Getting injured on the job can be an overwhelming experience. Between recovering from your injury and the financial burden, the legal process and jargon can make it harder. Injuries, incidents, and accidents on the job occur more than people think. Annually, there are 7 million workplace injuries per year. However, not all injured employees are given the proper care for filing a worker’s compensation claim against their employer. A huge reason why workers do not file worker’s compensation is due to a lack of knowledge of their rights. As an employee who was injured on the job or injured while performing tasks for work, you are entitled to certain legal privileges. 

If you have experienced a workplace injury, you are entitled to certain rights and resources. You can follow these steps to ensure you are utilizing all your resources to properly recover from the situation. 

 

1. Understand the definition of worker’s compensation

Having a concrete understanding of what worker’s compensation is will help you identify when it happens. According to Merriam-Webster, workers’ compensation is defined as, “a system of insurance that reimburses an employer for damages that must be paid to an employee for injury occurring in the course of employment.” The damages that are reimbursed can cover medical bills, lost wages, and funeral and end-of-life costs when it applies. Workers’ compensation insurance coverage varies state by state, but all employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance on some level. Workers’ compensation insurance protects employees and employers from paying out of pocket for extensive medical costs, but some workplace accidents cost more than just a few medical bills. Some workplace injuries can change your life dramatically and deserve compensation for the pain and suffering the injury caused the employee.

 

2. What is the employer’s responsibility if you are injured on the job?

Your workplace should prioritize your safety, but accidents happen on the job that jeopardizes your safety. If you are injured on the job, your employer has certain responsibilities to carry out on their end. Most employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. In the state of Georgia, employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance if they have three or more employees on staff. This workers’ compensation insurance coverage must include medical benefits and coverage for workplace injuries of any kind.

 

 

3. What to do when you are injured 

Being injured at work is a stressful experience. Knowing your rights and resources will help you make an informed decision on how to move forward. If you are injured at work, there are certain steps to follow to ensure that your workers’ compensation claim runs smoothly. 

• Document the incident: Documenting the incident, regardless of there being an obvious injury or not, will showcase that there is a record of the incident happening. If it applies, document if there were any witnesses to the incident.
• Seek Medical Attention: A healthcare professional will assess and diagnose any injuries you have sustained. Receiving medical attention is critical in workers’ compensation cases. Detailed documentation from a doctor or specialist will prove your injuries and paint a better picture of your recovery process and timeline.
• Seek Legal Representation: Having a trusted legal expert as your attorney will ensure that your workers’ compensation claim is properly handled. Legal representation will guide you through this complex and long-winded process. You do not have to deal with this alone, contact the Nick Schnyder Law Firm to explore your options.
• Complete a WC-14 Form: A WC-14 Form is a one-page form that is a notice of a workers’ compensation claim. When you file this claim, you must send a copy of the form to your employer, their workers’ compensation insurance carrier, and keep a copy for your personal records.
• Receive your results: Based on the results of your WC-14 Form, you will know the results of your claim. If you have been denied and need to file an appeal, there is a process that will give you an opportunity to appeal the denial.  This process can become long and loaded with legal and insurance terms and processes. It is imperative to have legal representation throughout this process to ensure that you are getting the justice you deserve.

 

4. Do you qualify for worker’s compensation?

Workers’ compensation qualifications differ state by state, but certain qualifications apply across the country. Most employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, but what will ultimately determine if you will be approved for workers’ compensation is the completion of a claim. When you file this claim, you will either be approved for benefits or have to request a hearing. If your claim is denied, you still have options. Most claims are denied due to the lack of evidence or a delay in filing the claim. With the help of a professional legal expert, you can file an appeal to your workers’ compensation claim. Legal representation will take the stress of this process off your shoulders and into the hands of a professional.

 

 

5. Legal Representation

As an employee injured on the job, you are entitled to legal representation. If your workers’ compensation case was denied or mishandled, you have the right to seek legal representation for the results you deserve. Your injury on the job due to your employer’s negligence is not a fault on your end, and the Nick Schnyder Law Firm will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a free consultation.