Workers Compensation Claims
If you are injured on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, filing such a claim is not a straightforward process as there are various complications, such as determining whether a certain injury qualifies for compensation. Not to mention, certain procedures must be followed to file a claim. If you are new to this, read on. This guide will help you understand what a workers’ compensation claim is, what types of injuries are compensable, the process to file such a claim, and more.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
All employees deserve to be protected from injury when working and workers’ compensation laws offer this protection. Under these laws, employers assume most of the expenses related to work-related injuries, regardless of fault. After all, employers are responsible for the safety and health of their employees in the workplace.
What Types of Injuries Are Covered?
Generally, the following are the common types of injuries covered under workers’ compensation claims:
- Slips and falls
- Cuts, punctures, and lacerations
- Bone fractures
- Muscle strains, tears, and sprains
- Work related or occupational diseases such as occupational asthma or COPD, occupational dermatitis, mesothelioma, silicosis, etc., and repetitive motions resulting in tendonitis, carpal tunnel, etc.
Stress or psychiatric disorders; injuries that are self-inflicted, caused by fighting, drugs, and alcohol, or while violating company policies in the workplace are not usually covered.
Benefits Provided for Workers Compensation Claims
When a worker’s compensation claim operates as intended, it offers the protection that workers deserve by providing benefits to cover medical expenses and losses resulting from a work-related injury. The following are the various potential benefits workers compensation provides to injured workers:
- Replacement of lost wages. Generally, 2/3 of the wage amount is offered.
- Payment for medical and hospital expenses.
- Partial or total disability benefits.
- Lifetime medical award may be offered.
- In case of an employee’s death, dependent support and death benefits are provided to surviving family members.
How to Make a Workers Compensation Claim
When injured on the job, you must take the following steps:
- Report the injury to your employer. Keep in mind that you must report the injury within 30 days.
- File a Claim for Benefits with your state’s workers’ compensation commission within the statutory time limit allowed by your state.
For your worker’s compensation claim to be covered, there are certain conditions that must be met. These include:
- The cause of the accident must be a specific work activity.
- The accident or injury must occur at work or while performing a work-related task.
- The accident must occur suddenly at one particular time.
It is important that you retain all the information related to your accident/injury. Memories fade quickly and if you fail to establish a direct connection between your injury and your work, it will severely affect your claim.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Workers Compensation Attorneys serving Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC
Even with workers’ compensation laws in place, sometimes receiving compensation is difficult as your employer may not be willing to offer one. With professional legal help, you can have peace of mind that your rights will be protected. The experienced worker’s compensation lawyers at Hilton & Somer, LLC understand the complexity of such claims and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation! (703) 560-0700
References:
https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/31392
https://safetymanagement.eku.edu/blog/the-top-5-workers-comp-injuries-and-how-to-prevent-them/
https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/workers-compensation/how-much-benefits.html
