work
Workers’ comp claims can only be made if an injury or illness developed while an employee was working. For example, a construction worker who suffered injuries after scaffolding collapsed would likely be eligible for benefits. However, a construction worker who was driving to work and suffered injuries in an auto accident would not likely get workers’ comp benefits – unless the employee was driving for work, such as transporting materials.
Intentional or pre-existing injuries are not applicable for benefits
Workers’ comp is a no-fault system. In other words, injured employees could benefit from workers’ comp if their injuries developed because of a co-worker’s or employer’s negligence or the injured employee was responsible for their injuries.
However, if the injuries were self-induced with the purpose of benefiting from workers’ comp, then the employee may not be eligible for benefits. Likewise, pre-existing illnesses or injuries will not make an employee eligible for workers’ comp.
Making a workers’ compensation claim can be frustrating. If you face any difficulties, then it may benefit you to reach out for legal help.