If you need to make a claim to workers’ compensation for an illness or injury related to your job, then you will need to make sure you follow the proper process.
The Department of Labor and Industry explains the workers’ compensation process starts when you notify your employer, which you should do as soon as possible after the injury or after recognizing the work-related illness.
Insurer
Workers’ compensation is insurance your employer carries. If your employer has the insurance, it will submit the claim you made to the insurer. The insurer will then investigate the claim and either approve or deny it.
If the insurer denies the claim, you may have the ability to appeal the decision within the workers’ compensation system, which is ran by the state.
Benefits
Prior to the insurer approving or denying benefits, you can get medical coverage through the program. Once the insurer approves your claim, you will have access to further benefits.
Workers’ compensation will pay for all related medical costs as long as they are necessary. This includes any ongoing services, such as physical therapy. It will also pay for lost wages, but these benefits are not automatic. You will have a waiting period and you must miss time off work before the benefits payout.
You may get benefits short or long-term. If you die as a result of a work-related accident, your family may be able to collect benefits.
The most important thing to remember about the workers’ compensation claims process is to file your claim right away to avoid delays and potential denial due to filing too late.