When you’re at work, you expect your employer to have methods and equipment to keep everyone safe. Offices should be well-lit and floors shouldn’t be covered in wires. People who work in jobs that involve physical labor like construction work need proper gear to protect themselves on-site.
But sometimes people make mistakes and it can cause you to get hurt on the job. If you’ve been injured on the job in Kentucky, you’re entitled to receiving workers’ compensation benefits that are provided to you by your employer. By law, all employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance or be self-insured. These benefits are there to protect you and allow you to keep providing for your family after a serious work injury.
If you’re not getting the benefits you need to provide for your loved ones or have been denied workers’ compensation benefits, you might be able to file a lawsuit against your employer or file an appeal. To do so, you’ll need the help of a Louisville workers’ compensation lawyer.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
According to the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, your employer pays for an accident insurance program. This can cover your medical, recovery, and income benefits if you’re hurt at work.
Workers’ compensation is meant to help you get back on your feet and return to your work and everyday life. In some cases, your injury might be permanent. It might be overwhelming to think about living with a permanent change, but you can get workers’ compensation for this type of injury. If you’re related to someone who died because of their job, you can get the benefits if you were dependent on them for support.
What Do You Do if You’re Injured on the Job
Workers’ compensation is meant to provide support while your injuries heal. But you have to follow certain steps so you can get full compensation for your injuries.
- Inform Injuries and Illnesses. Any time you’re in an accident or get sick on the job, you need to inform your employer, HR, or whoever you’re supposed to report to as soon as possible. It’s important to get this on record when the accident or illness occurs so you can start getting treatment.
- Find Out Who You’re Supposed to See. If your injury isn’t an emergency, ask your employer where you can get medical treatment that’s covered by workers’ compensation. Guessing could leave you with hospital bills that aren’t covered. You can choose your own doctor, but make sure they’re approved to work with workers’ compensation claims.
- Keep Records. Have copies of your medical records, like visits, prescriptions, and treatments. Make sure all your injuries are covered in the records. It might also help to keep a detailed journal so you have a personal account that details your injury, what hurts, and what you’re doing to recover. Photographs of the place where the accident happened and your injuries will strengthen your claim. It’s a good idea to take multiple photographs from different angles, and to take more photographs than you think you need.
- Get More Information. You can ask your employer for information on your workers’ compensation program. You should also look for more information from your state’s workers’ compensation office.
- Call a Workers’ Compensation Attorney. Contact a worker’s compensation attorney so you can have peace of mind that you’re doing all you can to get your workers’ compensation benefits.
What Shouldn’t You Do When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Workers’ compensation claims can be tricky. As you have a list of things you should do, there are also things that you should avoid so you don’t jeopardize your claim.
- Wait. Don’t wait to report the incident or visit a doctor, because your injuries can worsen in that time. You might lose some benefits and you’re not treating your injuries immediately.
- Lie. Don’t exaggerate your story. Losing credibility could cost you everything. Tell the truth, and only report facts.
- Do It Yourself. It’s best to have a lawyer help you through the claims process. Your employer could deny your claim, offer you a settlement that is lower than the cost of your bills, or you’re now unable to work, then having a lawyer will help you file a lawsuit.
- Leave It to Your Employer. The insurance company will have the final say on your settlement, so you shouldn’t let someone else take care of it because you probably won’t get the best settlement.
- Give Up. An insurance company might fight every step of the process in an effort to wear you down. Don’t let this happen. Know that this process could take a while, but it’s important to stand up for yourself and get what you’re rightfully owed.
While workplace injuries can put your life on hold, know that there are people who can help you. Workers’ compensation lawyers will do all they can to get you the benefits you need for your recovery and lost wages. They can also help you refute a claim denial or make sure your claim is as accurate as possible before filing one.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Louisville, KY are skilled and compassionate people who understand what you’re going through and want to help you get everything that will assist you in recovering from your injury. To learn more, get in touch with Thomas Law Offices today.
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