As an employee, you’ve likely heard “workers’ comp” thrown around. But what does it actually provide, and when are you eligible to apply? The following guide will look to provide all the ins and outs of workers’ compensation so that you can decide what to do if injured on the job.
Workers’ Comp Definition
Usually in the form of insurance, workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages to an employee who gets injured on the job. Most businesses in the United States are required to carry workers’ comp insurance for their employees. A major condition to workers’ comp is that making a claim prevents the recipient from possibly suing the company for negligence in civil court.
How to File a Claim
The first step to filing a workers’ comp claim is to notify your employer of the injury, usually within 30 days of the incident. This may involve filling out forms to provide a record for reference and legal purposes. From here, your employer will go over how coverage will be applied and any necessary remaining steps. A claim is sent to the state, which will then contact your employer and its insurance agency.
Denied Claim
If either the insurance agency or your employer decides to deny the claim, legal recourse may be needed to challenge the decision. A workers comp lawyer Oregon can advocate for your claim in front of the state workers’ compensation board. While lawyering up may seem unnecessary for a process this straightforward, the benefits of an attorney’s expertise — such as direct negotiations with your employer, legal representation in front of a judge or impeccable injury documentation — may not be accessible to the employee otherwise.
Getting injured on the job entitles you to the benefits you were promised. Filing a workers’ comp claim can reduce unwanted stress from this critical recovery time.