If you are out of work because you were injured on the job, you are probably anxious about the wages you are losing. Getting paid by workers’ compensation is a complex process. Here is what to expect:
Reporting an Injury Promptly is the First Step
If you are injured on the job, you should report this to your employer immediately. You should also seek medical help at once.
In most cases if you tell your medical provider that you were hurt in a work-related accident, they will bill your employer directly. Tell them you are filing a workers’ compensation claim. While this will not directly get money coming your way, it will make it more likely that you won’t have to deal with medical bills. If your medical provider does send you bills, forward them to your employer or their insurance company.
Make Sure You Start Your Claim Process Quickly
However, don’t wait longer than necessary to complete the entire filing process. You should contact your employer. They may direct you to contact their workers’ compensation insurance company. In some states you should also contact the state workers’ compensation agency. If you are in any doubt, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer to make sure you are taking the necessary steps to promptly start your claim.
Money for Lost Time at Work Should Start Within Weeks
If you have sick leave, it may pay for a few days of your absence. For workers’ compensation pay, it will take some time for your employer or their insurance company to approve or deny your claim. This is usually handled in a week or two. Once they approve your claim, they must usually pay within 15 days, depending on what state you are in. If you are denied, or are not receiving answers from the insurance adjuster promptly, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Disability Payments
Your employer or their insurance company determines disability payments in a similar way, but may take longer to make a decision. This is because deciding on your level of disability typically takes longer during the treatment process. Your employer or their insurance company may pay temporary disability payments if you are improving and expected to return to work.
Permanent disability payments, on the other hand, are made when you are not expected to be able to return to work. This may be due to the demands of your particular job, and you may be able to find less demanding work.
Determining when payments will be made in all these areas is complex. Talk to workers’ comp lawyers in Milwaukee, WI if you have questions about what to expect.
Thanks to Hickey & Turim, SC for their insight into workers compensation and when you can expect to start receiving compensation.
