An Overview of The Workers Comp Claim Process
The average worker’s comp claim paid out over $40,000 in 2016. Millions of these cases happen every year.
After an injury at work, you have a limited time to file a claim. Each state differs, but the deadlines for filing a claim are always short.
Understanding the workers comp claim process can help you get the assistance you need. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about the process.
What is Workers Comp?
Workers comp is a form of insurance that pays employees injured at work. This money helps the injured employee continue paying their bills after an injury.
To claim workers comp, an injury has to occur at work. The person injured must not be able to continue working and must be an official employee. Contractors are not covered under workers comp.
What is the Worker’s Comp Claim Process?
Once a person is injured at work, they have to file a workers comp claim, but there is a limited amount of time to make a claim. Are you wondering how the process works?
- Report the Injury
An employee has to report their injury as soon as possible. If a person goes to the hospital, they should file a report right after they’re released.
When reporting the injury, details are important. The employer needs the date, time, and type of injury that occurred. They’ll also want to know how the injury occurred so they can make sure it wasn’t an error on the employee’s behalf.
If other people were present when the injury happened, make sure to mention that. Witnesses will help the worker’s comp claim process goes smoothly. - Employer Provides Paperwork
When you report the injury, the employer will provide the necessary paperwork. The employee should fill these forms out in their entirety. Once finished, the employer will file the paperwork. The injured person may also need to take a drug test. - Insurance Makes Claim Decision
After filing the claim, it’s up to the worker’s comp insurance to make a decision. Some claims won’t get approval, which means that the injured employee won’t receive any payments.
The insurance company might deny a claim if they feel the employee was at fault. If there was horseplay involved, for example, the company isn’t responsible. If the injury didn’t keep the employee from work, a claim won’t get approval.
Having documentation of your injury improves the chances of approval. Having witnesses and filing your claim quickly so you meet state-mandated deadlines is also helpful.
Finding Workers Comp Doctors
Not all doctors handle these claims. You might have to go to a special workers comp doctors to receive a diagnosis or treatment. Your employer may have a list of doctors handy for you.
If there isn’t a list of doctors available to you, you can search online. The worker’s comp insurance company might also be helpful.
The workers comp claim process sounds difficult, but it’s pretty straightforward most of the time. In some cases, you may need legal advice. If the injury was catastrophic and could affect you for the rest of your life, make sure you talk to a lawyer before signing any paperwork.
