Claim for Workers Compensation
Workers’ Compensation (sometimes indicated as “Workers Compensation”, “Workers Comp”, or “Work Injury”) laws were developed in the United States to protect and assist workers who suffered an injury at work, or as a direct result of their job. The workers’ compensation program may vary from State to State, but follows the same rules everywhere when it comes to liability. No matter who is at fault (the employee or the employer), the program ensures that the injured worker receives medical and financial assistance in the aftermath of an accident at work.
Workplace accidents and injuries at work should be reported as soon as possible. If you do not take action promptly, statutes of limitations, loss of data and fading memory of the accident can become obstacles to filing and collecting on your claim. Just about every single employer in the United States is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Your employer is also mandated to take every incident and accident at work seriously and provide you with the necessary forms and information to help you file your workers’ compensation claim.
In fact, it is in your employer’s best interest to promote safety in the workplace and to address all accidents and injuries at work promptly and efficiently. By doing so, your employer is better prepared to prevent future accidents as well as loss of income for the company.
Your employer isn’t the only factor in determining your entitlement to workers’ compensations benefits. Even if your employer is proactive and helpful in the event of an accident or injury at work, your claim may be denied by the compensation carrier handling your case. The insurance company may try to prove that you have not been injured, or that your injuries are not serious enough to earn you workers’ compensation benefits. If you have been injured on the job and your claim is denied, you have a lot to lose. Spending money for medical care and trying to keep some kind of income while you are off work are critical to your health, survival, well-being and even future employment opportunities. The last thing you need after suffering an injury at work is to deal with the stress of fighting for what is rightfully yours. That’s where experienced legal representation can help you the most.
If you feel that your claim has been wrongly denied by a workers’ compensation carrier, or if you find that your employer isn’t receptive or is trying to discourage you from filing a workers’ compensation claim following a workplace accident, you might consider contacting a law firm focusing on workers’ compensation claims. Your lawyer should have enough experience and knowledge to provide you with relevant information, discuss the various options that are available to you and support you through the appeal process as necessary.
Don’t let your employer or insurance company convince you that your work injuries are minor if you feel otherwise. Returning to work before you feel strong and well enough to do so often leads to additional physical and emotional distress. If you have been hurt at work and need time off to heal and regain your strength but are having a tough time filing a claim, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Know Your Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Rights
They only represent injured workers – never insurance companies. If you’re feeling confused, frustrated or angry because you’ve had to deal with a workers compensation insurance company, you’re not alone. Our job at Sokoloff & Weinstein, P.A., is to ensure your Work Injury or Workers’ Compensation case is handled professionally to maximize the benefits you are entitled to under the law.
Please contact Sokoloff & Weinstein for a referral if you have sustained any type of accident at work.