How long does it take to get compensation for an injury at work?
When an employee gets hurt on the job, the first thing to do is provide medical attention. In the event of an urgent situation, dial emergency services immediately. Employees who were hurt on the job may submit a claim with the workers’ insurance plan to get benefits, including medical care.
Whether you’re an employee injured on the job and need emergency medical care or, worse, surgery, you may be wondering: Does surgery increase my workers’ compensation settlement amount?
To learn more, keep reading further.
How can I qualify for worker’s compensation?
Companies often buy workers’ compensation protection from an insurance provider, but they may either self-insure or get a policy from the government. A worker’s compensation complaint may be reviewed by an insurance company, a self-insured firm, or a state workers’ compensation authority.
An insurance claims adjuster will discuss what occurred, check the incident form and your medical history (including the findings of any IMEs), and then make a decision. Claims adjusters may also speak with supervisors and workers who saw the incident. So, you also might want to prepare for it.
Your claim’s approval or denial may be time-sensitive, according to state legislation. If an insurer accepts a complaint within the time frame required by law, the complaint is presumed to be authorized, and the injured worker is entitled to compensation barring the discovery of additional data.
How can a company be held liable for workplace injuries?
Whatever the root of the problem that led to your injuries on the job, establishing fault is an essential step in receiving compensation. If a company fails to implement health and safety precautions at the workplace as required by the Workplace Safety and Health Regulations, the company may be held liable for any resulting injuries or illnesses. Nevertheless, the following are some examples of situations in which a company could be held responsible:
- Failing to offer appropriate initial and continuous training to workers Failing to effectively teach new hires how to do their duties safely
- The inability to provide all workers and other personnel with appropriate personal protection equipment
- The absence of proper warning signs in high-risk work environments (such as a freight elevator) may result in serious injuries to personnel.
- Failure to warn workers of potential dangers in the workplace
How long will it take for me to be compensated?
Usually, your medical expenses will be paid immediately by either your employer, the insurance provider your employer uses, or the state. If your case is complicated or the circumstances of your accident aren’t clear, it may take some time for your insurance company to decide if you’re entitled to more money.
If your request is granted, you will get a refund to compensate for your lost money. Your doctor may need to submit a paper certifying your temporary or permanent disability. A worker who has been injured on the job might expect to get workers’ compensation payments shortly after submitting a claim. Three weeks at most
Hiring a lawyer to assist with your workplace injury lawsuit helps you determine who could be held legally responsible for your injuries more quickly. If your attorney thinks you have a good case against your company, they may offer to take it on a “no win, no fee” basis, which means they won’t ask you for money unless they win the case.
