You never expect to suffer a workplace injury. But when you do, you might be confused about what comes next. A law firm is here to help guide you.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim may seem straightforward. But there are deadlines that must be met and documents which must be properly filed. If this process is not followed, you risk missing out on the benefits to which you are entitled.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is insurance coverage carried by your employer. This insurance covers lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs for employees who are injured on the job.
Workers’ compensation insurance is no fault which means that it does not matter who caused the injury, the benefit is owed to you if you were injured on the job. However, there are exceptions. If you intended to injure yourself or someone else and you suffered an injury because of your actions, then you would not be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. There are other exceptions and that’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer today.
What injuries does workers’ compensation cover?
Workers’ compensation covers many types of injuries, from mild to severe. These include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Slip and fall
- On the job car accidents
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
These are some of the most common workplace injuries but there are countless more. Your lawyer will help guide you through the complex workers’ compensation claims process and help you determine which benefits apply to you. A law firm is ready to help guide you through the process.
How do I prove my injury is work related?
To prove your injury is work related, you can use doctor reports, witness testimony, and prescription medication information. When you hire a skilled and experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to protect your rights, they will help you prepare all the documentation you need to ensure your claim has the best chance of being approved.
Even if you have a pre-existing condition, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. But you must show your current condition is a result of a workplace injury and not your pre-existing condition.
Can I lose my job if I file a claim?
No. Terminating you because you filed a workers’ compensation claim is illegal. But this is not the only thing your employer could do that would violate the law.
If your employer demotes you, reduces your pay, or otherwise discriminates against you because you filed a workers’ compensation claim, they are acting in a retaliatory manner. Retaliation by your employer is explicitly against the law.
Does fault matter?
Workers’ compensation is no fault insurance. This means it does not matter who caused your injury. What matters is that you were injured on the job.
Now there are exceptions to this rule. If you intentionally tried to harm yourself or someone else and you suffered injury because of your actions, then your workers’ compensation claim might be barred. But your lawyer can help you determine the validity of your claim.
A law firm is here to help with your workers’ compensation claim.
A lawyer can answer all of the questions above and the countless others you may have. Workers’ compensation is a complex legal process and your lawyer wants to give you the peace of mind you deserve, knowing that your claim is in good hands. Contact a work injury lawyer in Milwaukee, WI today to get started if you are in Wisconsin. Contact an attorney at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC if you have questions about Texas Workers Comp claims.
