Everything You Need to Know About Worker’s Comp

Are you a worker that’s been injured while performing your job on a worksite? Are you concerned that the injury will put you out of work for several weeks or months? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about workers’ comp and how it can help you.

Doing so will help you understand what your rights are as an employee. Whether you knew it or not, your employer is legally required to have workers comp available to you.

See below for an in-depth guide on workers’ compensation and how you can receive the compensation that you need during these trying times.

     1. What Does the Process Look Like?

Whenever you’ve received an injury on the job, you should inquire with your employer about workers’ compensation. Otherwise, you’re left on the hook for the expensive medical bills that were caused by someone else’s negligence.

The process is fairly easy to comprehend, but it can drag out depending on how much you’re hoping to receive for your compensation.

Your health is the priority, so be sure to seek medical attention right after the injury occurs. Not only can delaying medical treatment complicate your injury, but it can also affect your settlement as well.

Next, you need to express your interest in filing a workers’ comp claim to your employer. They’ll give you the necessary paperwork and instructions for how to get in touch with their provider.

From that day on, you’ll be attempting to settle with the insurance company, which won’t be pretty if you decide to go it alone.

Be sure to reach out to Fusco Brandenstein, & Rada. There you will find an experienced lawyer to represent you during this process.

     2. What Does Workers’ Comp Cover?

Many people elect not to pursue workers’ compensation because they don’t believe that their injury warrants such action. They’re afraid of being told that the situation isn’t covered under the workers’ comp plan that the employer has.

However, the length of which workers’ comp covers may surprise you. It covers any medical expenses or salary that you’re losing out on as a result of an injury on the job.

This could be things such as injuries from slipping, falling, getting electrocuted, or undergoing workplace violence. It can also cover mental health complications as a result of the injury that you had.

Whatever is keeping you from work or forcing you to pay medical bills you otherwise have might be covered by workers’ comp. As long as you didn’t do anything to bring the matter upon yourself.

     3. What Does Workers’ Comp Not Cover?

There is a thin (but well-defined) line between what is covered with workers’ comp insurance and what isn’t. Essentially, any accident that was caused by self-infliction isn’t covered.

Some people out there trying to exploit the existence of workers’ compensation by purposely getting injured on the job. They might also try to convince their employer that they received an injury on the job that they actually received outside of work.

This is also in reference to injuries that you may have received from your own negligence, from a fight that you started, or an injury that occurred while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Workers’ compensation also won’t likely cover mental health complications that weren’t attached to a physical workplace injury.

If your injury teeters on one of these situations, all hope is not lost. Be sure to reach out to a trusted attorney for step by step instructions on how to go about this process to increase your chances of receiving compensation.

     4. Keep Your Case Close to the Vest

Privacy and security are of the utmost importance while you go through the workers’ compensation process. The more that you talk about it with other people, the more damage you can do to your case.

Don’t talk with your coworkers about it, post anything about it on social media, or even discuss it with your employer any more than you need to. Once they’ve handed you the paperwork to file a claim, you’ll want to remove them from the situation if possible.

In fact, commit yourself to only discussing the case with your attorney. That way, you can ensure your privacy through attorney-client privilege.

In order to receive the amount you’re looking for, the process can take up to two years to get sorted out. Mentally prepare yourself for the long-term battle and prioritize the privacy of your case the entire time.

     5. What Step Should You Take First?

Maybe you’ve endured an injury and are wondering if it qualifies for workers’ compensation. Perhaps you’re unsure of how much compensation you should seek for the injury (or injuries) that you’ve sustained.

There’s only one source you can trust for that kind of intel: an attorney. Be sure to find one with the experience and know-how that you need for your case.

Make sure that you find one that specializes in workers’ comp and has an extensive network to help you build evidence for your case.

Pursue the Workers’ Comp You Need Today

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on workers’ comp and all that it entails, it is time for you to reach out to an attorney to start the process for yourself.

Remember, there’s only a certain time window in which you can file for it after the injury takes place, so be sure to act fast.

Make sure to browse our website for more articles on workers’ compensation, as well as many other helpful topics that you’ll enjoy learning about.