Honey Brook Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

What Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover?

Workers’ compensation benefits provide medical treatment, partial lost wages, and rehabilitation costs associated with work-related injuries and illnesses. Workers’ compensation also provides medical and financial disability benefits to workers who suffer the loss of a limb or suffer a permanent condition and are unable to work. Benefits are also available for families of workers killed in work-related accidents to cover funeral and burial expenses.

Some of the most dangerous professions based on fatality rates, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), include:

• Agricultural farm workers
• Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
• Construction and roofing
• Delivery and truck drivers
• Logging
• Manufacturing
• Refuse, waste, and recycling
• Structural iron and steel construction
• Underground mining
• Warehousing and stockyards

In some circumstances, additional benefits may apply if a negligent third party, such as a subcontractor, is liable for the accident and resulting injuries.

What Should I Do After a Workplace Accident?

Workers’ compensation claims require documentation related to the accident and the injuries you sustain, and gathering that information begins almost as soon as the accident happens. If you are able following an accident, you should take the following steps:

• Report the accident: Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as it happens, telling them what led to the accident and what injuries you have suffered. Possible, both verbally and in writing. In most cases, employers must file an accident report with their workers’ compensation insurance carrier within a specific timeframe, and many employers have policies requiring employees to report accidents and injuries. Be sure to request a copy of the accident report.
• Document the scene: If you can, take photos, including what caused the accident, such as faulty equipment, wet floors, broken railings, and injuries.
• Seek medical attention: With any injury, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries are minor. Some internal injuries can be life-threatening if left untreated, and symptoms do not always appear right away. Workers’ compensation claims may require a doctor’s report detailing your injuries and recommended treatment. You may have to see an employer-approved doctor.
• Gather forms: If you request multiple benefits, complete separate forms and provide supporting documents such as the doctor’s report, proof of wages, or prior work-injury history when filing your claim. Request additional forms from your employer if you qualify for occupational disease, hearing loss, or dependent benefits.
• Hire a lawyer: Workers’ compensation is a complex area of law, and insurance companies require very specific information and documentation before accepting a claim. Incomplete or inaccurate information is the top reason these claims are denied. It is best to consult a Honey Brook workers’ compensation lawyer to review your claim and paperwork.

What Reasons Are Workers’ Compensation Claims Denied?

In addition to incomplete or inaccurate information, claims are generally denied due to the nature of the accident or injuries and reporting the accident, such as:

• Not work-related: Insurance companies will deny claims if your injuries are not work-related.
• Intentional: Self-inflicted injuries, or those resulting from intentional behavior, such as physically fighting with someone at your workplace, are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
• Under the influence: Claims filed for injuries resulting from drug or alcohol intoxication are not covered.
• Improper reporting: The requirements and time limit for reporting a worker’s compensation claim vary by state, and claims filed after the deadline will be denied.
• Lack of evidence: Proper medical documentation is crucial to a workers’ compensation injury claim to avoid being denied for lack of medical evidence.

You can file an appeal if your workers’ compensation claim is denied. You should consult an attorney at this stage to help you correct the claim and prepare the additional supporting information required when submitting an appeal.