As a parent, you never hope that anything would stop you from being able to works suddenly. When you have a family to look after, it’s critical to have an income. However, sometimes employees get hurt on the job. In an ideal world, they would be fairly compensated for the time they missed as well as any medical bills. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out that way.
Not everyone is guaranteed to have their workers’ compensation claim accepted. However, the more prepared that you are, the better your chances will be of a favorable outcome. Consult a worker’s compensation insurance guide so you know your options.
It’s in your best interest that in the event that you do get injured on the job and are no longer able to work that you can still take care of your family. Here are some of the most important things you should know if you get hurt at work.
You Must Report Your Injury As Soon As Possible
Reporting your injury a few months or even weeks later isn’t an option. In most states, you only have a certain window of time to report your injury to your supervisor.
For example, in Colorado, you’re expected to report your injury within four days of getting hurt. Failing to notify your employer about your injury as soon as you can will ruin your chances of your claim being accepted. Although you may be under the impression that you have all the time in the world, acting quickly is one of the most essential steps in your claim being accepted. You will likely need to be evaluated by a doctor, which will likely be an independent doctor, in which case you may need to learn about chaperones in IME appointments.
Workers Compensation Isn’t Healthcare
A lot of people mistake health insurance with workers comp. However, they’re completely different. Healthcare is something you can choose to purchase through your job that offers plans for yearly dental check-ups, or primary doctor visits. Alternately, workers’ compensation is an insurance purchased by employers to pay for any job-related injuries that happen to their staff.
It’s a trade-off between employees and their employers. As a result, an employee whose health is affected by the job can not sue for negligence.
Workers Compensation Also Covers Job-Related Illness
While you may think that worker’s compensation only covers injuries, it’s also there to help with any job-related illnesses. For example, if you’re exposed to dangerous chemicals or substances that result in you getting sick, your prescription medication and doctor appointments will be covered in addition to your time lost from work.
While not all worker’s compensation claims are identical, and not all benefits are the same, it’s ideal to familiarize yourself with your local workers’ compensation program. Having the right information under your belt ahead of time will make getting hurt less stressful. You’ll know the right steps to take in order to protect your family and recover as much as possible.
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